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 Travel Today Destinational Feature Published by Tabs on Travel Ltd © Copyright Anaheim Uncovered Disney Price Increase Anaheim’s Wider GO Holidays is urging agents with Disneyland-bound clients to lock in Travel Today Feature P1 their park tickets before the price of Charm Lures Kiwis tickets increases by up to 20% from 08 Jun. The increase is for guests Pip Tips visiting the parks from 01 Oct, and Shop, shop, the amount depends on the duration shop: Mainplace, and type of ticket purchased, says the South Coast wholesaler. Agents should ensure that Plaza, Fashion all bookings for travel from 01 Oct Island, Orange onwards are paid in full no later than Outlet Mall or 07 Jun to avoid the increase. Citadel Outlets—all easily acces- sible from Anaheim. Sheraton Credit Bonus The Sheraton Park Hotel at the Eat: Tony Roma’s on S Harbor for Anaheim Resort (located within ribs as only the US can do. And walking distance to Disneyland, Dis- many other easily accessible choic- ney’s California Adventure Park and es at Gardenwalk, Ruth’s Chris and Downtown Disney) is offering a bo- Mortons for steaks. nus USD25 bar and restaurant credit Refreshment: Visit a real sports per night for travel through to 31 Mar bar—Clancy’s Clubhouse—big A growing number of New cal Anaheim Orange County Visitor (for stays of two nights or more). TV’s boutique beer or ESPN zone Zealanders are now travelling be- and Convention Bureau manager Pip Restaurants include Molly’s Kitchen Downtown Disney. yond the thrills and spills of Ana- Ashford. “Now New Zealanders are and the Territorial Saloon. Off the beaten track: San Juan heim’s well-known theme parks now heading ‘out’ from the Anaheim Capistrano—historic and beauti- and discovering the wider Orange square to enjoy the wonderful experi- ful Mission buildings and gar- County region—from the beaches ences of the beaches, spas, restaurants dens, and one of the best Mexican lining the Pacific Coast Highway to and cultural events that are constantly Restaurants nearby in an ancient exploring Orange or shopping up a on offer.” adobe house—need a car! storm at the numerous malls and *Ashford says Harvey World Travel outlet centres. choosing to hold its annual managers Beach it: Newport and Balboa “Anaheim is still seen as an excellent conference in Anaheim/OC endorses Island—hire a bike get some exer- value base from which clients can the importance the Kiwi travel indus- cise on the boardwalk , or wander explore the entire Southern California try places on the region as a premier around Laguna and look at the art, region,” says GO Holidays US expert long-haul destination in its own right, go surfing at Huntington. Finish Sheralyn Black. “So many attractions and ‘with the continued support of with a margarita at Las Brisas! have recently opened such as Trans- airlines operating to Los Angeles, and Enjoy! formers 3D at Universal Studios and now including Air Pacific, the profile Manta at SeaWorld, or Disney’s Cars is continually strengthening.’ Almost Get Ready To Be Floored Land which is opening next month, 100 Kiwi agents and suppliers are in Next month Disneyland will mark and not only is it attracting new visi- Anaheim this week for the conference the culmination of a five-year rede- tors to the region—but we’re also see- (themed The Future Is Yours). velopment of the Disney California ing an increase in repeat business.” Can I Have S’More? Adventure Park by opening a number The comment is supported by figures Getting Around Say S’mores: GO Holidays’ Jason of new attractions. The highly-antici- which continue to show growth from The tourism-focused Anaheim resort, Buckley, on left, and Adrian Turn- pated Cars Land, inspired by the Dis- the New Zealand market, but there’s located around a 45-minute drive er from Harvey World Travel are ney/Pixar Cars movie, opens 15 Jun also the potential for agents to earn from LAX, is an easy destination to pictured perfecting the American with new rides including the Radiator more money from selling Anaheim, navigate. Many of the restaurants art of making s’mores beside a Springs Racers and Mater’s Junkyard due the high Kiwi demand for other and attractions are within walk- fire pit at The Waterfront Beach Jamboree (remind Anaheim-bound attractions and regions in the area. ing distance, or are on the ART bus Resort at the weekend. The beach- clients that the park will be closed “Anaheim and the OC remain firmly routes. Self-driving in the area is easy, side resort has reported growing 14 Jun to prepare for the opening). embedded in the New Zealand psyche some hotels offer free parking, and business from the Kiwi market, Also opening next month is the new as the place for both a Kiwi family the attractions are well sign-post- and offers packages which allow Buena Vista Street entrance. Travel holiday experience with the myriad of ed. There’s also a host of day tours clients to cook their own s’mores Today will be at the Disneyland Re- attractions besides the beloved theme on offer within and from Anaheim at a beach firepit from USD15pp. sort next month to report on the parks and the wonderful children’s for clients looking to explore—but Wholesalers have details. developments. dinner theatre experiences,” says lo- without the need to self-drive. Kids SHERATON PARK HOTEL AT THE under 18 ★★★★ years stay ANAHEIM RESORT FREE!^ 5 NIGHTS IN A RUN OF HOUSE ROOM FROM $495pp* BONUS: Guests staying 2 nights or more will receive a Resort Credit Gift Card of USD$25 per room per night for each night of their stay redeemable at hotel restaurant and bars. *Price is per person twin share. Based on travel 28 May – 31 Mar 13. Subject to availability. Conditions apply. ^Based on 2 children sharing with 2 adults per room in existing bedding. 15104_34 CALL OUR GO AMERICA EXPERTS NOW ON 09 914 4002 FOR FULL DETAILS! 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 restau- rants 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.