I can’t believe how quickly July came and went this year. Compared to recent months, Disneyland’s July turned out fairly uneventful, minus one day of total insanity. Otherwise, July brought celebrations, minor updates, and the debut of a new confectionary. Let’s jump right in! 4TH OF JULY Happy Independence Day! Disneyland marked the occasion with […] Read more…
January 2001 – March 2024 LOCATION Downtown Disney – Tortilla Jo’s opened up toward the central courtyard in Downtown Disney. If you were coming from the hotel side, you’d find it on your left, just after you crossed the bridge over the road. If you were coming from the parks side, you’d find it on […] Read more…
Tom Sawyer Island…the focal point of the western side of Disneyland, and an icon that somehow maintains its classic feel while constantly changing. This island serves a practical purpose, by creating the illusion of a river instead of a pond. But as Frontierland evolves into a busier and more exciting land, Tom Sawyer Island also […] Read more…
If I had to pick a land I typically race through the fastest, it would be Tomorrowland. Between fast passes, quick bites to eat, or Monorail rides, I’m never staying still in Tomorrowland for long. It’s a shame though, because Tomorrowland has so many stunning little details. Each section of the land features beautiful plants, […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Adventureland – The Bazaar sits right at the front of Adventureland, so it’s hard to miss. When you cross the bridge from Main Street USA, you’ll see it on your right, across from the Jungle Cruise exit. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Clothes, sunglasses, Disney toys and accessories Prince Range – […] Read more…
In the early days of Disneyland, Frontierland stood out as the quiet, slow-paced frontier town between the bustling Fantasyland attractions and mysterious Adventureland jungle. The town included a saloon, shops, small restaurants, trails, and a Marshal’s Office. Source: Gorillas Don’t Blog For the first year of Disneyland’s operation, the Marshal’s Office stood in the center […] Read more…
In the later years of Walt’s life, Disneyland consumed his imagination. Moving into theme park development was completely uncharted territory for Walt. He needed tons of help, and some funding, which meant covering additional new ground: television. In 1954, Disney signed a deal with ABC to create a limited series: Walt Disney’s Disneyland. The show […] Read more…
New Orleans might be one of the most famous waterfront cities in the world. When Disneyland built a square paying tribute to the city in the 1960s, Imagineers had an impossible challenge. How do you build a waterfront city in firmly landlocked Anaheim? Well, one tiny visual trick came to the rescue: the Port of […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – The Jazz Kitchen Express hugs the side of the larger Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. You’ll see the giant building across from Tortilla Jo’s and Splitsville, between the circular courtyard and the LEGO Store. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service Seating – adjacent patio Reservations – no […] Read more…
If you’re an observant Disneyland visitor, you may notice some slightly unusual creatures roaming Disneyland…and I don’t mean Wookies or Green Army Men. In addition to the princesses, villains, pirates, and other characters, a family of cats also call Disneyland home. Source: Pinterest No one knows exactly when the first cats arrived in Disneyland, but […] Read more…
April 2015 – present LOCATION New Orleans Square – La Mascarade d’Orleans stands at the end of Orleans street, overlooking the train station. If you’re coming into New Orleans Square from the waterfront side, head down the alleyway between Café Orleans and the French Market. You’ll see La Mascarade on your right, just before the […] Read more…
California Adventure’s Hollywood Land transports guests into the height of old Hollywood. The land looks so much like a glamorous movie set it should be in black and white. This beautiful little street and backlot celebrate the magic of the movies, and inspires guests to dream up a dream of their own. Here are a […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 32, 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. Where can I get a caricature done? (submitted by Angelina) In Disneyland, try New Orleans Square. And the spot in California Adventure used to […] Read more…
Happy end of June Disneylanders! If you’ve been keeping up with Disney news at all this month, you know June marked quite a few major events for the Happiest Place on Earth. Anniversaries, AP policy changes, the arrival of new characters…and the grand opening of a brand new land. Let’s dive right in! NEW PIRATE […] Read more…