Happy July! The heat is here, the crowds are here, and Disneyland is fully into its 70th anniversary celebration. Let’s take a look back at this month across the Disneyland Resort. AUTOPIA BRIEFLY DERAILS The month kicked off with a bizarre incident over in Tomorrowland. One June 4, one of the Autopia cars managed to […] Read more…
November 2024 – present Bayou Country – When you first arrive in Bayou Country from New Orleans Square, you will see the mountain on your left. The entrance is tucked away on the right side of the structure, just across the walkway from Winnie the Pooh. BACKGROUND Originally, this mountain was famously Splash Mountain, themed […] Read more…
There’s a famous hidden gem above Main Street’s fire station: Walt’s Lamp. The idea is that it stays illuminated permanently, to symbolize Walt’s spirit staying in the park. So when I started to notice an always-on light in California Adventure, I started to wonder if it had special meaning too. Head over to Hollywood Land […] Read more…
If you’ve ever been curious about how storytelling and technology come together to create a Disney ride, David Mumpower has written the book for you. This book dives deep into the challenges, creativity, and innovation behind many of Disneyland (and other Disney parks) attractions, and how Imagineering shapes these experiences for guests. PREMISE Behind the […] Read more…
Source: Daveland Web March 1956 – mid 1963 LOCATION Tomorrowland – The Dutch Boy Paint Gallery sat at the front of Tomorrowland, not far from the primary entrance off Main Street. Today, its approximate footprint is part of the Star Tours building. BACKGROUND When Disneyland first opened in 1955, Tomorrowland was the least developed of […] Read more…
I talk a lot about hidden gems on this blog (it’s my favorite subject!), but there may be none as hyper-specific than the topic of today’s post. This is the kind of hidden gem that if you spot it and point it out to your family, they’ll probably be confused and…not that interested. But if […] Read more…
March 2023 – present LOCATION Mickey’s Toontown – Right as you walk under the bridge and reach the end of the entrance path in Mickey’s Toontown, look to your left, and you’ll find the play yard, just across the walkway from Good Boy! Grocers. BACKGROUND Since its inception, Toontown has always been a land dedicated […] Read more…
Welcome back to another round of park snapshots! This collection includes some older and newer shots, taken across a few different seasons of the year. These posts always get such great feedback in my inbox, so I hope this latest set brings a bit of magic and helps tide you over until your next visit. […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess – Vol. 98, 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 do I get from the Disneyland Hotel to the park entrance? (submitted by Carolyn) The […] Read more…
I swear I blinked – and May came and went. It’s full on summer mode at the Disneyland Resort now, and honestly, once Memorial Day weekend hits I feel like the season has officially arrived! Across the Disneyland Resort, the parks and Downtown Disney are each filling with crowds – and celebrations – as a […] Read more…
Step into the bustling world of Mickey’s Toontown, and you’ll find no shortage of hidden gems and details. Many of those come together under one particular organization, determined to keep these treasures in the public interest. The Toontown Hysterical Society (their version of a historical society) is dedicated to preserving and presenting moments from Toon […] Read more…
Many imagineers leave a mark on one specific attraction or land – really immersing themselves in that creative piece of the Disney puzzle. But a select few have a much broader influence, touching many parks throughout the course of their careers. Herbert Ryman falls into the latter category, leaving his artistic fingerprint across the wide […] Read more…
It’s been quite a while since I shared a craft project on the blog. When on a recent craft store trip, I saw some glittery paper that reminded me of a craft project I used to do with kids I babysat as a teenager that could easily be Disney-fied…a DIY fireworks display! You just need […] Read more…
I think San Fransokyo Square looks its best at night. The glowing lanterns reflecting on the water, the restaurant signs lit up in bold colors…it’s so inviting and always smells great during peak meal times! As the night goes on, this area gets quieter and quieter too. It’s the perfect place to sit for a […] Read more…