It's JUST another amusement park, right?

I'm sure many of you Disney-geeks out there hear that question over and over by your friends. Why is a Disney THEME park so different then the local AMUSEMENT park? Why do you always go back to Walt Disney World over and over? It's way too expensive! Why do your co-workers assume with each long weekend they know where you'll be?

It's the Disney difference.

It's always present and makes you smile.

I was reminded this past weekend just how many "differences" there really are with a trip to

my local Six Flags. Here's some of the minor differences that set Disney apart from all other AMUSEMENT parks.

• Disney operates all-inclusive THEME parks...not just amusement with some plywood cutouts
• Why was I in shock when I got off the Sky Buckets and the Six Flags employee actually said these words, "have a nice day"
• For a park that's closed 4-5 months of the year, is there really any excuse for the paint chips the size of your head falling off the rides?
• Bees!!!! Where else can part of the thrill be for your kids to dodge bees, wasp and other swarming critters at every trash can and ride entrance?
• Gotta love a carousel horse with moss growing off the pole - I mean, they just opened for the year...did you expect it to be clean or something?
• Getting to go thru multiple metal detectors at the entrance.
• The joy of having a season pass and still getting to pay $60 for parking

We live about 10-15 minutes from Six Flags Over Georgia. That's just close enough to where our kids do enjoy the occasional thrill ride and the season pass makes it tempting. Every year we vow to never do it again and somehow end up with a season pass. (This year was only going to be Six Flags White Water park but with 2 planned trips to Over Georgia planned for school it made sense to get the dual pass).

After our first trip to Six Flags this season, I can atleast say that in 7-weeks...we'll be back home again at Walt Disney World.