By Art Hoffman | Senoir Member
Attendees of STC Summit ’16 will be right in the middle of the Anaheim Resort with all that it offers. The most famous attraction is Disneyland, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and the Disney California Adventure theme park. Millions of visitors each year come to enjoy the handiwork of Disney’s Imagineers who created rides based on popular animated and live action movies.
There is much to do in Anaheim and surrounding Orange County, but in this article, let’s focus on the offerings nearest Disneyland, or as we call it, the “Mouse House.” Downtown Disney and the Grand Californian Hotel are located just outside of the theme parks. We often go there just to watch the impressive fireworks display launching at about 9:30 every evening.
The Downtown Disney skyline resembles the Art Deco architecture found in many large cities in the United States. Bold signs and colored accent lights create a special visual treat at night. Walking through the stylized buildings, you will come upon the Uva bar which looks like a stage centerpiece lifted right out of a Busby Berkeley musical. You are likely to encounter musicians along the way, adding the charm of live music to the faux city ambiance. A large outdoor stage features musical performances ranging from swing to rock-n-roll.
There are many different shops to browse along the way, including a gigantic company store with Disney character images or the Disney logo on every imaginable type of merchandise. One of the most fun stores is the Lego building with its huge figures made from thousands of little plastic blocks. This is a great place to pick up a gift to bring back to little Imagineers at home. On my most recent downtown trip, I spotted the Elsa and Anna store, which is fully stocked with clothes and accessories to thrill little ice princesses.
Food offerings in Downtown Disney include full-service restaurants, casual dining, and snacks. The first two eateries you will see are the Fox Sports Grill and the jungle-themed Rainforest Café. A few more steps brings you to Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen with its New Orleans inspired menu and live jazz and blues music. Right next door you will notice the aroma of chicory coffee and beignets just like in the French Quarter. Tortilla Jo’s is across the way for those wanting South of the Border fare. You aren’t done yet. Further on is the upscale Catal restaurant with its outdoor bar, and Naples which offers fine Italian dishes and pizza.
Find the side entrance to the Grand Californian Hotel where you can see beautiful woodwork and a massive fireplace modeled after classic old lodges like Yosemite’s Ahwanee Hotel. A full-service bar is inside the hotel and restaurants along an outside gallery. The Napa Rose is the prime choice for gourmet dinner offerings that can be paired with wine from their extensive selection. Next door is the Storytellers Café with a more casual menu and classic décor of silhouettes and warm colors.
Finally, there is a hidden gem easily missed by most visitors. A few minutes walk into the adjacent Disneyland Hotel complex brings you to Trader Sam’s tiki bar and restaurant. Similar in feel to the Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room, but without the singing robo-birds, it offers real relaxation on a torch-lit tropical patio with exotic drinks. Steps away is a huge rock fireplace surrounded by comfy couches. This is a little corner of paradise to have a quiet conversation with Summit friends, seemingly miles away from the frenzy of commercialism surrounding the Mouse House.
The Technical Communication Summit is being held 15 May to 18 May 2016.
Art Hoffmann lives a few miles from Disneyland and the Anaheim Resort district. Art is the current secretary of the Orange County STC Chapter which is one of the Summit’s local hosts.
