I just spent the entire day at one of the coolest amusement parks I’ve ever seen! Now, I say this as an American citizen—a country that has such massive attractions as Disney World and Epcot Center, Universal Studios and Six Flags. But, none of these over-the-top and super-expensive parks can hold a candle to the adorable Efteling of Holland.

Efteling is exactly what a family attraction should be—a completely mystical experience filled with fairies and gnomes and trolls, with winding pathways leading to mossy elf homes where you’d expect to see dragonflies dancing with tree frogs at any moment. Dotted toadstools sing Minuet in G as you walk hand-in-hand with your child (or boyfriend, as the case may be) through the twinkling fairyland, transporting adults back to a time when they used to believe—and I mean really believe—in the magic of this fantasy.

Sure, you could fit many Eftelings within the massive acreage of Disney World, but that’s also the appeal of this Dutch amusement park. It’s not overdone, which is a valuable lesson that my country could stand to learn.