Anaheim

[WanderlustNZ]

I'm keen to hear from fellow ANZACs what they think of the Anaheim area in general. On the days you are not visiting Disneyland does it feel boring and miles away from other areas, or do you think it's a good base?
With a car, is it easy to head out to shopping malls, supermarkets and restaurants, or does it feel quite isolated?
If I had half a day up my sleeve where I wanted to do something other than shopping or the theme parks, is there much to do within about a 30minute drive.

I thought I had the outline of my holiday mostly sorted, but I have been reading a few things today that have got me worrying that I have too many nights planned in Anaheim.

 

[PrincessInOz]

It depends on what you want to see.

If you want to shop, there are a number of malls nearby that you can go to.
If you want to see some of the LA sights, then you can still drive; but the traffic can be hit and miss.

Main Place Mall, South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island are all good malls to hit.
Then there is always the Citadel.

 

[Caroline NZ]

There is nothing special about Anaheim itself. But with a car there are lots of malls and restaurants you can drive to. We have been to South Coast Plaza, Citadel Outlets and the Block at Orange. Downtown Disney is nice to spend some time in as well. Our last 3 trips we have stayed in Anaheim as follows: 14 nights (Hojos May2009), 14 nights (Hojos May 2011) and 9 nights (private condo in Anaheim Oct 2013). We probably wont do any future trips based in Anaheim as long as that again, as we will be exploring other places, but we absolutely loved all the time we spent there.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Thanks ladies. I made the mistake of sharing my plans on a non-Disney forum and have been given a lot of well-meaning advice that has only served to confuse me.

I know that there's a lot of people don't understand why others would want to centre their holidays around Mickey and I go through moments of being one of those people. So when others throw up suggestions for what I should be doing instead, I get myself all confused and worried I'm making the wrong choices.

I'm actually only looking at spending 8 nights in Anaheim, so when I hear that others have happily spent 2 weeks there I feel happier about my decision

 

[marvel]

we love staying in anaheim, last time we stayed 2 full weeks and with a car it is very easy to get around. It can take a while to go into LA itself but otherwise its fine. South Coast Plaza is close by, the only thing that is a little too far is the greatest Whole Foods we have ever seen and we only went towards the end of the trip.

SOme parts are decidly seedy, no question about that. we drove around quite and a few shady places we would not like to stop in. but ultimately love basing ourselves there.

However, you will have trouble convincing non Disney people about it. We have friends going with a 6 yr old girl, and they are staying 3 days maximum in Anaheim, which shocked us. But they cant see a reason to stay longer.

 

[Tashinwdw]

However, you will have trouble convincing non Disney people about it. We have friends going with a 6 yr old girl, and they are staying 3 days maximum in Anaheim, which shocked us. But they cant see a reason to stay longer.

I agree, my family, friends and collegues do not understand after going to WDW last year why would be planning on going back again next year. They think 1 week would have been long enough........no way! They give me strange looks when I say that we will be at Orlando for 4 weeks in total next time. I am pleased to say that I have converted my DH, when I said we could do disneyland on the way home instead of LA, he then commented that 3 nights, 4 days would not be long enough. I am hoping that it will be, I have made a list of all rides that are different from WDW and so we can focus on them. If we had not just spend all that time at WDW then I dont think 3 days would be nearly long enough.

 

[aussie shaz]

We did 6 nights in 2011 and just did 15 nights in May this year. We loved it. We did 10 days in the parks, and did other things on the other days. Mostly shopping, but visited Hollywood twice. Visited the Californian Science centre, once we drove around Beverly Hills etc and just used our GPS to get to help us find our way home. It's fun to just drive.

Anaheim can be quite seedy in some places, definitely not beautiful, but absolutely fine in the daytime. We felt like it was our hometown by the end, and we visited our local Walmart many, many times!!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Thanks everyone. That's very helpful.

Aussieshaz, did you enjoy the science Centre?

Also, has anyone been shopping in Fullerton? With big stores like Walmart and ToysRus, as well as some cool little eclectic stores in the Downtown area, it looks like a better shopping fit for my family than an outlet mall. I'm keen to hear about anyone's experiences shopping in the area.

 

[Caroline NZ]

We went to the Rueben H Fleet Science Center in San Diego, and the kids really enjoyed that.

 

[aussie shaz]

We did the science centre on our last day. I wasn't feeling well, so didn't see a lot, but hubby and the kids loved it. There was heaps to see and do. They have the space shuttle there, but we didn't go to see it because it cost extra (I think the science centre is free) and you have to book a time. We didn't have enough time.

The area could be a bit dodgy (it was very close to the scary Walmart we visited in South Central LA)! But driving there, parking and driving away was all fine.

Regarding shopping, we were quite disappointed with Carlsbad Outlets. Citadel was pretty good, but was soooo busy the day we went. I think it was Memorial Day weekend! We went to the Block at Orange, which was average. The local Targets, Walmarts, Ross Dress for less etc were pretty good. Don't bother with the Disney Outlet store (if its still even open). If you like comfy shoes, make sure you get to a Sketchers Outlet store. I love my Sketchers.
We did go to one of the local shopping centres. Can't remember which one, but it had Macy's etc. Maybe Westfield Main Place? It wasn't great though. I do love a Kohls store though, so if you can find one, go for it.

 

[Caroline NZ]

If you are going further afield my 2 favourite outlet malls this last trip were Camarillo (north of LA), and Las Americas (San Diego just before the Mexico border), this one has a great Skechers shop.

And The Grove in LA is a wonderful shopping precinct.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Thank you ladies, you're a wealth of knowledge. I really appreciate all your tips and suggestions