Please enjoy this guest blog post from TierOne Travel Consultant, Vanny Baron, who recently traveled to California to visit Disneyland and Huntington Beach.
In this blog post, Vanny shares with us the experience of traveling to California right now as a Canadian and what travel is like during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tell US about your Disneyland and Huntington Beach trip itinerary – where did you go, and for how long?
We flew into SNA (John Wayne Santa Ana) airport with Air Canada on Oct 25th, 2021. It was a great flight itinerary on a brand new Air Canada plane. Flying into SNA versus LAX made for a very relaxing transborder experience!
We stayed at the Westin Anaheim for 3 nights and then transferred over to the Hyatt Huntington Beach for 2 nights. It was a very unique “Disney Experience” and I loved it!
What was your travel experience like during the pandemic? What did you notice that had changed?
We had to get COVID-19 tests done within 72 hours of departure and answer screening questions, but other than that it was like normal. The airports follow COVID-19 procedures, but everyone seems accustomed to them now and it wasn’t stressful.
What were your favorite things you did on your trip?
Experiencing Disneyland at just 40% capacity was great! I’d recommend going NOW versus waiting until all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
I also really appreciated the Westin Anaheim as a place to stay on a Disneyland trip. It was a very beautiful new hotel with fantastic customer service, healthy food, and a fully stacked gym.
What were your favorite views you saw ON THIS TRIP?
We had a view of the park right from the room which was nice.
Why do you recommend a Disney trip without kids?
I don’t have kids so I always thought Disneyland wouldn’t be interesting for me. Turns out, there are plenty of things to do as an adult. It actually looks quite romantic at night!
What’s the best time of the year to visit Disney, in your opinion?
Off-season, during the week! I went in late October and the weather was perfect for someone from Vancouver island.
How many days would you recommend someone allow for a trip like this?
I would recommend 4-7 days.
Any other suggestions of what people can do in the Huntington Beach area?
I’d recommend yoga on the beach, biking along the beach, and surfing! Pretty much everything beach-related!
One of the excursions offered through the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa. They bring the firewood, chairs, and s’more making supplies for you and your friends/family!
Who would you recommend this type of trip to?
I would recommend this type of trip to travelers without kids. Plenty of people think “family” for Disney trips, but it’s great to experience without kids, too!
Social distancing isn’t as big of a thing in Anaheim as it is in Victoria, BC so you’ll have to be comfortable with that. The City of Anaheim offers free COVID-19 tests for anyone who has been to Disneyland and is concerned they may have come in contact with COVID-19, so that’s nice. A COVID-19 test is also required for the way home, and you must present it to the agents at the airport upon check-in.
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“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous
