Orange County and Disneyland Family Vacation

Whether you’re a fan of the O.C. or not, most people know that Orange County is a mostly affluent area of Southern California that also is a famous tourist destination. Disneyland was founded here. Knott's Berry Farm is here. It’s the home of the Anaheim Ducks. Hockey, anyone?

Anaheim is the draw for the family crowd, but Orange County’s coastal area boasts some of California’s best beaches: Laguna, Newport, Huntington. The area draws outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes—surfers, hikers, skateboarders, swimmers, golfers, you name it. Luxury seekers have myriad resorts to rest their weary legs—whether from sports activities or shopping—including the Montage Laguna Beach, St. Regis Resort Monarch Beach and the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point.

Keep the magic of the resort's two theme parks going 'round the clock with a stay at the famed Disneyland Hotel. View rooms overlook the hotel's whimsical Never Land Pool area, the colorful Downtown Disney District, or the surrounding city lights. Guestrooms feature such distinctively Disney touches as Snow White themed mirrors, an early concept drawing of Disneyland Park on the armoire, and bathroom wall sconces shaped like Mickey Mouse's gloved hands. When the day's fun is done, climb in your Queen- or King-size bed (the one with the drawing of Sleeping Beauty Castle on the headboard), pull up the spread featuring Disneyland attractions, and drift off to sleep surrounded by pixie dust in the wall border sprinkled by Tinker Bell herself. Of course, in addition to these magical extras, each room includes such welcome amenities as a mini-refrigerator, TV, and high-speed Internet connection. Promotion Disclaimer: *Get 2 More Days & Nights FREE offer: Valid for bookings from 3/24/09 through 8/11/09 and for arrivals 4/1/09 through 9/26/09 with travel being completed by 10/1/09. Upon the purchase of a 3-night package, with 3-Day Disneyland? Resort Park Hopper? Bonus Tickets for each Guest listed on the package / reservation, at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland? Resort, two (2) consecutive free nights will be added to the hotel stay and two (2) days will be added to each ticket. Guests eligible for two (2) free days on tickets limited to the maximum occupancy per hotel room/suite. Limited to two (2) free nights per package / reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms. Check for offers associated with longer night stays. These tickets expire 13 days after first use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. Offer subject to availability and blockout dates; advance reservations required. Not valid with other discount/promotion.

No visit to Southern California would be complete without a visit to the Magic Kingdom; Disneyland has been making dreams come true for decades. Disneyland, located within Disneyland Resort, is divided into eight "lands" with different themes, such as Fantasyland, Critter Country, Mickey's Toon Town and Tomorrowland. The park is open 365 days of the year. Holidays are some of the busiest times for the park, so plan accordingly. Hours can change according to the season, so be sure to call or check the website before planning your trip.

Keep the magic of the resort's two theme parks going 'round the clock with a stay at the famed Disneyland Hotel. View rooms overlook the hotel's whimsical Never Land Pool area, the colorful Downtown Disney District, or the surrounding city lights. Guestrooms feature such distinctively Disney touches as Snow White themed mirrors, an early concept drawing of Disneyland Park on the armoire, and bathroom wall sconces shaped like Mickey Mouse's gloved hands. When the day's fun is done, climb in your Queen- or King-size bed (the one with the drawing of Sleeping Beauty Castle on the headboard), pull up the spread featuring Disneyland attractions, and drift off to sleep surrounded by pixie dust in the wall border sprinkled by Tinker Bell herself. Of course, in addition to these magical extras, each room includes such welcome amenities as a mini-refrigerator, TV, and high-speed Internet connection. Promotion Disclaimer: *Get 2 More Days & Nights FREE offer: Valid for bookings from 3/24/09 through 8/11/09 and for arrivals 4/1/09 through 9/26/09 with travel being completed by 10/1/09. Upon the purchase of a 3-night package, with 3-Day Disneyland? Resort Park Hopper? Bonus Tickets for each Guest listed on the package / reservation, at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland? Resort, two (2) consecutive free nights will be added to the hotel stay and two (2) days will be added to each ticket. Guests eligible for two (2) free days on tickets limited to the maximum occupancy per hotel room/suite. Limited to two (2) free nights per package / reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms. Check for offers associated with longer night stays. These tickets expire 13 days after first use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. Offer subject to availability and blockout dates; advance reservations required. Not valid with other discount/promotion.

In this era of fluctuating gas prices, why burn precious fuel seeing all the wondrous and storied sights of the Golden State? This Disney theme park is your one-stop shop for everything California! Tour Hollywood back lots, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the San Francisco Bay Area, and a contemporary re-imagining of the party-pier amusement parks of 1940s Santa Monica - all without ever leaving the convenience of a single city block in downtown Anaheim. Thrill rides here go above and beyond the kiddie fare at neighboring Disneyland, and the concession stands offer beer, wine and margaritas. The "oceanfront" bandstand plays host to classic California mainstays like the Beach Boys and Kool & The Gang, solidifying the location's reputation as a theme park destination truly fun for the whole family.

After a visit to Disneyland and the California Adventure theme park, there's nothing better then relaxing in an outdoor shopping and entertainment center sprinkled with Disney magic, of course. Located on Disneyland Drive, in Anaheim, there's no escaping Fantasy Land. Here you'll find dozens of restaurants, for instance, chains like the House of Blues and other themed eateries. The kids will find happiness and want more souvenirs and trinkets at the large Disney Character store. For adults, Downtown Disney offers Pleasure Island, a combination of live performances and nightclubs.

Continue your dreamy vacation at Downtown Disney with a visit to Catal. Fine Mediterranean cuisine served here has hints from France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Get into the groove with Paella a la Valencia, Duck Leg Confit and Spinach Tortellini. The bar serves innovatively themed drinks, tapas, sandwiches and salads. And if you feel like it, you can request a table outdoors. The management announces events seasonally.

Keep the magic of the resort's two theme parks going 'round the clock with a stay at the famed Disneyland Hotel. View rooms overlook the hotel's whimsical Never Land Pool area, the colorful Downtown Disney District, or the surrounding city lights. Guestrooms feature such distinctively Disney touches as Snow White themed mirrors, an early concept drawing of Disneyland Park on the armoire, and bathroom wall sconces shaped like Mickey Mouse's gloved hands. When the day's fun is done, climb in your Queen- or King-size bed (the one with the drawing of Sleeping Beauty Castle on the headboard), pull up the spread featuring Disneyland attractions, and drift off to sleep surrounded by pixie dust in the wall border sprinkled by Tinker Bell herself. Of course, in addition to these magical extras, each room includes such welcome amenities as a mini-refrigerator, TV, and high-speed Internet connection. Promotion Disclaimer: *Get 2 More Days & Nights FREE offer: Valid for bookings from 3/24/09 through 8/11/09 and for arrivals 4/1/09 through 9/26/09 with travel being completed by 10/1/09. Upon the purchase of a 3-night package, with 3-Day Disneyland? Resort Park Hopper? Bonus Tickets for each Guest listed on the package / reservation, at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland? Resort, two (2) consecutive free nights will be added to the hotel stay and two (2) days will be added to each ticket. Guests eligible for two (2) free days on tickets limited to the maximum occupancy per hotel room/suite. Limited to two (2) free nights per package / reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms. Check for offers associated with longer night stays. These tickets expire 13 days after first use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. Offer subject to availability and blockout dates; advance reservations required. Not valid with other discount/promotion.

This stunning, Spanish-inspired hotel in Huntington Beach will delight your every sense, with pampering spa treatments, irresistible restaurants, ocean adventures, and superior service. This Hyatt is located approximately 13 miles from John Wayne Orange County Airport and 35 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.Enjoy the endless activities, including a heated pool, direct access to the beach, surf pros, tennis, biking, Camp Hyatt, and more. Other amenities include the three restaurants, lounge, retail-shopping plaza, more than 110,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, four courtyards, fountains, and Pacific Waters Spa.All rooms have bathrobes, CD clock radios, coffeemakers, down comforters, hairdryers, climate control, complimentary safes, irons and ironing boards, original artwork, pillow-top mattresses, private balconies or patios, refrigerators, cable TV, two-line telephones, dataports, and Andalusian-inspired furnishings. The hotel offers wireless Internet access in the guestrooms and throughout the building.

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy was established in 1990 in order to preserve the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. It includes the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center and is run completely by volunteers. The organization supports itself through donations and fundraising efforts. The Conservancy spans more than 2,000 acres and provides a home for more than 200 species of birds. Visitors can walk through the wetlands on a 1.5 mile loop trail. No dogs, bikes or horses are allowed. Admission is free for using the trail, and you can also get a free guided group tour. Call to make appointment.

Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano is a California icon. Perhaps most famous for visits from its annual guests of honor, the swallows, the Mission means many things to many people. For Californians, it is a powerful symbol of the state's complicated colonial history. For Catholics, it is a profound religious site, indicative of the Church's own complex heritage. History buffs spend hours reveling in the facility's many exhibits and displays, connecting viscerally with the sights, sounds and feelings of generations long past. For visitors of any background, it is an undeniably gorgeous place to spend an afternoon - replete with striking architectural elements and lovingly cared-for gardens.

A bit of living history in heart of San Juan Capistrano's Los Rios Historical district, the Ramos House was built in 1881 and retains many of its original features. Keeping with this historical theme, chef/owner John Q. Humphreys lives onsite and prepares everything from scratch – the house even has its own herb garden and wine cellar. Contemporary American fare is served up with a southern twist, and the menu changes daily ensuring the freshest of in season specialties. A truly delightful culinary and historical experience.

This stunning, Spanish-inspired hotel in Huntington Beach will delight your every sense, with pampering spa treatments, irresistible restaurants, ocean adventures, and superior service. This Hyatt is located approximately 13 miles from John Wayne Orange County Airport and 35 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.Enjoy the endless activities, including a heated pool, direct access to the beach, surf pros, tennis, biking, Camp Hyatt, and more. Other amenities include the three restaurants, lounge, retail-shopping plaza, more than 110,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, four courtyards, fountains, and Pacific Waters Spa.All rooms have bathrobes, CD clock radios, coffeemakers, down comforters, hairdryers, climate control, complimentary safes, irons and ironing boards, original artwork, pillow-top mattresses, private balconies or patios, refrigerators, cable TV, two-line telephones, dataports, and Andalusian-inspired furnishings. The hotel offers wireless Internet access in the guestrooms and throughout the building.

This museum is home to one of the best collections of the Southern California Mission Indian art and artifacts, including tools, pottery, ceremonial items, basketry and art. It is a great place to visit, and makes for an educational learning experience. There is a lot to learn about this special group of people. Admission is free.

There aren't really 1,000 steps leading from Pacific Coast Highway down to the beach; there are only about 227. Still, it's quite a hike, especially going up. This is a popular beach for surfers and lovers alike, the latter often going late at night for a romantic evening cuddling on the sand. It's not very practical if you have kids or a lot of things to carry, so just bring yourself and a loved one and enjoy the solitude and the sand. Parking can be found at the meters on the street.

Brussels Bistro brings a bit of Belgium to Laguna Beach. Sample traditional dishes in a stylish and authentic atmosphere, with classics such as Belgian fries, stuffed crepes, cheese croquettes and North Sea Shrimp. And what would a Belgian restaurant be without beer? A wide variety of bottled and draught brews are offered, including favorites such as Hoegaarden, and Chimay.

This stunning, Spanish-inspired hotel in Huntington Beach will delight your every sense, with pampering spa treatments, irresistible restaurants, ocean adventures, and superior service. This Hyatt is located approximately 13 miles from John Wayne Orange County Airport and 35 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.Enjoy the endless activities, including a heated pool, direct access to the beach, surf pros, tennis, biking, Camp Hyatt, and more. Other amenities include the three restaurants, lounge, retail-shopping plaza, more than 110,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, four courtyards, fountains, and Pacific Waters Spa.All rooms have bathrobes, CD clock radios, coffeemakers, down comforters, hairdryers, climate control, complimentary safes, irons and ironing boards, original artwork, pillow-top mattresses, private balconies or patios, refrigerators, cable TV, two-line telephones, dataports, and Andalusian-inspired furnishings. The hotel offers wireless Internet access in the guestrooms and throughout the building.

With more than 250 animals on display, this small zoo has a lot to offer its visitors. There is a recreation of an Amazon rainforest that will awe and inspire both young and old alike. In the Children's Zoo youngsters can pet everything from a sheep to pot-bellied pigs. The Zoofari Express train offers a few thrills. Monkey Row is home to all kinds of primates, from lemurs to apes to Dusky Titi monkeys. The Australian Yard features wallabies and emus while the Endangered Species area features bald eagles and Diana Guenon monkeys. There is something to delight and educate just about anybody with a sense of curiosity about the wonderful world of animals. Admission: $4 Adults; $2 Children 3-12; $2 Seniors. Cash only. During summer the zoo stays open one hour later than usual.

Imaginations turn, twist and fly through 120 exciting hands-on exhibits at Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. Experience science Southern California style in the Center's themed areas including Quake Zone, Techno Arts, Discovery Stadium, Perception, Dynamic Earth, Air & Space, Kids Station and Dino Quest. Challenge your family to Virtual Volleyball, make music on a Laser Beam Harp, experience tremors in our Shake Shack, dance across a Musical Floor, lie on a Bed of Nails and more! Also check out Dino Quest – the world's first interactive Dinosaur Adventure! Don't be a square, come and discover The Cube for yourself!

Admission:

Admission: Children (3 - 17) - $9.95; Adults - $12.95; Children 2 and under - Free; Members - Free.

This stunning, Spanish-inspired hotel in Huntington Beach will delight your every sense, with pampering spa treatments, irresistible restaurants, ocean adventures, and superior service. This Hyatt is located approximately 13 miles from John Wayne Orange County Airport and 35 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.Enjoy the endless activities, including a heated pool, direct access to the beach, surf pros, tennis, biking, Camp Hyatt, and more. Other amenities include the three restaurants, lounge, retail-shopping plaza, more than 110,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, four courtyards, fountains, and Pacific Waters Spa.All rooms have bathrobes, CD clock radios, coffeemakers, down comforters, hairdryers, climate control, complimentary safes, irons and ironing boards, original artwork, pillow-top mattresses, private balconies or patios, refrigerators, cable TV, two-line telephones, dataports, and Andalusian-inspired furnishings. The hotel offers wireless Internet access in the guestrooms and throughout the building.

The area is 900 acres of estuary, marsh, and coastal sage scrub habit. Six endangered bird species are found here. Seventy species of fish use the bay and during winter migration thousands of shorebirds and ducks either visit or spend the winter here. Kayak, canoe, walking and electric boat tours are offered and a state of the art Interpretive Center is located at 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach. Center hours are 10-4 Tuesday through Sunday. No admission fee.

Learn all about the history of Newport Harbor at this colorful, educational museum. It is located on The Pride of Newport, an historical boat docked in the harbor. You will be treated to ship models, old photos, and historical navigational tools. This is a great place to spend an hour or so while exploring Newport Beach - it will get you out of the sun for a while and give you some historical background. Admission USD5 Adult recommended donation

Balboa Island seems to have the best of both worlds, a lazy, relaxing island atmosphere, yet only minutes away from the mainland. And as the ideal vacationing spot, the tiny man-made stretch of land offers a wealth of activities, parades and festivals galore, restaurants that run the culinary gamut, stunning sunsets and friendly people.

This stunning, Spanish-inspired hotel in Huntington Beach will delight your every sense, with pampering spa treatments, irresistible restaurants, ocean adventures, and superior service. This Hyatt is located approximately 13 miles from John Wayne Orange County Airport and 35 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.Enjoy the endless activities, including a heated pool, direct access to the beach, surf pros, tennis, biking, Camp Hyatt, and more. Other amenities include the three restaurants, lounge, retail-shopping plaza, more than 110,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, four courtyards, fountains, and Pacific Waters Spa.All rooms have bathrobes, CD clock radios, coffeemakers, down comforters, hairdryers, climate control, complimentary safes, irons and ironing boards, original artwork, pillow-top mattresses, private balconies or patios, refrigerators, cable TV, two-line telephones, dataports, and Andalusian-inspired furnishings. The hotel offers wireless Internet access in the guestrooms and throughout the building.