News Summary
Anaheim, California is experiencing a surge in Australian tourists as Disneyland celebrates its 70th anniversary. The city welcomed significantly more Australian visitors in 2024, with average stays increasing to six nights. Key attractions like Disneyland Resort and the Honda Centre are driving this growth, alongside diverse accommodations and culinary options. Anaheim’s strategic location near Southern California beaches further adds to its appeal, positioning it as a gateway for international travelers. Major expansions are also planned, enhancing the tourism infrastructure leading up to Disneyland’s milestone celebration.
Anaheim Experiences Surge in Australian Visitors as Disneyland Celebrates 70th Anniversary
Anaheim, California, has witnessed a notable increase in Australian visitors as of 2025, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the iconic Disneyland Resort. In 2024, Anaheim achieved a record number of visitors, a trend significantly bolstered by the influx of Australian tourists who have shown a growing interest in exploring Anaheim and the surrounding Southern California area.
The average stay for Australian visitors has grown from 4.5 nights to six nights, indicating a deepening engagement with local attractions and experiences. This upsurge reflects a larger international trend, with overall visitation to Anaheim nearly doubling in 2024. Australian tourists are increasingly using Anaheim as a base for their explorations, highlighting the city’s appeal as both a destination and a gateway to Southern California.
Major Attractions Fueling Growth
Key attractions such as Disneyland Resort and the Honda Centre are central to the rise in Australian tourism. Disneyland Resort is renowned as the most famous theme park in the world, drawing visitors with its thrilling rides, interactive attractions, and continuous enhancements. The ongoing projects, notably Disneyland Forward, are set to further elevate its appeal to international audiences.
The Honda Centre, home to the Anaheim Ducks NHL team, serves as an entertainment hub, hosting a variety of events like hockey games and concerts that attract sports enthusiasts. These venues, along with a wide range of accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options—such as the popular Westin Anaheim Resort—meet the diverse needs of visiting Australians.
Accommodations and Culinary Experiences
To address the increasing demand for quality accommodations, Anaheim is planning to add new hotel rooms by 2030. The city offers a diverse food scene that appeals to tourists, featuring a mixture of fine dining and casual eateries, which reflects the culinary influences of Southern California.
Enhancing the gastronomic landscape, food festivals and farmers’ markets provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy local produce. Visitors can explore a variety of culinary offerings, ranging from seafood to Mexican-inspired dishes, making Anaheim an attractive destination for food enthusiasts from Australia.
Proximity to Southern California Attractions
Anaheim’s strategic location positions it just a short drive away from iconic Southern California beaches, including Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and Newport Beach. This accessibility enhances its allure for visitors looking to experience the region’s beautiful coastline while enjoying the various attractions Anaheim has to offer.
Future Plans and Events
To further invest in its tourism sector, Anaheim has major expansions planned, including new entertainment, dining, and retail spaces slated for completion by 2030. This development aligns with the anticipated surge in visitors coinciding with Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary, which will be celebrated on July 17, 2025, under the theme “Celebrate Happy.”
The anniversary will feature new decorations throughout Disneyland and a special themed entertainment schedule, including a new theme song performed by The Jonas Brothers. Enhanced nighttime spectaculars and popular parades such as “Wondrous Journeys” and “Paint The Night” will also return during this celebration.
Additionally, special ticket offers will be available for Australian and New Zealand residents to encourage visits to Disneyland Resort through October 2026. Notably, other local attractions, including Knott’s Berry Farm, will celebrate its 105th anniversary with themed events throughout 2025, appealing further to international visitors.
As Anaheim prepares for an exciting future, events like VidCon and BlizzCon are set to attract even more international visitors over the coming years, solidifying its status as a premier global destination.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Travel and Tour World: Australians are Staying Longer in Anaheim
- Wikipedia: Disneyland
- The AU Review: Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebrations
- Google Search: Anaheim California
- Sports Tourism News: Visit Anaheim
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Anaheim
- OC Register: Matt Rife at Honda Center
- Google Search: Southern California beaches
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
