This year, Disneyland did something it has not done before – announce all festival/event dates for the full year. That means we know earlier than usual what to expect for the first festival of the year – the Lunar New Year Celebration. This year’s celebration runs from January 23 – February 13, marking the year […] Read more…
I think it’s safe to say for most of us, this year has been a lot. For me, that’s definitely true. A grandparent’s funeral, a close friend’s wedding, a 460 mile move, travel to new places, and a new role within my same work team…it’s been great and terrible at the same time. But in […] Read more…
Today marks a really cool milestone for this blog. 10 years ago, exactly today, I started a Disneyland blog. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with it or how long it would last; I just knew that I had a lot of Disneyland knowledge and excitement and needed somewhere to put it […] Read more…
Note: this post covers Disneyland’s refurbishment “season”, from January-March. For current scheduled closures, please visit here. With a few long term projects ongoing throughout this year and next, 2024 doesn’t appear to be having a conventional refurbishment season. Typically, the quiet time after the holidays (roughly January – March), Disneyland stacks a lot of construction together […] Read more…
Source: Mickey Mouse Park June 1960 – January 1985 LOCATION Main Street USA – The Hallmark Card Shop had one of the best locations on Main Street, facing the center cross street on the eastern side. Today, this corner location is home to Disney Clothiers Ltd. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Hallmark cards Unique Features – […] Read more…
During the holiday season, Buena Vista Street follows Main Street’s lead and goes full-out on décor. Garlands, tinsel, ornaments, and a giant tree fill the street with cheer. Head over to the present pile beneath the tree, and you’ll find a special hidden gem with a connection to the Disney family. Somewhere in the present […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 82, 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. Are character dining options worth it? (submitted by Mike) It honestly depends on your priorities. […] Read more…
It’s December, if you can believe it. Just one month left in 2023, and even those that don’t like celebrating the holidays prematurely are in full festive mode. Disneyland kicked off its holiday season with a mixed bag…some exciting new happenings, and some not-so-great developments. Let’s take a look at November at the resort. THE […] Read more…
June 2018 – present LOCATION Pixar Pier – The Poultry Palace faces the southern boardwalk section of Pixar Pier. If you’re coming from the “main” land entrance over the bridge, keep to the right of the main walkway. You’ll see it after the covered seating area. If you’re coming from the Paradise Gardens Park side, […] Read more…
For me, ride storytelling starts long before you hop into a vehicle. Each room/area of a queue has the opportunity to immerse you in whatever world you’re entering, sharing details you actually have time to absorb while you’re standing around waiting for your turn. One of the rides that had a long, elaborate queue to […] Read more…
Are you an 11th hour holiday shopper, or one to order gifts months in advance? For me, the earlier better so I don’t have to think about it anymore! If you’re working through your list and either have a Disneyland fan to shop for or want some Disneyland items for your own wish list, I’ve […] Read more…
Hidden gems throughout Disneyland are nothing new. From the very first day of park operation to the latest reopenings post-refurbishment projects, park visitors are always finding new details hiding in plain sight. And in Galaxy’s Edge, there are tons to find. Let’s take a look at one of my favorites: the Original Trilogy Boxes. This one […] Read more…
I think you’re officially a Disney nerd when you consider park posters “art”. I just think the illustration style and design of these posters give so much personality. The creepy, foreboding color scheme of a Haunted Mansion poster shares almost nothing in common with the cotton candy cheer of a Dumbo poster – yet these […] Read more…
A while back, I shared that the Disneyland Hotel used to have its own marina. Well that’s not all – it used to have mini golf too! Source: Flickr It’s hard to imagine today with the area so jam packed, but in the 50s and 60s, the Disneyland Hotel had breathing room. And much of […] Read more…