Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 48, 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.
- I am so jealous of all the Oogie Boogie Bash pictures and have sworn to go next year. If I wear a costume, does it have to be Disney? (submitted by Clay)
Absolutely not! As long as it adheres to the costume guidelines, it can be any theme you want. Two of my favorite group costumes I’ve ever seen at the party were not Disney: the Napoleon Dynamite gang and the Belcher family from Bob’s Burgers.
2. I’m visiting both Universal Hollywood and Disney during our trip to LA, but we want to stay in just one hotel (we know we have to make a healthy drive either way). Would you recommend staying by Disneyland or by Universal? (submitted by Ronald)
Disneyland, no question. You have a way bigger variety of hotels to choose from, and there are lots of restaurants and shops in the neighboring city. The Universal hotels are old and really dumpy, and other than the City Walk, you’re not remotely near anything else.
3. When does the new Grand Californian spa open? (submitted by Laura)
Right now, Disney has only announced a year: 2020. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog; I’m sure there will be more information there soon.
4. My son is obsessed with Mater. Is there a meet and greet somewhere in Cars Land? (submitted by Mia)
Yes! Mater routinely meets with guests at the Cozy Cone Motel. To find out his specific schedule during your visit, just ask a cast member in Cars Land, and they should be able to help.
5. What costumes have you worn to the Halloween parties? I was Rey this year but there were a ton of them and I felt so lame. I need inspiration for next year. (submitted by Meredith)
There’s nothing wrong with wearing a popular costume; just rock it with confidence! But I totally understand the appeal of finding something unique. I’ve been Elsa, Alice, Briar Rose, and Jane.
I wanted to be Bermuda Merlin but was afraid I’d get turned away since the beard technically breaks costume rules of facial coverage.
