One of Disneyland’s longest running souvenirs are the pressed pennies available at stations throughout the resort. But over the years, several readers have asked me, “what do I do with those if I get them?” So I thought I’d share some ideas I’ve seen on Pinterest, Instagram, or even directly from crafting time with friends, […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 100, 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. How many miles should I expect to walk at Disneyland in a full day? (submitted by […] Read more…
We’re rolling right into August, which means one thing…Halloween is about to descend on the Disneyland Resort. Despite the brutal summer heat (and the fact that Halloween is nearly 3 months away), it already feels like the summer season is coming to a close at the happiest place on earth. Let’s take a look back […] Read more…
I know, I know. It’s not even August. For some of you, back to school is a nightmare because it means summer is ending. But for others, I know that they cannot WAIT for the temperatures to drop and Halloween to creep in. Halloween fans need not wait much longer – this year’s celebration runs […] Read more…
Source: Visit Anaheim January 2024 – present LOCATION Pixar Place Hotel – You’ll find STOR-E in the central lobby of Pixar Place, on the right wall as you walk through the front doors. It’s easy to find, as it’s the only shop within the lobby area. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise– Pixar clothing, accessories, toys, home décor, […] Read more…
Nestled in the heart of Adventureland, the Enchanted Tiki Room is more than just a beloved attraction; it’s a masterclass in immersive storytelling and themed design. But what’s the story behind this tropical hideaway? How did a Polynesian paradise, filled with singing birds, crooning flowers, and comedic tiki statues, come to be? Grab your Dole […] Read more…
Today is a very special day for Disneyland fans! On this day, 70 years ago, Walt Disney opened his theme park to the world. To celebrate this milestone, this post is a roundup of 70 special hidden gems you can find at the park that started it all. From hidden character references to secret passageways, […] Read more…
October 2024 – present LOCATION Bayou Country – You’ll find Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree along Bayou Country’s waterfront, right between the pathways to Galaxy’s Edge and New Orleans Square. You can’t miss it if you just keep walking along the rivers of America; it’s the big rustic building with a ramped entrance. EXPERIENCE Details: Service […] Read more…
If you’re a Marvel fan visiting the Disneyland Resort, Avengers Campus is undoubtedly on your to-do list. But don’t race in too quickly, or you’ll breeze past a hidden gem right at the land’s entrance: the arc reactor. For the uninitiated, the Arc Reactor is the crown jewel of Tony Stark’s genius. First glimpsed in […] Read more…
The more I read about individual Imagineers and their contributions to Disneyland, the more I see they all seem to have one trait in common: a deep understanding of storytelling, whether they’re more technical roles like architects or engineers, or more artistic roles like illustrators and decorators. Blaine Gibson is one such storyteller – who […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 99, 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. Am I allowed to touch characters during a meet and greet? (submitted by Bettany) You are […] Read more…
Happy July! The heat is here, the crowds are here, and Disneyland is fully into its 70th anniversary celebration. Let’s take a look back at this month across the Disneyland Resort. AUTOPIA BRIEFLY DERAILS The month kicked off with a bizarre incident over in Tomorrowland. One June 4, one of the Autopia cars managed to […] Read more…
November 2024 – present Bayou Country – When you first arrive in Bayou Country from New Orleans Square, you will see the mountain on your left. The entrance is tucked away on the right side of the structure, just across the walkway from Winnie the Pooh. BACKGROUND Originally, this mountain was famously Splash Mountain, themed […] Read more…
There’s a famous hidden gem above Main Street’s fire station: Walt’s Lamp. The idea is that it stays illuminated permanently, to symbolize Walt’s spirit staying in the park. So when I started to notice an always-on light in California Adventure, I started to wonder if it had special meaning too. Head over to Hollywood Land […] Read more…