Month: April 2019

Resort Updates - April 2019

Resort Updates – April 2019

Somehow, we nerds survived both the Battle of Winterfell and Avengers: Endgame this weekend! But not to be outdone, the Disneyland Resort kept our attention with tons of announcements, new attractions, and one unfortunate boat tipping incident. Let’s take a look back at April in the happiest place on earth. THE AVENGERS LAUNCH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL […] Read more…

Lands After Dark: Adventureland

Lands After Dark: Adventureland

Something magical happens in Adventureland after the sun goes down. The jungle just seems taller and denser, glowing lanterns light the pathway, and suddenly, the animals hidden in the brush just sound louder and closer. At night, you really feel like you’re wandering deep in a mysterious jungle and exploring the unknown. If you’re paying […] Read more…

Westward Ho Trading Co.

Westward Ho Trading Co.

September 1987 – present LOCATION Frontierland – The Westward Ho Trading Co. faces the central square in Frontierland, found just beyond the entrance bridge. If you arrive in Frontierland from Main Street, you’ll see the shop on your right, just before the Shootin’ Exposition. If you enter Frontierland from the Rivers of America side, you’ll […] Read more…

Disney Channel Fan Fest 2019

Disney Channel Fan Fest 2019

Source: Disney Parks Blog For the second time, the Disneyland Resort is hosting a special spring event, bringing the Disney Channel into the happiest place on earth! Visit the resort on April 27 to join the Disney Channel Fan Fest. The one-day event will include Q&A panels, meet & greets, sneak peeks for upcoming movies, […] Read more…

Hearthstone Lounge

Hearthstone Lounge

January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – The Hearthstone Lounge faces the central atrium inside the Grand Californian. To find the bar, head into the main seating area near the front desk (it’s huge and hard to miss!). Head toward the hallway to the left of the massive fireplace, and you’ll see it at […] Read more…

Merlin's Magic Shop

Merlin’s Magic Shop

 Source: PhotoBucket July 1955 – January 1983 LOCATION Fantasyland – Merlin’s Magic Shop faced the center courtyard in Fantasyland, overlooking the castle. Today, this small building houses the Castle Holiday Shoppe. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Magic kits, cards, and other gags Unique Features – Classic magic items in the window, including a Ouija board, rabbit […] Read more…

Walt in Disneyland: Character Encounters

Walt in Disneyland: Character Encounters

Walt Disney designed Disneyland as a magical home for all of his stories, and of course, the characters from those stories. Peter Pan, Alice, Snow White, Mickey, and many others roamed the various lands from day one, and the list of residents in the park grows with every new Disney film. Walt wasn’t often photographed […] Read more…

China Closet

China Closet

March 1964 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The China Closet stands on the east side of the street, near the end by the central hub. To find the shop, head toward the castle. You’ll see the first entrance on your right, just after the porch. Alternatively, turn the corner as the street ends […] Read more…

Splitsville

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

March 2018 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Splitsville Luxury Lanes faces Downtown Disney’s courtyard, west of the Uva Bar circle section. If you’re coming from the parks side, you’ll see Splitsville on your right, across the plaza from Tortilla Jo’s. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – table service or lane-side service Seating – dining room […] Read more…

Rushin' River Outfitters

Rushin’ River Outfitters

February 2001 – present LOCATION Grizzly Peak – Rushin’ River Outfitters faces the winding trail on Grizzly Peak’s southern end. To find the shop, head through Grizzly Peak, starting from Buena Vista Street. Keep to the left, and you’ll see the cabin just after the entrance to the River Run. If you’re coming from Paradise […] Read more…

Hollywood Water Tower

Hollywood Water Tower

Hollywood Land is California Adventure’s living movie set. You’ll see painted backdrops, false buildings, even a few soundstages. And no backlot would be complete without its own water tower. You’ll find it in the backlot section of the land, to the right of Monsters, Inc. The Hollywood Water Tower draws inspiration from those located on […] Read more…

Eggstravaganza 2019

Eggstravaganza 2019

Source: Disney Parks Blog It’s that time of year again…the Disneyland Resort is bringing back one of its most popular annual events! From April 5-21, visitors can participate in Eggstravaganza, a resort-wide egg hunt featuring classic Disney characters. Source: Disney Parks Blog To play, you can purchase a map for $6.99 from various shops across […] Read more…

Ask The Duchess – Vol. 41

Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 41, 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. Can you help me understand how to use fast pass? (submitted by George)             Yes! I have a post explaining the system and […] Read more…