Moving to Orlando in three weeks. Any locals have any tips for me?

[I_Heart_Disney_4_Lyf]

Hi there,
As the title suggests, I'm moving to Orlando, albeit temporarily, in three weeks. I'm a Spring 2015 Disney College Program participant! Woohoo! In addition to doing all of the Disney things humanly possible, I want to explore the area while saving as much money as possible. I do have a friend from middle/high school living in the area, and so far have learned there is no tax on food (there is here in Kansas), there is no state income tax (there is here in Kansas), and bring rolls of quarters because there are random highway tolls.

Can anyone offer me some more tips that may be helpful whether for budgeting or convenience, enjoyment, etc?

One thing i do know about, and check for every city I visit, is Groupon. It's a good way to save money and also learn about what's going on in any given area. Another good tip is to check Restaurant.com before going out to dinner. You can usually find certificates for $10 with a $25 value. Also, sign up for the restaurant's email club before going. You usually get a free appetizer or dessert right away.

I'm doing tons of research and also picking my friend's brain but I just thought I would ask my Disboard friends for any additional info you could provide.

Thanks guys.

 

[kjs1976]

Congrats!!! I participated in the WDWCP way back in '96. Great memories, hard work. As far as budgeting, since you will be actually living there, there are walmarts in Orlando, so your best bet is to shop there. Also, Publix is the local grocery chain so I'd look up their website and see what savings clubs they may have for you to be a part of. There are Disney outlets, as well as regular outlets in the area. I just remember eating a lot of cheap boxes and Mac and cheese and cereal while I worked there so I could spend my money on other fun stuff. I did manage to save $500 ( I was only there for a 3 month internship) when all of my friends went home with nothing.

 

[I_Heart_Disney_4_Lyf]

Thanks for the shopping tips! Will look up Publix and see what I can find. I did a $5 grocery store challenge here in Wichita to see what all I could buy with only $5. Using that store's ecoupons and buying on markdown and sales, I was able to buy a box of cereal bars, a bag of baby carrots, a bunch of kale, three boxes of pasta, a jar of pasta sauce, and a small bag of oranges, all for just $5 (plus tax)! I plan on doing the same challenge there.

My sister also suggested looking up pick your own citrus places as that can be much cheaper than stores sometimes, at least it was in her old neck of the woods (Phoenix, AZ).

Thanks on the congrats. I'm looking forward to it. My check in date is coming up really quickly...February 2nd. I'm trying to do anything and everything I can to make the experience as smooth as possible for me and whoever my roommates are, and anyone else who might benefit from the information I collect. I also plan on trying to lose weight while there by eating healthy, making smoothies and protein shakes, and exercising. And by the way I am a food lover, especially sweets, especially Mickey-shaped anything. So we will see.

 

[UCFGrad01]

Don't do quarters, get a SunPass. I'm fairly sure it saves you a bit on tolls and for sure saves you time not having to stop and toss in quarters. There aren't random tolls...they're on marked toll roads, but there are a few toll roads and many tolls on those roads. There are usually always free ways to get places, but often the toll roads are faster with less traffic.

Publix is for sure the best grocery store in the area. But it's not super cheap. Stick to Walmart or Aldi if you're looking to shop on the cheap. And clip coupons for Walmart. It's a little work, but will pay off at the register.

I am a native Floridian, but left to live in Denver for 7.5 years. I recently moved back and it was nice not paying state income tax anymore. I figured out the difference in wages and have that amount transferred to my savings account (in addition to the normal transfer amount) every time I get paid. I don't miss it because I'm used to the lower net pay and it adds up in my savings. I don't think the no tax on food thing is true, I think it's just on prepared food. That could be totally wrong, so you might want to research that some more.

 

[NinaBella]

If your daily route is going to include toll roads, then you will want to consider getting a SunPass to save money. You will be surprised that you may not even travel on toll roads depending on where you choose to live and what weekend activities you like to do.

Many Florida stores have changed coupon policies in the past year. This means you may need to find alternate ways to save. If you have a smartphone consider using savings applications like ShopKicks.

Here is one article on coupons or just google search Florida Coupon Policy for recent articles.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/feature...ix-updates-coupon-policy-20141003-column.html

As Orlando is a tourist town, it can be quite expensive to live here.

To lose weight and save money, take advantage of going to local parks for workouts. There are free and open workout groups that meet at local parks. Or just workout on your own b walking, biking, jogging, etc.

 

[I_Heart_Disney_4_Lyf]

Ah, good idea on the SunPass! I need to Mapquest my travel routes to see if/where the tolls come in to play. Thanks for the idea!

I am for sure a coupon person. I hope I can find some down there, at least on line. We have a store here where you can link your shopper's card to the website online and download coupons to it.

The problem is I have champagne taste on a less than beer budget. So I will be looking to have a good time while still saving money. The more the better.

I will look into sales tax on food, too.

Thank you!

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

Definitely get a Sunpass. There are some exits that are Sunpass only and there isn't a cash or change option. The tolls are a little cheaper with Sunpass than paying cash. You can buy Sunpass at Publix. I don't use toll roads much, but it's nice to know I have it when I need it.

There is an orange grove off of 535 very close to MK. It's not pick your own, but you just buy what you want and it's picked the night before. I can't remember the name of it though. They have oranges and grapefruit.

We moved here in the spring when my husband got a job at Disney. It's a great place to be! Best of luck to you!

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

With Publix if you go online to www.publix.com sign up for the digital coupons, watch our BOGOS weekly & you will do great shopping there. Your friend did tell you incorrectly that there is no tax on food. There is tax on prepared foods such as subs, etc. If you have a smart phone you can download the Publix app & do everything that way.

Congrats on your job at WDW. That's what I wanted to do after high school 40 years ago but they didn't have these great programs then.

Have fun!!

 

[Cupcakey78]

Hi there!!! I will also be doing the cp and will be checking in on the 2nd.

What is your role? Which housing complex are you requesting? If you have Facebook, there is a group for us 'non-traditional' students. Let me know if you are interested, and I'll give you the link.

Hope to talk to you soon!