the gift that keeps on giving

You're going to Disney World AGAIN??

rI have traveled far and wide, but there are many reasons that I keep returning to my favorite theme parks.

Travel is expensive. When I go to Disney or Universal theme parks, I always know that I'll be getting the best that they have to offer. I'll bet that you have a favorite restaurant that you frequent? Theme parks are like that for me! I have traveled to over 25 countries (so far!). I have also visited Walt Disney World and/or Universal Orlando over 30 times. I've never been disappointed!

Some of my favorite restaurants are at theme parks! I get excellent food, fun surroundings and great service.  Where else can you savor the sights and flavors of Africa, ascend to and dine in a space station, or have Butter Beer with other aspiring wizards?!

Theme parks are energizing, thrilling, exciting and action-packed. I also get that "welcome home" feeling. Walking under Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, entering the lobby of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, taking selfies in front of the spinning Universal globe -- all are sigh-inducing experiences for me. I get that "you're on vacation now" vibe.

There is always something new to see and do. There are festivals throughout the year that highlight seasons, holidays or special interests. My favorite festivals are at EPCOT. There is the Festival of the Arts (Jan/Feb), Flower and Garden Festival (spring), Food and Wine Festival (fall), and Festival of the Holidays (winter). Each one features whimsical landscaping, specialty festival booths, Broadway-class entertainment, unique interactive experiences and -- don't even get me started on the food! At Universal I can exchange good-natured, irreverent insults with the Grinch during the Holidays or ride the floats during the Mardi Gras parade!

Multi-generation trips, Pre-or Post-Cruise trips, Family Get-Aways -- all have been core-memory makers for me. Legendary stories with my favorite people result from every trip.  Some of my most enjoyable trips have been with all-adult friends and family. Theme-park vacations  are sometimes wasted on kids! 

I have heard some criticize that theme parks offer "sanitized" experiences. Exotic locales come with a window into poverty that is reality for much of the world. While witnessing this is a valid and important, travel to distant places isn't always possible. Sometimes naked authenticity is overrated, especially during precious vacation time. If you want to sample the best of many cultures, all in one physical location, theme parks might be your closest approximation. Think of it as 'World Cultures Lite.' Maybe you will be inspired to visit to a country that wasn't on your radar before for your next vacation!

Say what you might, my travel budget includes a sprinkling of theme park visits. I always know that my money will be well spent.

---