Growing up in a large family, theme park visits were a BIG deal for me and my siblings. Theme parks were (and are) the ultimate vacation destination. My family would save for months — sometimes years — for these trips so that we could maximize our stay at a theme park resort. Staying close to the parks felt so special to us, almost like the hotel was our new home, even if it was for just a few days. It meant more time for thrills for us kids, and a resort experience for my parents.