January 2001 – present LOCATION The Grand Californian bumps up against Grizzly Peak in California Adventure. The hotel is accessible from inside California Adventure, by the Grizzly River Run, or through Downtown Disney, across the walkway from Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. BACKGROUND In the late 90s, Disneyland announced plans to massively expand Disneyland, finally turning […] Read more…
With the official retirement of Paradise Pier last week, I’ve been looking through some of my photos from the boardwalk. This beautiful land didn’t skimp on the details, and the Victorian theming wasn’t its only nod to the past. In fact, one of the shop signs paid tribute to a 1960s Disney classic: The Jungle Book. […] Read more…
This winter, Disneyland announced plans for a new after-hours event series: Disneyland After Dark. Each event will have its own unique theme, and require a separate ticket ($95), like Mickey’s Halloween Party. The first event, happening on January 18, will be Throwback Nite. Source: Disneyland Today For this retro party, guests are encouraged to dress […] Read more…
When you’re shrinking to the size of a bug, details matter. That’s why no matter where you go in A Bug’s Land, you’re sure to find amazing little features that fully immerse you in the land. From the towering clovers to the plant roots built into walls, every inch of A Bug’s Land helps create […] Read more…
May 2017 – present LOCATION Avengers Campus – Mission: BREAKOUT! stands at the end of Avengers Campus, next to Hollywood Land. To get to this attraction the fastest, follow Hollywood Land’s main street, and turn right at the Hyperion Theater. The building is hard to miss; it’s the largest structure in the Disneyland Resort. BACKGROUND […] Read more…
2008 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – This shop has the distinction of being the only retail space actually inside the castle. If you walk through the drawbridge, you’ll see the entrance on your left. If you approach from greater Fantasyland, head to the right side of the castle. You’ll see the shop between the drawbridge […] Read more…
Source: Wikimedia September 2001 – August 2004 LOCATION Hollywood Land – Who Wants To Be A Millionaire occupied Hollywood Land’s soundstage, in the backlot section of the area. The entrance sat to the left of Monsters, Inc., behind Sunset Boulevard (the main walkway). Today, this space rotates purposes for seasonal events. BACKGROUND California Adventure faced […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 26, 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. My daughters met Santa in Critter Country this year, and were so excited but the line was really long. For future reference, are there […] Read more…
We’re just days away from 2018, and there’s so much on the horizon for the Disneyland Resort. The new year will bring in a new land, new attractions, and take us one step closer to the highly anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. But the park has definitely not been sitting quietly in waiting mode. Celebrating […] Read more…
As 2017 comes to a close, Disneyland is ending its holiday season with a bang. If you’re visiting the Disneyland Resort on December 31, you’ll get an extra dose of Disney magic to ring in the new year. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve with Mickey. LEVEL SET This […] Read more…
November 1988 – April 2024 LOCATION Critter Country – The Briar Patch was somewhat hidden in the sloping trails into Critter Country. You’d find this little cottage on the left-hand side of Critter Country’s main walkway, across from the Hungry Bear Restaurant. EXPERIENCE Critter Country’s hat shop clearly once belonged to Brer Rabbit; he hung […] Read more…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Disneyland is magical all year long, but there’s just something extra special about the holidays. From Main Street‘s glittering tree to Frontierland‘s rustic garlands – I can’t get enough of the holiday decor. But the cheer extends beyond the decorations – Main Street USA offers hand-pulled candy […] Read more…
February 2017 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – If you enter Fantasyland through the castle, keep left. You’ll see the Taverne around the first corner, beyond the exit for Pinocchio. If you are coming from Frontierland, you’ll see the patio on your right, after the bathrooms. And if you’re coming to Fantasyland from the Matterhorn side, […] Read more…
Note: this post covers Disneyland’s refurbishment “season”, from January-March. For current scheduled closures, please visit here. Each year, Disneyland schedules routine maintenance and refurbishments on their attractions. These keep attractions safe, scenery pristine, and guests happy! For most of the year, these refurbishments are staggered and spread out to prevent too many closures. But during […] Read more…