Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 78, 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. Where can I learn to draw character sketches? (submitted by Nora) The Animation Academy within Disney […] Read more…
Happy August! I don’t consider summer over until Labor Day, but the Disney Parks certainly don’t feel that way. August marks a distinct shift, from summer to full on Halloween prep. You’ll see orange, yellow, and red colors coming into the resort rapidly over the next few weeks, and attractions with overlays will start transforming. […] Read more…
Every western town needs a saloon. It’s the gathering place for the community, and often the epicenter of local entertainment. So when Walt Disney started construction on his wild village within Disneyland, he knew the area needed its own special building. Meet the Golden Horseshoe. Walt turned to Harper Goff, a set designer who had […] Read more…
No matter the season, you’ll find an abundance of flowers beautifying the Disneyland resort. But one particular flower holds a special place in the group – a namesake specially cultivated for the mouse. Source: Disneyland Today The Disneyland rose is a rich pink and golden flower that is particular popular with butterflies. In the early […] Read more…
My favorite roller coaster in Disneyland is Space Mountain, without a doubt. I love whirling around in the dark, feeling like you’re going faster and faster as the turns get tighter. But before boarding a rocket ship, Space Mountain riders go through a large and winding queue, with some interesting views along the way. Let’s […] Read more…
Every once in a while, reading about Disneyland history gives you some pretty bizarre results. Some truly wacky events, attractions, and happenings happen in the park from time to time, including the topic of today’s post: Main Street‘s Olympic Pool. Source: Disneyland Today In 2004, the Athens Olympics were the biggest story of the summer. […] Read more…
June 2008 – present LOCATION Pixar Pier – The Midway Mercantile serves as the exit to Toy Story Midway Mania!, along the center of the boardwalk. But you don’t need to go on the ride to visit the shop. You’ll find it on the main walkway, about halfway between the Incredicoaster and Pixar Pal-A-Round. EXPERIENCE […] Read more…
Now that Marvel is fully into the multiverse, it’s not much of a surprise that there would be multiple variations of a character within Avengers Campus. And while we haven’t seen every version of Spider-Man quite yet, there is a tribute to Miles Morales hidden within the land. Miles Morales arrived in the MCU in Spider-Man: […] Read more…
If you have any interest in Imagineering or the development of Disney Parks, you’re likely already familiar with Marty Sklar. He started working on Disney Parks before the first one ever opened, and left his mark on every single park that followed (until Shanghai, which opened after his death). Let’s get to know his story. Source: […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 77, 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. Is San Fransokyo going to include the winery area? (submitted by Kathleen) I’m honestly not sure. […] Read more…
It’s the last day of June, which means we’re halfway through 2023. I hope the year has been good to you so far, and that more goodness is yet to come. The Disneyland Resort’s busy 2023 shows no signs of slowing down in the second half of the year, with new shows, new events, new […] Read more…
We’re officially halfway to Halloween, so you know what that means…Disneyland is locked and loaded with this fall’s festivities. This year’s celebration will run from September 1 to October 31, with nonstop celebrations and excitement. Source: Disney Parks Blog ATTRACTION OVERLAYS DISNEYLAND Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas – This special overlay lasts from Halloween to […] Read more…
Main Street USA might just have the most hidden gems of any land at the resort. From the windows above your eye line to details at your feet, you’re completely engulfed by Imagineering magic with every step. One of my favorite little details can be found outside the Disneyland Emporium: The Windows of Enchantment. Sometimes […] Read more…
Source: Wikimedia December 2000 – March 2020 LOCATION Paradise Pier Hotel – The PCH Grill was Paradise Pier Hotel’s central dining spot. Guests entering the lobby of the hotel would find the restaurant at the end of the hallway, on the opposite side from the front desk. As of writing this post, this space remains […] Read more…