It’s summer, which means one thing: when are we going to Disney World and Universal Studios!?

My childhood experiences of flying down to Orlando, Florida for a family vacation or national sports competitions are memories I will cherish forever. Disney World and Universal Studios are truly magical places. From Mickey Mouse to Goofy to Cinderella and her iconic castle to “The Haunted Mansion” to “Space Mountain” to “ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter” to “Jurassic Park” to “The Incredible Hulk” (thank Mom) to “The Terminator” to “Jaws” to “Twister” to “ET” to “King King” to “It’s a Small World” to “Nickelodeon” to “Splash Mountain” to “Big Thunder Mountain” to “Peter Pan” to “Harry Potter” to “Back to the Future” to countless other rides and characteristics, theme parks in and around Orlando, Florida are unequivocally some of the best attractions in the world.

The atmospheres are unparalleled and are overwhelmingly amazing whether walking, running, eating, shopping, standing and sleeping. Simply the best.

Imaginations are deliberately intended to run wild and the smiles on the faces of the children and the adults prove the magic is captured inside everyone. As Martha Stewart would say, “It’s a good thing!”

Yes, it’s hot and the lines are long. However, it’s all part of the unforgettable experience and the notion that we’re all enjoying this together with our family, friends and joyous people from all across the country and the world.

While my schedule and monetary resources have restricted my chances of going to these amazing theme parks this summer, I do hope to make a glorious return soon.

I just love the omnipresent inspiration for a kid to be a kid and for adults to once again act like kids.

Visiting these theme parks like Disney World/Disney Land and Universal Studios (plus Islands of Adventure) provides us all with one of those rare moments in life when parents and children see the pure wonderment of the world through the same lens.

It’s okay to get older, just as long as you stay young at heart.

In certain circumstances though, it may require a $20 wager.