About Anaheim
There is more to Anaheim, CA than Disneyland, and this southern California city will surprise and delight you. Anaheim is technically in Orange County, although it’s part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area and is about one and a half hours away from its northern neighbor. The city was founded by 50 German families and is named after the Santa Ana River and the German word for home – “heim.”
The population of the city is around 346,000 people, and a lot of that growth happened after Disneyland opened in 1955. Before that, Anaheim’s economy relied heavily upon agriculture, and it was still a more rural part of the state. Today, it’s a bustling city with tourism, businesses, residential areas, and strong ties to the film industry.
Filming Options in Anaheim
Filming venues in Anaheim are abundant, and many professionals have used them for their projects. Major motion pictures filmed here include Saving Mr. Banks, Angels in the Outfield, Back to the Future II, and Road House, among others. The companies in the city are equipped to handle the vast needs of tourism, filming, corporate events, and residential requests.
- Catering
Anaheim has a reputation as a foodie city. It may not be the reason that people visit the city, but the cuisine certainly keeps them happy while they are in town. Your Anaheim filming project will be all the more memorable after working with one of the catering companies in Anaheim.
- Furniture Rentals
Furniture. Lights. Audio equipment. The needs of an Anaheim filming project are long no matter what the project. The furniture and equipment rental companies in Anaheim can help you secure the needed items, rather than bringing everything in from your home location.
- Transportation
There is nothing quite so frustrating as being short on time and navigating a new city. The transportation companies in Anaheim can take care of the logistics and get you where you need to be, showing you all the shortcuts and traffic workarounds, the city has to offer in the process.
Filming Companies in Anaheim
These Anaheim filming companies offer the best in the business and have comparable counterparts throughout the city. Securing the services, you need for your filming project well in advance will ensure that you have your pick of the best that Anaheim offers.
- The Taco Catering Company
Yum, tacos! You can’t go wrong with tacos for a catered meal, but there are few companies that can get this meal right in a catering situation. Fortunately, The Taco Catering Company is one of them. They deliver home-style meals, and even better, part of their profits support students.
- Cosmos Event Rentals
Cosmos Event Rentals is a family-owned company that’s been serving the area since 2003. They started with party rentals and have progressed into event rentals of every shape and size. Their vision includes treating customers the way they want to be treated and helping with everything from planning to setup and clean-up.
- Anaheim Town Car Services
Anaheim Town Car Services by JAG Transportation provides limousine quality service at the cost of a cab. Their complementary services include Disney movies in some vehicles, bottled water, and child seating. Safety is their number one priority, but you’ll find style, luxury, and professionalism are all top-notch as well.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Anaheim
Every city has its good and bad points, none of them is immune. Here are the pros and cons of filming in Anaheim.
Advantages
- How’s the weather?
Well, that’s not really a question you need to ask in Anaheim, so you better start looking for new topics of conversation. The weather is sublime in southern California, and you can enjoy that during your filming project in the city.
- Safe
Disneyland isn’t the only reason for Anaheim to be the happiest place on earth. They also have low crime rates, making it one of the safest cities in California.
- Convenience
Let’s face it, you’re working on a filming project and at some point, deadlines are going to get closer. Anaheim is convenient, easy to get in and out of, and used to the demands that filming projects have. Plus, it has all the services, from catering to transportation, that you need.
Disadvantages
- Fewer restaurants
The restaurant and nightlife scenes in Anaheim aren’t quite as robust as in some other cities. Overall, you’ll find that you have fewer options when it comes to what to eat and where to go.
- The crowds
Mickey Mouse draws huge crowds to Anaheim every day of the year. The city’s other attractions, including Angels Stadium, the Honda Center, and more, add to the daily population in the city. Long story short, expect Anaheim to be crowded.
- Santa Ana winds
You may have heard about the Santa Ana Winds and how windy it can be in southern California, and thought it was a bit of an exaggeration. However, if you’re in Anaheim in October or November you’ll know that it was not an exaggeration.
Famous Locations in Anaheim
- Anaheim Garden Walk
The name is a bit misleading; you won’t be seeing many gardens on the Anaheim Garden Walk. This is the entertainment district – and it includes Disneyland, the hotels, restaurants, and more. The Anaheim Garden Walk is also 430,000 square acres, so don’t expect to cover the entire thing on foot. But you will see some beautiful murals and other art as you explore the area.
- Central City
You’ll often see Central City referred to as CtrCity and it’s the historic downtown area at the heart of Anaheim. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a restaurant or eatery. There are also boutique shops and some upscale residential lofts. The streets are lined with palm trees, and the FRAN – or Free Rides Around the Neighborhood – is an electric fleet of vehicles that can help you explore.
- Yorba Regional Park
Yorba Regional Park offers 140-acres of park and green space for residents and visitors. There are four lakes in the park, winding paths to meander along, and recreational attractions including playgrounds and volleyball nets. The picnic areas are popular any time of day or season.