Disneyland and California Adventure both share similar traits; they’re boisterous, busy, and sometimes completely chaotic. But there’s a land in the heart of California Adventure that somehow manages to stay quiet, peaceful, and serene. Grizzly Peak is truly an oasis, a quick escape to the California wilderness in the midst of theme park adventures. Here […] Read more…
 Source: Farm 2 May 1998 – October 2003 LOCATION Tomorrowland – The American Space Experience could be found at the front of Tomorrowland, on the lower level of the former Circarama building. Today, this space is part of the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters attraction, gift shop, and fast pass distribution area. BACKGROUND After decades of slow […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 16, 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 does buying a ticket work? Where do I go, what do I need? (submitted by Angela) You have two options when it […] Read more…
I’m sorry for sounding like a broken record, but this month was kind of crazy at the Disneyland Resort! AP days, fires, concerts…and one new restaurant that’s causing a bit of hysteria. Let’s try to recap February madness at the happiest place on earth. CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL California Adventure brought back a popular event this year: […] Read more…
 Source: Disney Pix July 1966 – May 1996 LOCATION New Orleans Square – The One-Of-A-Kind shop had an ideal location in New Orleans Square, right at the front corner. Guests arriving from Frontierland would spot the shop on the left side, just beyond the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean. Today, this space houses Port Royal, […] Read more…
It’s hard to believe it, but today’s post marks number 500 on Duchess of Disneyland. Since I started this blog in December 2013, it has grown and changed so much. But one thing that remains the same is my seemingly endless need to learn more about the happiest place on earth – and share it! […] Read more…
The Haunted Mansion boasts 999 happy haunts, roaming its chilly halls and dancing through its ballroom. But what started the haunting? Why is the Haunted Mansion haunted? During development for the attraction, Imagineers floated tons of different ideas. There were tales of murder, abandonment, jealousy, limbo…all the ingredients for a great ghost story. But in […] Read more…
If I had to pick the most magical land in Disneyland, I’d have to choose Fantasyland. Every single thing in the land, from the trash cans to the weather vanes, is perfectly detailed and ornately decorated. These pieces all work together to create an atmosphere perfect for princesses, flying elephants, and rambunctious toads. Here are just […] Read more…
Disneyland fans have been anxiously (or begrudgingly) awaiting the arrival of GOTG in Hollywood Land. And now, we have a date: May 27th. But we also have a brand new seasonal event to mark the occasion: the Summer of Heroes! Like Season of the Force in Tomorrowland, the Summer of Heroes will be a temporary overlay of […] Read more…
May 2011 – present LOCATION Paradise Gardens Park – Seaside Souvenirs overlooks Paradise Bay, on the northern side of the shore. You’ll find it in between The Little Mermaid and the Corn Dog Castle; the shop is an open building with a round exterior. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Miscellaneous character toys, accessories, and park souvenirs, […] Read more…
The Genie’s magic lamp has to be one of the most famous Disney artifacts of all time. Everyone knows the rule: rub the lamp, and you get to make three wishes. But what happens if you stumble across Aladdin’s Other Lamp? If you explore the bazaar in Adventureland, you may find a dimly lit corner with […] Read more…
 Source: MouseInfo July 1991 – June 1996, October 1998 – July 2004 LOCATION Fantasyland – The one-of-a-kind villain gift shop loomed within central Fantasyland, in the shadow of the castle. When crossing the drawbridge, guests would find the shop immediately to the right, in the stone hall before Peter Pan’s Flight. Today this space has […] Read more…
June 2016 – present LOCATION Grizzly Peak – Soarin’ occupies the largest building in Grizzly Peak, so it’s hard to miss. If you turn into the forested land from Buena Vista Street, you’ll see the entrance on the right, just beyond the Smokejumper’s Grill. BACKGROUND Soarin’ Over California, the predecessor to Around The World, had […] Read more…
 Source: MouseInfo October 2006 – August 2012 LOCATION Fantasyland – The Enchanted Cottage was part of the original Fantasy Faire, a princess meet & greet inside Fantasyland Theatre. Today, the theater is home to Mickey and the Magical Map. The Enchanted Cottage remains, though it has been re-themed as the Troubadour Tavern. EXPERIENCE Details: Service […] Read more…