By Loretta Merry

You can’t go wrong in taking the family to either Disneyland, Walt Disney World, or on a Disney Cruise Line. Disneyland has added a wonderful new park, the California Adventure, and the Electrical Parade is back with 500,000 lights and 100 performers.

Numerous bargain packages are being offered, with a child under 11 going in free with each paying adult.

Another great package at Anaheim is the Honeymoon Escape Package for two nights with all kinds of added features. Seats for the hard-to-get “The Lion King,” a musical playing in Los Angeles can be added to the package, as well as tours to Knotts Berry Farm and Universal Studies.

Going to Orlando can be a bargain trip, if you travel by train, offering a 15 percent discount for seniors and 50 percent for children.

There are 19 resorts to choose from, to fit every budget. Walt Disney World is the No. 1 destination for people of all ages, with so much to see and do. Clients who are in their 70s said that going to Florida and Epcot was the most enjoyable holiday they have had.

The Disney cruise is my favorite. This is a great way to hold a family reunion, or for grandparents to take their family on a trip without wearing themselves out. Adults find excitement and indulgence, and children have the time of their lives. It is great value with wonderful entertainment and loads of fun for all ages. You can rotate through one of three uniquely themed restaurants each night of your cruise for a tasty change of pace. Fifty-five highly trained staff counselors divide children into age groups from 3 to 17 in separate areas. Children can be supervised from 9 a.m. to midnight. There is no charge for the children’s programs, unlike many resort holidays where there is a daily fee for each child. Children under three receive special attention in the nursery. Parents are given pagers so families are always in touch. It’s this level of care and thoughtfulness that will help to make your vacation the best one you’ve ever taken. Even teens say it’s the greatest vacation they have ever had with computer classes as part of the fun. The adults don’t know there are children on board. We’ve had rave reports from tired parents who used the spa to revive them in time to enjoy the great bands for dancing on board. The cruise line was voted No. 3 after Crystal and Seabourn luxury cruise lines, surprising a lot of people.

There are several options to choose from; you could enjoy three or four magical nights at the Walt Disney World Resort and then set sail for the Bahamas and Disney’s own private island paradise, or you can take a seven-day cruise to various ports of call in the Western or Eastern Caribbean. There are special air prices available, depending on when you go.

Embark on an unforgettable voyage into pure Disney magic. Everyone will come back with a new lease on life.

There are too many options and packages to give you a range of prices, but they are all good values, and worth looking into.

Loretta Merry is a “cruise master” with A Cruise Loft at All Horizons Travel in Rancho Shopping Center, Los Altos. For more information, call 917-0252.