Anaheim and Disneyland

[Dopey's Girl]

OK I love this question because I was born and raised in Anaheim. (AUHS Class of 1971 - Go Colonists!) First of all buy your Disney souvenirs at the Walmart in Anaheim. It's 5 minutes north on the 5 freeway and you don't even have to change lanes to get there. (The city planned it that way.) REAL Disney wares at WalMart prices. It's very tourist friendly. The outdoor mall isn't wonderful, but it's close if your're not freeway savy. Anaheim is over 50% Hispanic but if you're from White Bread America, don't panic. They're friendly. (They'll also be cooking your food, changing your sheets and cleaning up after you.) They take a lot of pride in living in Anaheim which is considered a definite step up from some other Hispanic-heavy places in SoCal. They want you to have a nice visit because A) they make a living off tourists and B) it's their HOME. You'll really be pretty safe in most areas you visit in Anaheim. One thing the city has is a big police force. Sure, it has crime, but for tourist-y things and places: No Worries, Mate.

If you're a baseball fan, catch an Angel's game. Nice ballpark. And right now they're leading the American League West. Be sure to get a Rally Monkey. (Hey, they won us our first World Series.)

Knott's Berry Farm is great. Some people, especially CA natives, prefer it to DLand. Great roller coasters. Be sure you eat at Mrs. Knotts' Chicken Dinner Restaurant. It's an OC tradition. And take home a couple jars of Boysenberry syrup to remind you of the trip.

The Block in Orange is an alternative mall. Big with kids and teenagers. (And me!) If you've got skateboarders or just want to watch the best of 'em there's an indoor skate place there. Sorry its name escapes me.

Shopping: South Coast Plaza is where everyone will tell you to go. If you've got Fido with you, visit Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Lots of pooches getting the air there.

Best beach? All of them. There are no bad beaches in OC. Laguna for shopping and watching volleyball-on-the-beach. Lots of fishing off the piers.

Nighlife? OK problem there. Not much. Everyone in SoCal is in bed by 11pm. A holdover from the days when you had to report to the studio at 6 for make-up.

Where to see celebrities? Disneyland! You'll see more there than in Hollywood and be safer too. Clue: Look for well-dressed people being led by a Disney guide. (Not talking about the official tour here.) A lot of Celebs bring their kids and use the private guides. Also can be spotted going in/out of Club 33. (A private club next to the Blue Bayou.)

If you're away from Disneyland and get stuck or lost or need a helping hand, ask a native. People in Anaheim LOVE helping tourists. I know from experience that if your battery goes dead, just pop the hood. Some young guy, some old guy, is going to have jumper cables and they'll have you going in no time. They may not speak English, but they're very gallant!

A word on the weather. Since Anaheim is only 15 miles from the Pacific there is a cloud cover a LOT of mornings. But hey, it keeps the temperature down. And, NO HUMIDITY!

Most of all, HAVE A GREAT TIME!!! And if the earth starts to shake... take it in and ride 'er out. For all Southern Californians a good earthquake is the ultimate E-Ticket!

Come on in, the water's fine!

[DisneyIPresume]

The last two posts are exactly WHY I tell everyone who is contemplating a DLR vacation to stay in these other areas. They are VERY nice places and a great alternative to the hustling and rushing around the DLR. And these places are a lot cooler.

I went to DL this afternoon. When I left the temperature was 95 degrees but when I got home to Newport Beach which is 20 minutes away and near the above areas posted be tia... the temperature was 77. Very nice.

And the hotel prices are comparable to the prices of the DLR hotels themselves which is an added plus. I highly reccomend staying in one of these areas instead of at the DLR.

The DLR itself is nice and it is close, but these other areas are at least equally as nice. In fact many tourists go to these areas and never even think of going to Disneyland. It is very nice that they are so close, though and both can very easily be done on the same trip.