Anaheim creates magical travel experiences for all

Edited by Travel Weekly

Anaheim has reaffirmed its commitment to accessible travel with the city’s dedication to providing infrastructure and services that enable individuals with disabilities to enjoy barrier-free experiences.

In late 2023, Visit Anaheim became a Certified Autism Center (CAC), cementing the destination’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. By creating spaces with the common goal of making travel more inclusive to all, Anaheim ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can experience the magic of Anaheim.

“Being a family that loves to travel, we look for destinations that cater to all our family’s needs, particularly our son, who is a wheelchair user,” said the owner of Have Wheelchair Will Travel, Julie Jones.

“It’s always a joy to travel to a destination like Anaheim that puts accessibility and inclusion at the forefront of what it does. Providing information about accessibility makes our research and planning easier, effectively rolling out a welcome mat before we have even arrived. Anaheim’s shopping, entertainment and dining options offer an ease of getting around, making it accessible to all and a pleasure to visit.”

The RISE Rooftop Lounge at The Westin Hotel offers views over Anaheim and the Disneyland Parks.

Enjoy Fireworks from a quiet place: The RISE Rooftop Lounge at The Westin Hotel offers views over Anaheim and the Disneyland Parks.

Watch a game of baseball at the Angels Stadium with confidence: The stadium has a private space dedicated to those that may need to take a moment away from the crowds and noise. The sensory room is available to all guests and offers calming lights, low noises, and tactile toys. Visitors can also borrow Sensory bags, which include fun activities and fidget toys and are cleaned after each use.

Certified Autism Center (CAC) Theme Parks: Several theme parks and hotels in Anaheim have earned the designation of Certified Autism Center (CAC), ensuring they provide a welcoming and accommodating environment for visitors with autism and their families.

Certified Autism Centers (CAC) include LEGOLAND California, Sesame Place San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Boomers.

Other theme parks offer restful places to enjoy during the day and develop initiatives to accommodate families with special needs. Disneyland and The Knott’s Berry Farm offer comprehensive guides and services such as the attraction Rider Switch program that enables a guest to experience the attraction while another member of the party waits with the guest who does not ride.

Getting around

Easy access everywhere in Anaheim eliminates the feeling of difference. It’s inclusion at its best. In recent years, improvements have been made to visitor infrastructure. Wide and low sidewalks are generally on both sides of the street (in the resort area), with signalised intersections.

All Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) buses are equipped with ramps or lifts and have designated priority seating for passengers with disabilities. Amtrak and Metrolink trains have accessible seating and restrooms, and passengers with disabilities are offered assistance with boarding and deboarding.

The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) is fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and designated waiting areas.

John Wayne Airport: The Helping Hands team at John Wayne Airport offers personalised travel assistance, including guidance and direction through arrival, check-in, security screening, and boarding processes. They also provide information on available resources and amenities that can help support your needs.

Old Towne Orange: Neighbouring Anaheim is the quaint Old Towne Orange, a Main Street USA-esque charming township that embodies classic Americana. This idyllic township is California’s largest Nationally Registered Historic District and has often been seen in film and TV shows including The West Wing and That Thing You Do. Despite its old-school charm, the restaurants, antique stores and public spaces have continued to update their accessibility by providing ramps and wide pathways for wheelchair users. It’s the perfect place to spend some time between Theme Park visits.

Accessible hotels

Cambria Hotel & Suites: Comfortable, modern, accessible accommodation that uses space well to accommodate larger family groups.

Clementine Hotel & Suite: Spacious accessible accommodation with ramps, accessible pool and accessible parking spaces.

Great Wolf Lodge: The 603 all-suite property is a Certified Autism Center, creating a welcoming environment for all guests.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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