Happy place: Anaheim hosts Disneyland's birthday, with cheap flights from Denver

Happy place: Anaheim hosts Disneyland's birthday, with cheap flights from DenverPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on June 28, 2019

You could visit Disneyland on your birthday, or you could help the theme park celebrate its own birthday. The chance comes each year on July 17, which is also a great time to explore Anaheim.

The day marks the dedication of Disneyland back in 1955, when Walt Disney himself hosted special guests on a tour before the park's official opening the next day. While it's not an officially recognized event, the park often passes out special souvenirs to early arrivers, the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet sings "Happy Birthday" and many attendees dress in their 1950s finest.

The surrounding city of Anaheim, meanwhile, offers plenty to see and do, with museums, food and drink, sports and nature all within easy reach.

Fortunately, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Denver and Anaheim, at least according to travel site Skyscanner.

Here’s a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions in Anaheim to round out your trip. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

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Cheapest Anaheim flights

The cheapest flights between Denver and Anaheim are if you leave on July 16 and return from Calfornia on July 18. Frontier Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $192.

There are also deals to be had earlier in July. If you fly out of Denver on July 14 and return from Anaheim on July 18, Frontier Airlines can get you there and back for $207 roundtrip.

Top Anaheim hotels

To plan your accommodations, here are some of Anaheim’s top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, selected based on price, proximity to things to do and customer satisfaction.

The Disneyland Hotel (1150 W. Magic Way)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

For an all-around top recommendation, consider The Disneyland Hotel. The hotel has a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $198.

The hotel is adjacent to Disneyland and Downtown Disney. Additional attractions include the Crystal Cathedral. It's family friendly, with Disney-themed pools and room furnishings, and its website says it offers ticket-holding guests early admission to the park.

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel (1600 S. Disneyland Drive)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking to treat yourself, there's Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. Rooms are currently set at $266/night.

According to the hotel's website, it offers child-friendly experiences like breakfast with a Disney princess and a 90-foot water slide that curves around the stump of a giant redwood tree.

The Ayres Hotel Anaheim (2550 E. Katella Ave.)

A third option is The Ayres Hotel Anaheim, which has rooms for $109 a night.

This hotel is close to the Honda Center and City National Grove of Anaheim, as well as Angel Stadium. According to its website, the Ayres Hotel Anaheim has a heated pool and spa and a shuttle to Disneyland.

Top picks for dining and drinking

Don't miss Anaheim's food scene, with plenty of popular spots to get your fill of local cuisine. Here are a few of the top-rated eateries from Skyscanner's listings.

Brodard Restaurant (9892 Westminster Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for a local favorite, head to Brodard Restaurant, a Vietnamese eatery that has an average of 4.5 stars out of 62 reviews on Skyscanner.

"This is my all-time favorite place to get spring rolls," wrote reviewer Mick. "No other restaurant makes it the way they do. Each spring roll is freshly made to order and you can see the assembly line making process along the side of the restaurant." 

Cream Pan (602 El Camino Real)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Another popular dining destination is Cream Pan, a bakery with 4.7 stars from 36 reviews.

"Outside, this Japanese-French bakery doesn't look like much, but enter inside and you will find yourself in pastry heaven," wrote reviewer Briana. "Known for [its] strawberry cream croissants, Cream Pan has a long list of delectable desserts, breads and doughnuts, along with curry and sushi (you read that right). Come as early as possible, as popular items can sell out."

Roy's (321 W. Katella Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Also worth considering is Roy's, a steakhouse that serves seafood, too.

"Very nice and chill atmosphere," wrote Kim. "This is a great date night/special occasion restaurant to go to. ... At our table the waiter saw to all our needs and we never had to look for him if we needed anything."

House of Blues (400 Disney Way, No. 337)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, there's House of Blues in Downtown Disney.

Famous as a performance venue, House of Blues is also a dining destination, with a menu offering American fare such as wings, nachos, pizza, salads, sandwiches and entrees like fried chicken, blackened salmon, country-fried steak, ribs and pasta.

Featured local attractions

To round out your trip, Anaheim offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are a few top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.

Disneyland (1313 Disneyland Drive)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

First up is Disneyland. Guests of all ages are enthralled by this whimsical, magical land of make-believe.

Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella and all your favorite Disney characters come to life here in extravagantly themed lands, including the recently opened Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Sail with pirates, explore exotic jungles, dive under the ocean, rocket through the stars on Space Mountain or jump into hyperspace on the brand-new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

"What can I say about the happiest place on Earth?" wrote visitor Pamela. "I never get bored of Disneyland, even after all these years. The food inside is one of a kind. Get ready to wait quite a while for rides because Disneyland attracts visitors from all over the world."

Disney's California Adventure Park (1313 Disneyland Drive)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Then, there's Disney's California Adventure Park.

Located right across the street from its older brother, Disney's California Adventure is a whirlpool of color, music and familiar Disney characters.  

"California Adventure is kind of the cooler, hipper younger sister to Disneyland," wrote visitor Becky. "The magic, nostalgia and classic warm fuzzies can be found within the gates of Disneyland, but the adventure, the adult whimsy and the thrill can be found across the terrace at California Adventure." 

Downtown Disney District (1580 Disneyland Drive)

Finally, consider checking out the Downtown Disney District, which offers dining, shopping and entertainment. It connects to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure but no admission is required.

"I love coming to Downtown Disney to visit the various unique stores and restaurants," wrote visitor Irene. 


This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.