Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 75, 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. Which characters “live” in Toontown? (submitted by Nia)
There’s no clear cut answer to this question. If you go by homes: Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald. But Daisy runs a cafe, Roger and Jessica rabbit have a ride featuring numerous characters, Chip and Dale have a coaster, and Mickey’s frenemy Pete just started doing meet and greets. So I would say mainly those characters live in Toontown, with some friends that frequently travel through.
2. Am I better off shopping in World of Disney or in the parks? (submitted by Alexandria)
It depends what you’re looking for. World of Disney has the widest selection by far, so it’s the best place to find something specific you’re searching for. But if you’re not sure what you want, I like to roam the park shops first and then go to World of Disney if I haven’t found “it” yet.
3. My #1 priority is Star Wars Land. I will forsake time anywhere else to see every bit of it. That being said, how much time do I need to spend to see all of Star Wars Land? (submitted by Maureen)
This is hard to answer because it’s so crowd dependent. But in a world where you have lightning lanes for both attractions and a reservation at the cantina, depot, and workshop (so you won’t lose hours waiting in lines), I would estimate roughly 4 hours? That should give you time to enjoy the rides, get a drink and snack at the cantina, build your droid and lightsaber, and wander into every alleyway and shop.
4. Are you a lightning lane girlie or a single rider girlie? (submitted by Kalyn)
For the most part, my first choice is single rider where given the option. If I can’t do that, I’ll go for lightning lane!
5. What’s the “rookie mistake” you tell friends/family to avoid most often? (submitted by Glenn)
I actually have a post about this! My #1 is always “don’t be ruled by your plan”. Crowds ebb and flow, rides go back down and up again. Waits for restaurants go up and down. If you see an opportunity, seize it – even if it wasn’t on your initial itinerary. And if your itinerary isn’t working for you, drop it and do what makes sense in the moment.