Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 63, 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. How do you define what you call a “hidden gem” on the blog? (submitted by Mia)
For me, a hidden gem is any kind of little detail that adds to the “magic” or storytelling in a certain area. It can be something really small, like the Poppins Tree, or something fairly huge, like Snow White’s Grotto. Basically, it boils down to something cool that a lot of people don’t notice!
2. Are there any little Disneyland secret gems related to Winnie the Pooh? (submitted by Ian)
Yes! And fittingly, they’re both in Critter Country: Pooh Stix Bridge and Mr. Sanders’ House.
3. What is your favorite hidden gem in Disneyland? (submitted by Leah)
Ooh, this is a tough one. I could only narrow it down to 3: Briar Rose’s birthday cake, the Little Man of Disneyland, and the Evil Queen!
4. Where is the oldest tree in Disneyland? I saw it on their Twitter once but can’t remember. (submitted by Lexi)
The oldest tree is called the Mugo Pine, and you can find it in the Storybook Land Canal Boats next to Geppetto’s workshop.
5. Does Disneyland ever get rid of hidden details that you wish would stay? (submitted by Neilia)
Oh, absolutely. Sometimes hidden gems leave during construction or renovations, and other times they leave for no apparent reason. The one I miss most of all is the Court of Angels – I’m not sure I’ll ever get over Disney closing it off to the public.
It’s so nice people are inquisitive about the smaller details of Disneyland!
I too miss the Court of Angels!