Source: Disney Pal February 2001 – July 2011 LOCATION Sunshine Plaza – Bakers Field Bakery occupied one of the main cars in the California Zephyr. Guests walking into the main plaza found the Bakery on the right, next to Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream. Today, this space is part of the Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical Café. EXPERIENCE […] Read more…
Disneyland and California Adventure both offer all kinds of thrills, drops, and drama. Each attraction has a completely unique look and feel, so you get swept up in the magic every single time. But have you ever wondered how fast you’re actually going on those coasters? You might be surprised by which coasters fly at […] Read more…
There’s one unavoidable activity at the center of every Disneyland trip: waiting in line. But some lines are easier to manage than others. Some lines move quickly, so you at least feel like you’re making progress, while others force you to stand in the same spot for what feels like forever. Here’s my list of […] Read more…
Source: Disney By Mark November 1955 – September 1956 LOCATION Fantasyland & Holidayland – The Mickey Mouse Club Circus combined a parade with a traditional tent circus show. The festivities began on Main Street, with grand marshals leading the parade around the hub, while the main event took place at the end of the parade […] Read more…
Have you ever strolled through New Orleans Square and noticed a mysterious staircase? These are the stairs leading to the most exclusive place in all of the Disneyland Resort: the Dream Suite. Source: California Travel Expert The Dream Suite was initially slated to become the second private residence inside the park. Walt had a tiny […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 11, 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. Is there somewhere to buy discount Disneyland tickets? (submitted by Chad) I know some schools and organizations offer discounted tickets for students or club […] Read more…
If you pay any attention to Disney Park news (or Twitter), you know the last few weeks have been non-stop announcements…and dramatic reactions. Well, the change train hasn’t slowed down in the slightest this month! There are new closures on the horizon, new arrivals in the works, and some exciting Halloween changes in full swing. Here’s […] Read more…
January 2001 – September 2017 LOCATION Downtown Disney – Fossil held a coveted spot in the center courtyard of Downtown Disney. Whether you were coming from the hotel side or the park side of the district, you’d walk to the center circle with the outdoor bar (Uva). Fossil was on the southern side of the […] Read more…
The Market House on Main Street USA is Disneyland’s largest coffee shop. Thousands of guests stream by every day, some stopping in for hot drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. But most park visitors have no idea that within the Market House lies an amazing artifact: a real turn-of-the-century Potbelly Stove. This Potbelly Stove came from Baltimore, […] Read more…
Source: Photo Bucket July 1955 – October 1973 LOCATION Frontierland – The Pack Mules led guests on a tour of Frontierland, starting in the town square. Guests would wander through Nature’s Wonderland, which included the land currently beneath Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the now-closed Big Thunder Ranch. BACKGROUND In the early years of Disneyland, […] Read more…
Waiting in line is a fact of life at Disneyland. But sometimes, the lines can be part of the fun! Different queuing spaces throughout the resort offer spectacular views of landscapes, and a few even have interactive features to explore. Here’s my list of the top 5 queues at the resort. Which are your favorites? 5. […] Read more…
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: cast members make the magic at the Disneyland Resort. They really do go above and beyond to give visitors the best experience possible, and sometimes even create “magic moments”. These magic moments come in all forms: special fast passes, awesome tables in busy restaurants, or even a […] Read more…
When guests walk into Disneyland, the very first thing they see is the Main Street USA railroad station, typically with a train parked out front. Many park visitors don’t realize that Disneyland actually runs multiple trains, and one train tows a hidden gem at the rear. Train #1, the C.K. Holiday, dates all the way […] Read more…
November 2006 – September 2017 LOCATION Downtown Disney – Disney Vault 28’s spot was one of the busiest in the district; right at the central circle plaza. You’d find the Vault just as the circle opened up for the Uva Bar, across from Build-A-Bear Workshop. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – primarily women’s clothing and accessories, limited […] Read more…