October 2017 – March 2018 LOCATION Downtown Disney – The Dream Boutique’s storefront faced the central courtyard in Downtown Disney. The shop overlooked Uva Bar, next to the Grand Californian’s Downtown Disney passageway. Today, this space houses the Disney Dress Shop. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Princess toys, accessories, and pins Unique Features – Mini Bibbidi […] Read more…
In California Adventure, Grizzly Peak offers an escape from the chaos of the other lands. Despite its thrill rides and massive playground, Grizzly Peak somehow remains peaceful, quiet, and somewhat isolated from the rest of the park. Visitors disappear into a redwood forest, thanks largely to the immersive details throughout the land. Every rock and […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The Emporium is impossible to miss. This towering shop stands on the corner of the street, facing the railroad station. You’ll find it between the fire house and the trolley tracks, with a flag waving above its tower. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Everything Disney: home wares, […] Read more…
One of my favorite places in California Adventure is the long walkway at the back of Cars Land. The path connects Pacific Wharf and the plaza by Radiator Springs Racers. The whole area just has an amazing view, and a hidden gem along the roadside: the Cars Land Road Signs! The signs serve as a […] Read more…
June 2012 – present LOCATION Buena Vista Street – Trolley Treats faces the grand courtyard on the street, also known as Carthay Circle. If you’re starting from the gates, follow the street all the way to the fountain. You’ll see Trolley treats on your right, just before Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical Café. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise […] Read more…
In the 50s and early 60s, Walt Disney became one of Disneyland’s most frequent visitors. He loved roaming his park, dreaming up new ideas and seeing the joy in visitors’ faces. Sometimes, this visits came with a bit of fanfare and attention. But other times, he was quietly wandering, hiding largely in plain sight. Note: […] Read more…
I know I’ve said it a million times before, but Disneyland’s meticulous attention to detail never ceases to amaze me. Fantasyland might just top the list of the most detailed lands, and every accent has a purpose, helping immerse you in the magic kingdom. One of my favorite details in Fantasyland appears right as you […] Read more…
2001 – present LOCATION Frontierland – Silver Spur Supplies hides between two larger shops: Crockett & Russel and Bonanza Outfitters. To find this shop, head from Frontierland’s main entrance toward the water. You’ll see it on the left; it’s the red storefront with the little porch. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – hats, socks, tees, and sweatshirts […] Read more…
When you travel to Disneyland for vacation, you’ve got tons of options for your home base: resort hotels, off-property “good neighbors”, even AirBNB. But did you know you can also earn membership points with a Disney program? I’ve teamed up with SellMyTimeshareNow.com to explain the perks and offerings of the Disney Vacation Club, a.k.a. the DVC. […] Read more…
Disneyland helps guests capture magic every day, thanks in part to PhotoPass photographers. But on August 19, the Resort will kick things up a notch with PhotoPass Day 2018, a character event designed to rack up camera clicks. Source: Disney Parks Blog This one-day event includes special character meet and greets, new PhotoPass locations, and […] Read more…
June 2012 – present LOCATION Buena Vista Street – Julius Katz & Sons marks the halfway point of the street. Visitors coming from the park gates will find the shop on the right side, just before Trolley Treats. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Pins and home decor Price Range – Cheaper pins under $10, with pricier […] Read more…
The Indiana Jones queue is by far the most elaborate in Disneyland. Visitors wander through the jungle, into an ancient temple, and through a maze of caves and stone walkways. The details carry all the way to the last piece of the attraction’s exit: the Indiana Jones Truck. This patrol truck isn’t just a piece […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 33, a monthly Q&A post covering a variety of resort-related topics. Ask The Duchess answers questions submitted by readers. If you have a question you’d like answered, send me a message here! 1. Will Toontown connect to Star Wars Land? (submitted by Addie) Nope. Star Wars Land will connect to the rest of the park through Frontierland, plus […] Read more…