Last month, 100 Australian and New Zealand agents and tourism professionals arrived in Anaheim as part of the D100 Mega-Fam delegation. And whilst the Disneyland Resort dazzled the attendees with its combination of classic favourites, new adventures, and the limited time offerings available this year as part of the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, the Aussie and Kiwi agents also had a chance to explore beyond the boundaries of the Disneyland Resort and into the heart of Anaheim – the home of the Disneyland Resort.
Within an hour of landing in Los Angeles – courtesy of United Airlines – the agents arrived at Great Wolf Lodge where they dined on a delicious feast fit for the resorts famous wolf hosts, Wiley and Violet. The agents also explored the resorts iconic indoor water park, mini-golf course, and bowling alley.
Flight Centre agent, Melanie Gabbusch, had been to Anaheim numerous times previously, but had never visited Great Wolf Lodge before. The resort surprised the agent, who commented “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”. A sentiment echoed by Mr. Chocolate’s Travel owner, Rebecca Mason, who said it was her favourite choice for young families.
Following 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. Whilst sporting fans were instantly excited to see the Ducks in practice mode, film and TV fans were geeking out at the chance to visit the home of one of the world’s most famous ice hockey teams. Stage and Screen agent, Isabella Cilia commented, “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”.
A hop, skip and a jump away from both the Honda Center, and neighbouring Angels Stadium, home to the Los Angeles-Anaheim Angels Baseball team, it was time for a tipple at one of Anaheim’s over 20 Craft Breweries, Golden Road Brewpub. Still full following breakfast, the agents nibbled on the gastropub’s delicious food while sampling some of its famous brews.
With check-in time fast approaching, the agents were then divvied up into small groups to check into their 4 Anaheim Hotels – Australian favourite, the 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.
Following a quick freshen up, it was time to regroup for the official welcome event, hosted by the Visit Anaheim team. The retro-chic Anaheim Hotel was the venue for the first official party of the famil, with the agents loving the properties mid-century vibe and perfect location, directly behind the looming Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction.
And whilst several of the group carried on into the night, enjoying a drink at one of Anaheim’s Rooftop Bars, others called it a night, eager for a good night’s sleep ahead of their first big Disneyland day the following.
For the next 3 days, the agents enjoyed all the magic of both Walt’s Original Disneyland Park, and neighbouring Disney California Adventure Park, including all the limited time offerings now on to commemorate the Walt Disney Companies 100th Anniversary.
Decked out with a 5-Day Anaheim Regional Transportation (ART) pass, the agents had free reign to explore the network’s routes and commute back and forth to the Disneyland Resort for the duration of their stay. Melanie loved the convenience and service of the ART, commenting, “The ART bus is a must to get around town and it’s so inexpensive and easy to use. Not to mention how friendly every driver we encountered was. The app was also super easy to use.”
But like all good things, the magic did have to come to an end, but not before one final day of exploring Anaheim! Before Karmel Shuttle picked up the agents for a fun shopping adventure at nearby Citadel Outlets – including access to the shopping centre’s luxurious VIP Lounge, the agents stopped by the famous Anaheim Packing District to wander the beautiful and vibrant downtown location, and sample some of the venues over 40 dining venders. Isabella commented, “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. Make sure to try the crepes – YUM!”
As the agents boarded their United Airlines flights home, no doubt exhausted, but mesmerised by their 5 days in Anaheim, one thing was for sure, the Disneyland Resort, and Anaheim, were just as magical as ever. Or as Melanie put it, “Anaheim has so much to offer. I can’t wait to return”.
For more information about Anaheim, see www.visitanaheim.org.
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