February 2018 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Disney Home faces Downtown Disney’s large circular courtyard, overlooking the Uva Bar. If you’re coming from the hotel side, you’ll see the shop on your right; it’s the corner behind Wonderground Gallery. And if you’re coming from the parks side, you’ll see the shop on your left, […] Read more…
In just two days, this long and crazy year finally comes to an end. And if you’re headed to Disneyland to welcome 2019, the resort has tons of special festivities in store! Here’s everything you need to know about the New Year’s Eve parties across both parks. LEVEL SET I mentioned this last year, but […] Read more…
Merry Christmas! (Or Happy Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Diwali/whatever you celebrate!) Today I’ll be eating pancakes by the tree with my family, and I hope you’re doing something equally fun and festive. Disneyland’s holiday season lasts until January 6, so if you haven’t yet had time to roam the park and see the decor, you still have a few […] Read more…
Note: this post covers Disneyland’s refurbishment “season”, from January-March. For current scheduled closures, please visit here. Disneyland has less and less of a “slow” season each year, but traditionally, this falls in the late winter. The park takes advantage of this lighter time by undergoing routine maintenance and refurbishments of many attractions. Therefore, January-March each year […] Read more…
April 2017 – October 2021 LOCATION Fantasyland – The Castle Holiday Shoppe faced Sleeping Beauty Castle in the center courtyard of Fantasyland. If you were coming into the land from Main Street, you’d see it on your right, just after you walked through the archway. If you were arriving in Fantasyland from Frontierland or Tomorrowland’s […] Read more…
Source: Pinterest July 1955 – Summer 1959 LOCATION Main Street USA – Gibson Greeting Cards lucked into one of the best locations on Main Street. The shop faced the inner courtyard created by the center street crossing, halfway down the eastern side. Today, Disney Clothiers Ltd. occupies this space. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Greeting cards, […] Read more…
Main Street USA may represent the American past, but in one shop, you can find out a little about your future. Let’s head over to the Penny Arcade. Right in the entryway, you’ll see her. Meet Esmeralda, Main Street USA’s fortune teller. Drop in a quarter, and she’ll tell you what’s in store. Esmeralda doesn’t […] Read more…
New Orleans Square has always captured my imagination. All the little winding streets, balconies, and beautiful shops just add so much magic to Disneyland. This land becomes all the more beautiful at night. The streetlamps leave a soft glow, and the light flickers off the Rivers of America. I love ending a trip to Disneyland […] Read more…
Source: Yesterland February 2001 – March 2008 LOCATION Golden State – Seasons of the Vine’s theater was tucked into a stone building in the land’s “Golden Vine Winery” section. Visitors walking through Golden State found the entrance by the vineyards on the hill, facing Bountiful Valley Farm. Today, this building is largely empty, used mostly […] Read more…
June 2018 – present LOCATION Pixar Pier – The Incredicoaster is the first attraction visitors encounter if they walk through Pixar Pier’s main entrance, on the bridge. To find the attraction, follow the path that passes Lamplight Lounge. As the walkway turns right into the boardwalk, you’ll see the entrance on your left, through the […] Read more…
Source: Disney 52 December 1961 – September 1963 LOCATION Main Street USA – The Babes in Toyland Exhibit opened in the Main Street Opera House at the end of 1961. Visitors arriving on Main Street from the park gates saw the Opera House on the right, across from the Town Square gardens. BACKGROUND Walt loved […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 37, 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. Where can I meet Mickey and Minnie in California Adventure? (submitted by Gloria) Buena Vista Street! They hang out on the street in their […] Read more…
And just like that, we’re in the final month of 2018! Disneyland’s closing out the year in full holiday splendor, with magical holiday décor in both parks. Source: Jaytasmic Let’s take a look back at November at the Disneyland Resort! DAPPER DAY Once again, Disneyland hosted its bi-annual Dapper Day celebration. Visitors often dress in […] Read more…