Florida resident questions

[MinniMama]

Well we finally gave in to the addiction and we MOVE to Florida on July 15th so I need tips from florida residents- when are the best times to visit the parks (less crowded, least expensive) what are the rates at hotels for residents- is there a discount? Any special florida deals I should know about- thanks in advance! We are so excited!

 

[lewdyan1]

The Florida Seasonal Annual Pass is great. It cost a lot less and is good during the quieter times. We can't use it in the summer, two weeks of Christmas and one week Spring break. It gives all other benefits of an AP rates and % off at stores and restuarants. You also qualify for Fl. resident discount at the hotels, always ask which is better, AP or FL. residents rate, usually it's the same. Welcome to the state.

 

[lillygator]

you can visit the Florida resident section of the WDW site for special offers....

 

[eeyore0062]

There are 4 passes to choose from for Florida residents that range from Seasonal to Premium Annual. The 1st is the Seasonal pass, which allows you entrance into all for Major Disney Parks. It does include blackouts, which are usually for 8 weeks during the summer, the 2 weeks surrounding Christmas and the 2 weeks surrounding Easter. This pass does not include parking. There is the Epcot after 4 pm pass, which allows entrance into Epcot after 4pm daily, also does not include parking. There is the Annual Pass which allows you entrance into the 4 major Disney parks 365 days a year, and includes parking, and finally, there is the Premium Annual Pass which allows you entrance into all 4 major parks, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Disney Quest, Pleasure Island and the Disney Wide World of Sports 365 days a year and includes parking.

During some times during the year, you may be able to take advantage of either Florida discounted rates on rooms, or if you are an Annual Pass holder, discounted rooms through them. The rates usually are discounted anywhere from 10-40% depending on time of year and availability.

You may also participate in the Disney Dining Club, which for a $75 annual fee, gets you a 20% discount off of food and beverages (yes, that does include alcohol) at participating Disney owned and operated full service restaurants throughout the property. Right now there is a special off for Annual pass holders to join for $50.

There are also specials on tickets. The Play 3 pass lets you purchase a 3 day one park pass for the price of a 2 day one park pass, and will not expire for 6 months from the 1st use. If you choose to make that a hopper, you will need to add the hopper option for an additional price, and if you choose to add the Magic Plus option (which will get you 2 visits to your choice of Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island or Disney Quest) you may do so for an additional $45.

To take advantage of any of these Florida discounts, anyone older than 16 will need to have proof of residency in the following forms of ID's... there are no exceptions made (ie: mortgage papers, utility bills not allowed). These are the acceptable forms of ID:
A Valid Florida Driver's License
A Valid Florida ID issued by the DMV
A Valid Florida school or college ID
A Valid Florida Voter registration card, accompanied by a photo ID with signiture
A Valid Military ID accompanied by papers from the Armed Forces stating that you are stationed in Florida.

Welcome to Florida!

 

[ufgator]

Welcome to FL. Posts above give good info. Just want to add about less crowded times. The first 2 weeks of December are not crowded, neither is January. Those are the least crowded times that I've been to. You can also get a discount on tickets for the parks.

 

[DisneyWisher]

During some times during the year, you may be able to take advantage of either Florida discounted rates on rooms, or if you are an Annual Pass holder, discounted rooms through them. The rates usually are discounted anywhere from 10-40% depending on time of year and availability.
I am also a FL resident and go quite often. So far this year I've Jan., Mar., April, and May. Sept and December trips soon. I've been able to get FL rates for all the dates I've gone. My family has had Seasonal passes since 2000.


There are also specials on tickets. The Play 3 pass lets you purchase a 3 day one park pass for the price of a 2 day one park pass, and will not expire for 6 months from the 1st use. If you choose to make that a hopper, you will need to add the hopper option for an additional price, and if you choose to add the Magic Plus option (which will get you 2 visits to your choice of Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island or Disney Quest) you may do so for an additional $45.
Its $45 to add park hopping to the 3 day ticket. Its $164, considering the seasonal is $209(not including tax) its a better buy unless you want to go during the blackout times but the blackout times are the busiest times of the year. With the seasonal pass the water parks are $30 for adults and $25 for children 3-9 per day.

The quietest time at Disney is probably the week after Labor Day. Figure all kids are back to school. Its our favorite time to go besides the first weekend after New Years (weather is usually perfect 70's during the day)
Good Luck and Welcome to Florida

 

[lovethattink]

Jan and Feb are the quietest times! Rates at resorts are lowest then too!

 

[eeyore0062]

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Its $45 to add park hopping to the 3 day ticket. Its $164, considering the seasonal is $209(not including tax) its a better buy unless you want to go during the blackout times but the blackout times are the busiest times of the year. With the seasonal pass the water parks are $30 for adults and $25 for children 3-9 per day.

What many of the guest do is purchase the Play 3 pass during a blackout period and when the blackout period ends, they upgrade it to the Seasonal. The expiration date of the seasonal will then be one year from the 1st day you used the Play 3 pass.