Source: Jim Hill Media February 2001 – October 2001 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Avalon Cove drew attention not just from its high-profile owner (Wolfgang Puck), but due to its massive building jutting out into Paradise Bay. You couldn’t miss this dining spot; it was the only table service restaurant on the boardwalk side of the […] Read more…
I know I’ve said this before, but I love hanging out in Critter Country. This little land tucked by the Rivers of America makes the perfect place to eat, explore, or just relax under strung lights. Once the sun goes down, crowds lighten up in Critter Country significantly, making the space all the more peaceful. […] Read more…
October 2002 – March 2021 LOCATION New Orleans Square – Le Bat En Rouge’s red façade was hard to miss. If you arrived in New Orleans Square from Frontierland or Adventureland, you’d find it down the first alleyway, just after the Blue Bayou. If you were coming from the train station, you’s see it on […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 34, 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. Did Walt Disney live on the Disneyland grounds? (submitted by Ethel) Walt had an apartment above the fire house, but he did not […] Read more…
Do you feel it? That chill in the air? The crispness of fall, the foliage changing? …Nope, me neither. Oh, right. It’s still the dead of summer. Well, Disneyland isn’t waiting for the first day of fall to transform into its Halloween self. The happy haunts are already hard at work transforming the park. Source: […] Read more…
October 2017 – March 2018 LOCATION Downtown Disney – The Dream Boutique’s storefront faced the central courtyard in Downtown Disney. The shop overlooked Uva Bar, next to the Grand Californian’s Downtown Disney passageway. Today, this space houses the Disney Dress Shop. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Princess toys, accessories, and pins Unique Features – Mini Bibbidi […] Read more…
In California Adventure, Grizzly Peak offers an escape from the chaos of the other lands. Despite its thrill rides and massive playground, Grizzly Peak somehow remains peaceful, quiet, and somewhat isolated from the rest of the park. Visitors disappear into a redwood forest, thanks largely to the immersive details throughout the land. Every rock and […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The Emporium is impossible to miss. This towering shop stands on the corner of the street, facing the railroad station. You’ll find it between the fire house and the trolley tracks, with a flag waving above its tower. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Everything Disney: home wares, […] Read more…
One of my favorite places in California Adventure is the long walkway at the back of Cars Land. The path connects Pacific Wharf and the plaza by Radiator Springs Racers. The whole area just has an amazing view, and a hidden gem along the roadside: the Cars Land Road Signs! The signs serve as a […] Read more…
June 2012 – present LOCATION Buena Vista Street – Trolley Treats faces the grand courtyard on the street, also known as Carthay Circle. If you’re starting from the gates, follow the street all the way to the fountain. You’ll see Trolley treats on your right, just before Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical Café. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise […] Read more…
In the 50s and early 60s, Walt Disney became one of Disneyland’s most frequent visitors. He loved roaming his park, dreaming up new ideas and seeing the joy in visitors’ faces. Sometimes, this visits came with a bit of fanfare and attention. But other times, he was quietly wandering, hiding largely in plain sight. Note: […] Read more…
I know I’ve said it a million times before, but Disneyland’s meticulous attention to detail never ceases to amaze me. Fantasyland might just top the list of the most detailed lands, and every accent has a purpose, helping immerse you in the magic kingdom. One of my favorite details in Fantasyland appears right as you […] Read more…
2001 – present LOCATION Frontierland – Silver Spur Supplies hides between two larger shops: Crockett & Russel and Bonanza Outfitters. To find this shop, head from Frontierland’s main entrance toward the water. You’ll see it on the left; it’s the red storefront with the little porch. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – hats, socks, tees, and sweatshirts […] Read more…
When you travel to Disneyland for vacation, you’ve got tons of options for your home base: resort hotels, off-property “good neighbors”, even AirBNB. But did you know you can also earn membership points with a Disney program? I’ve teamed up with SellMyTimeshareNow.com to explain the perks and offerings of the Disney Vacation Club, a.k.a. the DVC. […] Read more…