Feature Destinations
ANAHEIM
300C FEATURE DESTINATION: Anaheim California
Anaheim, California is probably most famous as the home of Disneyland, the first Disney theme park, known around the world as “The Happiest Place on Earth”, but there is much more family fun to be found in and around this city in Orange County, California.
In addition to Disneyland with its many “lands”, rides and attractions which grow in popularity year by year, there is Disney’s California Adventure. This spectacular addition occupies about 55 acres of the original 100 acre Disneyland parking lot. Located immediately to the south of the Magic Kingdom, this entirely separate, gated
paradise features all the best of California in condensed form.
The themed areas within California Adventure include an authentic replica of a California seaside resort, complete with a Boardwalk and “ocean front” amusement park. There is a roller coaster, aptly names California Screamin’, and other rides. There is “Cannery Row” area representing Monterey, a hint of Tinseltown in the Hollywood Studios backlot, a high desert aviation area named Condor Flats, an agricultural section called Bountiful Valley, and daily wine tasting with the Mondavi family from Napa Valley. Finally, there is a wilderness area called Redwood Creek which features the symbol for the entire park, Grizzly Peak. This outcropping in the shape of a bear’s head has a white-water rafting adventure. Also included within the park itself is the Grand Californian Hotel, themed as a wilderness lodge in the architectural style of the historically significant National Parks lodges.
Enjoy sizzling steaks, seafood, exotic entrees, desserts, and a wide range of beverages, including wine and beer at the cafes and restaurants in the Disney parks. From All-American offerings to the authentic flavours of Asia, Mexico and Italy, finding a great meal is easy !
In addition to the Disneyland theme parks, there is Knott’s Berry Farm, which began in the 1930s as a roadside stand offering Mrs. Knott’s homemade pies and delicious chicken dinners. Today, it is a theme park with over 165 shows, attractions, and high tech rides for thrill seekers of all ages.
For film lovers, Universal Studios Hollywood (about 35 miles from Anaheim) features rides based on many of its most famous films, such as Back to the Future, Jurrasic Park, and Spiderman. Knott’s Soak City USA provides hours of family entertainment with over 20 water rides. Medievial
Times places dinner guests in the role of medievial royalty. Jousting tournaments occur nightly as guests dine in the midst of the pageantry and action.
After touring the theme parks, there are museums and cultural attractions to enjoy. The local art museums offer original and rare works of art. The Crystal Cathedral, the largest glass building in the world is located 2 miles from Disneyland. Two memorable pageants, complete with live animals, are presented there each year. SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Catalina Island, Legoland, and the Long Beach Aquarium are area attractions well worth visiting. For thrill rides visit 6 Flags California near Los Angeles.
Anaheim is located approxiamtely 30 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and 90 miles north of San Diego. Its central location makes it an excellent place to select as a base for a Southern California vacation. Well organized tours are available from Anaheim to top attractions in every direction. A vacation in Anaheim will fulfill the children’s dreams, and build a library of pleasant memories for the family that will last a lifetime.
Anaheim City Information
Population: 285,477
Time Zone: Anaheim is located in the Pacific Time Zone. When it is noon in New York City, it is 9:00 AM in Anaheim.
Average Temperatures: Month High Low
January 63F 47F
February 63F 48F
March 64F 50F
April 66F 53F
May 67F 56F
June 69F 59F
July 73F 63F
August 74F 64F
September 73F 62F
October 71F 57F
November 69F 52F
December 65F 48F
When to Visit: Almost any time is the right time to go to Anaheim; the climate is mild and pleasant year-round. There is a rainy season from November – March (heaviest usually in January). Summers are almost rainless.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President’s Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day last Mon. in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve Dec. 31
Telephones: The country code for the United States is 1. The area codes for Anaheim and Orange County are 714, 949, and 562.
Getting There
By Air
The county’s main facility is John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA), which is served by 10 major domestic airlines and 4 commuter lines. It is an ultra modern facility, complete with a statue of its namesake. Its relatively small size makes it easy to negotiate.Long Beach Airport (LGB) serves four airlines, including its major player, jetBlue. It’s smaller and more low-key than John Wayne; but parking is plentiful and readily accessible. Allow 20-30 minutes by car from Anaheim.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 35 mi west of Anaheim.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is just northwest of Riverside, 30 mi north of Anaheim.
By Bus
The Los Angeles MTA ( 213/626-4455, www.mta.net) has limited service to Orange County. From downtown los Angeles, Bus 460 goes to Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland Resort.
Greyhound 714/999-1256 or 800/231-2222.
By Car
Anaheim is 95 miles North of San Diego.
From San Diego, take I-5 north. For the Disneyland Resort, exit at Disney Way; dedicated off ramps from both the right hand lane and the left-hand commuter lane lead into the attractions’ parking lots and surrounding streets. The drive from downtown San Diego takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in average traffic. (Avoid rush hour)
By Train
Amtrak ( 800/USA-RAIL) Trains go to Anaheim daily from San Diego. The trip takes about 2 hours; a bus shuttles passengers from the Anaheim train station to the Disneyland Resort. Amtrak also offers 1-day and 5-day excursion packages.
Getting Around
By Car
A car is a must in Orange County. Traffic is not a major problem, especially if you avoid rush hours (7-9 AM and 3-7 PM). Seat belts must be worn by all passengers at all times.
Amtrak
800/USA-RAIL (371-5465). Orange County stations located at Fullerton, Anaheim Stadium, Santa Ana, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente Pier.
Greyhound
714/999-1256 or 800/231-2222
Metrolink
800/371-LINK (5465)
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
714/636-RIDE (7433). Public bus transportation.
Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA)
213/626-4455 or 800/COMMUTE (266-6883)
Caltrans Transportation Hotline
800/427-7623
Anaheim Resort Transit
714-400-9550
When you consider parking fees and shuttling from a car to the theme parks, ART is a convenient and affordable way to travel within the Resort area.
ART (Anaheim Resort Transit). ART provides shuttle service from area hotels to Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Downtown Disney, Anaheim Convention Center and throughout the 1100-acre Anaheim Resort District. ART is a fare-based system with bargains on one-day, two-day, and five-day unlimited use passes. Children nine and under ride free.
Anaheim Attractions & Things To Do
Anaheim Resort Area
Disneyland
1313 S. Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA
The Happiest Place on Earth” is an enchanted kingdom of fantasy and imagination filled with family-friendly attractions and entertainment, dining and shopping.
Disneyland is divided into eight theme “landsâ€Â, each of which has a number of rides and attractions that are somehow related to the theme of that geographic designation.
Main Street U.S.A.
At the park’s entrance, Main Street U.S.A. is a picture perfect version of small town America. The streets are lined with gift shops, candy stores, a soda fountain, and a silent theater that runs early Mickey Mouse films. There is an information booth to the left of the main entrance which has a schedule of the day’s events.
Adventureland
Adventureland is home to several popular rides with the theme of the most exotic regions of Asia, Africa, India, and the South Pacific Among these are:
Tarzan’s Treehouse Jungle Cruise, (aboard a Mississippi River-style paddleboat)
*Enchanted Tiki Room *20-minute musical show
Indiana Jones Adventure, Riders follow Indiana Jones in all-terrain vehicles and experience the bubbling lava pits, whizzing arrows, fire-breathing serpents, collapsing bridges, and a tumbling boulder.
New Orleans Square: A large grass filled park illuminated by gas lamps, New Orleans Square is home to the Haunted Mansion. The
Pirates of the Caribbean, one of Disneyland’s most popular rides, has visitors float on boats through underground caves, entering an enchanting world of pirates and buried treasure. At the Blue Bayou Restaurant, located in the depths of the ride, you can eat surrounded by cool moonlight and listen to the sound of crickets.
Critter Country is a version of Frontierland. Older children and grown-ups love Splash Mountain, one of the largest water flume rides in the world. Loosely based on the Disney movie Song of the South, the ride is lined with about 100 characters that serenade with “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” Riders paddle around in log boats and often get sprayed or dunked.
Frontierland—Inspired by 19th-century America, Frontierland features a raft to Tom Sawyer’s Island and a play area with balancing rocks, caves, and a rope bridge. There is also a petting zoo and a log cabin for the family to explore.
In season, Frontierland presents Rivers of America This fascinating spectacle mixes magic, music, live performers, and sensational special effects. Mickey Mouse uses his magical powers to create giant water fountains, enormous flowers, and fantasy creatures. A 45-foot-tall dragon breathes fire and lights up the water of the Rivers of America.
Mickey’s Toontown: This is a colorful world of cartoon characters inspired by the “Roger Rabbit” films; a land populated by ‘toons. There are several rides, including Roger Rabbit’s CarToonSpin, but Toontown itself is the main attraction.
Fantasyland : A land with a storybook theme. Most of the rides are designed for children under age 6, You’ll also find Alice in Wonderland, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, and more.
It’s a Small World is a slower moving indoor river ride through a confection-filled panorama as the world’s children sing It’s a Small World.
Matterhorn Bobsleds gives a roller coaster ride through chilled caverns and drifting fog banks. It is one of the park’s most popular rides.
Tomorrowland Conceived as an optimistic look at the future, Tomorrowland is designed in the stark, metallic look popularized by futurists such as Jules Verne. Long-time Tomorrowland favorites include Space Mountain and Star Tours, the original Disney-George Lucas joint venture. It’s a 40-passenger StarSpeeder that encounters a a series of challenges on the way to the Moon of Endor, achieved with wired seats and video effects
Disney’s California Adventure
Opened on February 8, 2001, Disney’s California Adventure occupies about 55 acres of the original 100 acre Disneyland parking lot. Located immediately to the south of the Magic Kingdom, this entirely separate gated attraction features all the best of California in condensed form.
The entrance to California Adventure is under a jaunty rendition of the Golden Gate Bridge flanked by two tiled murals representing California’s riches. Disney designers traveled throughout the state while drafting California Adventure. The result is a celebration of the brightest and best that California offers (past and present)
The themed areas within include an area representing a seaside resort, complete with a Boardwalk and “ocean front†amusement park, with a roller coaster, California Screamin’, and other rides, a “Cannery Row” area representing the Monterey area, something of Tinsel town with the Hollywood Studios backlot, a high desert aviation area named Condor Flats, an area for agriculture called Bountiful Valley and wine tasting with the Mondavi family from Napa Valley. Finally, a wilderness area, Redwood Creek, featuring the symbol for the entire park, Grizzly Peak (it’s a rocky outcropping in the shape of a bear head) which has a white-water rafting adventure. Also included within the park itself is the Grand Californian Hotel, themed as a wilderness lodge in the architectural style of the National Parks lodges.
Soarin’ Over California in Condor Flats is a favorite. This is a theatre attraction that lifts each guest 20 degrees up and down. Participants soar, as though on a hang glider, over the most scenic and exciting places in California, including Yosemite, the Golden Gate, the Central Valley, the coast, San Diego, Los Angeles and Disneyland, along with other locales. You can feel the wind in your face, and each guest “glider” moves and tilts in full compliance with the scenes above, below, and to each side.
Paradise Pier
Paradise Pier is the amusement park section of Disney’s California Adventure. On the surface, it looks like a seaside recreation park from years gone by, but beneath the veneer are state-of-the-art thrill rides and amusements and midway games along the boardwalk at the edge of the lagoon. Paradise Pier lights up at night with thousands of lights and visual effects.
Knott’s Soak City USA
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park
The park is a 10-minute ride north on I-5 from Disneyland. From I-5 or Calif. 91, exit south onto Beach Boulevard. The park is about half a mile south of Calif. 91.
Open May through September
Orange County’s wildest water adventure park! Thirteen water-logged acres packed with 21 of the most intense water rides, all themed to the surf woodies and longboards of the 1950s Southern California coast.
Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park
8039 Beach Blvd.
714/220-5200
Buena Park. The park is a 10-minute ride north on I-5 from Disneyland. From I-5 or Calif. 91, exit south onto Beach Boulevard. About 1/2 mile south of Calif. 91.
Knott’s Berry Farm’s hours vary both during the week and week to week, so call ahead. The park is usually open during the summer daily from 9am to midnight.. Special hours and prices are in effect during Knott’s Scary Farm in late October (a hugely popular event). Stage shows and special activities are scheduled throughout the day. Pick up a schedule at the ticket booth.
This park focuses on newer and faster thrill rides that target Southern California youths and families instead. With 165 fast-paced amusement rides, shows and attractions. Enjoy Wild West stunt shows, thrilling roller coaster rides, and the children’s favorite: Camp Snoopy.
Ripley’s “Belive it or Not!” Museum
7850 Beach Blvd, Buena Park
At Ripley’s, visitors are challenged by the unique and the bizarre. The museum has assembled a collection of real-life phenomena and scores of curiosities that are very strange and also mystifyingly true. Some of the items are even quite beautiful!
The Motts Miniatures Museum & Dollhouse Shop
7900 La Palma Ave.
Buena Park
Just up the street from Knott’s Berry Farm
The museum showcases the History of America in miniature from the Pilgrims to modern times. Some exhibits are so small that they must be viewed under magnifying glasses. There are dressed fleas, rice carvings, 350 hand-carved ivory elephants in a bean shell, portraits of U.S. Presidents on the heads of pins, the world’s smallest folding pocket knife, and more.
Richard Nixon Library
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd
714/993-5075
Fax: 714/993-3393
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11am-5pm
This presidential library, located in Nixon’s boyhood town, celebrates the roots, life, and legacy of America’s 37th President. The 9-acre site contains the modest farmhouse where Nixon was born, manicured flower gardens, a modern museum housing presidential archives, and the final resting place of Mr. Nixon and his wife, Pat.
Anaheim Indoor Market
1440 S. Anaheim Blvd. The marketplace, Orange County’s largest indoor swap meet, has more than 200 stores selling merchandise at 50 percent to 70 percent below retail price. It is open six days a week, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed on Tuesdays.
The marketplace has a food court, and shoppers can enjoy mariachi music, 3-5 p.m. Saturdays, and live concerts, 1-4 p.m. Sundays.
Believe it or not, you can also watch professional wrestling in the marketplace’s back lot arena, 1-4 p.m. Sundays.
Call: (714) 999-0888.
Anaheim Museum
241 S. Anaheim Blvd.
714-778-3301
10 a.m.-4 Wednesday-Friday; noon-4 Saturday, and by appointment Sunday-Tuesday.
The Anaheim Museum houses a combination of history, culture, and art in its 1908 building. Children can visit the Communications Room for interactive activities. The Anaheim Room has displays of pictures and tools essential to Anaheim’s settlers.
The Farmers Market and Crafts Fair, at Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street. Every Thursday 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Farmers Market features more than 60 vendors selling fruit, vegetables, baked goods, flowers and craftwork.
Call: (714) 956-3586.
Hobby City,
1238 S. Beach Blvd.
Families can enjoy 10 acres of hobby, craft and collector shops. A half-scale replica of the White House offers rare dolls and toys. Hobby City also has a theme park called Adventure City, where children can enjoy rides, face painting and puppet shows.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
(Los Angeles County)
(562) 590-3100.
This internationally renowned aquarium creatively examines the treasures of the Pacific Ocean, the planet’s largest, most diverse body of water. The Aquarium of the Pacific explores three regions of the Pacific Ocean: the Southern California/Baja Pacific, the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific. The aquarium features futuristic design and technology.
Discovery Science Center
This 59,000-square-foot facility is filled with fun, hands-on exhibits for children and adults. Visitors can experience an earthquake in the “Shake Shack,” lie on a bed of 3,500 nails, walk through a tornado, engage in live science demonstrations, watch a 3-D laser show and more.
Crystal Cathedral
The Crystal Cathedral is situated in Garden Grove less than two miles from Disneyland. Located at the southwest corner of Chapman Avenue and Lewis Street between Harbor Boulevard and The City Drive.
Guided tours every half-hour, Monday through Saturday, from 9 -3:30. Sunday church services are at: 9:30 AM and 11 AM, plus an Hispanic (Spanish-speaking) service at 12:45 PM, and an evening (English-speaking) service at 6:30 PM.
Each year, the Crystal Cathedral presents two major pageants: The Glory of Christmas. (in December), and The Glory of Easter (in March). These feature a cast of 200 in Biblical period costumes, a choir, angels, live animals, and joyous music from a 70-piece orchestra.
The largest glass building in the world, the Cathedral was built by the Rev. Robert Schuller. Schuller started out in 1955, as pastor of California’s first “drive-in” church, in Garden Grove. It was originally located in a drive-in movie theatre, and Rev. Schuller preached from the roof of the concession stand. After his radio broadcasting success, Rev. Schuller opened the Crystal Cathedral in 1980.
Universal Studios
Located in Universal City, Hollywood, about a 40 minute drive northwest of Anaheim
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City
Hours fluctuate seasonally. Open everyday except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Universal Studios Hollywood, the world’s largest movie studio and theme park, allows guests an exhilarating opportunity to experience a genuine working movie studio through their thrill rides, one-of-a-kind attractions and live shows based on movies actually filmed at its fully functioning movie studio.
Themed rides and shows propel the visitor into the exciting worlds of their favorite movies. Among these are the new rock n’ roll Spider-Man Rocks, the popular Mummy Returns: Chamber of Doom or the monster plunge of Jurassic Park: The Ride, plus more attractions and shows.
Anaheim Family Fun Attractions
All attractions in Anaheim are family oriented .
Knott’s Berry Farm
With 165 exciting rides, shows and attractions, it’s no wonder that Knott’s Berry Farm is the nation’s most popular independent themed amusement park. Enjoy wild west stunt shows, thrilling roller coasters, and the children’s favorite, Camp Snoopy.
The Motts Miniatures Museum & Dollhouse ShopTM
The museum showcases the History of America in miniature from the Pilgrims to modern times. Some exhibits are so small that they must be viewed under magnifying glasses. There are dressed fleas, rice carvings, 350 hand-carved ivory elephants in a bean shell, portraits of U.S. Presidents on the heads of pins, the world’s smallest folding pocket knife, and more.
Disneyland
The “Happiest Place On Earth” features rides from the Teacups to the Matterhorn. Main Street USA welcomes visitors with a look at America in the19th century. Visitors will enjoy all of the various “lands” and all they have to offer. One of the most visited attractions in the country!
Universal Studios Hollywood
Visitors to Universal Studios can take a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s largest working movie studio. Rides feature the likes of King Kong, ET, and Jaws, and they feature earthquakes and Back to the Future time travel. Shopping and restaurants are also available in abundance.
Legoland California
This new family theme park is especially meant for children 2-12. Most of the attractions in the 128-acre park are kid-powered, requiring youngsters to pedal, pull, push or steer their own way. Of course, the park features the LEGO toys and prominent LEGO constructions like Miniland, a scaled down replica of five regions of the U.S. made of 20 million LEGO bricks. There is also the LEGO Mindstorms learning center featuring computer-equipped facilities utilizing LEGO software. Other attractions include a castle, a roller coaster, a safari adventure, and several boat rides.
Aquarium of the Pacific
This internationally renowned aquarium thrills guests with its creative examination of the infinite, astonishing treasures of the Pacific Ocean, the planet’s largest body of water. The Aquarium of the Pacific explores three regions of the Pacific Ocean: the Southern California/Baja Pacific, the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific. The aquarium features futuristic design and technology.
Discovery Science Center
This 59,000-square-foot facility is filled with hands-on exhibits for children and adults. Visitors can experience an earthquake in the “Shake Shack,” lie on a bed of 3,500 nails, walk through a tornado, engage in live science demonstrations, watch a 3-D laser show and more.
San Diego Zoo
The world famous San Diego Zoo features more than 4,000 rare and exotic animals including pandas, koalas, chimpanzees, and more. Animals are housed in interesting replicas of their natural habitats. The zoo also has nighttime entertainment. On the premises is also a world-renowned botanical garden with over 6,500 species of plants.
Anaheim Events & Entertainment
Anaheim Angels
2000 Gene Autry Way
Anaheim, California 92806
(888)-796-4256 or 714/634-2000
Pro baseball’s Anaheim Angels play at Edison International Field on Gene Autry Way.
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
2695 E. Katella Ave. East Anaheim, Anaheim, CA
714/703-2545;
The National Hockey League’s Mighty Ducks of Anaheim play at Arrowhead Pond in East Anaheim.
Arts and Entertainment
Grove Of Anaheim
2200 E. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA, USA
714/712-2700
Grove of Anaheim is a mid-size concert venue where every seat is a good one. It books bands and an occasional comedy act. Past offerings have included the Gipsy Kings, India.Irie, Willie Nelson, and Blondie.
EventsSt. Boniface Parish Fiesta: This annual event takes place each April. For three days, parishioners and residents treat themselves to a variety of international foods, rides and games. Admission is free. The church is a landmark at the northwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and Harbor Boulevard at 500 W. Chartres St., Anaheim. Information: (714) 956-3110.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta: This annual fiesta in La Palma Park, typically held the first weekend in May, features carnival rides, food booths, entertainment, a soccer tournament, the crowning of a fiesta queen and a Sunday bilingual Mass. One of the biggest festivals held in Anaheim each year since it began in 1968, the fiesta typically draws about 100,000 people throughout the weekend. Information: (714) 765-5191.
Miss Anaheim Scholarship Pageant: This annual scholarship pageant is affiliated with the Miss America Organization. The competition, usually held in February, emphasizes community involvement and volunteerism for its participants. Each contestant must identify a platform, an issue or problem that she would promote during her tenure as Miss Anaheim. The winner goes on to compete for the title of Miss California.
Greek Festival: St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church holds its annual Greek Festival in May. The event features Greek foods, pastries, music and folkdancers, while marketplace vendors sell items ranging from jewelry to religious items, and children can enjoy game booths. The church is at 405 N. Dale St., Anaheim. Information: (714) 827-0181
Anaheim Children’s Art Festival: This daylong, family friendly event held before Memorial Day weekend in late May has grown each year since it was founded by the Anaheim Arts Council in 1997. Held downtown at the Center Street Promenade, it draws about 7,000 people, enabling young and old alike to try their hand at arts-and-crafts projects in booths staffed by Anaheim businesses and organizations. Information: (714) 280-0772
Anaheim Hills Fourth of July Festival and Parade: This annual event in Peralta Park, held since 1978, includes a parade, 5K/10K run/walk, pancake breakfast, dog show, food and game booths and entertainment capped by a fireworks show that lights up the sky above the canyons. The event is run by the Canyon Hills Community Council. If the Hills is too far to go, or the crowds are too big, you can usually see holiday fireworks displays over Disneyland and Edison Field from locations throughout the city. Information: (714) 765-5191
Anaheim Fall Festival: A scaled-down version of the former weekend-long Halloween Festival that once featured two parades (one of which was televised) and a carnival. These days, the Fall Festival, at the downtown Center Street Promenade, is typically held the Saturday before Halloween. It features a smaller parade, pancake breakfast, rides, games and live entertainment. The festival was revived in 1995. Information: (714) 956-3586
Nutcracker Holiday: A new addition to Anaheim, the Nutcracker Holiday is held the first Saturday in December at the Center Street Promenade near Disney ICE. It features strolling musicians and carolers, a visit from Santa Claus and a tree-lighting ceremony. The event is sponsored by the Nutcracker Holiday Committee and the Downtown Anaheim Association. (714) 956-3586.
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