Plan Your Trip to Anaheim: Best of Anaheim Tourism
Anaheim, California
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Anaheim Is Great For
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Anaheim travel advice
Planning and Accommodation
Many travelers recommend staying close to Disneyland to maximize park access and minimize transit time. Hotels like Howard Johnson and Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance are favored for their proximity, about an 8-minute walk to the park entrance, and amenities like small water parks and nearby dining options. For budget considerations, Kings Inn Anaheim offers a balance between cost and convenience, located about a 15-minute walk from Disneyland.
Transport and Park Access
For transportation around Disneyland, users suggest utilizing the Anaheim Resort Transit shuttle for easy access to and from the park. This is especially convenient if staying a bit further from the park or if you prefer not to use ride-sharing services frequently.
Time Management and Attractions
Travelers emphasize arriving early, ideally at park opening at 7:30 a.m., to enjoy shorter lines. They also suggest staying late to experience nighttime shows like fireworks and Fantasmic, which are highlights not to be missed. For multi-day visits, a park hopper ticket is recommended to explore both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure efficiently.
Additional Tips
Visitors also suggest exploring nearby dining and shopping options in Downtown Disney. It's accessible without a park ticket and offers a variety of entertainment and shopping experiences that complement the Disneyland visit.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Bus Services
According to forum posts, the Metro 460 bus route connects Disneyland Resort to Knott's Berry Farm, taking about 25 minutes. It operates very early in the morning until late at night, running every half hour. This service is highlighted as both reliable and frequent.
Train Services
Travelers have also mentioned the possibility of using train services for transportation in Anaheim. The Amtrak and Metrolink trains connect Anaheim to other major areas like Los Angeles and San Diego, with stations conveniently located for tourists. The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) serves as a hub for these train services.
Local Transportation
For local transit within Anaheim, the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) provides routes to major attractions and hotels. Some travelers noted that the ART is currently free, making it an appealing option for cost-effective local travel.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Shuttle Service Options
According to forum posts, travelers looking for shuttle services from LAX to Disneyland have a few options. Karmel Shuttle offers both shared and private services, though their shared service now charges a flat rate for up to 5 people, making it less cost-effective for solo travelers or small groups. Zippy and Lansky are other well-rated private shuttle services mentioned by travelers.
Cost Considerations
Some travelers said that the cost of a private Uber or Lyft might be comparable to shuttle services, especially if the shuttle service’s pricing is based on larger groups. The price for a private Uber or Lyft can be around $75, which may be reasonable considering the distance.
Additional Shuttle Information
Travelers have called out that using the Karmel Shuttle might cost around $130 for one person, which can be more expensive than using a private rideshare option. Additionally, the availability of services like Zippy and Lansky provides alternatives that are well-regarded for reliability and the provision of car seats on request.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Hotel Recommendations
According to forum posts, some recommended hotel options close to Disneyland in Anaheim include the Disneyland Hotel, The Grand Californian, and The Westin Anaheim Resort. Travelers have called out the Disneyland Hotel for its on-site location and proximity to park entrances, though it may be more expensive.
Quality and Budget Options
For many users seeking good quality without luxury expenses, options like the Hotel Indigo and the Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites have been suggested. These hotels offer clean amenities and are well-kept, with the Anaheim Desert Inn and Suites highlighted for large family rooms and a clean environment.
Proximity and Convenience
Some travelers said that hotels like the Howard Johnson Anaheim, Hyatt House Anaheim Resort, and the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance are within a 10-15 minute walk to Disneyland, offering convenience and decent facilities. The Park Vue Inn is noted for being directly opposite the Disneyland Esplanade, making it the closest accommodation to Disneyland gates.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Family-Friendly Features
According to forum posts, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel and Waterpark is highly recommended for families due to its two pools, water play area, and proximity to Disneyland. It is about an 8-minute walk to the park, making it convenient for families with young children.
Room Amenities and Options
Some travelers have mentioned the Residence Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort Area/Garden Grove, which offers rooms with kitchenettes, making it ideal for families who might want to prepare their own meals. The suites at this hotel provide the comfort of home with the convenience of being close to Disneyland.
Additional Recommendations
Travelers have called out the Desert Palms Hotel and Suites for its larger room sizes and family-friendly amenities. It also provides a free breakfast, which can be a significant convenience and cost-saving for families.
Breakfast and Convenience
For those prioritizing a good breakfast and proximity, the Candy Cane Inn offers a robust breakfast selection and is only about a 10-minute walk from Disneyland. It also features a free shuttle service, which is an added convenience after a long day at the parks.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Multi-Day Pass Details
According to forum posts, Disneyland offers multi-day passes of up to a maximum of 5 days. However, Australian and New Zealand residents have the option to purchase a special 10-day Disneyland Pass, which must be bought before leaving their countries. This pass provides substantial savings and flexibility compared to shorter duration tickets.
Comparison of Multi-Day Passes
For many users considering longer stays, a 3-day or more ticket purchased online allows access to Magic Morning at Disneyland Park on select days. This feature enables early park entry, providing an advantage in experiencing attractions with shorter wait times early in the day. Moreover, staying at a Disney hotel offers Extra Magic Hours, allowing early entry into both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on select days throughout the stay.
Cost Effectiveness
Some travelers have discussed that the price per day decreases as the number of days on the multi-day ticket increases, making longer passes more cost-effective for extended visits. Additionally, travelers from Australia and New Zealand find the 10-day pass particularly economical when planning a visit for 7 days or more.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Genie+ Overview
According to forum posts, Disney Genie+ is a paid service at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim that allows guests to access Lightning Lanes (LL) for faster entry to attractions. It costs $20 per person per day and can be added to park tickets through the Disneyland app once inside the park.
Booking Process
Travelers have noted that Genie+ enables you to select the next available return time for a ride using the app, but you cannot choose a specific time. Once a return time is selected, you have an hour from that time to access the LL. Also, if your selected LL has a return time exceeding two hours in the future, you can select another LL after two hours.
Usage Limits
It's highlighted by users that Genie+ can only be used once per ride per day. This means if you want to ride the same attraction again, you'd have to join the regular standby queue. Additionally, the service does not cover all rides, particularly those with high demand like Rise of the Resistance, which requires a separate purchase.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Official and Authorized Sellers
According to forum posts, Disneyland Anaheim tickets can be directly purchased from the Disneyland Resort website or app, where park reservations can also be made simultaneously. Some travelers mentioned that authorized resellers such as Last Minute Travel and Undercover Tourist also offer Disneyland tickets, often at a slight discount compared to official prices.
Discount Opportunities
Travelers have called out that while discounts through authorized resellers are generally modest (around $15), they are legitimate and can add up, especially for multiple tickets. It was noted that occasionally, these resellers might have tickets at previous years' prices, offering a slightly better deal until their stock updates.
Other Considerations
Some users advised checking for special promotions or discounts that might be available specifically to certain groups like AAA members, military personnel, or teachers, which are typically not available to the general public.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Anaheim, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Anaheim include:
- Anaheim is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Anaheim:
- The Best of LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Griffith Park +More
- Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, Santa Monica & Venice Tour from Anaheim
- Small-Group Hollywood, LA Beaches & Filming Location Tour from Anaheim
- Disneyland Resort Tickets
- Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Anaheim between March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between September and November.