Anaheim Mini Guide
What Can you Tell me About Anaheim?
It was founded in the 19th century by fifty German families who had set out from
San Francisco to stake a claim for land. The city’s name Anaheim means ‘home on the Ana’ (river) in German. It rapidly developed commercially becoming an important electronics producing region, part of the ‘Silicon Valley’ ideal. Its real claim to fame though is that it’s home to Disneyland, the original Disney theme park. Much of Anaheim is now turned over to
Disney and its hotels and the corporation employs thousands of people in the Anaheim district. A little known fact is that White House restaurant in the city was voted the third best place in the states to find romance.
How do I get to Anaheim?
If you’re prepared to take an internal flight then
John Wayne Airport in
Orange County is your closest airport, about 25 minutes away. Roughly twice as far away is
Los Angeles Airport or LAX as it is known to regular users. Most people hire cars from the airports and the freeway is the easiest route to take to Anaheim, alternatively, you can get a train from LAX or take a taxi.
What is There to See and Do in Anaheim?
You are most likely to be there to visit Disneyland and if you’re travelling with kids, there’s no way you’re going to escape it. Once the three day, five day and week passes have exhausted your appetite for Disney, try the
California Adventure Park next door, also Disney operated, the park is a much more proactive visit with tastes of the original California including zip wires, tree climbs, animal enclosures and more. If you can be detached about religion, you should try a trip to the ‘Crystal Cathedral’, a worship centre for an enigmatic preacher. The building is almost entirely made of glass.
What Should I Buy in Anaheim?
Disney memorabilia probably says it all. A random search of bags at LAX revealed that over 75% of people leaving California had a Disney soft toy in their luggage! There are also Disney snow globes, china, books etc., the list is endless.
What Should I Eat When in Anaheim?
Whilst within Disneyworld you’ll be faced with a barrage of fast food like McDonalds, Wimpy, Wendy’s etc. in the resort area there are a number of excellent restaurants serving a range of food from across the world. The favourite seems to be the Hawaiian restaurant that mixes Hawaiian with Asian for a delicious dining experience.
How about Festivals and Celebrations?
Don’t forget the ‘4th of July’ style Disney parade daily at Disneyworld. After seeing the procession of floats, the characters, the music and the fireworks, no other celebration will ever compare. For something different, the renowned Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park has many agricultural based celebrations throughout the year.