It’s the end of March, and you know what that means…we Disney fans are about to have a HUGE wave of movies headed our way. But if you’re paying as much attention to the parks as you are to the studios, you know there have been a ton of announcements, events, and changes happening at […] Read more…
Month: March 2019
Sky School Bulletin Board
It’s no secret that Goofy’s Sky School is a little unorthodox. Given the twists, turns, and frantic stops…it doesn’t really seem like Goofy knows what he’s doing. Well, if you still dare venture into his school, pay close attention to the Sky School Bulletin Board. You’ll see it on the wall as the ramp turns […] Read more…
Pirates Arcade Museum
 Source: Daveland Web February 1967 – spring 1980 LOCATION New Orleans Square – the Pirates Arcade Museum hid behind a little façade on Royal Street. Visitors wandering the square found the attraction on the left side of the street, next to the exit to Pirates of the Caribbean. Today, this space houses Pieces of Eight. […] Read more…
RIDEMAKERZ Stock Car
In the 2000s and early 2010s, Downtown Disney had a RIDEMAKERZ shop, where kids could build their own custom model cars. Inside the shop’s entryway was a special hidden gem: a real stock car, hanging upside down! The stock car towered from the second story ceiling in the shop, so visitors often walked right beneath […] Read more…
South Seas Traders
June 1984 – June 2017 LOCATION Adventureland – South Seas Traders faced the open walkway through central Adventureland, across from the Jungle Cruise. Today, the building still holds the marquee, though the space is used as an open seating and rest area. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise– Clothing, hats, accessories Unique Features– Shrunken Ned, Aladdin’s Other Lamp, […] Read more…
Park Shortcuts
Walking around Disneyland is one of the best feelings in the world. Just taking in the atmosphere, on your way to another adventure…there’s nothing like it. But sometimes, crowds or parades or laziness get in the way. Thankfully, I’ve got a few tried and true shortcuts I use to navigate the park, especially on busier […] Read more…
Oswald’s Tires
June 2012 – present LOCATION Buena Vista Street – When the street opens into its first courtyard, just beyond the gates, visitors will notice an old-fashioned gas station on the left side of the plaza. This is Oswald’s Tires; walk under the car port and you’ll see the entrance. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – ear hats, […] Read more…
Little Details: Mickey’s Toontown
Mickey’s Toontown became famous for its gags; little interactive features, jokes, and activities embedded throughout the land. Every piece of the land, from its major attraction (Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin) to the stones in the pavement serve a purpose, with tons of pranks and jokes to entertain visitors of all ages. To truly experience […] Read more…
Crystal Arts
June 1972 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – Crystal Arts sits on the northern end on Main Street, toward the castle. If you’re walking down the street from the park entrance, keep to the right. You’ll see it just after Disney Clothiers Ltd. If you’re walking down Main Street from the castle side, you’ll […] Read more…
TomorrowLanding
Summer 2006 – present LOCATION Tomorrowland – TomorrowLanding hides in the back of Tomorrowland. To find this shop, follow the main path as it opens up into the central courtyard. Head toward the Launch Bay entrance, but stop when you reach the side of the nearby patio. You’ll see TomorrowLanding behind you; it’s the little […] Read more…
Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue
 Source: Matterhorn 1959 June 1957 – September 1961 LOCATION Frontierland – Don DeFore’s barbecue restaurant faced Frontierland’s main pathway, across from the Rivers of America. To find the restaurant, visitors would walk through Frontierland’s main entrance off the Main Street hub. The restaurant stood to the left, next to Aunt Jemima’s. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type […] Read more…
Kingswell Camera Shop
June 2012 – present LOCATION Buena Vista Street – Kingswell Camera Shop is one of the few shops at the Disneyland Resort without a front-facing storefront or marquee. To find this little shop, head into the corner storefront by the lockers, to the right of Buena Vista Street’s main walkway. You’ll see Kingswell to the […] Read more…
Ask The Duchess – Vol. 40
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 40, 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. Do you have any recommendations for quick service pizza? (submitted by Michael) Yes! In Disneyland, try Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port. In California Adventure, […] Read more…