I can’t imagine anyone reading this blog is unfamiliar with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, or the recent closures of Disney Parks around the world. For the first time in its history, the Disneyland Resort has closed for more than one day, and has suspended the Disney College Program. With announcements and plans changing […] Read more…
 Source: Matthew Luhn A while back, I wrote a post about land concepts for Disneyland that never came to fruition. And of course, lands aren’t the only creative concepts that don’t become reality! Here are a few of Disneyland’s concepts for thrill rides, that ultimately would never see the light of day. Late 1960s Space […] Read more…
May 2019 – present LOCATION Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Docking Bay 7 faces the Millennium Falcon, in the northeastern corner of Batuu. To find the restaurant, head toward the Falcon from any direction – almost every path leads to it. Once you’re in the open Falcon plaza, turn to the left. Docking Bay 7 […] Read more…
Dueling pianos, slapstick comedy, dancing…the Golden Horseshoe has hosted many different types of performances and entertainers throughout the years. But no show is as famous as the Golden Horseshoe Revue, the original stage show in the theater. And today, if you walk into the hall and look on the wall to the left of the […] Read more…
Close your eyes and picture Grizzly Peak for a moment. What do you see? For most people, it’s Soarin’ and the River Run. And yes, those two things are super important and beautiful parts of this forested land. But the space has so much more to offer. On my last park trip, I challenged myself […] Read more…
Disneyland has played host to countless events, parties, celebrations, and grand ceremonies since the 50’s. But perhaps its weirdest event was a contest – a competition for decorated Volkswagen Beetles in celebration of The Love Bug. On March 23, 1969, 101 decorated Beetles drove down Main Street and were judged based on different themed categories. […] Read more…
Election years seem to just drag on and on, don’t they? I’m sure you’re as tired as I am of political ads and campaign news. But the 2020 cast of rambunctious candidates has nothing on the 1972 election. You probably know about the major party candidates, but did you know that one candidate campaigned at […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 52, 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. What is the difference between Pixar Pier and Pixar Place? (submitted by Gloria) Pixar Pier is […] Read more…
Happy Leap Day! I hope you’re using your extra day to do something fun. I’m using mine to look back at this month’s happenings at one of my favorite places – Disneyland! February at the resort included rare character sightings, some new offerings, and a scary fire impacting two lands. Let’s dive right in. FAST […] Read more…
Any Fantasyland fan knows about Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, a celebration of Disney’s 1940 classic. But the dark ride is not the only Pinocchio tribute in central Fantasyland. In fact, there’s a very important artifact from Pinocchio’s life hidden in plain sight: Stromboli’s Wagon. Walk past the entrance to Pinocchio’s attraction, and turn left as Fantasyland […] Read more…
 Source: Apple Valley Blogs July 1955 – 1964 LOCATION Main Street USA – Yale & Towne’s little storefront was tucked on the southern side of Main Street, a few doors down from the Market House. Today, the Market House has absorbed this space, though it still displays a marquee reading “The Book Rest”. EXPERIENCE Details: […] Read more…
Disneyland is famous for its attention to detail – everything from trash can placement to smells in different lands. But this obsession with perfection didn’t happen overnight. Over the years, Imagineers get better and better at manufacturing the perfect park experience. This starts with the gates opening in the morning, and ends with lighting the […] Read more…
We’re just a week away from one of California Adventure’s most popular annual events! From February 28 through April 21, park visitors can experience the Food & Wine Festival, spanning Paradise Gardens Park and a few other parts of the resort. This festival celebrates the best of California food and drink, and includes a variety […] Read more…
The largest gift shop in Critter Country is known as Pooh Corner; it’s a place where you can meet characters, shop for handmade sweets, or build your pin collection. Most visitors to Critter Country have undoubtedly wandered through the shop’s sweet smelling rooms or wandered along the old-fashioned porch. But few notice a hidden detail […] Read more…