Disney Welcom Center - Ocala, Fla.

[epcotisbest]

Did you ever stop at the Disney Welcome Center, or maybe it was the Disney Information Center, in Ocala?
We used to always stop there, just a little ritual on the drive down.
It is not even there anymore, I think there is a chain hotel located where it used to be.
A couple of times in the 1990s we got some good rates on last minute hotel bookings, and it had a nice little gift shop.
Sorry about the title typo. Still don't understand why I can't edit titles.

 

[bethymouse]

Nope. I'm surprised because that's where my Father-in-Law and a good friend of mine live.

 

[Bob Saget]

Ooooh the memories of stopping here along I-75! Yes we used to stop here every road trip to Disney. I loved (and miss) this place. I even remember back in the 80's/90's when they would put a giant balloon out in the lawn area facing I-75. Once there was a balloon of Lady & the Tramp, another time it was Sorcerer Mickey. I loved the different window displays out front of the center, with various scenes from Disney films. It is rather bittersweet to pass this location while in route to WDW. Fun memories, but highly missed.

 

[edrho]

We also used to stop here every trip for restroom break and the gift shop. It always got us more excited for the rest of the trip. I also remember the disney radio station you could pick up as you got near to Ocala. I still sing to my kids "I'm going to disney world, I'm going to disney world" and hearing Alan archers weather forecast for the disney area. Great memories.

 

[hiptwinmama]

I grew up there and we always stopped and bought our tickets there to avoid line and TAT

 

[epcotisbest]

Ooooh the memories of stopping here along I-75! Yes we used to stop here every road trip to Disney. I loved (and miss) this place. I even remember back in the 80's/90's when they would put a giant balloon out in the lawn area facing I-75. Once there was a balloon of Lady & the Tramp, another time it was Sorcerer Mickey. I loved the different window displays out front of the center, with various scenes from Disney films. It is rather bittersweet to pass this location while in route to WDW. Fun memories, but highly missed.

I liked the big Mickey and Minnie out front. Our first trip pics each time.

 

[ugotzme]

I would go every week to check out the new merchandise since I live in Ocala. Always went in to make are trip reservations and dinner reservations it was great having it here. It has now been torn down and a Hampton inn and suits has been built there. Always wanted the pin that came from here.