Tag Archives: Orange County

Garden Grove OC to Seattle, USA – Part One

United States of America,

P1160712
Flying from John Wayne (SNA) to Seattle is a lot tamer than Los Angeles International (LAX) airport.

John Wayne Airport is 14 miles (23 km) from Orange County’s main attraction Disneyland and Los Angeles International Airport is 35 miles (56 km). There are no flights between the two airports.

P1160761
Just over two hours flying time with Alaskan Airlines and the temperature’s dropped coming into Seattle. Bags were already off the belt when we arrived to collect them. Quite efficient and the service onboard was exceptional with some drinks and a small snack served.

The SeaTac / Airport Station is connected to the fourth floor of the airport parking garage. Trains arrive and depart on the platform level of the station. The covered, level walkway to the airport terminal is one level down on the mezzanine. Adult fares range from $2.25 to $3.00 depending on how far you travel.

P1160783
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Seattle, close to Pike Place Market and many other opportunities to experience this city.

It’s also the start of our trip with the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer’s rail journey as the new Coastal Passage begins in Seattle. Some sightseeing and meeting up with my group one day prior to departure. allows us to acquaint ourselves with some of the attractions here.

P1160789
Timeless elegance surrounds this hotel from the corridors to the Grand Lobby.

P1160846
A sneak peek at the Space Needle.

P1160848
We’re ready for the 41 seconds of upward, ‘no-getting out’ the elevator ride of 521 feet.

P1160854
Magnificent views all round and interesting to note the ships at port. With Rocky Mountaineer you can also package up a cruise, either pre or post your rail journey from Seattle.

P1160817
Not far from the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is Pike Markets which is filled with all kinds of goodies.

P1160814
Fresh as …
P1160818

P1160812

P1160809
A crew of fish mongers who throw fish to each other which entertains customers.

P1160823
Starbucks opened its first store in 1971 in the Pike Place Market in downtown.

P1160827
Not bad ‘eh? The bike I mean …

P1160804
The Gum Wall is a brick alleyway wall now covered in used chewing gum at the end of Pike Markets. Parts are covered several centimetres thick.

P1160902 (3)
Dale Chihuly’s exhibit opened in 2012 and is next to the Space Needle showcasing studio glass and gardens. The Museum’s photo shows him contemplating his creations, studying other worldly formations and designs.

“I just liked the name ‘Persian.’ It conjured up the Near East, Byzantine, Far East, Venice – all the history, trades, smells and senses. It was an exotic name to me, so I just called them Persians.” –Chihuly

P1160876 (2)
Delightful to see.

P1160883

P1160901
And at the end of the day, you can relax and have a meal at the café with accordions adorning the ceiling.

Disneyland Revisited 2015, Grove District Anaheim, Orange County, USA – Part One

United States of America, , ,

Walt
I’m back to where I  started travelling internationally, and it’s the 60th Diamond Celebration of Walt Disney’s dream with added attractions and California Adventure  just next door.

P1160354
What’s new for me is the light rail which transports you into the grounds and by purchasing a pass, it offers you all the rides – all day.

P1160362
I’ve not been to Disneyland in almost 30 years and to return is a fun trip down memory lane, especially seeing some favourite rides.

P1160380

P1160379

P1160373
You can choose from a Disneyland 1-day Park Hopper ticket or a 2-day Park Hopper. This ticket entitles you to:
1 or 2 Park Hoppers entitles you to same-day entry into both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
• All Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Tickets expire 13 days after first use or on January 13, 2017, whichever occurs first.
• First day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use.

P1160397
Waiting for the parade to begin, children (and parents) are entertained with fun dancing lessons.

P1160413 (2)
California Adventure has a parade of characters at 5:15 pm each afternoon – don’t miss it.

P1160454
Cars Land was a new attraction for me and a big favourite – for both young and old.

P1160420

P1160443

P1160470

P1160385

P1160471
Not sure I’ll be around to see it, but would be interesting …

P1160473
And if you’re staying at the hotels around the Disneyland area, there’s buses which run on a regular service, particularly along Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove in Orange County or OC as it’s known. $5.00 will buy you a return ticket and you’re able to purchase it at your hotel as well.

Sheraton Double Queen Guest Room - Copy1 - Copy
Along Harbour Boulevard in Garden Grove, there’s a cluster of well-known properties from the Grove District Anaheim Resort and Hotel’s group which offer varying accommodation styles. The Sheraton Garden Grove – Anaheim South caters widely for families with quite a number of interconnecting rooms, and depending on availability, they can usually confirm at the time of booking.

One whole floor is dedicated to business travellers whereby they’re not impacted by families.

Anaheim Marriott Suites-1_Living Area - Copy The Anaheim Marriott Suites is the premier and largest Marriott with all suites. It’s a full-service hotel and located just one mile from the Disneyland Resort attractions.

Separate to the bedroom is wardrobe and luggage space, bathroom and huge flat-screen TV in the lounge area with fast free internet and desk.

P1160346
If you’d like to try another hotel’s cuisine for a change, you can simply walk across the street and enjoy a delectable shared plate as a starter at the Hyatt Regency Orange County’s TusCA Restaurant. Renowned for its dishes of serving up hearty pastas and artisan pizzas baked in an authentic Italian oven, you can choose local Californian wines which tops it off for the night.