Ask The Duchess – Vol. 85

Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 85, 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. Do I have to be a guest at a Disneyland Hotel to make a reservation at a Disneyland Hotel restaurant? (submitted by Neilia)

Absolutely not! You don’t have to be a guest, or even have a park ticket. You can make a reservation the same way you would for any restaurant.

2. What’s the difference between a virtual queue and a Lightning Lane? (submitted by Shelley)

A virtual queue is a way to “wait in line” without having to stand around. You join the queue through the Disneyland App, and then you’ll get a notification when it’s your turn to actually stand in the physical line. This keeps you from spending hours behind ropes. A Lightning Lane is the new paid fast pass system, where you’re paying to (sometimes in theory more than in reality) wait less time to ride.

3. What does “rope drop” mean? I see it all the time on social media but nobody ever explains it. (submitted by Joe)

Sometimes Disneyland fans forget not everyone “speaks Disney”! Rope drop means the moment the park opens. In the park, there are usually white ropes keeping guests corralled at the front (Main Street in Disneyland or Buena Vista Street in California Adventure) until opening time, and at “rope drop”, cast members remove the ropes and let guests officially start the day.

4. Do I have to be doing a Disney wedding to do a wedding photo shoot in the park? (submitted by Rhea)

Unfortunately yes, that experience is only available for Disney wedding packages.

5. Will characters only sign autographs for kids, or can I get them as an adult too? (submitted by Deepali)

Anyone of any age can get an autograph from a character. 🙂