I have to admit, that I am still puzzled as to why there are so many posters on this thread that do not live in the state of Florida. Have I been missing out on something, by not getting into every discussion on these boards whether or not the topic applies to me.
I for one run from a debate, because I don't feel that is this board's intent. Shouldn't we expect that residents of another state would feel differently about the question posed, than a FL resident would. I feel certain that is why the OP directed her question to FL residents only. I definitely don't mean to be crass, but I am truly confused why so many of you have chimed in. I know we all are free to post on any thread, but I think we must be looking for a debate, if we comment on things that don't really apply to us at all. Yes, I can see why you wouldn't want WDW to decide to remove your recently acquired benefits, in favor of once again providing better perks to the residents, but this thread was not intended for that. Perhaps you could start another thread and pose your opinions. Why is it not possible to post a simple question, without fear of being flamed. If a FL res. totally disagreed with the OP, I think the OP would be much more receptive, because after all they did ask for
that.
As for the discounts, why do they offer them to residents? For one, they're trying to hook all those residents who have never visited the parks. They think if they get them in there once, they'll all become WDW nuts just live we all are.
Also, what do you think the reason for the Epcot after 4 pass is? WDW offers it to locals hoping that when we go out for a nice dinner instead of spending $150 for a family of 3 at a local restaurant, we'll drive a little further & donate that $150 to them. Same reason for offering residents a discount on AP's. They're hoping that instead of going to the beach for a weekend getaway, the locals will decide they want to get more mileage out of their AP, so instead of going to the beach, they'll come to WDW & stay in their resorts, & dine with them 3 meals a day. Not to mention all of those residents who decide that instead of flying somewhere else, they'll just decide to go to WDW for their vacation. After all, you can stay in a nice resort, dine at good restaurants, & ride all you want. They can do all of this within an hours drive. That $1000+ that we are saving by driving, rather than flying. You guessed it, that just equals a longer stay & more expensive meals. If you ask me, it's ingenious. It sure has worked on my family. On the other hand, if they take away the special perks, there's many more places in this state that are equally eager to take that money. Or worse yet, we might actually leave the state for a vacation.
I realize that not all theme parks offer locals discounts, but at those parks they can't depend on most locals spending $300+ for a family of 3, everytime they decide to go have a little family fun, for the day. For my family, that's just lunch & dinner.
I was planning to stay out of the income topic, because to be honest, I feel that it is ludicrous. We are a 30 something couple, who moved here because of DH's job. A job that is not dependent on the tourism industry in any way. We don't all live in Orlando, Miami, or on the beach. I think the state would probably survive without the tourists. Do they bother me, not in the least, because I hope that when I visit their state, they will be equally receptive of my visit. Are they doing me a favor by being here? NO. Yes we don't have a state tax, but don't forget we also have the lottery. To be honest, I think the very best perk that tourists provide for us, is tax free groceries. By the way, you are welcome to this same great perk, if you visit one of our grocery stores.
However, my sisters in NC can buy the exact same groceries at their stores for about 3/4 the amount I am paying. It is actually cheaper for my family of 3 to eat out. The snow birds are a different issue all together. Yes, they make things much more congested in the winter, but they also provide an influx of cash into a majority of the state. Anyway, I don't know how this discussion even got started, so I will let it go.
To the OP: It doesn't bother me that others are receiving discounts, because I have lots of family who come to visit & I will be glad for them to have an opportunity to save. I do however understand why you feel that way.
Concerning the tourist: Personally, my income or lack of doesn't depend on tourist any more than tourism in any other part of the world. I am a stay at home Mom, & DH would make the same with or without tourists. The snowbirds do put alot of the food on our table, & I for one am glad they're here. I realize that not everyone feels that way, but I'm sure the snow birds don't affect their lives in the positive way, that they do ours. After all, doesn't everyone have a job that depends on others in some way? Actually, I welcome you all with open arms, but I am a bit offended by the notion that you are my lifeline.
Do we spend more money at WDW than others we know, who live out of state? By a long shot! For us, that's alot of people, because DH & I were both born & raised in NC, & we both have family & friends there. We also lived in VA for awhile, so we have friends there also.
That's it for me. Hopefully, we can get back to the question posed.
I live in MI and our area has grown by leaps and bounds, and I am 45 minutes from Lake MI, not even ON the lake! In fact about 5 years ago, maybe 6 our school district built a new high school because the area was growing so profusely. Oddly enough, they didn't plan to well because they outgrew after a year. 
