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…
Spring is both a positive and a negative change at the Disneyland Resort. The rain subsides, flowers bloom, characters come out of hibernation…but so do the crowds. Spring break time is one of the busiest times of year to visit the parks, and this month was no exception. Just look at the crowds to get […] Read more…
Buena Vista Street is Disney’s reimagining of 1920’s Hollywood – the very decade Walt arrived in California and began what would become his magical empire. Though the buildings, restaurants, and trolleys are all reminiscent of the past, most of the guests on the street really don’t fit into the time period…that is, with one exceptional […] Read more…
If you’ve ever explored the shops on Main Street USA, you know that each has its own distinct personality, its own type of merchandise, and sometimes, its own details and decor. One of the tiniest shops on Main Street is a toy shop, hidden behind a jewelry store and a clothing/accessories store. But this tucked […] Read more…
LOCATION Pacific Wharf – Rita’s Baja Blenders sat in the center of Pacific Wharf. To find this quick service stand, you’d head across the Pacific Wharf bridge, toward the Lucky Fortune Cookery. You’d find Rita’s straight ahead, to the left of Cocina Cucamonga. EXPERIENCE Rita’s Baja Blenders was a quick-service drink spot located along California […] Read more…
Disneyland was Walt Disney’s biggest dream, and was also his most complicated and expensive project. Though Walt always envisioned a park completely independently owned and operated by Disney, he unfortunately couldn’t afford to do that right from the beginning. To offset the cost of building the park, Disney hosted a number of sponsored attractions and […] Read more…
Source: Disney By Mark July 1955 – September 1966 LOCATION Tomorrowland – The Space Bar sat in the rear of Tomorrowland, to the right of Autopia. Today, this area is part of Tomorrowland’s huge circular building, home to Innoventions and the Star Wars Launch Bay. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service Seating – adjacent […] Read more…
BASIC INFO App Name: Magic Kingdoms Company Name: Disney App Price: Free Free version: N/A HOW IT WORKS Mickey Mouse, the beloved caretaker of the Magic Kingdom, suddenly finds himself in trouble when Maleficent takes control, turning the park into a “playground for evil”. Now Mickey needs your help to bring happiness back to the […] Read more…