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. 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. 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…
October is here, which means Disneyland’s halloween season is in full swing! Between new villains at Oogie Boogie Bash and all the tasty treats popping up across the resort, visitors have tons to explore this year. Warning: if you DON’T want Oogie Boogie Bash spoilers ahead of your party, you may not want to read […] Read more…
Paradise Gardens Park is a magnificently open land. Its southern border is Paradise Bay, and park’s attractions all face the waterway, giving guests beautiful views from almost everywhere. You’ve probably seen photos of the waterfront countless times, but many of the best views are actually found with your back to the bay! From this vantage […] Read more…
Source: Disneyland Postcards Summer 1966 – Summer 2002 LOCATION New Orleans Square – From 1966 – 1996, Le Gourmet occupied the end of Royal Street, next to the Blue Bayou. In 1996, the shop moved down the street to the front end by the water, next to the Royal Street Veranda, where it remained until […] Read more…
If you’ve ever walked through the western side of Disneyland, you may have noticed a little white house on the riverbank. Okay, maybe it’s not so little…it’s a mansion. Long before New Orleans Square joined the park in the 60s, Imagineers had conceptualized some kind of haunted manor house – though at first, it was […] Read more…
Source: iCollector March 1988 – June 1989 LOCATION Main Street USA – The Blast to the Past Celebration was primarily a parade, taking the usual route along Main Street. The only non-parade event was the hula hoop challenge, which took place at the hub, overlooking Sleeping Beauty Castle. BACKGROUND To quote the Netflix show Bojack Horseman, […] Read more…
For many years, Disney World visitors had a special event we Disneylanders did not: an after-hours holiday party. These mysterious ticketed events taunted us from the east coast, but we were left out of the fun…until this year! For the first time, Disneyland is hosting Merriest Nites – and the west coasters can finally get […] Read more…
Sometimes, finding concept art for Disneyland spaces can be really tricky, especially when they were designed more than 60 years ago. But other times, the art is so plentiful that it can feel overwhelming! And then…there’s Cars Land. Honestly, the best concept art for this space is the movie Cars itself. Imagineers really went as close […] Read more…