Adventureland has no shortage of stunning palm trees, towering above visitors. But one tree has a unique history, predating the rest of the park. Meet the Dominguez Tree, the tall palm to the right of the Jungle Cruise boathouse. Source: Disney Parks Blog This tree’s story begins in 1896, almost 60 years before Disneyland’s opening. […] Read more…
With the news that we’re experiencing A Bug’s Land‘s last season, I’ve been pouring through my photo albums and admiring this special land. No other land at the resort uses such intricate forced perspective from top to bottom. Sure, the attractions don’t have the same draw as neighboring lands, but the appeal here comes from […] Read more…
December 2002 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Ariel’s Grotto stuck out, as it was the only restaurant to actually extend into Paradise Bay. To reach the entrance of the restaurant, visitors walked along the bridge to Paradise Pier, next to Pacific Wharf. The entryway was on the right of the bridge, before the […] Read more…
Disneyland’s landscape has changed dramatically since 1955, even excluding the addition of a new park and a Downtown Disney district. Walt’s original Magic Kingdom added three new lands after opening day, with a fourth currently under construction (Star Wars Land). Roller coasters sprouted up across the park. And in each land, Imagineers perfected decor from top to […] Read more…
June 2012 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – Studio Catering Co. is parked in the backlot. To find this quick service truck, walk down Hollywood Land’s main street, and turn left at the Hyperion Theater. You’ll see the truck on your right, next to the Hollywood Backlot Stage. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service […] Read more…
June 1999 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The 20th Century Music Shop hides next to the Main Street Cinema, on the eastern side of the street. If you start at the railroad station, facing the castle, keep to the right; you’ll see the shop about halfway down the first block. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise […] Read more…
Main Street USA has an impossible task: this land has to instantaneously transport you into another world, leaving normal life behind. So how does this busy little street pull off such a feat? The little details. Every square inch of Main Street USA carefully works together to create an illusion. Visitors to the street immediately […] Read more…
1992 – present LOCATION Disneyland Hotel – Goofy’s Kitchen faces out to the open pool area, overlooking the center courtyard. If you start from the Fantasy Tower, follow the path to the right side of the pools; you’ll see Goofy’s Kitchen on your right. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – table service Seating – yes Reservations […] Read more…
Legend has it Walt Disney used to stroll around Disneyland in the mornings before park opening (a.k.a his morning constitutional). Those of us fortunate enough to visit Disneyland during a quiet morning know how peaceful and beautiful the park is in the early hours of the day. On the morning before Disneyland opened to the […] Read more…
Have you ever noticed that inside Disneyland, you can’t see the surrounding world? Despite the city of Anaheim bumping right up against the park borders, you’re completely immersed with no clue as to what’s going on around you. That’s no coincidence, but the work of a magical border known as “the berm”. The berm took […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 30, 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. If I am at Radiator Springs Racers, what is the best way to get to Soarin’ Around the World? (submitted by Ashleigh) The most […] Read more…
Happy first day of May! This year is just flying by so fast, and with so many changes – big and small – happening at the Disneyland Resort, it’s hard to keep up. Let’s dive right in and take a look at all the new happenings at the happiest place on earth. PIXAR FEST BEGINS […] Read more…
Source: Mice Chat May 1983 – 2004 LOCATION Fantasyland – Both iterations of Geppetto’s shop were strategically located next to the exit to Pinocchio. If you walked through Fantasyland from the castle, you’d see the shop on your left, across from Casey Jr. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Toys, marionettes, dolls Unique Features – Periodic princess […] Read more…
During the day, Tomorrowland’s color scheme is a bit more subdued than its neighboring lands. But after sunset, the land comes alive in full neon color. The dramatic architecture and lagoon glow from sundown until park close. At night, Tomorrowland’s energy explodes, drawing in visitors from all over the park. Here are just a few […] Read more…