What it is Really Like to Live Near Disney

I am sure every Disney fan across the world has a dream of living close to a Disney theme park. I made my dream a reality when I moved to Orlando, Florida last month (December 2018).

I feel extremely lucky and blessed to be able to live so close to a place that brings so much joy, happiness, and positivity into my life. I am able to visit Disney World anytime I want, what more could I ask for? However, what I did not realize was the extra pros and the few cons that would also be in store for me.

Cons:

It’s a 40-minute drive.

• Everyone tells me “Oh you live in Orlando? You must be SO close to Disney!!” Yes, I do live in Orlando, but not that part of Orlando. I live 40 minutes away from the theme parks, and that is on a day with no traffic backup on I-4 (there is always traffic backed up on I-4, FYI). So yes, I am close to Disney but not as close as most people think!

You will not have a Disney “vacation”.

• You don’t go stay in hotels and visit the parks from open to close for multiple days when you have your own place close by. I mean, you could if you wanted to, but most don’t. So you don’t get the “vacation” feeling. If you have animals at home, you cannot leave them home alone for too long, or if you go on a Sunday and realize you have to work the next day, that totally kills the “vacation” vibe that Disney gives.

Your friends come to visit.. but not really.

• When you live in a popular tourist area, your friends are bound to visit at some point. Most of the time, it’s a family vacation and so you don’t really get to hang out with them.. they have FastPasses and dining reservations and plans with the people they came with. Which of course is okay, but it means less time with the people you miss from back home.

Pros:

You can visit Disney whenever you want.

• I feel like this one is a pretty obvious pro.. but I have been living here for a month and it still blows my mind that I can wake up any morning and decide that I want to go to Disney World and it is the coolest. thing. ever.

2 words: Disney friends.

• If you don’t have any Disney friends, now is the time to make some. They are the BEST! Since living in Orlando, I have met a few AMAZING people who love Disney as much as I do and you get to spend park days together! The Disney community is full of wonderful people and it is a great experience to have friends who share the same interest as you.

First look at new Disney attractions, shows, and merchandise.

• You can be one of the first to experience a new attraction at Disney, such as Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad that opens this year, as well as Passholder events (if you have one), and new shows such as Mickey and Minnie’s surprise celebration!

All in all, I would not trade living near Disney for the WORLD. I consider myself extremely blessed to spend so much time in the happiest place on Earth and the friendships it has brought me and will continue to bring me! If you could leave near ANY Disney park in the world.. which one would you choose?

Tori Walters is a Columnist for the Boardwalk Times