Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 47, 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 I purchase an annual pass? Can I buy it online? (submitted by Errol)
Yes, you can purchase your annual pass online. However, if it’s your first annual pass, not a renewal, you will still need to go to a ticket counter on the esplanade (the open courtyard between the two park gates). They will ask for your ID, and present you with your physical card.
2. Do I need to get a hand stamp for a multi-day ticket, or just a 1 day? (submitted by Andrea)
Disneyland no longer does hand stamps! Just keep your ticket close, and you can get back into the park no matter what type of ticket you have.
3. What’s the best character experience you’ve ever had? (submitted by Chad)
Oh gosh. I’ve had some amazing experiences. Here are a few of my favorites:
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- At Mickey’s Halloween Party, my friends and I dressed as the cast of Frozen. I was Elsa. In Tomorrowland, a unit of stormtroopers pushed past Anna (she’s still bitter about it haha), kissed my hand, and escorted me up to the nearby PhotoPass spot. It was surreal.
- At another Mickey’s Halloween Party, my friend was dressed as a peasant Belle. Gaston spotted her and chased her through the Fantasy Faire, saying “Come on, I’m not so bad right?” She posed for a picture, and we spotted him later during the parade, where he promptly blew her a kiss and yelled that he’d win her over.
- In the Magic Kingdom in Florida, I met the fairy godmother. She was 100% out of character talking with my mom and me and it was absolutely hilarious. She was so cool and we kept smiling and talking about her for the rest of the day.
4. Are you a rope drop to park close visitor? (submitted by Eleanor)
It varies. I’d say generally I try to get into the park as early as possible; I think the morning is the absolute BEST time to be in a Disney park. There’s this calm, quiet feeling, and you can get a lot done if you’re efficient. But I don’t have any hard rules about it. If I’m tired, I’ll call it a night, even if the park is still open. And if I’m with friends and we’re eager to race around, I’ll hop in a line right at park close and get in every last second I can.
5. Is it better to start a park hopping day in Disneyland or California Adventure? (submitted by Marcy)
Generally speaking, I’d say Disneyland! There’s no better way to start the day than seeing the castle. But if you’re visiting the resort for multiple days, try starting in California Adventure at least once, especially if you have the opportunity to participate in a Magic Morning.