? for FL residents and frequent WDW visitors

[frannn]

My dream, since my honeymoon trip in 1999, has been to move to FL in the future and either work in WDW or visit very frequently. Can't afford to work for WDW now, and currently paying a mortgage in NY. DH is not all for it yet anyway. Luckily, the co I work for (from home) has moved from NY to FL. I am still looking several years into the future...maybe....but was wondering...
Any of you Dis'ers moved to FL for reasons that partially included WDW and glad you did it? upset you did it?

Second question-if you live near WDW or are just a frequent guest, do you ever tire of it? We have been going annually (once 2X in one year), and I am far from tiring of it. It doesn't have the same magic as it did the first few times we went, but thats expected with anything. I just wonder if you can have too much of a good thing- and I don't want to end up extinguishing one of the things that gives me the most joy in life.
Thoughts?

 

[angey77]

I never tire of it and I have been six times in three years (Dec 200, May 2001, May 2002, Oct 2002, Feb 2003, Dec 2003). Its one of those places where every time you go, you have something different to do. I really thought I had finally covered all of the parks to the fullest extent after visiting 12 times, but I just learn this week of the MK rose garden (how can I miss that???).
Now the problem is waiting until this December. Having an annual pass, I find excuses to go more than once a year!

By the way, I would LOVE to move to Florida to be closer to Disney. Too bad my boyfriend isn't up for it.

 

[gshoemate]

We moved here almost a year and a half ago, not because of Disney, we just got lucky and DH got a job in Orlando. We love it here. We used to go to WDW every weekend but not so much anymore. Not because we are tired of it but more that we are learning when the busy times are and when the slow times are. There are so many things at Epcot and MK that we haven't done yet. We also have passes to the other theme parks in the area so whenever we feel we need a break from Disney, there are plenty of places to visit. I hope to work a WDW in the next couple of years, thats my goal anyways. Sometimes it's hard to believe that a place this beautiful exists.

 

[brady961]

I live about five miles from the Disney Gate on hwy536. When I am in town during the week (I travel a lot for work) I go to at least Epcot several times in the evenings after work. I go almost every weekend to Disney or if not there one of the other area parks esp Sea World. I haven't gotten tired of going.

For me it's a great stress reducer, good exercise. I go just to walk around, to see the sites, and enjoy letting go of the everyday work and life stressors.

I have always gone solo but recently met a few DIS ppl that live near by and enjoy going often as well. So now it's like reexperiencing Disney all over going with new friends. But I also still enjoy going solo. I take it all in, walk around, and leave the world behind me for the hours while I experience the Disney Magic.

I have lived this close now for a little over two years. And no I am not tired of the parks as of yet.

Even bought a Pal Mickey to take along. Ok so I like a kid, and Disney is the best place for that. Forget work, daily responsibilities and HAVE FUN.

I didn't move here because of Disney, it was a job move. I was initially suppose to move to Tallahassee but the company asked me if willing to come to Orlando instead. Choosing Orlando was the best decision I could have made. I am spoiled to living to close to Disney and Sea World. Just hope no job transfers come in the next few years hehehehee.

brady961

 

[Grumpy37]

I'd like to move to Orlando, moreso because I'm tired of the snow and cold and short golf seasons in the midwest than anything else. But being near WDW, etc. wouldn't hurt.

In the mean time, you can see from my sig that my current job pays for a lot of getaway time in Florida and that's awfully nice for us as a family. We're very lucky to be able to spend time together away from work and the other distractions.

FWIW, we were going lots of different places but for the time being with the kids being young, everyone is happiest at WDW and so we keep coming back.

 

[safetymom]

I recently bought a house about 15 mins from WDW. We love it!!!! Last week I had a craving for a Dole whip so we went to MK just for that.

I lived in PA and I am so glad that we moved.

I am a widow with 2 kids left at home. One is away at college the other one went back to work for Disney. She had done the College program.

We love it. During the holidays I went to the parks to walk around and look but didn't ride many rides. Now that the crowds have gone home we will be visiting more often.

 

[ptrbryant]

I'm so glad this thread was started!!! The idea of moving to central Florida is something that's been in my mind--and growing in my DH's mind, as well. It's just 3 of us, DH, DS (age 7) and myself and, primarily due to some learning disorders, I homeschool our son, so we have to live within a budget.

How would you who live there describe the general quality of life in the Orlando area (aside from WDW, which is in a dreamworld of it's own!) Are there particular areas or nearby towns that would be on a top 5 or 10 list?!?!?

Thanks!
Karla B.

We'll be in WDW in less than 4 weeks!!!!

 

[safetymom]

I can't tell you about the schools in my area because my youngest graduated high school last year. So we weren't concerned about that. Also where we live is still growing so we have to travel some distance to get to stores but I love it. I feel like I live in the country but have the interstate and other roads to get around quickly.

 

[susy]

Hi! I live in South FL and we buy the season passes for now. We went up for Thanksgiving, will be going in a few weeks, a weekend in May, a weekend in Aug (Labor Day), overnight in Oct (F&W fest), and Thanksgiving again. We just went for five nights and that was a little long for me. Three is just perfect!!!!
We get great FL Res rates, even at some times when there are no other codes to be had. The Play 4 passes are great, too (and you have about 6 months to upgrade them). We just bought the Disney Dining Experience for $70-you get 20% off at most sit-downs and the value food courts (and I believe the POR food court).

We are about 3 hours away . I think it's great because it's the perfect distance to justify staying over. South FL is very congested. I would suggest moving to the Palm Beach area or Stuart/Ft Pierce (still 2 hrs from WDW). I don't think I would like living in Orlando. I enjoy the resorts too much and I know DH too well...that would be the end of the resorts for me!

 

[safetymom]

I enjoyed the resorts also but nothing beats getting in your car and driving 15 mins. and you are home. I figure I will stay at the resorts when friends and family come for visits.

 

[wdisneelvr]

I just moved to Orlando at the end of Dec and only live 10mins away.

It's always been my dream to live here and work for WDW. I have a job interview with them next week and can't wait!

If you want something bad enough it will happen. It took me a long time to get here (I'm 42) but I made it finally. I was bit by the disney bug when I went on my first trip here in 1975 and have always wanted to work for WDW. I have gone to disneyworld ever since then about twice a year and can't imagine ever tiring of it. I'm sure it will change a bit when I get a job with them, but at least I'll be able to see the parks more often.

Happy trails!

 

[Grumpy92]

You guys are all new residents anybody been here more then five years?

Susy I moved out of Palm Beach Co because of the congestion and have friends in Martin who say they are beginning to feel the same way. It just creeps up of the coast. It took us 3 hours from WPB so it justified staying overnight and was great for little vacations. Orlando is a little different congested but you learn to stay away from places like 192 & I drive.

Being a native, annual passholder & cm I definitely visit the parks differently. I do my faves or what I want to do. If it is crowded I leave and you learn when the busy times are and dont go. Have to say when people visit and they want to go out to eat we take them to Disney because the restaurants are nice and offer a variety of options.

Living in Orlando & working for the mouse you also have family who come out of the woodwork. Relatives you havent seen in years, suddenly decide they want to come visit you and they want you to take them to Disney.

My advice is if you are thinking about moving to Orlando, make a visit. Come down in August and stay for a couple weeks but visit other locations besides the attractions areas. Then you can truly see if the community is to your liking.

 

[frannn]

I hate the cold and the snow. Its pretty to look at, but then I could always see it on tv! How are the summers in FL? Are they comparable to NY, or is the humidity unbearable? I don't want to trade one gripe for another. Also, I am an accountant. DH would love to get out of NYPD, maybe to work in the fire dept, but is there an age limit to be in fire dept? He thinks he's too old, or will be too old by the time we would think of moving What are the difference in wages? I picture life in FL being less stressful and at a less crazy pace...is that true?

 

[Grumpy92]

You might want to check out Orange Co & Osceola Co websites with regards to requirements for the FD/PD.

As for less stressful. As my Dad says "Life is what you make it". We have lots of transients from the NY/NJ area who have relocated down here. We are among the top states in population and as the old saying goes where California goes Florida soon follows we have many of the same problems. Heat & humidity will be more then you are used too that is why I say visit in August. Plus the number one complaint I hear from those that have relocated is I miss the seasons, not the snow but the seasons. Just a small downside. Unfortunately our schools vary but overall are not the greatest, it all depends on where you live. You will find cost of living better in the house sense then NJ and gas prices are low in Central Fla.

Another suggestion is get a subscription to the local paper, the Orlando Sentinel. It will give you a feel of the neighborhoods and all the happenings of town.

 

[Kansaswritergal]

I moved to the Orlando area last July from Kansas. And I love it! I'm a freelancer working from home, so I researched several different states before moving down here. True, the summer heat and humidity is bad, but that's what swimming pools, water parks, and air conditioning are for! I had family visit on Thanksgiving and they couldn't believe we wore shorts and ate out by the pool. (By the way, pools seem about as common here as porches were in Kansas!)

I couldn't decide between living near the theme parks or the beach, so I split the difference and chose Lake Mary. It's 45 minutes to Disney (less to Universal) and 45 minutes in the other direction to Daytona. The best of all worlds! I don't have kids, but all my neighbors brag about the Lake Mary schools.

Good luck with your dreams. I've found Florida to be a wonderful place to relocate to -- especially in the winter!!

Deborah

 

[frannn]

answers on this board. What DIS Member would not love living near the Mouse's House? Where can I get more opinions that are not so weighted?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by frannn
answers on this board. What DIS Member would not love living near the Mouse's House? Where can I get more opinions that are not so weighted?

http://www.moving.bz/out_of_state_moving/estimate_form.asp

 

[safetymom]

One of the things that help sway me to move to Florida is that several friends of mine moved to FL. They loved it, then my sister and one of my daughters moved. Thought if they all liked it I sure would.