Source: Trulia February 2001 – October 2008 LOCATION Paradise Pier – The Sun Wheel was pretty difficult to miss; the massive Ferris wheel overlooked Paradise Bay. The wheel still stands today, but is now Mickey’s Fun Wheel. BACKGROUND Every California beach boardwalk needs a Ferris wheel, and Paradise Pier was no exception. Imagineers designed a […] Read more…
One of the unfortunate pieces of Tomorrowland is the empty PeopleMover track. It looms above the land, unused, and most guests don’t pay much attention to it. But if you do stop to look up at the Tomorrowland skies, you may notice a complicated structure on top of the PeopleMover’s former loading dock. Meet the […] Read more…
February 2001 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – The Hollywood Backlot Stage is an open space in the Hollywood Studios section of this land. To find the stage, head to the back section of Hollywood Land, near Monsters, Inc. You’ll see the main stage on your right, across from the attraction entrance. Sometimes, a second […] Read more…
Whenever I visit Downtown Disney, I like to walk the grounds of the Disneyland Hotel. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, it’s fun to visit Trader Sam’s and explore the scenery. On the path across from Trader Sam’s, toward Frontier Tower, you’ll find a small walkway. Follow this walkway, and you’ll stumble across […] Read more…
1987 – present LOCATION Frontierland – The Pioneer Mercantile sits right at the front of Frontierland, next to the Adventureland passageway. Once you walk through the main entrance, you’ll see the shop on your left; it’s the corner shop with the large porch. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Tees, mugs, hats, toys, and accessories Price Range […] Read more…
October 1989 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The Disney Showcase anchors the front end of the street. If you start at the railroad station and head toward the castle, you’ll see it on the right front corner, across from the Disneyland Emporium. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Seasonal merchandise and souvenirs Price Range – […] Read more…
Mickey’s Toontown has the reputation of being a “little kid” land. So many guests completely skip this section of the park, thinking they have nothing to see or do. Which is such a shame! Aside from the land’s exciting Car Toon Spin, this land has some beautiful spaces to explore. Visit Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The Crystal Arcade sits toward the Town Square side of Main Street. If you’re starting at the train station, keep to the left. You’ll see the Crystal Arcade a few stores down the block, just after the Disneyland Emporium. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – plush toys, blankets, […] Read more…
Disneyland’s Critter Country is a land for all kinds of woodland creatures, but its most notable resident is definitely Winnie the Pooh. Pooh and friends have their own attraction, shop, and lots of little hidden tributes scattered throughout the forest. As you exit Winnie the Pooh’s ride, look to your left. See that sign? Pooh […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 27, 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 is the Mint Julep Bar? (submitted by Tara Leighanne) The Mint Julep Bar kind of hides in the back of New Orleans Square. You’ll […] Read more…
Once upon a time, January was the quiet season for the Disneyland Resort. Many attractions closed for refurbishment, attendance dipped a little, and all in all, there wasn’t much to report. But those days are long gone (though the refurbishments still happen), at least in the last few years! I apologize in advance for the […] Read more…
Source: Blogspot December 1976 – Spring 1978, October 1983 – August 1992 LOCATION Main Street USA – The Town Square Café sat in the corner of the square, just before the street narrows (next to today’s Mad Hatter). Currently, this largely forgotten space serves as a character meet and greet area, and the interior kitchen […] Read more…
There’s something so inspiring about seeing photos of Walt Disney in Disneyland. Though he will always be better known for his movies, Walt’s true passion project was the original Magic Kingdom. In his later life, he devoted virtually all of his creative energy into a magical place where kids and adults could share in magic. […] Read more…
March 2005 – present LOCATION Tomorrowland – Little Green Store Command shares a building with Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. You’ll find the shop at the entrance to Tomorrowland, across the walkway from Star Tours. If you’re coming in from the Fantasyland side, keep right when the plaza opens up. You’ll see Little Green Store Command […] Read more…