It’s that time of year again! As you start browsing for holiday gifts, you may be in search of some magical items for fellow Disneyland fans. Here are some of my picks, sorted by category. Hopefully this list gives you some ideas and inspiration as you start filling those stockings or thinking through your secret […] Read more…
BACKGROUND The first hint of a Marvel-themed area arriving at the Disneyland Resort came in 2017, when the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror transformed into Mission: BREAKOUT!. At the time, this building sat in Hollywood Land, and soon, superheroes began making meet and greet appearances in the area. But given the massive success and overwhelming […] Read more…
 Source: Daveland Web 1956 – 1986 LOCATION Frontierland – The American Rifle Exhibit & Frontier Gun Shop’s location is weirdly murky in Disneyland lore. Photos and early souvenir maps place the Gun Shop in a storefront now part of the Golden Horseshoe building, but some maps later in the decade listed a separate rifle exhibit […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 61, 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. Go to snacks that aren’t popcorn/churros? (submitted by Chad) Sweet: Beignets in New Orleans Square, a […] Read more…
Now that we’ve reached November, Disneyland (and virtually every other store you’ve been in lately) is full steam ahead to the holiday season. But October had quite a few things to celebrate – and Halloween came to an end with some truly stunning decor and entertainment. Let’s take a quick look back at this month […] Read more…
After missing out on Halloween season last year, I couldn’t wait to attend Oogie Boogie Bash! This after-hours event is a costume-filled villain wonderland, complete with specialty entertainment and some amazing decor and effects. Oogie Boogie appears throughout the party above Carthay Circle, inviting guests to join in on the fun. And nearby on Buena […] Read more…
After missing out on the Halloween season at Disneyland last year, it felt so good to be back! The resort has so much energy this time of year, and it’s so much fun to see all the attraction overlays and see the villains, even from a distance. Here are a few snapshots from the park’s […] Read more…
Imagineers leave traces of their artistry in everything they create. But one Imagineer left a special legacy behind: she shaped one of the most famous attraction characters ever to come out of the Disney parks…a character that was named after her. Let’s meet Leota Toombs Thomas. Â Source: Disney Parks Blog Thomas started her career at […] Read more…
 Source: Gorillas Don’t Blog December 1955 – October 1957 LOCATION Main Street USA – The Coffee House faced Town Square plaza, almost directly across from one of the walkways guests follow to enter the park. Today, this end space is part of the Disney Showcase shop. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick services Seating – […] Read more…
Like every other retail store you’ve been in lately, Disneyland is always thinking one season ahead. We haven’t hit Halloween yet, but the resort is already announcing this year’s holiday lineup – running between November 12 and January 9. Â Source: Disneyland Resort TREE TRIMMING & ORNAMENT STRINGING Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney all dress […] Read more…
Main Street USA has no shortage of hidden gems. From special names in windows to real cannons, the street invites visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the turn-of-the-century life around them. But one hidden gem is a little mysterious. I’ve never been able to find any backstory or explanation for an office, at the […] Read more…
 Source: Matterhorn 1959 August 1956 – June 1985 LOCATION Main Street USA – Carefree Corner had a beautiful view from its front door. The shop overlooked the central hub and castle, across the street from the Refreshment Corner. Today, this space houses the Plaza Point Holiday Shoppe. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – free park maps, official […] Read more…
You may remember a few weeks ago I shared some snapshots from my visits to the parks. I just want to take a minute to say thank you – I’ve never received so many DMs, emails, and messages asking for a follow up post! I’m so glad you all share my love of random Disneyland […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 60, 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 Disneyland still free on your birthday? (submitted by Jocelyn) This is why I’m so weary of […] Read more…