Disney, Anaheim, and Us: Couple of Men Exploring the Disneyland Resort
Karl Krause CALIFORNIA: Our gay couple's guide for the Anaheim Disneyland Resort with tips, Lightning Lane experiences & vegetarian food spots for LGBTQ+ travelers. The post Disney, Anaheim, and Us: Couple of Men Exploring the Disneyland Resort appeared first on Gay Travel Blog - Couple of Men.
Mark
Anaheim was not a new place for us, but a familiar one. After days spent between cities, mountains, and deserts of California, we arrived here tired from driving and full of anticipation for Disney. Two parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, a quiet evening at our LGBTQ+-welcoming hotel, good food spots in the Anaheim Packing District, and many small moments, like the beer tasting at the Radiant Brewery, made this stop feel special. This Couple of Men article combines Disneyland and Anaheim tips, a travel journal, and a guide, showing why Anaheim remains the right place for us to let a California trip come to a slow end.
– in paid collaboration with Visit California & Visit Anaheim
Anaheim was never an unknown place for us in the United States. We had been here several times before, first in 2016 on our very first California road trip, before Couple of Men even existed. Since then, we have kept coming back. For conferences, for short visits, for Disney. Over time, this turned into an unspoken rhythm: ending longer California trips in Anaheim with a visit to the parks. This time was no different. After three weeks in California, West Hollywood, Big Bear Lake, Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Palm Springs, our route once again led us to Anaheim.
Arriving in Anaheim: Anticipation, Exhaustion, & Disney Magic
When we arrived in the early evening, several hundred miles of California roads were already behind us. The last stretches, the drive from Palm Springs back toward the coast, and the traffic around Los Angeles were slow and draining. We picked up some food along the way, packed a few drinks, and decided not to push ourselves any further that night.
Still, the arrival felt special. Anyone who has driven into Anaheim before knows that moment. Wide freeways, familiar signs, and the arrows pointing toward Disneyland. Usually, our instinct is to follow it straight toward the parks. Not this time. That evening, we turned the other way, toward our hotel. A place we already knew and had chosen again on purpose. Just being back there brought a smile to our faces.
Our mood was calm but full of anticipation. For Daan, every Disney visit feels like another significant event. New attractions to discover, themed details to explore, and that unique atmosphere that makes Disneyland in California feel like the happiest place on earth, literally. But nothing should be missed. Karl, on the other hand, was tired from driving and simply glad to have arrived in a place he knew how to navigate. Both feelings were allowed to coexist.
And so we kept things simple at the hotel. A shower, a moment to come, a deep breath, and then falling asleep close together with thoughts already drifting toward Disney. The night would be short, as the parks would open at eight the next morning and stay open well into the evening. Our goal was clear: experience a lot without rushing. This first evening was only about arriving. Anaheim began quietly, with broad smiles, excitement in our stomachs, and the feeling that something familiar and special was waiting for us.
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Anaheim: City History, Location, and Queer Reality
Anaheim is located in Orange County on the Santa Ana River Plain, about 25 miles (ca. 40 km) southeast of Los Angeles. For most travelers today, the name is almost automatically linked to Disney. That connection makes sense. Walt Disney opened his first theme park here in 1955, Disneyland. Many years later, in 2001, a second park, Disney California Adventure, followed. Still, Disney is not the only thing that defines a city of nearly 350,000 people within the Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim metropolitan area.
From Citrus Town to a Travel Destination in Orange County
Looking at Anaheim in a broader context, it becomes clear that the city did not start as a theme park project. Anaheim was founded in 1857 as an agricultural settlement by German immigrants. Its name combines “Ana,” taken from the Santa Ana River, and “heim,” the German word for home. In its early decades, wine production played a central role in this farming community. Over time, vineyards gave way to walnuts, lemons, and oranges. By the early 20th century, Anaheim had become a major center for citrus farming, particularly oranges, which also explains the name Orange County.
This background helps explain why Orange County often feels different from Los Angeles. There is more suburbia, more everyday life, and less spectacle. For travel planning, this makes Anaheim a convenient base. From here, it is relatively easy to reach Los Angeles, while at the same time, it is just as easy to leave the urban buzz behind when heading farther south. Coming from the desert and Palm Springs, as we did, Anaheim felt like a noticeable shift back into a more structured, urban environment.
Anaheim as a Destination for LGBTQ+ Travelers
We see it this way: Anaheim is not West Hollywood, and Orange County has long carried a reputation for conservatism. That reputation is not without reason. For decades, Orange County was considered a Republican stronghold. Recently, however, the political landscape has become more contested. This mix is not always noticeable in specific moments, but rather in the overall tone of daily life. There is less visible queer culture in public spaces, fewer scene-oriented neighborhoods, and more focus on family life and routine.
What matters most from a travel perspective is this: queer infrastructure does exist in Orange County. One example is the LGBTQ Center OC, which brings together community programs and support services across the region. There are also recurring community-focused events connected to Disneyland, such as Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite and Gay Days Anaheim, organized by external groups.
Our experience in Anaheim was completely uneventful in the best sense. At no point did we feel unsafe as an openly gay couple of men. Of course, this always depends on context, surroundings, and personal travel behavior. Still, from a journalistic perspective, it is important to hold both aspects at once. Orange County carries a more conservative legacy, while Anaheim, as a travel destination, often feels far more straightforward and relaxed than many people expect.
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Hotel in Anaheim: Practical, Familiar & Just Right for Disney Days
We consciously chose the same hotel again for our stay in Anaheim. We already knew Hotel 414 Anaheim from an earlier California trip, and that sense of familiarity was the main reason for booking it again. After a long journey through Southern California, we wanted a place we knew would work for us. And that was only part of the story behind this LGBTQ+-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Hotel 414 Anaheim is family-run, and you feel that from the very first moment. At check-in, we were welcomed warmly again, personally and without any distance. Requests were taken seriously, questions were answered directly, and even a room preference we had communicated in advance was fulfilled without any issues.
Why We Keep Choosing Hotel 414 Anaheim
Hotel 414 Anaheim is not a classic hotel with a large lobby and a full-service concept. It is more like a small, family-run property with a motel-style layout. We parked our car directly in front of the one-story building, and each room is set up like a small apartment. There is a bedroom, a bathroom, and a small seating area with a table and chairs, along with a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker. For Disney days, this setup is ideal. You leave early in the morning, come back briefly during the day, and in the evening, you still have the option to prepare something small to eat or keep drinks cold.
The location is one of our most significant advantages. It is about a ten- to fifteen-minute walk to the entrance area of both Disney parks, the Disneyland Esplanade. The walk is straightforward and manageable, even after a long day in the parks. If walking no longer feels appealing, calling an Uber is easy. At the same time, the hotel is well-positioned for everything outside the parks. Within a few minutes by car, you can reach the Anaheim Packing District or one of the local breweries. A gas station with a small shop is just a few steps away, and a Walmart is also nearby. For us, this means flexibility without having to plan every single errand.
The hotel itself is well-maintained, straightforward, and clean. The beds are comfortable, the shower water is reliably warm, and the air conditioning works when you need it. At the same time, we had a window facing the quieter back side, which meant that during the cooler fall nights, we did not need to use the air conditioning at all. We usually book a room with two queen beds. It does not cost more than a king bed, but it gives us extra space to unpack, organize our things, and prepare for our Disney days.
Feeling Welcome, Accepted, and Safe as a Men’s Couple
One detail that matters to us and that we want to mention explicitly is the hotel’s participation in Booking.com’s Travel Proud program. Hotel 414 Anaheim is certified as a Travel Proud property. For us, this is not about a label for its own sake. It means knowing that even a small, family-run business has actively engaged with topics such as equality, LGBTQ+ awareness, and non-discrimination. Our experiences confirmed that feeling. We felt welcome, accepted, and safe as a gay couple throughout our stay.
Another practical advantage for us was the departure date. Even though we were not staying at the hotel that night, we were allowed to leave our car in the parking lot with our suitcases packed. After several Disney days and quite a bit of shopping, this was a significant benefit. For us, Hotel 414 Anaheim is not a place for grand hotel moments. It is a reliable retreat. And that is precisely what we look for in Anaheim. A place that works, feels safe, and keeps the focus on why we are here in the first place.
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Anaheim Packing District: A Day with Good Food & a Local Brewery
Our day off between two packed Disney days started with the decision to discover something new in Anaheim: the Anaheim Packing District. At its center stands the large historic Anaheim Packing House. It is a former citrus packing facility from 1919 that reopened in 2014 after an extensive restoration as a spacious, two-level food hall.
The building is one of the few remaining packing houses from the time when the citrus industry shaped Orange County. Since 2015, this carefully restored structure has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The term “Packing District,” however, refers to more than just the main building. It describes an entire area with several historic structures and a small public park that today serves as a gathering place for food, drinks, events, and community.
From Industrial Landmark to Lively Food Hub
We arrived around midday, found parking without any trouble, and took some time to walk around first. From the outside, the Packing House still feels like a piece of industrial history. Inside, it opens up into a bright, spacious interior defined by a large glass roof and a lively atmosphere. Around us were friendly vendors and guests at various stalls and small restaurants, along with plenty of seating spread across two levels. Whether upstairs on the gallery overlooking the main hall or downstairs among the tables, the entire space felt welcoming.
Three Food Stops That Stuck with Us
1. ZeroZero39: Pizza from the Packing House
Right near the entrance on the lower level at the east side of the building, we were greeted by ZeroZero39, a pizzeria that promises “a piece of Rome in Anaheim.” The selection is excellent, and the pizza lived up to it. Karl chose a slice of Truffle Porcini and one of Rustica with potatoes and rosemary. Daan tried two slices as well, one with Pasta & Pesto and another with Burrata LG, both vegetarian options. It was the perfect start to our food walk through the district.
2. Sumo Dog: Japanese-Inspired Hot Dogs with Vegetarian Options
On the upper level, we found a stand offering hot dogs inspired by Japanese street food. The combinations at Sumo Dog were so unusual yet well-balanced that it was hard to believe how well they worked together. What stood out even more was the availability of vegetarian options, which made this an easy recommendation for both of us.
3. Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream: A Sweet Finish
Right next to the hot dog stand was a small ice cream shop called Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream, offering house-made flavors. Daan went for licorice ice cream, while I picked something like cookie dough. Both were surprisingly intense in flavor and made for a perfect ending to our culinary tour.
The Packing District offers far more than just these three spots. More than 30 different vendors and shops come together here, serving everything from Asian specialties and sandwiches to Mediterranean dishes and classic American comfort food.
A Walk Through the City and an Evening at a Local Brewery
After this generous lunch, we took a relaxed walk through the surrounding parts of downtown Anaheim. It was a stroll past small shops and quiet streets before our next stop in the early evening. We had a reservation at Radiant Beer Company.
Inside the brewery, there was a mix of classic beers and newer creations, including several styles inspired by Czech brewing traditions that brought back memories for Karl. He grew up near Dresden in eastern Germany, not far from Prague. As the driver that evening, he limited himself to small tasting pours and non-alcoholic options, while Daan sampled different IPAs and pilsners. The food, inspired by street food culture, was just as enjoyable, from excellent pizza to sourdough avocado sandwiches, and paired well with the beers.
What sets Radiant apart from a purely commercial brewery is the way the team sees it as a community space. Events, opportunities for local artists, and an open, relaxed atmosphere turned the evening into another highlight of our time in Anaheim. Conversations with staff and other guests made it clear that this is not just a bar or a craft beer spot. It felt like a local meeting place.
If you are looking for something to do on a quieter day between Disney visits, the Anaheim Packing District offers precisely that. A place to eat, sit, watch, try new things, and end the day in a welcoming local spot like Radiant: definitely one of our tips for a stay in Anaheim, not far from Disneyland.
Disney California Adventure & Disneyland: Two Parks Full of Magic
We deliberately chose a time between Halloween and the start of the holiday season, hoping it would be quieter. Unfortunately, it was not, as the parks were very busy, at least on day one. Even though we managed to experience every attraction we had planned, some of them even twice. Here are some of our tips for Disneyland and California Adventure in Anaheim.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Why It Matters on Busy Days
A key reason this worked was the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, the current successor to the former FastPass system. Using the Disneyland app, you can reserve time windows for selected attractions. While you are still moving through the park or waiting in another line, the clock for your next attraction is already running. When your time arrives, you use the shorter Lightning Lane. On crowded days, this makes a huge difference and helps avoid spending the entire day standing in line.
Some Disneyland Anaheim tips for the beginning: Starting early is essential. In the morning, many attractions are still available. As the day goes on, time slots for the most popular rides move later and later until they eventually sell out. If there are specific attractions you really want to experience, it pays to secure those time windows as early as possible. Of course, you can always use the regular standby line, but on days like these, the Lightning Lane Multi Pass was clearly worth it for us.
Starting Our Disney Days at Disney California Adventure
We began our Disney experience with a day at Disney California Adventure Park. Right after park opening, we headed straight for Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land. While Cars is not necessarily one of our favorite Disney movies, the land itself is beautifully designed. The main attraction, Radiator Springs Racers, combines dark-ride elements, speed, and a racing moment in a way that is simply fun, even for visitors like Daan who do not have a driver’s license. The posted wait time was 2 hours, but we ultimately waited only about 55 minutes. A great start to our first day at a Disney park in Anaheim.
Thereafter, we let ourselves wander a bit. Incredicoaster is always on our list, as is The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, a calm attraction that feels just right in between bigger rides. One area we are especially drawn to is Grizzly Peak. Its design strongly recalls the mountains of California and fits perfectly with our trip, as we had just spent a few days at Big Bear Lake. The proximity to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
A ride on Grizzly River Run is part of the experience here. The attraction is great, but you should be aware that you can get very wet. Our biggest issue was not wet clothes, but wet shoes. A lot of walking and wet feet are not a good combination at Disney.
Our improvised solution of wrapping plastic bags around our shoes was not elegant, but it did help. A poncho would have been a much better option. One extra tip we only learned later through a comment on our Instagram reel: there are free lockers right next to the attraction. That would have made things much easier. But in the unlikely event that they are all busy, using some plastic bags is one of our Disneyland tips for your stay in Anaheim.
Bye-bye, Monsters. Hello, Guardians of the Galaxy.
We very consciously said goodbye to “Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!” that day. The attraction is set to close as part of the upcoming Avatar expansion. We are eagerly awaiting the new theme land, but this farewell still felt a bit nostalgic, especially for Daan.
Another must-do for us at Disney California Adventure Park is Guardians of the “Galaxy—Mission: BREAKOUT!”. Thematically, we preferred the former Tower of Terror. From a ride perspective, however, Mission: BREAKOUT is far more intense. The rapid changes in direction, the music, and the energy inside the ride vehicle make it a real highlight.
After about half a day, we decided to switch parks. Pixar Pier, Avengers Campus, and Grizzly Peak were a great start, but after a while, the timing felt right to move on. And thanks to the Park Hopper Ticket, we could just switch parks as it felt right for us. Definitely one of our Disneyland and Anaheim tips. More about this later!
Disneyland Park: Back to Disney’s Roots
Disneyland Park in Anaheim is considered the origin of all Disney parks. This is where Walt Disney’s idea of a theme park that everyone could experience together first became reality. For Daan, this place has been special since childhood. For both of us, every visit is a mix of nostalgia and admiration. Compared to Disney California Adventure, there are noticeably more attractions here, which makes the park feel dense and full of history.
Back in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
One of the highlights is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, one of the most impressive themed lands Disney has ever created. Batuu, more specifically Black Spire Outpost, is designed down to the smallest detail. Cast members stay in character, use their terminology, and the storytelling runs consistently through every corner of the land. “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance” remains, for us, the best attraction Disney has built so far. Without giving anything away, it continues to set standards well beyond Disneyland itself.
The second major attraction in Batuu is “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run”. Visually, it is impressive. Story-wise, it did not engage us as strongly. The good news is that the real-time rendering system used for the ride allows for future story expansions, including upcoming content tied to the film “The Mandalorian and Grogu”. One practical tip here: this attraction offers a single rider line, which can save a lot of time.
Food Highlights In and Around Batuu
Oh, and just another of our Disneyland Anaheim tips: get your memory photo by the Disney photographers. They add some Disney magic with digital photo enhancements we just love! Talking about tips for Disneyland in Anaheim: Having fun made us hungry.
When it comes to food, Batuu is our favorite area in the park, especially for vegetarians. “Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo” serves some of the best vegetarian dishes we have had in a U.S. Disney park. The food tastes fresh, is well seasoned, and is thoughtfully themed. Outside seating in front of the restaurant has expanded, with several tables offering a direct view of the Millennium Falcon, which makes the experience even better.
Ronto Roasters is a Disneyland food tip for hungry stomachs in Anaheim—but to go. The snack bar-like food point is known for its Ronto Wraps, including plant-based sausage versions. It is a quick, very satisfying choice between attractions. Close to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you will also find the “Hungry Bear” Restaurant. It is more classic in style, with solid vegetarian options and plenty of seating right by the water.
Disney Classics and Our Personal Favorites
Beyond Star Wars, we love the classics. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours, and Space Mountain are always part of our visits. Space Mountain is fantastic, but on hectic days, the queue can be genuinely challenging. The noise level, with voices echoing through the space and impatient children, can become overwhelming. Our tip for more sensitive guests is to bring earplugs, such as Loop’s. You can still hear each other, but the sensory overload is reduced. With Lightning Lane, Space Mountain becomes twice as enjoyable.
A personal favorite for us remains Matterhorn Bobsleds. Old, rough, and loud, with seating one behind the other and plenty of shaking. That is precisely where its charm lies. Add the yeti animatronics and the feeling that this attraction comes from a very different era of Disney, and it becomes something truly special. Right next to it is Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Calm, gentle, and shaded, it is perfect for a short break. Sitting inside the submarine, looking through small windows, and slowly drifting through the underwater world is always a moment to breathe.
Two Days That Were Worth It
Two full days in the parks felt intense but never rushed. With good planning, the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, regular breaks, and a conscious choice of attractions, we returned to the hotel tired, happy, and full of impressions. For us, Anaheim was undoubtedly the right place to bring our California journey to a close.
Anaheim as the Right Ending to Our Southern California Journey
Anaheim was not a spontaneous stop for us, but a consciously chosen way to end our trip through Southern California. After West Hollywood, Big Bear Lake, Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Palm Springs, our days in Anaheim felt like a calm landing after an experience-heavy journey through the United States. Fewer changes of scenery, fewer new impressions, and more space to let everything settle. That is what Disney is for us. A place where you experience a lot while still feeling at home. We hope we can inspire you to some fun days in Anaheim with our Disneyland tips.
Using a Park Hopper ticket on both Disney days at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim fits well with the way we like to travel. Each day, we started in one park and ended in the other. This allowed us to change moods without feeling like we were constantly on the move. For us, Park Hopper makes the most sense when you have more than one day and already know which attractions really matter to you. If you are only staying for one day or want to focus on a single park, it is not strictly necessary.
Anaheim works so well for us as a final stop because everything is close together. The parks, the hotel, food options outside Disney, short distances, and very little planning required. After many miles on the road, this felt exactly right. And yes, Disney helps you leave with a smile. Not because everything is perfect, but because it allows you, for a few days, to lean into something that feels light.
Our Personal Disneyland Tips from These Days in Anaheim
To close, here are a few Disneyland tips that made our stay in Anaheim noticeably more enjoyable:
- The Lightning Lane Multi Pass is worth it on busy days. Book time slots early to secure the major attractions.
- Plan big rides in the morning: Time windows shift later as the day goes on or sell out entirely. For your favorite attraction, you can also join the standby line shortly before park closing.
- Schedule breaks: Calm attractions like Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage help you slow down and reset.
- Grizzly River Run: Bring a poncho or wear clothes that can get wet. Keep your shoes dry and use the free lockers available near the attraction.
- Earplugs, such as those from Loop, can be very helpful in loud queues like Space Mountain.
- Use single rider lines when available, for example, at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. They save time, and you often meet interesting people.
- Vegetarian food: Docking Bay 7 in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is our top recommendation.
- Do not try to do everything. Prioritize your favorite attractions, let the rest go, and simply come back. Or plan a future visit to Walt Disney World in Florida.
For us, Anaheim once again proved to be the right place to end our trip. Familiar, intense, but not overwhelming. An ending that does not need to be loud to stay with you.
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Plan Your Anaheim Trip with Disneyland Using Our Gay Couple Tips
Anaheim is not a place we check off a list. It is a place we return to. Maybe it is Disney. It may be the area’s reliability. It could be the mix of the familiar and the special.
For us, as a gay couple of men traveling, Anaheim feels uncomplicated. You can experience a lot without constantly having to explain yourself. You can immerse yourself in Disney worlds, take breaks, enjoy good food, and arrive.
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These days in Anaheim were intense at times, tiring at others, and filled with many small moments of joy. They showed us that Disney is not only about attractions but also about moods, encounters, and memories that stay. And that is precisely why Anaheim fits so well into our travels through California. Not as a grand finale, but as a place you leave feeling good.
For queer travelers who are planning their road trip through Southern California, you’ll find plenty of tips on our website for LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, hikes, accommodations, and gay events. We are also regularly adding new review articles about theme parks in California, such as Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita or Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City. Are you interested in queer outdoor experiences, ski weeks, or other mountain destinations? Then browse through our guides or write to us directly for personal recommendations. You can also follow us on Facebook, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. We are excited to connect! Karl & Daan.
Important note: Our gay trip to Big Bear Lake was made possible in close collaboration with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Visit California, and Visit Anaheim. Nevertheless, our opinions and texts, as always, are based entirely on our own personal experiences. We took all the photos and videos in this article.
The post Disney, Anaheim, and Us: Couple of Men Exploring the Disneyland Resort appeared first on Gay Travel Blog - Couple of Men.
