>>Disney World in southern California<<

Nope -- <u>Disneyland </u>is not the same as Disney World. I actually prefer Disneyland but it doesn't have all the same attractions/Epcot/etc.

>>Las Vegas has become much more of a family oriented vacation area,<<

Actually it is now trending back away from being a family destination. They tried pushing 'Family Travel' and it was a spectacular failure. Yes, there are shows suitable for kids, and some pools, and there is shopping. But much of the marketing is now slightly to the sleazy side ("What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas", etc). Not that you shouldn't visit for a couple of days -- the lights alone are pretty spectacular. But w/ the extreme heat and limited places the kids can enjoy -- you'd only need a couple of days (plus a day/night for the Grand Canyon).

oops I did mean Disneyland in California

yes Vegas always appeals to the sleazy side, but if they want to go, they will find things to do with the kids, as they can't go into the casinos with them.

Thanks guys for all these comments, much appreciated.

Just so you know Sept in Florida is hot and humid, and you can get lots of thunderstorms, as it is still hurricane season. Not likely to get a hurricane in Orlando but you can get rain. It won't be as hot as Las Vegas or parts of California, but it will be humid.

Thanks shallycamp I like to go on these unknown sites that save us money..... all the better to shop with �� will have a look!

In San Francisco, consider Holiday Inn Express at Fisherman's wharf. Reasonable prices and breakfast included. Also see Pier 39, Cannery Row, Ghiradelli Sq., Lombard Street, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Union Square. Take the cable car up California St. from the Embarcadero to Nob Hill. There is a hotel there with a glass sided elevator (forgot the name) you can ride when at the top of the hill. Don't rent a car in SF as driving and parking are crazy there. But do plan some budget for taxi's or tours. Buses are also pretty doable.

For LA area (where I live) - Stay in/near Universal City for proximity to Hollywood + Universal Studios. Hollywood will disappoint. It is very seedy, so don't actually stay in Hollywood. Or, stay in Santa Monica for proximity to Ocean. Yes, you must rent a car in LA. Consider dropping Orlando if all you want to see is Disney World and instead consider going to Disneyland (in Anaheim, CA) + Disney's California Adventure. Consider getting a two day pass to one or both parks and staying overnight in that area. Admittedly the scenery outside the park is pretty ugly (doesn't compare to manicured Orlando/Disney) and they don't have Epcot Center, which I love. But...you'll still have fun. You don't say how you plan to get from SF to LA (flying?) If driving take Hwy 1 between Santa Cruz and Cambria. Stop and tour Hearst's Castle. This is beautifuly scenery, winding road so caution about kids and motion sickness. Stay overnight in Cambria on Moonstone Beach. Then, drive on cutting east to through San Luis Obispo to Hwy 101 to complete the trip to LA, then you will still have a car. Alternatively, skip LA and fly straight to San Diego. It is more attractive and lots to do including SeaWorld.

Honolulu - Yes, stay in Waikiki. Juraissic Park was filmed on Kauai, not Oahu where Honolulu is. Instead of Orlando, consider one of the other Hawaiian Island such as Poipu Beach area of Kauai or the Kanapali area of Maui. Do spend a full day and evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Paia (north east shore of Oahu), including dinner and the evening show. Yes, emphasis is South Pacific which is your "neighborhood" but I just love the whole experince. The center offers RT transport from Waikiki that includes some sightseeing on the East coast of the Island, not to be missed. On a separate day, rent a car and drive to Waimea Bay and explore botanical parks / falls in that area, drving though pineapple fields enroute.

The other poster is right about Grand Canyon. You want to be on the south rim. You will need a rental car, but stay overnight here rather than a day trip from Las Vegas. If you can fit in a couple nights in Bryce Canyon and Zion on the north side doing a loop from Las Vegas those are very special, too. Admittedly, I hate Las Vegas. I find it seedy and I'm not a gambler or a drinker. Keep a close watch on your teens (if they are girls) in the pools as there are some creepy people there. Reasonable rooms ina great location on the strip are at the Flamingo. You will spend a small fortune on the shows in Los Vegas.

Also in San Francisco...Holiday Inn at Fisherman's Wharf (not the same as Holiday Inn Express). Lombard St. in the Marina area offers less expensive options if these are too expensive. A really fun "California vibe" place is the Hotel del Sol on Lombard St. in the Marina district. Great with kids. I love the website www.booking.com because you can see ratings, maps, photos, etc. and their ratings are only by people who actually stayed there.

Thanks LeslieC very informative!

If you are taking your kids to Las Vegas, don't miss going to see the Hoover Dam, which is only about 20 minutes from the strip! It's an amazing experience and quite historical as well. My kids loved any pool with a lazy river, seeing the differently themed casinos, the dancing waters at Bellagio, and the M and M factory!! ( A four story store carrying any M and M product you can imagine! We bought tee shirts and underpants that trip!! :-) haven't you always wanted an M and M shower curtain or Harley Davidson? Or underwear? )

Do check the shows and concerts... There are deals to be found. We saw The Lion King. Not sure if the Blue Man Group is still playing there but thats a good kid pleaser! Have fun!

Thanks lynni �� yes M & M undies might be just the thing we need �� my daughter has made sure this shop is on our itinerary.

For Las Vegas I can always recommend http://las-vegas.hotelscheap.org/ . The rooms aren't the best, but the prices are very acceptable. Don't expect Hugo Boss bedsheets, but don't worry, there won't be any cockroaches or meth-addicts either.