More than 100 Aussie and Kiwi travel advisors recently explored Anaheim’s top attractions from themed hotels to sports, craft breweries and much more on the Disney100 Mega Famil, flying United Airlines to LA.
As the home of the Disneyland Resort, Anaheim turned up the dial with an array of amazing attractions and experiences beyond the theme parks.
First, the travel agents enjoyed a feast at Great Wolf Lodge and explored the resort’s onsite indoor waterpark, mini-golf course and bowling alley.
Flight Centre Travel Advisor Melanie Gabbusch had been to Anaheim before but had never visited Great Wolf Lodge.
“Great Wolf Lodge was such a different option and with their focus on families it would be a great option for many of my clients,” she said.
Mr Chocolate’s Travel Owner Rebecca Mason also said it was her favourite choice for young families.
After breakfast, the agents were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Honda Center – home to Anaheim’s famous ice hockey team, the Anaheim Ducks.
Stage & Screen Travel Advisor Isabella Cilia said: “The Honda Center tour was a great experience, and an awesome place to include sport while in America – so close to the hotels and a great sport we don’t get a lot of in Australia! The centre also houses some great concerts year-round.”
Next, the group sampled some of the food and famous brews at one of Anaheim’s 20-plus craft breweries, the Golden Road Brewpub, before checking in to their hotels.
The advisors were hosted at four Anaheim properties: Australian favourite Best Western Plus Stovall’s Inn, the new Cambria Hotel & Suites, the recently renovated Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort and the stunning new Westin Anaheim.
Then it was time for the official welcome event, hosted by Visit Anaheim, at the retro-chic Anaheim Hotel, directly behind Disney’s Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction.
For the next three days, travel advisors enjoyed the magic of both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort, including the limited-time offerings to commemorate Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary.
Agents had a 5-Day Anaheim Regional Transportation (ART) pass to explore the area and travel to Disneyland Resort during their stay. FC’s Melanie Gabbusch loved ART’s convenience and service.
“The ART bus is a must to get around town and it’s so inexpensive and easy to use, including the app, not to mention how friendly every driver we encountered was.”
For the final day, agents wandered the famous Anaheim Packing District, home to more than 40 dining vendors, before hitting up nearby Citadel Outlets shops with Karmel Shuttle.
Ms Cilia said: “The Packing District is a must – such a beautiful building and so many great food options, something for everyone and all are small family businesses.”
Ms Gabbusch agreed: “Anaheim has so much to offer. I can’t wait to return.”
For more info, head to visitanaheim.org
