Here I am, back from our yearly jaunt to the “Happiest Place on Earth” – Walt Disney World in sunny Orlando, Fla.

My husband and I brought our children on their sixth trip to the magical grounds occupied by fairies, villains and of course, heroes.

We’ve seen our children enjoy many encounters with Mickey and the gang, ride the attractions and simply enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures that we in Central New York have not encountered as yet in 2011.

They’ve grown and learned and now look forward to the trip even more each year, partly for the fun times they know are in store. I suspect it also has something to do with the break from the grind of school work and other day-to-day tasks.

As they’ve gotten older, their taste in rides has also matured. They still get excited about favorite rides, but they are way beyond the Dumbo ride or “Snow White’s Not-So-Scary Adventure.”

They now know that the ghouls in the Haunted Mansion can’t really get them, that lurking somewhere behind Mickey’s big nose and even bigger ears resides a human being and that, alas, the fun must eventually come to an end as we gear up to head home.

My son, Jacob, has been to Disney every year of his life except his very first. His favorite ride is now Space Mountain, a ride that terrified me at his age. Cassidy, ever the thrill-seeker, now finds the Rockin Roller Coaster eclipsing Expedition Everest as her favorite ride.

We spent more time on thrill rides and less time with the characters. We didn’t even go on the ever-popular “It’s a Small World” ride – a sin in many a Disney fanatic’s book. The teacups – passe. Jungle Cruise – likewise. Don’t even get me started on the Peter Pan or Winnie the Pooh rides.

The kids were more than willing to souvenier shop, go back to the hotel to swim in the pool and just relax over a good meal – things that wouldn’t have satisfied them a few short years ago.

Though it makes me sad to realize that they are getting older, there are some benefits to not dragging toddlers through the parks – very little whining among them.

It occurred to me as I was packing for the trip home that perhaps my children would outgrow Disney before me – I admit to still being entranced by the whole experience.

So I asked Jacob, “When do you think you’ll be too old for Disney?”

My seven-year-old looked at me for a long minute, thinking.

“I don’t know,” he said, obviously pondering the question seriously. Then, more as a question than an answer, “Maybe when I’m 90?”

Until he said that, I didn’t realize that the question was actually important to me. I didn’t want to think of my children ever losing that wonder – the feeling of living in the moment and just enjoying the sights, sounds and colors of Disney as they surround you.

So are we going next year? Of course! In fact, we’re also taking the Disney Cruise!