help with picking out a new digital camera for up coming trip

[OUR 1ST DISNEY TRIP]

I want a new camera before out disney trip this fall. My first and only digital camera is a poloroid 2.0 megapixal. It only has 2x zoom. It also has a long delay before it snaps the pic this i hate. I always have a good pic when i aim but by the time it snaps the subject has moved or changed. All i know is that i want is more zoom and a faster snap. I dont plan on enlarging to big so i dont think i will any more that a 5 mega pix if that. Any suggestions would be helpful. Oh and by the way i hope to stay under a budget of $175.00 I was at walmart today and saw some there but not sure what to look for. I am hoping that some one can give me a name of a camera that might work for me Thanks in advance

 

[Anewman]

I am sure others will recommend cameras well over your stated budget, I will try to stay within it.

Panasonic LZ2 = $150 at Costco
Pretty basic
IMAGE STABILIZATION as found in cameras costing many times as much.
6x optical zoom, most in this range have a 3x zoom
Pretty fast at start up and decent shutter lag
2 inch LCD, very decent size.

Cons = noise is a very serious issue, plenty of light is very important with this camera and the IS helps keep ISO at 80.
No Autofocus assist beam, must buy the LZ3 and above for that feature($199 at Circuit City and Best Buy).

Bottom line, if you have a costco nearby this is about the best camera for $150 you can find. If not and you can afford the LZ3 for $199 order it from Best Buy or CC, I am sure you will not find Image Stabilization and 6x optical zoom on any other camera in that price range.