The last thing Australian travel agents expected to learn in Anaheim: how to make Vegemite toast. Of all characters at the Minnie & Friends Breakfast in Anaheim’s flagship destination Disneyland Park, an unexpected encounter is with well-travelled cook Craig at the omelet station.
Craig asks everyone where they’re from, and answers from the Australians – Queensland, Hobart, Adelaide, Melbourne, even Newcastle – are all met with, “Yep, been there”. Craig learned a thing or two on his visits, and he reveals a truism understood by every Aussie but rarely by Americans: “With Vegemite,” he advises, “you need a lot of butter and not much Vegemite.”
Craig’s been at Disneyland Park for 44 of the 70 years that the park is celebrating now and into 2026, but the anniversary events are just the start of renewal at a destination that’s firming for Australians. According to data tracker Azira, 91.7% of Australians make Anaheim their base in southern California, and the average stay increased in 2024 from 4.5 nights to six year-on-year.
This trend should continue, with new experiences all over the city by the time of the 2028 LA Olympics, for which Anaheim is hosting the volleyball. Urban renewal, hotel growth, a burgeoning gourmet scene and enticing attractions in the wider area are stories the Australian agents are taking back to their clients.
Disney has a multitude of new experiences planned, with four already announced for Disney California Adventure Park in the years ahead. With developments in parking and transport plus a new entrance, visitors who think they’ve seen it all at Disney should be pleasantly surprised.
Young at heart
The Australian agents are thrilled to be here. Even Disney veterans are kids again, racing to old favourites such as Indiana Jones™ Adventure and Space Mountain then happily queueing for the stunning Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Across at Disney California Adventure Park, they delight at the evening spectacle World of Color Happiness!, especially a hilarious safety demonstration from The Muppets.
In between, there’s time in Downtown Disney, a companion hub for retail – mouse ears, both for immediate use and as gifts, are popular – dining at elegant Mexican eatery Paseo and savouring amazing flavours at Salt & Straw Ice Cream. This precinct is also expanding; among several new eateries will be Arthur & Sons, an Italian/American tavern that’s a New York institution.
Brooke Robertson of Queensland’s Ignite Travel is loving her first taste of Disney. “It feels a lot like a Taylor Swift concert: lots of happy, positive vibes and a sea of Mickey ears. And I’m impressed with the staff’s friendliness and professionalism.” Her best tip for visitors is to use the Disney app. “It is amazing, easy to navigate and shows the wait times for attractions.”
Mary-Anne Guest from Phil Hoffmann Travel in Adelaide notes how Disney caters so well to all people regardless of age or mobility. “Everyone can enjoy Walt’s park. And it’s not a once-only visit. Seeing a holiday celebration such as Halloween or Christmas just adds to the magic.” From Hobart, Envoyage’s Angela Sonners likes the destination for all clients. “It’s for everyone, young and old. If you always wanted to go, it’s never too late.”
Multi-days a must
The agents reckon a minimum three-day pass is required; Sonners recommends five. Visit Anaheim’s Australian representative Michael Cassis says the multi-day passes allow for families to do half-days or portions of mornings and evenings in the parks, then enjoy other Anaheim attractions, or just relax at their hotel.
Anaheim’s hotel scope is broadening. Five-star brands Westin and JW Marriott have opened elegant resorts on Disney’s doorstep, offering rates better than the category standard in other centres. Equally attractive are family-friendly hotels such as Cambria, with its own waterpark, while Clementine Inn & Suites and Best Western Stovall’s Inn are walking distance to Disneyland Park, include breakfast and are exceptional value.
Five more hotels will open in the city by 2030, which is proof, observes Visit Anaheim’s director of tourism development Michael Young, that the destination isn’t resting on its laurels. “There’s a passionate Disney fan base that wants everything to remain the same,” Young tells the agents, but progress is inevitable. He points to the “symbiotic line-up of Australian and US peak travel periods”, so he’s expecting demand to grow Down Under, noting: “Australians are adventurous and you’re skilled travellers.”
How to get there
A smart way to get to Anaheim is via a Hawaiian stopover, offering a seamless alternative to connecting through LAX. Hawaiian Airlines flies overnight from Sydney to Honolulu for a few days of tropical relaxation, then it’s a shorter leg to Long Beach Airport, just 20 minutes from Anaheim.
Kellie Easterbrook from Queensland’s Pursers Travel says this route is a game-changer, “although I’d be encouraging the stopover on the way home. How perfect would that be after all the running around in Anaheim!”
Read more trip tales by Jeremy Bourke: Forget the stress: Take the relaxed Aloha route to Anaheim and Disneyland
Writer Jeremy Bourke travelled as a guest of Aqua Aston, Disneyland, Hawaiian Airlines & Visit Anaheim.
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