Locals and travelers alike are desperately waiting for news of when they will be able to return to the Happiest Place on Earth, The Disneyland Resort, which has been closed since March due to the pandemic. While I was off work in the “quarantime,” staying safely at home, my mind was out wandering the streets of Anaheim and places in the OC that I wished I could visit. My little book offers tips you won’t find anywhere else because they are from my personal experience. I lived walking distance from Disneyland for over ten years, raising my children with the sound and view of fireworks practically over my backyard. I’m not just a fan, I’m a neighbor. Like any good busybody, I’m happy to share my knowledge of all the great features of my neighborhood.

Available now on Amazon (and through the convenient link above, through which the author – yours truly – will receive a small compensation), Greater Than a Tourist – Anaheim goes beyond the berm with fifty unique tips. Of course, I included some of my favorite things about the Disneyland Resort, especially some sneaky tricks well known to annual pass holders and kids like me who grew up in the area. But more importantly, the book uses The Disneyland Resort area as home base. This perspective assumes visitors are going to the Parks at some point during their trip, and it offers a pin in the virtual map for locals as well.

I wanted to set this book apart from the many Disney-exclusive travel guides. Greater Than A Tourist – Anaheim leads the reader to great restaurants, local parks, the beach, and museums. I purposely included tips you won’t find in other Disney tourist guides: LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, senior citizens, teenagers, active lifestyles. These are legit tips because I am, I parent, or I am friends with people who belong to these groups. It’s written as a conversation as if you called me to ask for suggestions. My friends and family know that means I’ll share some stories along the way!

What the book doesn’t include is any information regarding new safety protocols due to COVID-19. It harks back to a simpler time, and looks forward to a time when hand-washing and sanitizing is habitual and it becomes habit to look out for the well-being of others as well as ourselves.

When Disneyland reopens, it’s likely that capacity will be limited and reservations will be required, based on the example of other Disney Parks around the world (please note, however, that as of this writing, nothing has been announced regarding Disneyland’s reopening). This book will come in very handy as visitors look for other things to do in the area. The book is available in print and on Kindle. I hope you’ll enjoy it!