One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “what’s in my park bag?” My answer is: not much. I don’t have kids and I generally visit with groups of friends, so I don’t have to worry about bottles or medication or other things larger families might need to bring. But I do pack differently depending on […] Read more…
Disney has always been creative with attraction technology. With holograms, animatronics, tubular coasters, and the Pepper’s Ghost Illusion, there are countless tricks and moving parts that make rides and shows so magical. One of Disney’s own patented technologies created a whole new type of attraction, with forced sight lines and more room for equipment without the […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Sephora is one of the larger stores in the Downtown Disney district. You can find it on the southern side, next to the Grand Californian entrance off the strip. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – cosmetics & beauty accessories Price Range – most individual products are under $50, with […] Read more…
There’s been so much drama in the news this week, thanks to the United States’ presidential election. I have no intention of going political on this blog, so I’m not going to comment on it. But with all the heightened emotions happening right now, I’ve found myself taking a step back and trying to be […] Read more…
I have to admit…I’m a sucker for a Disney tee. And when I can’t find one that has a particular image or style I’m looking for, I make my own! And you can too, with this super simple DIY project. What you’ll need: Computer & printer A photo transfer kit (I used Transfermations for dark material) […] Read more…
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of my favorite attractions at the Disneyland Resort; the queue, track, and mountainside are each so intricately detailed. There’s so much to see, and it’s impossible to take it all in when you’re racing on the train. Lucky for us, the Disneyland Hotel offers a unique birds-eye view. Venture into […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 12, 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. At what age do I need to buy my son a ticket? (submitted by Edyta) Kids under 3 get in for free. If your […] Read more…
Feliz dia de los muertos! The Halloween season has finally come to a close at the Disneyland Resort, and that means we move straight into Christmas mode (Thanksgiving is so neglected in the parks!). As rides like It’s A Small World and the Jungle Cruise close to adopt their holiday overlays, construction rages on in […] Read more…
Happy Halloween! Monday is the big day for costumes, candy, and spooky fun, but the Disneyland Resort has been celebrating Halloween all month long. In fact, each fall Frontierland hosts a seasonal hidden gem: the Halloween Tree! The tree, which lights up the courtyard next to the Golden Horseshoe, draws inspiration from a 1972 novel by […] Read more…
The Disneyland Resort’s largest hotel is the massive Grand Californian, which sits right between California Adventure and much of Downtown Disney. The hotel lives up to its name, with tons of restaurants, lounges, and floors to explore. But did you know that the hotel has a hidden gem which pays tribute to some of California’s […] Read more…
September 1986 – April 1997, February 2010 – June 2014 LOCATION Tomorrowland – Captain EO entertained guests from Tomorrowland’s Magic Eye Theater. The theater, located between Space Mountain and the Star Trader gift shop, has been used for tons of different previews and movie clips over the years. Today, it currently houses a Star Wars […] Read more…
June 2012 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Wonderground Gallery sits on the western side of Downtown Disney’s large circle courtyard. The Gallery sits between Build-A-Bear Workshop and Tortilla Jo’s. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – unique art prints, paintings, and collectible souvenirs Price Range – smaller collectibles under $20, with some paintings as much as $500+ […] Read more…
Take a stroll through Buena Vista Street and you’ll quickly be overwhelmed by passing trolley cars, busy candy shops, and Mickey and his friends exploring the street in their dressiest attire. But if you stop to take in the details, you might just find a living piece of park history: the Old Oak Tree! When […] Read more…
I always try to mix a little Disney magic into my day, but last Friday was a whole different level! I went to Mickey’s Halloween Party for the third time, and this one was the best one yet. Mickey’s Halloween Party is an after-hours event than runs through September and October (full details here). Virtually […] Read more…