SoCal Cup Winter Formal 2026: Anaheim parent travel guide

Getting there and around

• John Wayne / Orange County (SNA) The closest airport, about 14 miles from the convention center. Usually 20–30 minutes by car or ride-share; longer at rush hour.
• Long Beach (LGB) and LAX LGB is about 20 miles away and LAX about 35 miles. LAX often has more flights, but the drive can take an hour or more in traffic.
• Getting around Anaheim Many hotels on Katella Ave and Harbor Blvd are walkable to the convention center. Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) runs shuttle routes around the resort area; check its site for routes and fares.
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Where to stay

• Walkable hotels Hotels on W Katella Ave and Convention Way (for example the Anaheim Marriott, Hilton Anaheim, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and Desert Palms) are a short walk from the halls. Suites with two queens and a sofa bed help bigger families.
• Harbor Blvd and Garden Grove Hotels along S Harbor Blvd and in Garden Grove (about 1–2 miles) are often cheaper and many include breakfast. Plan a short drive, ride-share or ART shuttle.
• Housing rules The organizer's listing says the Winter Formal is not a stay-to-play event; check the event site. If your club uses a hotel block, follow your club's rules.

Eating near the convention center

• Anaheim GardenWalk (about 0.4 mi) Open-air dining center on Katella Ave and Disney Way with many large chain and sit-down restaurants (Cheesecake Factory, Bubba Gump, P.F. Chang's, California Pizza Kitchen, Roy's, FiRE+iCE and more). Several have private rooms or group menus; call ahead for a team. PlumJar has no confirmed deals with any restaurant listed here; these are public listings to help you plan. Call ahead for groups.
• Downtown Disney (about 0.9 mi) Restaurants by the Disneyland Resort, including Naples Ristorante, Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen and Splitsville (bowling plus dining). Downtown Disney is free to walk in; parking there is paid. Busy on weekend evenings, so book early.
• Near the convention center (under 0.5 mi) Puesto and Fleming's on W Katella Ave next to the Westin, a short walk from the halls. Good for smaller groups.
• Team dinner tips Saturday is the busiest night. Book a big table at least a week ahead, ask about a set group menu, and confirm how many people the room fits. Tell PlumJar your team's needs once and we'll email options as restaurants confirm.
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Parking

• Convention center garages and lots The Anaheim Convention Center sets a daily rate per event; recent large events charged about $25. Check the venue before you go and arrive early for the AM wave.
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• Skip the car If your hotel is walkable, leaving the car parked at the hotel can save a daily parking fee.

Weather and what to pack

• For the player Two or three uniforms, knee pads, court shoes (plus spare laces), ankle braces or tape, a big water bottle and recovery snacks.
• For the family Southern California winter days are mild (often 60s°F) but nights cool to the 40s–50s°F, and convention halls run cold. Bring layers, a light jacket, a seat cushion, a portable charger and snacks for long gaps.

Schedule tips

• Check the bracket daily Schedules and brackets post on the event's scoring site and can change after pool play. Check each night before you plan dinner.
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• Plan for both waves If your team plays an AM wave, dinner is easy; a PM wave can run late, so book a later table or plan pickup.
• Flights home Bracket play on Sunday can run into the afternoon. Book flights home for Sunday evening or Monday if you can.

Prices, schedules and offers change; check each source before you go. PlumJar is an independent service for traveling families, and the PlumJar service is free for families. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by AIM Sports Group or the SoCal Cup, the venue or any business listed, except where a deal is marked confirmed.

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