Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 6, 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. Why does Toontown open late and close early? (submitted by Josephine) Toontown opens later than the rest of the park because of its […] Read more…
It may still be spring at the Disneyland Resort, but April felt a lot more like summertime. Disneyland dazzled with its remaining Diamond Jubilee décor, and California Adventure was buzzing with the Food and Wine Festival. Disneyland didn’t have any special events this month, but Season of the Force in Tomorrowland is still going strong. […] Read more…
Buena Vista Street is always buzzing with shoppers, trolleys, and parades. But the street is also a neighborhood, with elusive residents occupying the second stories of the shops. Though Buena Vistans may never show their faces to visitors, they do leave behind hidden gems and details for guests to find. One hidden gem, the Buena […] Read more…
Disneyland began as a modest park with just a few lands. But within ten years, the park grew at an incredible rate, nearly doubling its attractions, dining, and entertainment. And for every great idea, there are ten others that never see the light of day. Over the years, Disney Imagineers have designed incredible lands, rides, […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – World of Disney anchors the eastern end of Downtown Disney. If you walk through Downtown Disney from the park gates, you’ll see the store on your left, just after La Brea Bakery. If you are coming from the hotel end of the district, keep to the right, and […] Read more…
If you’ve ever taken the time to stroll through Cars Land, you’ve probably noticed that each building has a unique style, shape, and incredible detailing. And not every building sits on the main drag; one special structure (and hidden gem) is tucked in the foothills of Ornament Valley. As you walk along the winding path […] Read more…
Source: D23 July 1955 – September 1955 LOCATION Fantasyland – The Canal Boats of the World were located in the rear of Fantasyland, between Tomorrowland and the Autopia track. It’s re-themed replacement, the Storybook Land Canal Boats, occupies the exact same location today. BACKGROUND The Canal Boats were part of one of the very first […] Read more…
When Walt Disney first conceived of Disneyland, one of the only attractions he immediately wanted for his park was a train. The Disneyland Railroad would provide a grand circle tour of the park, and would be a source of entertainment and a method of transportation for guests. Since 1955, the Railroad has been one of […] Read more…
Critter Country is Disneyland’s quietest land, tucked between Disneyland’s outer forest and the Rivers of America waterfront. If you look closely, this peaceful land is actually buzzing with activity; the resident critters are always up to something! You’re probably already familiar with the critter’s favorite haunts (the nearby mountain and sweet shop just to name […] Read more…
Source: Matterhorn 1959 June 1956 – September 1978 LOCATION Frontierland – The Oaks Tavern sat adjacent to a wilder restaurant – the Golden Horseshoe. Guests walking along the main path from Main Street USA toward the waterfront would find the Tavern on the left, next to a patio shared with the River Belle Terrace. EXPERIENCE […] Read more…
New Orleans Square is pirate central at Disneyland, and not just in Pirates of the Carribean. The whole land is a home fit for a boisterous captain and crew, and there are hints throughout the land that it was in fact once crawling with pirates. The best indication of pirate activity in New Orleans Square […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – The LEGO Store sits toward the western end of Downtown Disney. If you’re starting from the park gates, follow the main path and keep to the left side. You’ll see The LEGO Store on your left, just beyond the Jazz Kitchen. If you’re starting from the Disneyland […] Read more…
Disneyland’s fireworks make for an awesome show; and finding a great viewing spot makes a huge difference. Watching from Main Street or the Esplanade or even Downtown Disney is great, but if you’re looking for a unique and extra magical view, try watching from an attraction! This feat is very tricky to time; you have […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 5, 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. What’s going to happen to the Disneyland Railroad with Star Wars Land coming? (Submitted by Carl) The short answer to this question […] Read more…