ON THE MOVE : NEWS, TIPS AND BARGAINS.

CHALLENGED: A series of trips for people with developmental disabilities has been scheduled by New Directions, a nonprofit tour operator in Santa Barbara. Destinations include San Francisco, Disneyland, Hawaii at Christmas and Laughlin, Nev., at New Year's. Tours include quality assistance with one aide for every four vacationers, with personal care provided as needed. Information: [phone].

VEGAS FLYER: Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport recently opened a new runway that doubles its capacity to 60 million passengers a year. Airport officials say the $81.75 million runway will prevent backups and save airlines 157,000 hours of delays annually.

SEATTLE SAVER: The Seattle Super Saver Package offers visitors up to 50 percent off hotel room rates at 25 downtown hotels as well as savings on visitor attractions, shopping, and dining through the winter. Travelers can reserve a room with one call to [phone]. Seattle Super Saver Rates are good through March 31. Those reserving a room between January and March also receive a book of coupons at check-in for savings at attractions.

FUN BY THE BOOK: The third edition of the ``AAA Guide to North America's Theme Parks'' (AAA; $16) is ``for everyone who takes fun seriously,'' one reviewer has written. Besides providing updated information on standbys such as Disney World and Disneyland, it gives details of places such as Tennessee's Dollywood and North Carolina's Tweetsie Railroad. Data include rides, shows, attractions, eateries, admission fees and hours, travel directions and special tips.

PERSONAL PICKS: With Tourism Toronto's 1997-98 Toronto Value Packages, visitors can call [phone] and get free help customizing a Toronto getaway - and making hotel and sightseeing arrangements. The program, which runs through April 30, allows visitors to select from some 20 entertainment options, get preferred seating and discounted tickets and special deals on meals and events, and pick from some 35 Toronto hotels with room rates ranging from $49 to $189 a night.

BARGAINS AFLOAT: The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. is offering two-for-one fares on cruises departing in January or February; prices start at $950 for two people for three nights. All the cruises are aboard the Mississippi Queen and American Queen on the lower Mississippi River; most are round trip from New Orleans. Passengers can choose from either of two special themes: Big Band and Dixie Fest. Fares vary by length of cruise and stateroom category. The offer is valid only for new bookings in category E or higher and cannot be combined with other discounts. Information: [phone]. Reservations must be made through a travel agent.

`RENT' A ROOM: For a getaway that keeps you close to home, the Hyatt Regency Los Angeles offers a theater package that includes overnight accommodations for two, orchestra seats for two to the musical ``Rent,'' hotel parking and round-trip transfers to the Ahmanson Theatre. Cost is $250, or $99 for those who already have bought show tickets. The offer is good through Jan. 18. Information: [phone].

RAIN OR SHINE: One of the most frequently asked questions is, ``What's the weather going to be like in ...'' Now, one easy way to find the answer - if you are on the Internet - is to check the ITT Sheraton Web site at www.ittsheraton.com for the answer in any city where there's a Sheraton.

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3 Photos

Photo: (1--Color) no caption (AAA Guide to North America's Theme Parks)

(2--Color) no caption (Toronto)

(3--Color) no caption (Rent)