Welcome to Vol. 2 of Ask The Duchess, 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. Am I allowed to bring food into the park? (Submitted by Brooke)
Yes! When you go through bag check, they will look through your items, so make sure your food is in a clear container or a bag that can be easily opened. In terms of drinks, you cannot bring in any glass bottles or alcoholic beverages, but you can bring in things like juice or water bottles.
2. I’m not really clear on where Pacific Wharf is. Is that just the circle of restaurants? (Submitted by Anonymous)
Great question. Pacific Wharf is a tricky land that is almost blended with other lands. Technically, Pacific Wharf starts at the walkway at the end of Buena Vista Street, and leads all the way around to Sonoma Terrace. From the Embarcadero gift shop on, the path becomes Paradise Pier. Pacific Wharf does include the circle of restaurants, but it also includes the large walkway that passes A Bug’s Land and Cars Land.
3. What do you think about the plan for the new Star Wars Land? (Submitted by Teresa)
I’m thrilled! I am a huge Star Wars fan, and I can’t wait to see the new rides they come up with. While I am sad that Big Thunder Ranch is leaving, I can understand why; it was a large space that didn’t see much traffic flow. Disneyland doesn’t have the luxury of space like the Magic Kingdom in Florida. I’m a little bit nervous that Disney said the Rivers of America would have a “new route” though. Given this area’s history in the park, I’m hoping they don’t make any drastic changes!
4. Is it true that the animals in the Grand Canyon diorama are taxidermied? (Submitted by Mark)
Yep. The diorama is the only place in the park with real animals, though. Walt didn’t want Disneyland to have a reputation of killing animals for its attractions, so the rest of the resort’s animals are all animatronics or synthetic models.
5. What’s your favorite land? (Submitted by Anonymous)
This is a tough one! In Disneyland, it’s New Orleans Square. In California Adventure, I’d have to go with Cars Land.