Long ago in a galaxy far, far away, Walt Disney dreamed of a place that would be never be completed. It would always keep growing and changing at lightspeed proportions. Star Wars – Galaxy’s Edge, the new 14-acre land that just opened in Anaheim’s Disneyland this June, fulfills that promise.
When you enter Galaxy’s Edge, you’re immediately transported to Planet Batuu where the two forces of First Order and the Resistance are locked in battle. On the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, you join forces with a team of pilots, gunners, and engineers as you race through space. You’ll feel like you’re in Star Wars: The Force Awakens come to life! Hang out at the Milk Stand for blue or green milk, made famous by Luke Skywalker on his island hideaway. Build your own custom lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop and bring home a cape from the Black Spire Outpost. Plan your visit in January and you can ride the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Disney’s most ambitious experience ever.
Discover two exciting venues at Disneyland Resort – The Magic Kingdom and California Adventure Park. Downtown Disney lies in-between with restaurants, bars, and stores. Admission to Downtown Disney is free, so chill and be happy.
Hip, Hot, and Happening Anaheim
Hang out at the Anaheim Packing House for vegan and organic eats. Dine at Cultivation Kitchen, the “Shovel to Fork Eatery.” Try the Acai Bountiful Bowl filled with yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola. Any of the “Shovel to Straw Smoothies” are to die for. Or just cool off with a “Shovel to Cup Coffee.” It’s all fresh and dee-lish!
Meet F.R.A.N.
No wheels? Try this new, free, micro-transit system that gives you Free Rides around the Neighborhood in electric Polaris GEM Cars. Install the app on your Smartphone and the shared vehicles arrive on demand to take you to restaurants, shops in the CTR City area.
Get Jazzed Up in Downtown Disney
Like an oasis in the park, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen serves classic New Orleans-style cuisine, accompanied by a fabulous jazz quartet. Start with the Southern Garlic Cheese Bread, then go with the French Quarter or Green Goddess Salad. Recommended entrees include their signature Pasta Jambalaya or Blackened Salmon. Enjoy a sweet ending with their famous Double Chocolate Bread Pudding, highly decadent. The meal, together with the live music, was beyond outstanding. Who knew we were dining divine in Disneyland?
Anaheim Hilton – Uber Convenient to Everything Anaheim
A great location is the Anaheim Hilton, just a few blocks from Disneyland and other attractions. If you want to save your energy for the park, the ART (Anaheim Resort Transit) stops right across from the hotel. Buy your single or multi-day tickets at the kiosk in front of the hotel.
With 1,572 guest rooms, the hotel is the largest in Orange County, located next to the Anaheim Convention Center. Start your day at Mix with its delicious buffet breakfast. Mix also serves lunch and dinner. Opt for a meal al fresco when you dine at the pool.
My room on the Disney side also offered a private balcony with a great view of the fireworks at night. We sat outside under the stars with a glass of champagne and toasted to the colorful display.
More Fun in the Sun!
Head to Angels Stadium to see the Anaheim Angels play, a few miles from the Hilton. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see giant red baseball caps. Inside the park, awaiting you is a sea of red. The Angels are sure to keep you entertained with action on and off the field with lots of games and contests.
Love to shop? Visit the Outlets at Orange, Orange County’s only outlet mall with more than 120 outlet stores, including Last Call by Neiman-Marcus, Off 5th, Nordstrom Rack, and more. The mall is just minutes away from Anaheim’s popular attractions.
Sunny all year round, you can’t beat Anaheim for the perfect vacation destination.
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Featured Image Credit: Disneyland Resorts.
