I recently took part in a wonderful Famil to Disneyland and Huntington Beach with Huntington Beach tourism, Driveway Holidays and Virgin Australia.
The flight with Virgin Australia was great with efficient staff and a clean, comfortable aircraft.
I have been to Disneyland several times before, however I still managed to have so much fun. We got VIP seating to see the fireworks which were amazing.
The secret surprise was our stay at Huntington Beach which is only about a 30 minute drive from Disneyland. This is a great option for families that want to experience Disneyland and the surf/Beach experience too. Even if you didn’t want to stay in Anaheim you can always stay at Huntington Beach as they have a shuttle to and from Disneyland.
There is 17 Kilometres of uninterrupted coastline and what better way to see it then on a Bicycle.
Huntington beach has lots of restaurants and shops to explore. You can have surf lessons or stand-up board paddling lessons.
A must do with the kids is to see the sun go down around a bon fire on the beach whilst enjoying delicious s’mores.
ITINERARY
Tuesday, October 20
6:30am Arrive LAX on VA1. Process through customs and pick up luggage.
7:15am Meet your host, Melanie Mayer, at the arrivals area. The group will catch the shuttle to the car hire depot and pick up vehicles.
9:00am Drive from LAX to Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance
(Melanie to call Rick with Disney: 714 726 9111 when we are on the road)
10:30am Arrive at Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance
1420 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim California 92802
714 254 1442
**The hotel is sold out the night prior, but they will do their best to have our rooms available as soon as possible. Please pack appropriately and be prepared if your room is not quite ready.
• Accommodations compliments of Willie Simpson, Director of Sales and Marketing
Check in and freshen up.
11:00am Meet Rick with Disney at the hotel for a brief hello and receive Park Hopper tickets.
12noon-10pm Enjoy Disneyland and California Adventures
On this day, Disneyland is open until 10pm
California Adventures is open until 8pm
8pm Preferred viewing area of Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever
Wednesday, October 21
8:00am Meet in lobby of Courtyard Anaheim to walk to breakfast at the Disneyland Hotel
8:25am Meet Rick from Disney in front of Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel
8:30am Disney Character Breakfast at the Disneyland Hotel
1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802
714-778-6600
10am – 8pm Enjoy Disneyland and California Adventures
On this day, both Disneyland and California Adventures are open until 10pm.
Thursday, October 22
Breakfast Though the Courtyard Anaheim would have loved to include breakfast, they are brand new, and just not there yet. That said, there is heaps of food available at low cost. There’s a Starbucks outlet at the bar, The Bistro has quick menu items like healthy omelets, and The Market by reception is a grab-and-go spot for quick stuff like oatmeal, fruit, cereal, bars, etc. You can get a bite for $5.
8:50am Meet in Courtyard Anaheim Lobby to walk next door to Howard Johnson.
9am Site inspection of Howard Johnson – #1 seller for the moderate tier Anaheim properties
1380 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802
10am Free time
Stroll Downtown Disney, hit the hotel’s waterpark, or just relax!
12noon Check out and drive to Huntington Beach
Lunch In-N-Out Burger lunch on the road
18062 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92648, United States
1:30pm Arrive in Surf City USA!
Check in to the Kimpton Shorebreak
500 Pacific Coast Highway, 714.861.4470
www.shorebreakhotel.com
Ocean breezes and sunshine are your sidekicks in our chill corner of paradise. Give them some hang time. Shorebreak is your coastal crash pad, and it’s not like other Huntington Beach hotels. We define surfer cool, but think beyond the boardshorts. Shake off the sand and enjoy our scene, just steps from the shoreline. Raise a glass on the lively outdoor patio. Retreat to your quiet-harbor guestroom at our laid back Huntington Beach boutique hotel. The beach is your backyard and fun-loving Main Street is just a block away — for the wild child inside you.
• Accommodations compliments of Gene Smallwood, Director of Sales and Marketing
2:30 pm Electric Bike Rentals at Pedego Bikes
301 5th St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648, (714) 465-2782
www.pedegohb.com
Pedego Electric Bikes, with their classic California styling, are the most popular bikes in the US – combining style and function to open up cycling to anyone who might otherwise not be getting the benefits from bike riding. You’ll love it so much, they guarantee you’ll come back from your ride wearing a huge smile!
• Located on the corner of 5th Street and Olive Street in Downtown Huntington Beach, an easy walk up the street from your hotel
• Bike rental available until 4:30 pm
5:50pm Meet in Lobby to walk to dinner
6:00 pm Dinner at BLK
300 Pacific Coast Highway #202; (714) 960-0996; www.blkearthseaspiritshb.com
BLK features the finest ocean view dining of the beach area and specializes in Kobe Style Beef hand-cut steaks, chops, and seafood. The distinctive menu comprised of contemporary American cuisine is prepared on either a Hickory woodfire grill or in a 1600 degree specialty Steak broiler creating delicious and savory flavors in all the meat, poultry and seafood dishes.
• Lunch compliments of Kevin Reik, General Manager at BLK Earth Sea Spirits
8:00 pm Walk to Bonfire and S’mores on the Beach with Waterfront Adventures
Located on the beach at Pacific Coast Highway and Twin Dolphin Drive (between the Hilton and Hyatt resorts)
Watch the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean while enjoying a warm bonfire and delicious s’mores, an “All American” treat that is a combination of toasted marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers – all provided by Waterfront Adventures Beach Butler Bonfire Service.
• Please bring a jacket or sweatshirt to wear on the beach
• Upon arrival, check in with main building of Waterfront Adventures to be taken to your private bonfire
Friday, October 23rd 2015
9:00am Breakfast at Zimzala followed by Site Inspection
Located within the Kimpton Shorebreak; www.restaurantzimzala.com
California is all about relaxed excellence, and Zimzala is a California restaurant, through and through. They’re obsessed with celebrating the bountiful produce that grows here year-round, and that passion is reflected in their chef’s seasonally changing menus of coastal cuisine.
• Breakfast compliments of Gene Smallwood, Director of Sales & Marketing
10:30am Drive to SUP lesson
11:00 am Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lesson with Rocky McKinnon
Sea Bridge Park, 16216 Countess Drive in Huntington Harbour;
714-377-6101; www.mckinnonsurfboards.com
Enjoy a Paddle Boarding lesson from Rocky McKinnon, a local professional surfer, paddle boarder and board shaper taught by some of the most elite watermen in the world. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is a water sport developed and originated in Hawaii. It involves navigating a large surfboard with an extended paddle to propel forward movement. Stand-Up Paddle Boarding has been described as a combination of paddling a canoe and surfing.
• Please wear a bathing suit or workout type clothing that you feel comfortable in and do not mind getting wet. Please bring a towel, sunscreen and an extra change of clothing, just in case you get wet.
1:00 pm Lunch at Fred’s Mexican Café
300 Pacific Coast Hwy.; 714-374-8226; www.fredsmexicancafe.com
Perched above Main Street at Pacific Coast Highway, Fred’s offers outdoor dining with fantastic sunset views along with funky décor and great music. Sample the fresh, tasty Mexican cuisine made from quality sirloin steak, high-grade seafood, charbroiled, boneless, skinless chicken breast, boiled black beans and oven baked Mexican rice.
• Lunch compliments of Fred’s Mexican Café
3:00 pm Downtime to relax or explore!
Take this time to explore Huntington Beach’s downtown area, or grab a towel and head to the beach! Try Kite Connection on the HB Pier, or you can try a bike rental from any of the beach concessions located along the 10 miles of paved walkway parallel to our coast. Maybe you’d like to try a surrey, which are the four person bicycle/cart hybrids. Whatever you choose, this time is yours to do as you please!
5:30 pm Dinner at Sandy’s
315 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, (714) 374-7273; www.sandyshb.com
Sandy’s celebrates all that is authentically Californian. Beyond the beachfront location and selection of California wines & craft beers, whenever possible they source ingredients locally and are proud to support local California farms and their families. Admire the sparkling ocean that serves as the perfect backdrop to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Dinner compliments of Jason Pierce, Manager of Sandy’s Restaurant
7:30 pm To Be Announced!
Saturday, October 24th 2015
Breakfast On own
9:00am Surf Lesson at Toes on the Nose at Waterfront Adventures
Within the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in the Retail Courtyard, 714-845-4638; www.toesonthenose.com
Learn to catch a wave in Surf City USA! During this lesson you will learn the basics of surfing. The instructors of Toes on the Nose even guarantee that you will be able to stand up on your board by the end of the lesson!
11:00am Return to Kimpton Shorebreak to freshen up for shopping.
12:30 pm Shuttle to Shopping at South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA; (714) 435-2000
www.southcoastplaza.com
South Coast Plaza defines the luxury shopping experience with extraordinary boutiques, personal shopping services, and upscale amenities all within a short distance of Surf City, USA. South Coast Plaza is recognized internationally for its unparalleled retail collection and award-winning restaurants.
• Hospitality suite and gift bags courtesy of South Coast Plaza
• After shopping at South Coast Plaza, meet your driver at the original drop off point in front of the Macy’s Men store no later than 3:30pm
4:00 pm Return to Hotel and Check Out
5:30 pm Depart Huntington Beach for LAX
7:00pm Drop Hire cars and shuttle to International Terminal
10:20pm Depart LAX on VA2
Monday October 26
7:20am Arrive Sydney
Leave a Reply