Happy place: Celebrate Disneyland's birthday in Anaheim, a flight away from Austin

You could visit Disneyland on your birthday, or you could help the theme park celebrate its own birthday. The chance comes each year on July 17, which is also a great time to explore Anaheim.

The day marks the dedication of Disneyland back in 1955, when Walt Disney himself hosted special guests on a tour before the park's official opening the next day. While it's not an officially recognized event, the park often passes out special souvenirs to early arrivers, the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet sings "Happy Birthday" and many attendees dress in their 1950s finest.

The surrounding city of Anaheim, meanwhile, offers plenty to see and do, with museums, food and drink, sports and nature all within easy reach.

It’s more doable than you think. According to travel site Skyscanner, there are plenty of flights from Austin to Anaheim in that time frame, and the prices aren't too shabby.

So if you're looking for a change of scenery, here are some deals to put on your to-do list. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

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Cheapest Anaheim flights

The cheapest flights between Austin and Anaheim are if you leave on July 15 and return from California on July 20. Frontier Airlines currently has tickets for $162, roundtrip.

If you fly out of Austin on July 15 and return from Anaheim on July 19, Frontier Airlines can get you there and back for $177 roundtrip.

Top Anaheim accommodations

To plan your accommodations, here are some of Anaheim’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.

The Disneyland Hotel (1150 W. Magic Way)

If you're looking to splurge on top quality, consider The Disneyland Hotel. The hotel has a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $198.

Featuring nearly 1,000 guest rooms, the hotel's recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, a children's pool, a spa tub and a fitness facility.

"Every staff member I encountered had the Disney charm," wrote visitor Jean. "Loved my deluxe room as it was super spacious. Easily accessible to downtown Disney and the theme parks."

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel (1600 S. Disneyland Drive)

If you're looking to treat yourself, try Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. With a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, the hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city. Rooms are currently listed for $266/night.

"The Grand Californian is a spectacular hotel! The rooms are beautiful, the views are stunning, the service is exceptional and the restaurants will definitely satisfy your palate," wrote reviewer Cindy.

The Ayres Hotel Anaheim (2550 E. Katella Ave.)

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, there's The Ayres Hotel Anaheim. Rooms are currently set at $109/night. It has 4.5 stars.

Set in the heart of Anaheim, this hotel is close to the Honda Center and the Grove of Anaheim, as well as Angel Stadium.

Featured Anaheim restaurants

If you're looking to snag a bite at one of Anaheim's many quality eateries, here are a few popular culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.

Brodard Restaurant (9892 Westminster Ave.)

If you're looking for a local favorite, head to the Brodard Restaurant, which has an average of 4.5 stars out of 62 reviews on Skyscanner.

"This is my all-time favorite place to get spring rolls," wrote reviewer Mick. "No other restaurant makes it the way they do. Each spring roll is freshly made to order and you can see the assembly line making process along the side of the restaurant."

Cream Pan (602 El Camino Real)

Another popular dining destination is the Cream Pan, with 4.7 stars from 36 reviews.

"This place has good strawberry croissants and good sandwiches," wrote visitor Brian. "The pastries are really good. The place is usually packed."

House of Blues (400 Disney Way, #337)

Finally, there's the House of Blues. It has 4.4 stars from 56 reviews.

"Dining and live music will never be the same again in Anaheim," wrote Fabrizio.

What to see and do in Anaheim

To round out your trip, Anaheim offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are two top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.

Disneyland (1313 Disneyland Drive)

First up is Disneyland. It has 4.8 stars from 949 reviews.

Guests of all ages are enthralled by this whimsical, magical land of make-believe. Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella and all your Disney favorite characters come to life here in eight extravagantly themed lands.

Disney's California Adventure Park (1313 Disneyland Drive)

Then, there's Disney's California Adventure Park, with 4.8 stars from 401 reviews.

Located right across the street from its older brother, Disney's California Adventure is a whirlpool of color, music and familiar Disney characters.

"California Adventure is kind of the cooler, hipper younger sister to Disneyland," wrote visitor Becky. "The magic, nostalgia and classic warm fuzzies can be found within the gates of Disneyland, but the adventure, the adult whimsy and the thrill can be found across the terrace at California Adventure."

This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.