WHY CYNICS WILL ALWAYS BE HATERS AND HOW TO PROVE THEM WRONG

We all know a Bob. You know… the one who rolls their eyes when you mention your next Disney or Efteling trip.
The one who says theme parks are “for kids,” “too expensive,” or “all the same.” The one who tells you to be realistic, as if chasing joy is something to be embarrassed about. For every person who dreams of standing beneath a glowing castle, who follows coaster construction updates with glee, who plans trips around crowd calendars and festival seasons, there is a Bob telling you it’s silly. Wasteful. Immature. But here’s the truth: 

Bob isn’t talking about theme parks. Bob is talking about what he gave up on.

Theme Park Dreams Aren’t Just for Kids

I’ve heard it all:

• “Theme parks are too crowded.”

• “Aren’t you too old for this?”

• “Seriously… you’re going again?”

Yes. Yes, I am going again, just like Bob watches the same football match every weekend, I return to my happy place and I’m not apologising for it. I’m not shaming his passion, so he doesn’t get to shame mine.

Theme parks give me stories and wonder. They offer escapism, creativity, and connection to a version of myself I often bury under deadlines, expectations, and the pressure to be “serious.” Some people meditate. Some go hiking. I ride Dreamflight and cry during firework finales. We all need something that makes us feel alive. This is mine.

Yet the Bobs of the world seem determined to critique whatever passion they don’t understand. Instead of asking questions, they judge. They label theme park lovers as rich, childish, unrealistic because it’s easier than admitting they once had passions too.

But you don’t need Bob’s permission. Not your coworker’s, not your uncle’s, and definitely not your own inner critic. You never have to justify your joy.

If you’re waiting for the perfect moment, perfect budget, perfect travel buddy, perfect reason, stop.

Theme Park Dreams Aren’t Just for the “Lucky Ones”

Bob maybe gave up on his passion because he assumed theme park trips require luck, handouts, or some secret trick. Here’s the real secret: there is no secret. Every trip I’ve ever taken came from:

• saving intentionally

• planning smart

• choosing joy even when others didn’t understand

• booking cheap flights

• staying in budget hotels

• bringing my own food

• saying “no” to other things so I could say “yes” to this

It wasn’t luck. It was choice.

Prove the Bobs Wrong

Book that trip to Efteling. Queue for the newest coaster at Europa-Park, even if it scares you. Wear the Mickey ears. Take the cheesy photo. Ride Joris en de Draak four times in a row just because it makes you smile.

Do it with your whole heart.

Because every time someone like you chooses joy, not in spite of adulthood, but as part of it, the world shifts a little for the better.

And when Bob inevitably says,
“Must be nice,”
you can simply smile and answer:

“It is.”

With Love,

Jolanda