Compared to recent event-packed months, April was actually a little sleepy at the Disneyland Resort. However, the month did still bring some new updates, teasers of what’s coming…and one very bizarre guest incident. Let’s jump right into the recap. 70TH ANNIVERSARY FOODIE GUIDE As I shared in my recent post, Disneyland turns 70 this summer, […] Read more…
March 2023 – present LOCATION Mickey’s Toontown – As you enter and head up the hill to the main street, follow the main path to the left. You’ll spot Donald’s Duck Pond on your left, just after Goofy’s Playhouse. BACKGROUND Since opening in 1993, Donald’s home (in whatever form) in Mickey’s Toontown has always been […] Read more…
May 2024 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Paseo is in the epicenter of Downtown Disney, so it’s easy to direct yourself to. Whether you’re coming from the parks side or the hotels side of the district, just walk to ward the middle (the large circular courtyard). You’ll see Paseo on the southern side, next […] Read more…
 Source: Disneyland Resort Disneyland is turning 70 in July, and the celebration is about to begin. From little surprises to completely new shows, the anniversary will be packed with fun and extra magic. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or visiting for the first time, you’ll be sure to find something exciting to experience during the […] Read more…
Right at the front of Main Street USA, Disneyland’s City Hall proudly welcomes guests into the park every day. Even if you haven’t paid much attention to it, you’ve undoubtedly seen the building as you entered or exited the park. But if you stop to take a closer look, this unassuming building is an important […] Read more…
 Source: Yesterland February 2001 – late 2001 LOCATION Hollywood Land – Hollywood & Dine occupied Backlot Stage 12 in Hollywood Land, off the main drag (not far from where Monsters, Inc. is now). Today, this space is largely underutilized, most recently used for Black Panther meet and greets. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service […] Read more…
If you’ve ever walked through a Disney theme park and marveled at the magic around every corner, chances are Marty Sklar had something to do with it. For over five decades, Marty was at the heart of Disney Imagineering, helping to create and expand parks all over the world. With his memoir, Dream It! Do […] Read more…
Ever since Critter Country evolved into Bayou Country, I’ve been on the hunt for the new hidden gems that always pop up with new theming. And one of my favorites I stumbled upon can be found in Ray’s Berets, the cute little hat shop tucked in the foothills of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Enter the shop, […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 96, 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 there places in the resort you can’t navigate in a wheelchair or electric scooter? (submitted […] Read more…
It’s full-on spring break time at the Disneyland Resort, and the park is HOPPING! Big crowds, big announcements, and a big ticket offer hit the resort in March. Let’s dive into the recap. A MAGICAL SURPRISE DURING 90s NITE Guests attending 90s Nite on March 4 got a very special surprise. On top of the […] Read more…
Every time you step into Disneyland, you are entering a world that has been carefully crafted by a skilled team that blends engineering with creativity. One contributor – towering both literally and figuratively – is the legendary Claude Coats. Known as “The Gentle Giant,” Coats was a master of mood, color, and immersive design, both […] Read more…
Every now and then, I like to compile snapshots that don’t necessarily fit into a full blog post but still feel might be interesting enough to share. These photos often make me reflect on some little detail I never noticed before, or call out a part of the park I need to explore further and […] Read more…
May 2024 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Tiendita is basically at the center point of the district, so it’s easy to find. If you’re coming from the Disneyland Hotel side or Downtown Disney parking, just follow the path toward Céntrico; you’ll find Tiendita on the southern side of the circular courtyard. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type […] Read more…
There’s something softer about Paradise Gardens Park after sundown. Maybe it’s all the gentler lighting compared to the neon of Pixar Pier and Cars Land. Maybe it’s the open walkways along the water. Or maybe it’s the numerous places where you can grab a drink and snack and just people watch. Whatever it is, the […] Read more…