ย Source: Disney Dining November 2006 – July 2021 LOCATION Disneyland Hotel – Steakhouse 55 was the Disneyland Hotel’s “signature” dining spot, located inside the largest hotel building (the only one not named after a “land”!). To find the restaurant, guests walked along the west side of the pools. The restaurant was on the lower level, […] Read more…
Jade Elephant
Everyone knows Adventureland is home to jungle animals. From rhinos to barracudas to monkeys, there’s no shortage of wildlife within the Jungle Cruise. But did you know you can see your first elephant before you get near the waterfront? Let’s head over to Tropical Imports. In the midst of boxes and imported goods above the […] Read more…
Lands After Dark: Avengers Campus
I have to say, I think I enjoy Avengers Campus a lot more at night – both for aesthetic reasons (those glowing lights make the details pop!), and for practical ones (no shade = brutally hot during the day). There’s just something really cool about seeing the Quinjet illuminated and the Orb of Cagliostro in […] Read more…
Star Wars Trading Post
February 2021 โ present LOCATION Downtown Disney – The Star Wars Trading Post overlooks the western end of the Downtown Disney district. If you’re coming from the hotels, you’ll see it on your left – just before the Monorail station. If you’re coming from the parks side, keep to the right. You’ll see the shop […] Read more…
Ask the Duchess – Vol. 69
Welcome to Ask The Duchess โ Vol. 69, 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 youโd like answered, send me a message here. 1.ย If I get home and decide I want to buy something I saw in the park, […] Read more…
Resort Updates – July 2022
Happy August! If you’re in the US (or honestly, much of the world right now), you’re probably so ready for a break from the heat. The blazing temperatures aren’t doing anything to slow down crowds at the park, nor did they keep the resort from launching some new things this month. Let’s take a look […] Read more…
Circus Fantasy
ย Source: Matterhorn 1959 January 1986 โ spring 1988 LOCATION Main Street USA & Fantasyland – Most of this show’s festivities took place on Main Street, in both the hub and along the usual parade route. Videopolis in Fantasyland hosted a companion show as well, creating a two-land space for the entire circus. BACKGROUND Like theย Blast […] Read more…
Small World Gifts & Sundries
ย Source: Disneyland Resort ? โ present LOCATION Disneyland Hotel – Small World Gifts & Sundries is a super convenient shop located in the lobby of the Fantasy tower. If you’re entering the tower from the central garden by the pool, you’ll see it immediately on your right. If you’re arriving from the parking lot, you’ll […] Read more…
1984 Cast Member Strike
Disneyland cast members being underpaid is sadly nothing new. For decades, cast members and park fans alike have advocated for higher wages, better benefits, and employee support across different roles. In 1984, tensions boiled over and the largest cast member strike in history began. In the early 80s, Disneyland wanted to freeze cast member wages […] Read more…
Unusual Angles: Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
It’s a little hard to declare anything in Galaxy’s Edge unusual when the whole land is designed to be that way. No alleyway, building, or path is supposed to look familiar. That’s the point. So when pulling pictures for this post, I instead tried to think about areas I don’t see much – whether on […] Read more…
Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar
ย Source: Disney Wiki October 2008 – September 2013 LOCATION Golden State & Pacific Wharf – From 2008 to 2012, this attraction was considered part of the Golden State massive area in California Adventure. When that land split up into smaller pieces in 2012, the Cellar fell into Pacific Wharf’s territory. To find the building in […] Read more…
Alien Pizza Planet
May 2019 โ present LOCATION Tomorrowland โ Alien Pizza Planet is located in Tomorrowland’s large open plaza. To find the restaurant, keep your eye out for a giant red and white rocket (if you’re coming from Main Street, it will be on your right). The rocket will guide you to the Pizza Planet. You’ll know […] Read more…
Queue Closeup: Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
One of my favorite attractions in Fantasyland is Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. I just love the hand painted sets, ridiculous storyline, and of course…taking a tour of the majestic Toad Hall. Shall we take a motorcar ride to nowhere in particular? Let’s go. Our tour of Toad Hall starts in the garden. Here, we’ll find […] Read more…
Ask the Duchess – Vol. 68
Welcome to Ask The Duchess โ Vol. 68, 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 youโd like answered, send me a message here. 1.ย Can I split up my park ticket over two half days instead of one full day? […] Read more…