Beyond the Thrills and Spills of Anaheim's Theme

Travel Today Feature May 2012

Beyond the thrills and spills of Anaheim’s theme parks...... p1 How to have the quintessential SoCal experience...... p2 Attractions galore, self-drive popularity...... p3 Anaheim OC insider tips...... p4 Shopping Anaheim 101: Tips for Kiwis...... p5

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Beach Life

Surf City USA The Quintessential For a slice of surf culture, the laid back feel of Huntington Beach offers Travel Today Feature P2 a quintessential SoCal (Southern So Cal Experience California) experience. Clients can either surf the legendary breaks, or Hyatt Upgrades sit at the end of the pier and watch The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach the experienced surfers from a front Resort & Spa has undergone a USD6 row seat. million renovation. Designed to of- A number of operators offer surf fer a true coastal living experience, lessons for those who want to get the hotel now offers a contemporary closer to the action and there’s also bungalow style. a surf museum. In addition, the area boasts a wide selection of restaurants and beachside bars. . . . Newport Home to the rich and famous, Newport Beach and Balboa Harbour offer more of a high end coastal ex- Sitting clifftop watching the sun beachside settlements, each with its perience. Also the base for day trips melt into the ocean, cocktail in own charm. to Catalina Island, clients can take a hand, is something of a local insti- The beaches are located 30-40 minutes Beach Day Tours cruise across the picturesque Bal- tution for the Southern California drive from Anaheim, and the region is For those who want to experience boa Harbour or shop at the upscale locals—and a highly recommend- ideal for clients looking for something the region, but don’t want to drive, Fashion Island mall. ed end to a day trip to the Orange outside of the Anaheim Resort. Southern California Gray Line For something a little different, sug- County beaches. offers a Surf City USA Tour every gest clients rent a beach cruiser bike While always popular with the locals, . . . Events Tue, Thu and Fri. (around USD10 a day) and enjoy an the OC coastline gained a higher glob- There’s a host of events held across The trip includes a photo stop at easy cycle. To complete the experi- al profile after starring in numerous along the OC coastline each year— the Queen Mary then heads to ence suggest a meal at the 1940s television shows. It’s where the locals including the Nike US Open of Surf- Huntington beach to allow clients themed Ruby’s diner, located on the head to relax and socialize and offers ing (Jul) and The Festival of Arts at to explore the beach, shops and Balboa Pier on their bike ride. an insight into the local culture. Laguna Beach (Jul-Aug). For more local restaurants. Wholesalers Newport, Huntington and Luguna events see anaheimoc.org have pricing details. Beaches are the most popular of the . . . Laguna If Only Sheep Travelled The northern-most of the three The Anaheim Orange County Visi- beaches is the arty settlement of tor and Convention Bureau is eying Laguna Beach, home to an eclectic some innovative plans to grow its array of boutiques, independent res- arrivals from the Kiwi market. taurants and art galleries. Best ex- “More Kiwis travel to Anaheim than plored by meandering through the any other international market per streets or along the clifftop, there are capita—if only we could get your also numerous hiking trails in the sheep to travel,” quipped the bureau’s area for active clients. Luanne Miracle. Ideal for families Laguna Beach Speaking at Harvey World Travel also has a tide pool which will keep manager’s conference in Anaheim the younger travellers amused for yesterday, Miracle said arrivals from hours. New Zealand continued to grow, and For a slice of local life, suggest cli- that agents were key future growth. ents head to Las Brisas for a clifftop She urged the consultants to keep margarita. But be warned, the place clients informed about the region’s is popular with the locals so they may ever-expanding holiday options. have to fight for an oceanview table. Now Offering Disney-inspired Family Suites surf City usa Located off the hustle and bustle of Harbor Blvd, but still right - HuntinGton BeaCH sHuttle in the heart of Disneyland Resort, the Holiday Inn & Suites Anaheim is attracting a growing number of Kiwi guests. Spend the day at Huntington Beach (same day return shuttle from Anaheim) • The property can offer its New Zealand clients the VIP treatment and a welcome amenity and card $49 per person* is available for clients upon request. *Based on travel until 31 Mar 13. Departs Tues, Thur & Fri only. Conditions apply. • Travel agent rates are also available. For more details contact Kelly Guinn [email protected] 15104_35 CLICK HERE Call our Go ameriCa experts now on 09 914 4002 for full details! Attractions Galore

Manta Takes Flight Spoiled For Choice A new roller coaster that takes riders from watching manta rays in under- Travel Today Feature P3 When It Comes To Fun water flight to ‘flying’ like a ray them- selves, opened at SeaWorld San Diego Knotts Berry Farm last weekend. Not for the faint-hearted, the coaster The US’ first theme park Knotts Berry (shaped like a giant manta ray) reach- Farm remains a popular day trip es speeds of up to 111k/hr, a vertical option—and it’s now also easier to force of 3-4Gs and drops 16.5m. get to Knotts as the park is a stop on the ART bus service. As well as all the favourite attractions (including Camp Snoopy for the little ones) the park now boasts Wind Seeker—a ride with two person gondolas that climbs 91m before swinging riders around for a 60-second ‘flight’. The Soak City water park is located adjacent to Knotts, Disneyland is the key attraction increasing number of Kiwis choosing with 22 water rides. See knotts.com for many Kiwis visiting Anaheim, to self-drive for more flexibility. but there’s also a wide range of That said, GO’s Sheralyn Black says other theme parks, attractions and SeaWorld’s free ride offer (in con- experiences in the area. junction with Southern California Day tours are said to be the most Grayline) has been ‘a huge hit’ with popular way for clients to see the the Kiwi market with more and more other sights in the Anaheim region, Kiwis making the daytrip down to but GO Holidays has reported an San Diego. “Gliding, flying and diving through Themed dining experiences are said more than a dozen twists and turns, to be enjoying a resurgence, along riders will feel as if they are a ray, tak- with trips to Hollywood. ing flight from sky to sea—so close at times that the Manta’s wings skim the Battle Of The Dance waves,” says the park. Theme dinners are an institution The ride, the first coaster at the park, in Anaheim and the latest addi- features a launch tunnel with images tion is Battle of Dance. The dinner of rays projected onto a 270º screen and dance show features a variety before riders are propelled on their New Legoland Hotel of dance styles from pop and Bol- manta ‘flight’. Themed Suites At HI lywood to Latin and Flamenco. Adding to the atmosphere, Forbidden America’s first Legoland Hotel, The Holiday Inn Anaheim now has Tickets include a three-course Reef, an attraction where guests feed with interactive Lego décor and Disney-inspired suites to cater for meal. Wholesalers have details. and touch bat rays, will be incorpo- rooms themed after Legoland’s families. The property has two of the See battleofthedance.com rated into the Manta experience. Pirate, Adventure and Kingdom two-bedroom suites, themed around areas, is due to open in the 2013 the Cars, Monsters Inc and Toy Story northern summer. With 250 two- movies, and has plans to add two room suites, the hotel promises hoWard Johnson more in the coming months. “They’re ★★★ to immerse guests in the world proving to be hugely popular and with of Lego, with a ‘spectacular’ en- the addition of a planned splash park pLaZa hotEL trance, themed play areas, family we’re really tailor-making the prop- 5 nights in a standard room from $399pp* pool, restaurant and Lego models. erty to be more family-friendly,” says Add on return Disneyland Resort Holiday Inn Anaheim’s Kelly Guinn. Express transfers from $39 per adult Lux Bus Family Deal & $29 per child (3-11 years) High-end coach company Lux Bus . . . Agent Rates Kids under 18 now has an Anaheim and Los Ange- “Because we love Kiwis, and al- years stay les Family Pass. The scheduled daily ways want to grow the number of FREE!^ New Zealanders visiting our prop- *Price is per person twin share. Based on service between the two points is travel until 31 Mar 13. Subject to availability. USD100 per transfer, for up to five erty we’re offering consultants agent Conditions apply. ^Based on 2 children sharing with 2 adults per room in existing bedding. people, a saving of 40%, says Lux Bus’ rates,” says Guinn. For details e-mail 15104_36 Michelle Eversgerd. [email protected] CaLL our go amEriCa ExpErts noW on 09 914 4002 for fuLL dEtaiLs!

Take a FREE* Ride to SeaWorld® Take advantage of FREE* transportation and dine with Soar, dive and twist like a ray on SeaWorld’s first multi-media SeaWorld’s biggest star Shamu.® Enjoy a delicious buffet double-launch coaster, Manta.® Then, surround yourself with meal while seated on Shamu’s poolside patio for an gliding rays, plus touch and feed these incredible animals. experience you’ll never forget. Contact your preferred wholesaler for packages including SeaWorld California. * Transportation included with a full-priced, single-day admission from Anaheim to SeaWorld San Diego via Southern California Gray Line motor coach. Not valid with any other offers, promotions or discounts. Offer expires 12/31/12. Other restrictions apply. © 2012 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. The Low Down

Cars Land By Web Cam Anaheim OC Insider Many agents know that the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel is located across Travel Today Feature P4 Tips For Agents the road from Disneyland’s Matter- horn Mountain and near the main ART Expands Service gate entry—but did you know the hotel is also home to the only live we- The Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) bcam looking into the Disney parks, is celebrating 10 years of service and asks the hotel’s Willie Simpson. now offers coach transport on 19 The live Matter Cam feed offers views routes in the area. over Matterhorn Mountain, Space The ART has expanded beyond the Mountain, California Screamin’, hotel to Disneyland Resort transfer Mickey’s Fun Wheel and the parks’ service and now also offers transport fireworks shows. “And for Cars fans, to numerous local highlights includ- the Matter Cam also offers a sneak ing the Crystal Cathedral and Outlets peek of the Radiator Springs water- at Orange (route 16); and Knotts fall at Disney California Adventure’s Berry Farm and Medieval Times and new Cars Land (opening 15 Jun),” he Pirates Dinner Adventure. adds. See hojoanaheim.com ART also offers services to the West- field Mainplace Mall in Santa Ana and the Discovery Science Centre. Anaheim Garden Walk Located close to the Disneyland Parks A one-way ticket is USD3 for those 10 is the Anaheim Garden Walk, an out- years and over or USD4 for a full day. Agents looking to upskill their Anaheim, do encourage them to be- door shopping and dining precinct See rideart.org Anaheim product knowledge, and come Anaheim Orange County spe- offering a host of options such as potentially earn more in commis- cialists,” Gallagher told franchisees at Roys, The Cheesecake Factory and PF sion, need to join the Anaheim Or- the Harvey World Travel conference Chang’s China Bistro. For details see ange County’s Specialist Program, in Anaheim this week. anaheimgardenwalk.com says the visitor bureau. It takes just minutes to register and There are now 190 Kiwi consultants begin the programme and agents will OC Summer Festivals who have completed the Anaheim receive a certificate upon passing the Summer festivals in Orange County Orange County Specialist Program— on-line training modules as well as kick into high gear Jun-Aug, says the but Ann Gallaugher, vice president, going into the draw for prizes. See Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and tourism development Anaheim/Or- travel-trade.anaheimoc.org Convention Bureau. Events include ange County Visitor & Convention the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance, Bureau says it wants to get hundreds Deals And Discounts celebrating 30 years of automotive more accredited Kiwi agents. “We For clients looking to stretch their heritage; and Art-A-Fair, 29 Jun-02 Angels and Ducks want to grow that number of Kiwis budget the Anaheim/OC Visitor and Sep, Festival of Arts, 01 Jul-31 Aug, [enrolled in the programme], it’s the If clients are looking for Convention Bureau offers a host of Sawdust Art Festival, 29 Jun-02 Sep best way for your team members to something a little different, urge discount coupons from activities to and Pageant of Masters, 07 Jul-31 find out all there is to see and do in them to experience another Amer- dining. See anaheimoc.org/coupons Aug, all at Laguna Beach. ican institution, and head to the ball park to watch a baseball game. Helpful Apps The Anaheim Angels play numer- For clients looking for a little more ous home games over the Apr-Sep help to plan their holiday, there’s Catalina season and there’s a wide range of a number of Anaheim travel apps. tickets available. The Angels Sta- The free Anaheim/OC Travel Guide island tour dium is a stop on the ART system iPad only app offers information Shop, swim, snorkel or simply relax on a day tour or is about a USD10-USD12 taxi on the region including shopping, to beautiful Catalina Island. ride from most Anaheim area ho- attractions and dining, while the $119 per adult $99 per child (2-11yrs) myAnaheim app (also free) details tels. The city is also home to past Based on travel until 31 Mar 13. Departs Tues, Thur & Fri only ex Anaheim. Conditions apply. Stanley Cup winners the Anaheim events and there’s the facility to ask Ducks hockey team. The hockey questions. For Disney-bound clients season runs Oct-May, and the the Disneyland Wait Times App is team plays at the Honda Cen- available for iPhones and ipads. It costs USD0.99 and details waitlists tre, also a short drive from most 15104_38 resort area hotels. across the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks. Call our Go ameriCa experts now on 09 914 4002 for full details!

How Much Shopping? Shopping Anaheim With many airlines moving to a one piece 23kg bag allowance shoppers Travel Today Feature P5 101: Tips For Kiwis need to keep an eye on the weight of their purchases. Air New Zealand, These days a trip to the US is not for example, charges USD70 for a In Anaheim complete without a little retail ther- second item of checked luggage up to Downtown Disney District and the apy thanks to the higher NZD and 23kg—but if clients are going to shop, Anaheim Garden walk can’t be beaten amazing US sales, and Anaheim is that extra cost is often easily paid for for shopping location, choice and no exception. by the money saved from a couple of convenience for those staying in Ana- From the high-end brands at South purchases. heim, says GO Holidays. Both loca- Coast Plaza at nearby Costa Mesa An ideal way to check bag weight is tions are an easy walking distance to through to numerous outlet malls by using travel scales. Travel Com- most Anaheim hotels and each offer a including at Citadel, Anaheim has op- fortable’s Jill Gardner has reported range of well-known restaurants. tions to suit all budgets. increased demand for the scales in Walmart, Target and K Mart stores are recent month. The most popular item, Discounted Disney ideal for the budget conscious or those she says, is the Korjo scales which The Disney Character Warehouse looking for toys. weigh bags of up to 50kgs. She is offer- in Fullerton, near Anaheim, offers Clients short of time should head to ing the scales to Travel Today readers a range of Disney merchandise at the Outlets at Orange (formerly the for $45. See travelcomfortable.com discounted prices—said to be up to Block at Orange) which offers outlet the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART), 80% off the original price. It’s located shopping just 1.5 miles from the Ana- or by car. Take Photo ID at 243 Orangefair Mall. heim resort hotels, and an easy trip on For the more serious bargain hunter Many US retailers will ask suggest they head to the Citadel Out- international shoppers for photo lets. Located about a 30min drive from identification when they pay by cred- Anaheim clients can easily self-drive it card. Agents could advise clients of or catch the Shopper Shuttle, which this simple, yet invaluable point! offers numerous daily departures. The mall offers a huge range of well known Avoid Peak Times brands at a fraction of the retail cost, To maximise shopping time urge and is well worth the trip—and inter- clients to head to the outlet malls at national visitors can save more money off-peak times, such as early morn- by grabbing a coupon booklet from ing, as the outlet stores are also popu- Citadel Guest Services. lar with the locals. For those looking for a Westfield mall, Mainplace in Santa Ana has all the Coupon Deals usual suspects and is now a stop on For further savings a range of the ART system. Shuttles also operate discounts and deals are on the Ana- to South Coast Plaza from Anaheim heim OC Visitor and Convention hotels and a VIP savings passport is Bureau’s website. For the current dis- available for travellers. counts see anaheimoc.org/coupons Win Passes For A VIP Shopping Experience Clients can now add a little earlier this week said the suite was indulgence to their South Coast Plaza ‘a welcome and relaxing retreat and Citadel outlets shopping experience. The high end a fantastic insider tip for Kiwi shop- Costa Mesa shopping precinct has pers’. opened a hospitality suite for its VIP An in-suite concierge offers services sHop & sHuttle and international visitors. The Access including personal shoppers, package Save up to 70% off retail prices at over Suite (pictured above) offers Wi-Fi, check, spa appointments, wheelchair 115 brand name stores at LA’s only newspapers, magazines, a flat-screen and stroller hire and restaurant res- outlet shopping mall! television—as well as free cham- ervations. pagne, wine, beer, coffee, soft drinks A day pass entrance to the lounge is $ and light snacks. The suite is open available from hotel concierges and 19pp daily and also boasts a sports room. selected retailers. We have 10 double Seasoned shopper, and Stella Travel passes to the Access up for grabs. Based on travel until 31 Mar 13. Departs selected Anaheim hotels daily. Conditions apply. Services chief financial officer Kath- E-mail [email protected] to go 15104_39 erine Kennedy, visited the lounge into the draw to win the passes. Call our Go ameriCa experts now on 09 914 4002 for full details!