My Happy Place

My inaugural visit to Disney took place when I was just 10 years old. Back then, the Magic Kingdom stood as the sole park on the property. Although EPCOT was slated to open that same year, it had yet to welcome its first guests during our trip. The enchantment of the place captivated me, leaving an indelible mark on my heart. There was no looking back after that transformative experience.

Years later, I returned for a brief Spring Break escapade with friends. However, it wasn't until our honeymoon that the "Disney bug" truly took hold of me. That pivotal journey marked the inception of numerous vacations with our loved ones, filling my treasure trove of memories with boundless joy. The echoes of my children's laughter and the sound of their gleeful cries continue to resonate in my mind from those remarkable trips.

Our delight in sharing the Disney magic with newcomers who question our fondness for the destination is immeasurable. We relish the opportunity to showcase the "why" behind our affection. We've ventured to Disney with young kids, teenagers, adults, and even seniors. For us, observing the transformative power of Disney on people is simply unparalleled.

Among the many joys derived from our Disney devotion, one highlight shines brightly: our adoration for theme parks as a whole. Our journeys have carried us to diverse theme parks across the nation, each offering their unique brand of exhilaration. Over time, we've held season passes for various parks, embodying our affinity for the thrill-seeking experience. We've even instituted a yearly tradition of "grown-up" theme park outings with my husband's brother and sister-in-law. Observing the brothers rediscover their camaraderie in a childlike manner is a heart warming spectacle, and we eagerly anticipate our annual "big kid" escapades.

During my childhood, Opryland USA, a local theme park, cast its enchantment over my hometown. We secured season passes and enjoyed many summer days there. When I was old enough for a job, Opryland marked my maiden job experience – an endeavor that forged lasting bonds with friends from that unforgettable summer.

Travel has always been a cherished pursuit for my family. Each year, we'd select a new location to explore from the map. We'd immerse ourselves in the city, absorbing its culture, meeting its people, savoring its unique cuisine, and, when possible, cheering for its local sports teams. One steadfast rule we maintained during our travels was dining exclusively at local restaurants—no chains allowed. Our love for food intertwined with our love for travel, leading us to savor exquisite culinary experiences across the nation.

My childhood wanderlust kindled a deep affinity for history and a curiosity about the distinctiveness of each place, whether it's far away or just around the corner. This affinity propels me to aid others in crafting their journeys to satisfy their own wanderlust.

My affinity for travel has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a travel advisor. This venture commenced in 2021, and I revel in the process of discovering diverse destinations that enable us to embrace the world. The anticipation I feel while planning for others is electrifying. If I've yet to personally explore a location, I derive vicarious delight from their adventures. Orchestrating moments of "magic" for others, helping them relish the world's splendors, diverse cuisines, and the emotions inherent to travel, fills me with immense satisfaction.