Baltimore/ Health & Lifestyle
Published on June 27, 2019
Happy place: Escape from Baltimore to Anaheim for Disneyland's birthdayPhoto: iStock

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 the park's home in Anaheim, California.

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 the birthday is 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 Baltimore and Anaheim, at least according to travel site Skyscanner.

Here’s a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions in Anaheim to get you started. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

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Cheapest Anaheim flights

Currently, the cheapest flights between Baltimore and Anaheim depart on July 16 and return from California on July 20. Spirit Airlines currently has tickets for $428, roundtrip.

There are also deals to be had earlier in July. If you fly out of Baltimore on July 15 and return from Anaheim on July 18, Frontier Airlines can get you there and back for $504 roundtrip.

Top Anaheim hotels

Regarding where to stay, here are some of Anaheim’s top-rated hotels, selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price 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.

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

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, try 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.

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

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking to splurge on top quality, try Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. With a 4.5-star rating on Skyscanner, the hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city. Rooms are currently listed for $266 a 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.

Featured Anaheim restaurants

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

Finally, there's Roy's, a steakhouse that also serves seafood.

"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."

Featured Anaheim 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.