Elegant Spanish-Style Hotel near Disneyland
Just a few miles north of Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort sits Disneyland, the flagship theme park that helped launch an empire when it first opened its gates in 1955. The Crowne Plaza is so close to the park that it's earned an official designation as a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel--a complimentary hotel shuttle travels back and forth from the "happiest place on earth" every half hour.
Back at the resort, you can play a game in the onsite arcade or go for a swim in the heated outdoor pool and whirlpool, located in a Mediterranean-style courtyard flanked by palm trees. Poolside, you can order a margarita, daiquiri, or an appetizer such as nachos.
Fuel up after a long day of riding roller coasters at the hotel's onsite restaurant. At The California Grill and Cantina, you'll find American fare such as rib-eye steak with Yukon-gold mashed potatoes ($23) and bacon-and-avocado cheeseburgers ($11). Each morning, the Grill serves a complimentary breakfast buffet that includes made-to-order omelets, waffles, breakfast meats, potatoes, assorted pastries, and juices, coffee, and tea.
Anaheim, California: Magical Playland Close to the Beach
The Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort sits just under a mile south of Anaheim, in the quiet community of Garden Grove. Nearby, at Disneyland, you can ride the classic attractions that made the park famous--the Mad Tea Party spinning teacups, the spooky Haunted Mansion, and the It's a Small World cruise, with its cheerful animatronic choir of children from around the globe. Alternately, you can check out the brand new Cars Land and visit all the friendly car-folk in Radiator Springs. The adjacent Disney California Adventure Park offers equally magical attractions, such as the Soarin' Over California flight simulator, which launches you on a personal hang-gliding adventure so lifelike it includes mists of pine scent when flying over mountains.
If you're in the mood for a thrill, ascend the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror before dropping in a heart-stopping free fall, or clamber aboard the roller coasters thundering around Paradise Pier, home to sweeping views of the park, carnival street fare, and the rare chance to imbibe alcoholic beverages on Disneyland property. Alternatively, trade fairy dust for white sand at Huntington Beach, where you'll find 3.5 miles of free-to-the-public beaches filled with surfing, pickup volleyball games, and stall upon stall hawking flip-flops and seashell-themed wares.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
