Springtime in Orange County

Many Americans are putting plans on hold, pending the progress/outcome of the war in Iraq. And that makes springtime a perfect time to visit places like the Disneyland Resort and other attractions in and near Orange County, especially for nervous flyers who have an option to drive here.

For one thing, crowds are thinner except for Easter week. For another, the weather is generally milder (though a bout of temperatures in the 80s and 90s last week made people behave like it was August)! And for those of you who don't reside in California, this is a good time to get ahead of the California vacationers who may stay closer to home this year. About three-fourths of the tourists in California are residents who live 100 miles or more from the places they visit.

But the best reason to visit this spring is new attractions at area theme parks and visitor venues.

Next week, the Disneyland Resort will debut the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Disneyland and Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage at California Adventure.

Winnie the Pooh-a bear beloved worldwide since he made his first appearance in an A.A. Milne novel in 1926-will bring his friends to Critter Country in Disneyland this spring. Visitors will enjoy a romp through the Hundred-Acre Wood in pursuit of-what else?-hunny. Guests will ride in 'hunny beehives,' encountering obstacles and adventures along the way to a birthday party for Pooh.

At California Adventure, tots who enjoy Playhouse Disney programs will have a chance to meet their buddies, like Stanley, Rolie Polie Olie and Jim Henson's Bear in the Big Blue House. The 20-minute state show includes an interactive area for kids who want to join in the singing and dancing with their TV pals.

Playhouse Disney adds more kid-friendly entertainment at California Adventure, joining "Bug's Land" and "Flik's Fun Fair" along with Disney's "Aladdin"-a show popular with kids of all ages.

At nearby Knott's Theme Park, plans are under way for the 20th anniversary of Camp Snoopy, a six-acre playland featuring Charles Schulz's Peanuts© Gang. Here, the younger set can choose from more than 20 pint-size rides while older kids and adults can tackle Ghostrider-one of the largest wooden coasters in the country-or the new XceleratorSM, a 1950s-style hot rod coaster that launches riders from zero to 80 miles per hour in 2.3 seconds.

Those who want to carry out the Peanuts theme can book special Peanuts-themed rooms at the Radisson hotel on park grounds.

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