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 […] Read more…
Now that April is here, we’re definitely in full spring mode in California. Spring break crowds have flooded into the Disneyland Resort, flowers are blooming, and the last of the season’s rainstorms are (hopefully!) passing through. March at the happiest place on earth was busy – and not just because of the crowds. Construction continues […] Read more…
In just a few days, the Disneyland Resort will be celebrating all things Star Wars with the upcoming Season of the Force celebration. Running from April 5 through June 2, this resort-wide celebration will bring speciality entertainment, new food and drink items, and the next party in the Disneyland After Dark lineup. Source: Disney Parks Blog […] Read more…
Source: Disneyland Resort March 2023 – present LOCATION Mickey’s Toontown – CenTOONial park is one of the first spaces you’ll see when entering Toontown. Once you walk beneath the bridge, the park entrance will be on your left, at the top of the slightly inclined hill. BACKGROUND In spring 2022, Disneyland closed Mickey’s Toontown and […] Read more…
June 2018 – present LOCATION Pixar Pier – The Num Nums stand is tucked into the Incredibles themed area within Pixar Pier. To find it, walk as if you’re going to ride the Incredicoaster. Once you reach the plaza where to your left is the ride queue entrance and to your right is a fountain, walk […] Read more…
March 2023 – present LOCATION Mickey’s Toontown – After crossing under the bridge and into Toontown, turn left and follow the walkway. You’ll see the GADGET Coaster on your left, just beyond Donald’s Duck Pond. BACKGROUND Since its opening day in 1993, Mickey Toontown had always had a “kiddie coaster”. The original, called Gadget’s Go […] Read more…
For many years now, someone I know (who shall remain nameless but he knows who he is) has been urging me to write a blog post about Disneyland’s restrooms. Given the weirdness of this request, I largely ignored it. But shockingly, I did receive some questions over the last few weeks asking for bathroom tips […] Read more…
Storytellers Café in the Grand Californian is a popular dining spot. While best known for its character breakfasts, the stories it tells go far beyond the world of Disney. In fact, if you pay attention to the wall art, you’ll notice a special mural within the restaurant. Source: Disneyland Today This mural depicts the “Ahwahnee […] Read more…
August 2023 – present LOCATION San Fransokyo Square – When you cross the bridge into the square, turn left. You’ll see the café in the corner, connected to the same building as the Boudin Bakery Tour. EXPERIENCE Details: Service type – quick service Seating – adjacent outdoor patio Reservations – no Entertainment – none Menu […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 84, 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. What’s your opinion of people filming during rides? (submitted by Kyle) If it’s not bothering anyone […] Read more…
It’s March folks! And for me, that means I’m ready for spring and sunnier weather…even if the official first day of spring is still more than two weeks away. March also means the Disneyland Resort’s refurbishment season is winding down, and I have to say, this was one of the quietest months I’ve seen at […] Read more…
Here we go! It’s time for my favorite festival on the Disneyland Resort’s calendar: Food & Wine. This year, the party goes from March 1 through April 22, and spans almost 1/3 of California Adventure. Source: Disneyland Resort The Food & Wine Festival happens daily, with no extra/separate ticket required – so you can visit […] Read more…
January 2023 – present LOCATION Mickey’s Toontown – The Runaway Railway faces downtown Toontown’s open plaza. When you enter the land, walk straight up the slight hill and toward Toontown City Hall. Look to the right, and you’ll see the Railway entrance; it’s a massive marquee and hard to miss. BACKGROUND The Runaway Railway was […] Read more…
I’m back again with another round of snapshots! Thanks so much to those who keep reaching out to share how much you enjoy this series. I love it too – it’s really fun to dig through my library and rediscover photos I haven’t used in blog posts. Let’s see what I found this go around. […] Read more…