Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 43, 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. I’m torn between making a dinner reservation at Café Orleans or at the River Belle Terrace. Do you have a preference? (submitted by Sybil)
I think the food is better at the River Belle Terrace, personally. Both have great views of the water, but Café Orleans has a slightly better ambiance, since it’s situated underneath the trees and right in the heart of New Orleans Square. But I’d still pick the Terrace!
2. Do the popcorn carts in different lands sell popcorns that are slightly different, or am I getting the same thing each time? (submitted by Kathleen)
The standard carts all sell the same Pop Secret popcorn. However, some stands and shops also sell bagged caramel corn, kettle corn, and other unique flavors.
3. What is better for an afternoon drink – Uva Bar or Trader Sam’s? (submitted by Alex)
Oh gosh. Trader Sam’s has some of the best drinks ever and the COOLEST atmosphere. But I go to the Uva Bar almost every time I go to Disneyland; I love the food as much as the people-watching. If I have to choose, Trader Sam’s is a better Disney experience, but Uva is better if you want to drink AND eat.
4. If a ride breaks down while you’re on it, how do you get out? (submitted by Aimee)
A cast member will walk you out of the ride toward the loading area. As much as it stinks for a ride to break down, it’s super interesting to see the ride from that kind of view. And if it’s a quick fix for the outage, cast members will sometimes let you wait at the front of the line to ride again once it’s back up.
5. Is there a way to purchase an annual pass and then demote it to a regular park ticket if I change my mind? (submitted by Andrew)
Not that I’m aware of. I believe annual passes are non-refundable. But if you have more specific questions, I’d reach out to Disneyland’s customer service for clarification.