What’s New in Anaheim & Orange County

Discovery Cube Orange County

Whether it’s been a few months or a few years since your last visit to Anaheim, there are plenty of exciting new dining destinations and family-friendly attractions you’ll want to experience. Fill your to-do list with these Anaheim area must-sees.

ATTRACTIONS

Uncover the wonder of Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom as Disneyland® Resort celebrates the 60th anniversary of its original theme park, Disneyland® Park. With nearly 100 attractions, three hotels and the entertainment promenade known as Downtown Disney® District, enchanted adventures await at the "Happiest Place on Earth."

A trip to LEGOLAND® California Resort is at the top of many Anaheim travelers’ lists, and the addition of the new Miniland Death Star exhibit gives families one more reason to visit. Feel the Jedi Force while reliving iconic scenes from the Star WarsTM films.

SeaWorld® San Diego has transformed its park entrance into a world beneath the waves. The new Explorer’s ReefTM display immerses guests in a replica of an undersea realm teeming with a fantastic array of sea life. And if you’re up for taking a plunge yourself, Aquatica SeaWorld's WaterparkTM has recently introduced its new Taumata Racer water slide — a high-octane ride for the entire family.

Science meets fun at Discovery Cube Orange County. The museum formerly known as Discovery Science Center has undergone a $22.5 million renovation, adding more space for children to learn, play and explore.

Get an insider’s view of movie magic at Universal Studios HollywoodSM, which in 2015 opened “Fast & Furious: Supercharged,” a high-speed ride based on the blockbuster film series, and “Springfield,” a life-sized version of The Simpsons’ animated hometown — walk the streets where Bart has skateboarded and sip on a Duff’s beer at Moe’s Tavern.

Knott’s Berry Farm®

With Camp Snoopy’s reopening at Buena Park's Knott’s Berry Farm®, families can hop aboard one of three new rides. Soar above your fellow campers at Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer, bump around in an ATV at Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies and ride on an airborne blanket at the Linus Launcher. Afterwards, embark on a 4-D adventure at the new Voyage to the Iron Reef ride.

SHOPPING

Shop like a local at the newly revitalized Center Street Promenade in downtown Anaheim. Several small shops, each with their own vintage flare, dot the three-block stretch. If you’re in the market for eclectic clothing, sustainable home goods, artisanal cheese and more, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.

In nearby Buena Park, The Source makes its 2015 debut as the area’s premier shopping destination. This open-air, ultramodern space is also home to world-class dining, accommodations, entertainment and nightlife.

DINING

The Anaheim Packing House is a farmer’s market and artisan food hall that once housed a historic citrus packing house. Located in downtown Anaheim, you’ll find more than a dozen vendors serving artisanal goods, plus plenty of fresh produce grown locally.

At McFadden’s Anaheim, located in Anaheim GardenWalk, visitors will find a spacious patio, HDTVs for the ultimate sports viewing experience and a menu offering gourmet American comfort food and authentic
Irish fare.

Aside from being a world-class theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm® is also a great place to grab a bite to eat. Or maybe more than just a bite: with the park’s new All Season Dining Plan, visitors can add literally hundreds of meals to their season pass, all for an unbeatable price.

Knott’s Berry Farm®

There are way too many other new dining options to mention, but here are just a few: Zov’s Anaheim, a spacious new Mediterranean restaurant; Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, located in the bustling Anaheim GardenWalk; and THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon®, which just opened a new, elegant special event space above the restaurant. With over 30 selections, South Coast Plaza's chef-inspired restaurants appeal to every palate, including the new Din Tai Fung, famous for its steamed dumplings.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The hotel business is positively booming in the Anaheim area, offering families, couples and business travelers more options than ever before. The Hyatt Place® at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center is among the newest, with 178 rooms and an enviable location within walking distance of Disneyland® Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center.

The new Hyatt House® at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center (coming winter 2015) is also just a stone’s throw from Disneyland® Resort, offering a wealth of amenities including a swimming pool, whirlpool and cocktail lounge.

Homewood Suites by HiltonTM Anaheim Convention Center/Disneyland® (coming summer 2015) is a welcome addition to Anaheim’s hotel family, featuring outdoor
grills and a free grocery shopping service for visitors.

ARTIC

Just down the street is the new SpringHill Suites® Anaheim Maingate, where you can hop on the Anaheim ART Shuttle that runs straight to Disneyland® Resort. SpringHill Suites® at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center offers plenty of space and modern design accents, making for a stylish and comfortable stay near the convention center.

The 296-room Residence Inn® at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center (coming summer 2016) is a fine home away from home during your Anaheim visit. And finally, at the recently renovated Courtyard® Anaheim at Disneyland® Resort, you can rest easy or get out and explore the sights — it’s your call!

TRANSPORTATION

Convenient, safe, eco-friendly and economical — these are just some of the reasons to leave the car behind and take advantage of Anaheim’s public transit options.

The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) is Anaheim’s brand new 67,000-square-foot transit hub serving Orange County and beyond. Travel in style aboard one of the several nationwide chains that include Amtrak®, Greyhound and the ever-popular discount carrier (also new to Anaheim) Megabus.

What’s New in Garden Grove

Great Wolf Lodge® 

Dive in! Great Wolf Lodge® is the city of Garden Grove’s new action-packed water park and resort. Kids and grown-ups alike will love the gigantic wave pool and numerous waterslides that zip around the park, not to mention the arcade and Scooops Kid Spa. Coming in 2016.