If you have ever met a succession of princesses in the Fantasy Faire or watched Mary Poppins ride the King Arthur Carrousel, you know that characters are such an important piece of Disneyland’s storytelling. The special moments characters create often become some of visitors’ best trip memories. But characters weren’t always so seamless to interact […] Read more…
February 2025 – present Downtown Disney – Seoul Sister is a little spot on the western side of Downtown Disney. To find the restaurant, head toward the resort hotels side of the district, near the Monorail Station. You’ll see Seoul Sister across the walkway, within the Parkside Market space. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick […] Read more…
When you look back at concept art for the original Disneyland areas, many look radically different from the final product, even on opening day. But an exception to this rule might just be Adventureland. While not every concept image is a precise match, you can absolutely see the core themes or spirit or whatever you […] Read more…
Six weeks to go until my work’s holiday shutdown, and I can’t wait! I think most (if not all) of us are ready for a break and a little cheer this year. If you’re one to sprinkle in some Disneyland magic with your holiday shopping, I’ve gathered some of my favorite items this season that […] Read more…
It’s been a while since I went through my photos and shared some park snapshots! I absolutely love looking back at photos, and based on my DMs, you’re all really enjoying this series too. So here are some more pictures from around the resort to brighten your Tuesday. The back trail through Grizzly Peak is […] Read more…
July 2024 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Din Tai Fung is on the western side of the district, making it a convenient stop near the hotels. To find it, head toward the Downtown Disney Monorail station and keep walking toward the hotels. You’ll see it on your left, just before the entrance to the […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 103, 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. Can I bring a backpack into the park? (submitted by Georgia) Yes, so long as it’s […] Read more…
The transition from Halloween to the holidays at Disneyland comes fast. Like…blink and Main Street is suddenly wearing a sweater and offering peppermint everything fast. Starting tomorrow, bunting and pumpkins will quietly (and then not-so-quietly) disappear overnight, as garlands and twinkly lights take their place. But October had plenty happening before the witch hats go […] Read more…
Hello, happy haunts! Halloween is just days away, but it feels like it’s been here for a while with the long season Disneyland dedicates to it. From the sold-out Oogie Boogie Bashes to villains roaming the parks to all kinds of special treats, the 2025 season was as big as ever. Take a moment to […] Read more…
I write a lot about hidden gems on this blog; they’re forever my favorite part of Disneyland. And sometimes, those hidden gems are especially exciting to find…because they only appear for a limited window each year. Today’s post is about one of those seasonal details…the Brakes Motel. To find this hidden gem, start at the […] Read more…
Tucked into the lively streets of Hollywood Land, the Hyperion Theater stands tall and proud, a grand stage where California Adventure brings its stories to life (that is, when it’s not sadly dormant like it is now!). While most guests race toward rides or snacks, the Hyperion quietly celebrates something different: the magic of live […] Read more…
From time to time (especially around Halloween), I’ll get some DMs or emails asking the same question: Is Disneyland haunted? While I personally am a major skeptic (and don’t believe any place is haunted), there are some very prevalent ghost stories out there, some experiences allegedly shared by many people. So to celebrate spooky season, […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The Candy Palace is located nearly dead-center on Main Street USA. To find the shop, walk from the train station toward the castle. You’ll see the marquee on your left, just after the Penny Arcade. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Handmade candies and sweets Price Range – […] Read more…
December 2024 – present LOCATION New Orleans Square – Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond sits at the edge of New Orleans Square, overlooking the water. To find the shop, head to the Haunted Mansion. Keep walking past the entrance, following the fence line, and you’ll see the shop on the right, just beyond the home’s exit. […] Read more…