For decades, Walt Disney World has been known as the “happiest” and “most magical” place on Earth. But there is definitely someone out there who would rather visit a beach, or Europe or maybe even Disney’s rival Universal Orlando. However, with its four diverse theme parks, each perfectly organized with restaurants for any diet and rides for any age, Disney is not only the “happiest” or “most magical” place on Earth — it’s the “best place on Earth.” And it’s the place to go for anyone trying to escape the Lou over spring or summer break. Here’s why:

Food: One of the first things you will notice when entering the gates of a Walt Disney World park are the enchanting aromas all around you. Each park is home to its own sprawling menu of culinary delights to entice any guest. It’s important to add that the food isn’t just the typical greasy fair food that you commonly find at amusement parks. Even their fast food is some of the most popular in the world. A study showed that Disney’s fast food restaurant, Cosmic Rays, is the third busiest restaurant in the world. According to DisneyCareers.com, aspiring chefs are required to pass Disney’s Culinary Program. This ensures that new themed snacks and meals are created frequently to keep the experience alive. Here are some iconic snacks from Walt Disney World:

Dole Whip from Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom
Lefou’s Brew and the Giant Cinnamon Rolls from Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom
Poutine from Le Cellier Steakhouse in Epcot
Batuus’s Blue and Green milk from Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios
Blueberry cheesecake from Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom

The atmosphere: When you enter the gates, you are transported to an entirely different place that you will experience through each of your five senses. Every aspect of each park has been thoroughly thought out by Disney’s “Imagineers.” Everything within the park is themed, including commonly overlooked features like manhole covers and trash cans. You will also never find a character in the wrong park. Thanks to an underground tunnel system running throughout each park, you will never see Woody from Toy Story in Tomorrowland, or Cinderella in Animal Kingdom. Throughout the park, you will be treated with respect and kindness as each cast member goes out of their way to make your experience the best it can be.

4 different uniquely themed theme parks: At Epcot, you can stop by 11 different countries and go “Soarin'” over the world, without leaving the gates. And be sure to try the croissants while you admire the Eiffel Tower in France. At Animal Kingdom you can sit just feet away, without any fencing in between, from giraffes and zebras as you ride the Kilimanjaro Safari. You can stand under Cinderella’s very own castle in Magic Kingdom. You can even go on a wild elevator ride in a haunted hotel and walk around in the world of Star Wars in Hollywood Studios.

Hotels: After a long day of visiting the park you would typically want to rest up before heading out for dinner at Be our Guest Restaurant. You can easily do this at any of Disney World’s themed resorts. Each on-property resort is filled with restaurants, gift shops, cafes, and rooms equipped with on brand decorations for that particular resort’s theme. You essentially have everything at your fingertips if you’re staying on property. It’s more than just a park hotel, too; it’s part of the experience of the whole park. The Wilderness Lodge with its National Park inspired forest theming, The Polynesian surrounded by lush palm trees and vegetation and The Grand Floridian styled to fit the Victorian age are just some of Disney’s most iconic resorts.

Rides: There is an abundance of activities to do while visiting the parks, with about 175 different attractions, 55 of which are rides. The Disney Parks offer rides to people of all ages and interests so that it can cater to each person. With the design of the parks there is an emphasis on inclusivity, as the main goal of Disney World is for everyone to find something they enjoy. For example, a group with kids or just a lower tolerance for action will most likely enjoy The Pirates of the Caribbean ride, but a crowd with older thrill-seekers will enjoy Space Mountain. Here are some of the most popular attractions from all four parks: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom), Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom), Toy Story Mania (Hollywood Studios), Test Track (Epcot), and Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom).

Disney Springs (Disney’s outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment area): Need a break from long lines, hot sun, huge crowds and walking? While at other theme parks, your options are mostly limited to hanging out around the pool, but at Disney you can hang out at a pool, shop, dine or sight-see at Disney Springs. From the huge Disney Store, to the Coca-Cola rooftop bar, to the Lego Store with its life size Lego dragon emerging from the lake, Disney Springs is the perfect place to spend a “low key” afternoon. Disney Springs is also known for having some of the best restaurants in all of Walt Disney World, including The Boathouse, Raglan Road, and Morimoto Asia.

Fireworks/parades: Even though one may call themselves “too cool” for magic and fairy tales, it’s hard to not feel magical while standing beneath the sparkling castle, eyes locked on light shimmering from the sky, with a cheesy (but perfect) song playing in the background. The classic fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle are not all Disney has to offer; there are various parades and different firework shows at the three other theme parks.

From the expertly crafted food to the kindhearted workers, each contributing factor is a gear in the overall machine of what makes Walt Disney World so special. One of the best ways to describe how unique the atmosphere is throughout the parks, is the harsh reality you feel after leaving to travel back home. All of these reasons are what make Walt Disney World more than just a theme park.