As summer is well underway, I am reminded of my favorite vacation spot: Disney World. It has always been a magical place to me, despite the long lines, sweltering heat and overpriced tickets. I’m about to break down my top five favorite things about Disney.

1. The workers go out of their way to help you.

Recently when we visited the Magic Kingdom, we were resting underneath a restaurant patio; a worker came to wipe off our table and struck up a conversation with us. He asked us what ride we had not ridden yet, but wanted to. And upon hearing it was Peter Pan, he gave us a fast pass, just out of the blue. It blew us away — the small things matter.

2. Nothing is out of place.

From a trashcan every few feet to the strategically placed food carts, the sense of order is endearing when you're extremely type A (like I am).

3. The shows are amazing.

The vibrant costumes and incredible dancing/stunts enrapture the audience for upwards of 30 minutes. Plus, there’s air-conditioning.

4. People watching.

It’s safe to say that in between all of the long lines and crazy waits, one has plenty of time to people-watch and, in my opinion, there is nothing better than watching little ones' faces light up at the sight of their favorite character. By far my favorite thing I have ever seen at Disney was a proposal in front of Cinderella’s castle. It seems strange that among all of the stressed-out families these instances stick out the most, but it’s because these represent the heart of Walt Disney himself. Strip away years of tactical marketing and a severe liberal agenda and one can see all Walt Disney truly wanted was a place where families and friends could escape and just be happy (it’s cheesy I know).

5. My own memories.

Every time I step onto Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom (shoulder to shoulder with other people), I remember sitting on my dad’s shoulders to watch the Electrical Parade, sitting by my grandfather watching fireworks above the castle, running with my brother through the rain to get to our favorite ride and curling up next to my mom on the Peter Pan ride. You see, while the tickets may be overpriced and the crowds/heat unbearable, those memories are irreplaceable and will never be forgotten.

“We believed in our idea — a family park where parents and children could have fun — together.” - Walt Disney