We talk a lot about the Disney theme parks on here — hey, they’re the ultimate family vacations destination, we couldn’t avoid them if we wanted to. Luckily, we don’t want to.

There is a lot happening in the Disney parks right now, and to make sure you’re in the loop I’ve compiled a list of interesting items that you might find magical. I’m good like that.

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One of the cool things, if you’re into cool things, about living in Los Angeles is all of the Hollywood fun. Take the premiere of Real Steel that my family and I attended at Universal City Walk (adjacent to the Universal Studios theme park). My kids got to meet a bunch of their favorite Disney channel stars, my wife got to drool on Hugh Jackman, and I ate all the popcorn I could eat (which is way too much). Of course, their favorite part was meeting all of the robots from the film, and I can’t say that I blame them.

If you’re a fan of pop culture and entertainment it’s pretty easy to find out when and where movie premieres are being held. I can’t promise you a ticket, but I can darn near guarantee that you’ll see a celebrity. The kids will love it.

This post is part of UpTake’s Friday Family Series. If you would like to see your family vacation photo here please submit it via the contact link in the sidebar, subject line: Family Photo.

Photo: Whit Honea

This public art is located in a city park, but it’s not the only colorful thing being photographed there. The park features a botanical garden and is frequented by celebrities and their families.

Does that make the location too easy?

Here are some hints:

If you are at this park, presumably with your kids (though not required) you can travel a short (relative) distance to the following tasty treats, Il Cono Gelateria and Millions of Milkshakes. That’s what we call a win-win.

If you want something with a bit more garlic try The Stinking Rose — everything is made with garlic, even the ice cream!

There is also plenty of shopping to do on one of the most famous streets in America.

Have you guessed it? If you said the Beverly Gardens Park, home of the bi-annual “Affair in the Garden” art festival, in Beverly Hills, California, then you’ve probably been there before. That’s okay, you still win the prize (there is no prize).

The park features a jogging path, a lot of public art and a pond. Beverly Hills features a lot of stuff that I can’t afford.

This post is part of UpTake’s Public Art Series.

Photo: prayitno via Flickr

Guess what time it is, Internet! That’s right, it’s time to travel around you! Stand still.

Travel Around the Internet is a weekly UpTake feature where we showcase the numerous emails we receive from you, the reader. Also, tweets, deals and stuff we stumble upon (and Digg, and reddit). Basically, it’s internet travel news all in one nice place.

Seriously, we’re a lot of fun to be around.

There’s no crying in flying — at least not on Southwest. (AOL Travel)

Snorkel for luminescence at CasaSandra on Holbox Island, Mexico. (CasaSandra)

Looking for Scottsdale luxury at an affordable price? (Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale)

Win a Disney family trip to Hollywood! (Family.com)

Looking for good surf in Los Angeles? (CBS: Best of L.A.)

Tour the rainforest by zip line and moonlight in St. Lucia! (AdrenaLUNA)

DreamWorks and Gaylord Opryland have an experience that you might like! (Gaylord Opryland)

The world’s most endangered travel destinations — see them while you can! (lonely planet)

Live your own Shark Week! (Gadling)

Jackasses on airplanes. (CNN)

Universal Orlando Resort has some Harry Potter travel deals that are just like magic! (Universal Orlando)

More travel drama re: Cuba. (MSNBC)

In need of a mancation? Here are the best places! (AskMen)

If you would like to see your link on UpTake please use the email link in sidebar. Happy travels!