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Amuse yourself by planning trip at theme parks' Web sites

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jan 30, 2005 by KERRY McGINLEY THE GAZETTE

If you're looking ahead to spring break with the kids, or just contemplating a childish romp for yourself, all you need to plan a theme park jaunt is a little time on your computer.

Most park sites offer links to help plan your vacations, but check out theme park discount deals so you can actually afford to eat or drink something once you pass through the gates.

How much you'll save depends on the season and special promotions. Check the sites below as well as sites for individual theme parks.

May 5, Disney is offering a perk on its main Web site, www.disney.com: Virtual Magic Kingdom, an interactive game, will allow players to visit virtual parks, design some aspects of the game and add Disney merchandise as props.

AMUSEMENTPARK.COM

This site offers information, hotel packages and tickets to more than 40 locations, from large to small -- including Underwater Adventures Aquarium in Bloomington, Minn., and Legoland in Carlsbad, Calif.

The site claims it's "only five steps to fun!" before you're set for your theme park vacation. If you become a member of the site's Thrill Society (by spending $250), you're eligible for additional discounts.

www.amusementpark.com

FAMILY TRAVEL FILES

This is a good research site for a family trip. There's a vacation ideas directory, an e-zine, a free newsletter, vacation reviews, vacation advice, vacation deals and numerous other clickable articles.

The site includes lots of family-friendly vacation options around the world.

Also included is a link to help families affected by the devastating Southeast Asia tsunami.

www.familytravelfiles.com

MY RESORT NETWORK

Look here to plan your vacation to any of more than 200 amusement parks and resorts around the world. You also can plan a water park weekend, golf vacation, ski trip or zoo journey.

Some lodgings are time shares that require a sales pitch, but most locations offer hotels. The site's discount Orlando tickets page offers low prices to more than 30 Orlando-area attractions, from the major parks to dinner shows.

www.myresortnetwork.com

ORLANDO VACATIONS

ONLINE

Trips through this arm of a Florida marketing company are discounted (from $49 at some properties), but you may be required to take a 90-minute tour of the host resort. Prices are package rates, not per-person rates.

You can buy tickets to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios or Sea World parks online as well, and link to other services such as car rental, family fun outside of theme parks and other Orlando hotels.

www.orlandovacationsonline.com

THEME PARK INSIDER

This is another thorough, general information site. It's a good place for research if you haven't decided where to go.

It offers park reviews, hotel reviews and an accident watch in addition to links to vacation packages. Readers supply much of the information, such as the best/worst list, favorite parks list and restaurant comments.

The site also announces yearly awards for best kids park, best family attraction, best park, best restaurant and best hotel.

www.themeparkinsider.com

MAJOR PARK SITES

www.universalstudios.com

www.paramountparks.com