Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 7, 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’ve never been to Disneyland before. What is a “land”? (submitted by Quentin)
A land is a distinct section of the park. In Disneyland, for example, Main Street USA is one land, and Tomorrowland is a completely separate land, even though they are next to each other. Every land has its own unique theme, and the attractions and restaurants in each land reflect that theme.
2. Does California Adventure have a train? (submitted by Steph)
Nope. Unlike Disneyland, California Adventure doesn’t have a berm (the perimeter that blocks the outside world). The edges of the park bump right up against Downtown Disney, Harbor Blvd, and Katella Ave, not leaving much room for tracks. The monorail does travel through Buena Vista Street and Grizzly Peak, but it doesn’t have any stops.
3. Is the convention center walking distance from Disneyland? (submitted by Anonymous)
Yes, but it’s not a short walk. It probably takes a good 30 minutes to head from the Convention Center to the gates. But if the weather’s nice, it’s completely manageable. Most of the walkway is at least partially shaded, and you can see the Tower of Terror and the back of Cars Land along the way!
4. Is there any Disney advice you see on other blogs or websites that you disagree with? (submitted by Mark)
It’s hard to answer that; sometimes something works great for one person and terribly for someone else! Everyone experiences Disney in their own way, so different advice works for different people. That being said, be very wary of “tips” you read on Pinterest. So many of them are just rumors or blatantly false. Examples: there is no teacup that spins faster than the others in any noticeable way, Woody and Buzz will not collapse to the ground if you yell “Andy’s coming!”, and you do not get special fast passes or an invitation to Club 33 if you get engaged in the park.
5. If you could erase your memory of one ride to live it again for the first time, what would it be? (submitted by Gabi)
Ooh, I like this question! I would say Splash Mountain. I had no idea there was more to the ride than that one famous drop, so every room and every turn was a complete surprise. It’s probably the only time I’ve been on a ride and truly had zero idea what I was in for.