Dreams Do Come True in New Orleans WDW 2.2012 Relocation Prep

We just returned from a very magical life changing trip to Walt Disney World. The purpose of this trip was for me and my husband, Jason, to find a house to rent because we are moving to Orlando in April 2012! This trip report will be a bit different because we spent a lot of time off property and didn't end up doing too much in the parks. We met with a lot of new friends and found the house of our dreams!

The Cast:

My husband, Jason, and I married at Walt Disney World in September 2011. We have been planning our relocation to Florida since our trip during Star Wars Weekends 2011.

My Mom, Patricia, came along for the ride. She's retired so she was there to PARTAAAAAAAYYYY!

When & Where:
February 25 - 29, 2012

Port Orleans French Quarter

Intro:
How do you go from getting engaged on Peter Pan's Flight in 2010 to getting married at Disney World in 2011 and then moving to Orlando just a few months later in 2012? We were able to do this so quickly for 2 reasons:

1. I work from home so that enables us to live anywhere

2. We have no children (yet...)

Working from home is what I have always wanted to do and I finally found the perfect job in February 2011. Jason and I made the decision to move to Orlando in June 2011. We were pretty busy planning our wedding but we found time to talk about what we needed to do right after the wedding for our relocation to Florida. I googled "relocation orlando disney" and came across TheRelocatedTourist.com. It featured the story of the Petermann family and their adventures in relocation to Florida. I was a fan right from the first article I read. I sent Amy (co-creator and head writer) some fan mail shortly before we left for our wedding and honeymoon. She responded and was so sweet! We met in person for the first time at the WDW Radio Meet on the 40th Anniversary 10.1.2011. I never expected the wonderful friendship that would follow. We became even closer when I began participating in her Relocate the Weight and Relocate the Worry groups on Facebook as well as her weekly chats. She became very invested in our relocation and agreed to meet with us not once, but twice during this trip to discuss everything.

We had a full dance card for this trip, we also had plans to meet up with some friends and of course our__Realtor, Amy Reed. Since we spent so much time off property, we rented a car from Alamo at the Walt Disney World Car Care Center. This trip was completely different from any other trip and we cannot wait to finally relocate in April 2012!

This trip report is also posted on my blog, DisneyManners.com along with all my previous trip reports. Check it out!

 

[mamamouse]

WOW!!! Although I'm completely jealous i am so happy for you,and being that you were in a rough place financially in the past is not a horrible thing it happens to many of us and it only means you'll appreciate lifes gifts that much more. I am super excited for both of you and I wish you all the best now and in your future adventures.This was a great report and I look forward to more....there will be more right????? Don't you move down there n not give us reports LOL no but sreiously all the best to you both and I would love to see whats next for you and how it all plays out,Thanks for sharing

 

[minnielaw]

Hey Shel, it's Heidi! Just discovered your TR here. I had been reading on your Disney Manners blog.

Can't believe it's only 6 DAYS now!! I'm so excited for you that I feel like I'm going with you!

First of all, you look AWESOME! You are so happy and it really shows in your smile
Second, love the house! What a great clean slate to work with and make your own. The pool and hot tub...icing on the cake.
Third, love the ToT photo! I thought Jason was a cast member and you were riding alone. Your expression is priceless. Wish I had the nerve to ride ToT, but NEVER!
Fourth, (ok, I'm gonna quit numbering these comments cause it's getting really annoying!) beignets and shrimp po' boys...must try POFQ. We had originally planned to stay there this October but the boys wanted to try something completely new. We have stayed at PORS the last two trips.

Lastly, you and Jason are just the sweetest, cutest couple and I am so thrilled at your good fortune. What a wonderful future you have to look forward to. Can't wait to see photos of the babies wearing Mickey ears and having breakfast with the characters....but all in good time.

Hold on....your happily ever after is just beginning. :sohappy:

 

[DiPSU224]

Yay! I love a Shelley report! I'm so excited for you and your big move. I can't imagine being that close to WDW. The thought of being able to wake up one day and just decide to go to WDW is just crazy to me. The house you chose is adorable and I wish you guys the best of luck!

I feel the need to go back and reread your wedding TR. As far as I can remember I have been obsessed with Disney weddings and it look 31 years for me to finally be invited to one....and I can't go Ceremony at the Wedding Pavillion, arrival of the bride in Cinderella's carriage, reception at the GF and Illuminations dessert party...this was going to be a Disney wedding dream! Unfortunately, (well, not really I guess) I will be 28 wks pregnant with twins the first week in May when the wedding takes place. I got the OK by my Dr to fly, but we're trying to be responsible both money and health-wise. I'm exhausted even now on a relaxed day off and I'm not sure my body will be able to handle the heat and toll that a trip to WDW can take on your body. So, no wedding for us. I'm heartbroken.

Anyway, looking forward to many many more of your TRs as I'm sure you'll be park bound frequently! Best wishes!

 

[PeoplemoverTTA]

You have to let go. Some people are having a hard time letting Jason and I go since we decided to move to Florida. I hope they can understand this is our adventure and has nothing to do with them

I completely understand this! I have a very similar situation here with my family and friends. Most of them will miss me, but understand that I've always wanted to do this (even more so since my mom passed away last summer). But others are giving me a major guilt trip and won't let it go. But as you said, this is your adventure, and it's a personal thing. I'm treating my relocation the same way!

Congrats on the gorgeous house - I LOVE that kitchen! I'm so glad everything worked out well for you.

In 11 days, I'll be in St. Augustine for my cousin's wedding. I'm stopping in Orlando for a few days to meet with a client (I'm a freelance copywriter who works from home - hence being able to pick up and move!) and spend some time with my grandma and aunt, who are coming down as well. No parks (I don't know how that's going to go, lol), but I'm viewing this as a precursor to my relocation trip (I'm coming down in early July to view and pick a house, then I'll be moving at the end of the month).

Good luck and safe travels on your move!

 

[meganw1985]

So very excited for you guys! (And jealous!) My husband and I have often talked about relocating to Florida, more Tampa area, as he used to live there. What an exciting/scary experience! Would love to see house pictures after you move!

 

[diddy_mouse]

Couldn't be happier for the two of you! I know wonderful adventures are just over the horizon. I can only imagine the rollercoaster of emotions you'll be feeling the night you leave your current house.

Have a safe drive down my friend, and I might have to look you up in August!

 

[Fashionista007]

Update! We decided today to leave 1 day earlier to beat the Easter weekend traffic so now I only have 5 more sleeps!!! Today was Jason's last day at work and tomorrow is our farewell party with our friends and family. It's sure to be an emotional day

WOW!!! Although I'm completely jealous i am so happy for you,and being that you were in a rough place financially in the past is not a horrible thing it happens to many of us and it only means you'll appreciate lifes gifts that much more. I am super excited for both of you and I wish you all the best now and in your future adventures.This was a great report and I look forward to more....there will be more right????? Don't you move down there n not give us reports LOL no but sreiously all the best to you both and I would love to see whats next for you and how it all plays out,Thanks for sharing

I really think that going through hard times makes you a better person. I do completely appreciate all of the good things that are happening for us :sohappy: And yes, there will be more trip reports! They will most likely be shorter, maybe one or two days, but I will still write them!

Hey Shel, it's Heidi! Just discovered your TR here. I had been reading on your Disney Manners blog.

Can't believe it's only 6 DAYS now!! I'm so excited for you that I feel like I'm going with you!

First of all, you look AWESOME! You are so happy and it really shows in your smile
Second, love the house! What a great clean slate to work with and make your own. The pool and hot tub...icing on the cake.
Third, love the ToT photo! I thought Jason was a cast member and you were riding alone. Your expression is priceless. Wish I had the nerve to ride ToT, but NEVER!
Fourth, (ok, I'm gonna quit numbering these comments cause it's getting really annoying!) beignets and shrimp po' boys...must try POFQ. We had originally planned to stay there this October but the boys wanted to try something completely new. We have stayed at PORS the last two trips.

Lastly, you and Jason are just the sweetest, cutest couple and I am so thrilled at your good fortune. What a wonderful future you have to look forward to. Can't wait to see photos of the babies wearing Mickey ears and having breakfast with the characters....but all in good time.

Hold on....your happily ever after is just beginning. :sohappy:

Hi Heidi!! Now that we moved it up, it's only 5 days now and I'm SUPER excited! And that smile on my face is mostly Jason, my life has gotten so much better ever since we met hehe :hurl:

I loved POFQ! I will stay there again, maybe for an anniversary or something. I really think it's the best of the moderates. It's smaller so it's the only moderate that only has one bus stop. I love CBR but the bus system there kinda stinks and it takes forever to get places.

OMG you made me cry thinking about having babies! It is in our plans (and hopefully fairly soon!!!). I tear up thinking about even being pregnant in a picture in front of the castle where we took bridal portraits. Jason says he's glad we'll be living near WDW while I'm pregnant because I'll be able to eat whatever I want...and I WILL!!! :sohappy:

 

[Fashionista007]

Yay! I love a Shelley report! I'm so excited for you and your big move. I can't imagine being that close to WDW. The thought of being able to wake up one day and just decide to go to WDW is just crazy to me. The house you chose is adorable and I wish you guys the best of luck!

I feel the need to go back and reread your wedding TR. As far as I can remember I have been obsessed with Disney weddings and it look 31 years for me to finally be invited to one....and I can't go Ceremony at the Wedding Pavillion, arrival of the bride in Cinderella's carriage, reception at the GF and Illuminations dessert party...this was going to be a Disney wedding dream! Unfortunately, (well, not really I guess) I will be 28 wks pregnant with twins the first week in May when the wedding takes place. I got the OK by my Dr to fly, but we're trying to be responsible both money and health-wise. I'm exhausted even now on a relaxed day off and I'm not sure my body will be able to handle the heat and toll that a trip to WDW can take on your body. So, no wedding for us. I'm heartbroken.

Anyway, looking forward to many many more of your TRs as I'm sure you'll be park bound frequently! Best wishes!

Aww what a nice compliment, I'm so glad you enjoy my TRs I will continue to write them, we are going on the WDW Radio Cruise on the Disney Dream in November so stay tuned for that! Richard Sherman will be there and we're over the moon excited to possibly get to meet him. That will be a great big beautiful day :sohappy:

Congratulations on having twins!! It's sad you can't make it to the wedding but you are doing the right thing. You're already putting your body through nature's wrath, no need to add to it!

I completely understand this! I have a very similar situation here with my family and friends. Most of them will miss me, but understand that I've always wanted to do this (even more so since my mom passed away last summer). But others are giving me a major guilt trip and won't let it go. But as you said, this is your adventure, and it's a personal thing. I'm treating my relocation the same way!

Congrats on the gorgeous house - I LOVE that kitchen! I'm so glad everything worked out well for you.

In 11 days, I'll be in St. Augustine for my cousin's wedding. I'm stopping in Orlando for a few days to meet with a client (I'm a freelance copywriter who works from home - hence being able to pick up and move!) and spend some time with my grandma and aunt, who are coming down as well. No parks (I don't know how that's going to go, lol), but I'm viewing this as a precursor to my relocation trip (I'm coming down in early July to view and pick a house, then I'll be moving at the end of the month).

Good luck and safe travels on your move!

Yay another relocator! Isn't working from home the best?? I'm with you on the guilt trippers not wanting us to go. My feeling about that is that birds leave the nest. Rats live in packs their whole life. I'd rather be a bird!! Plus it's not like we'll never see them, we wanted a bigger house so people can come to stay with us. We put a lot of thought into what type of house we wanted so our family and friends should actually be flattered that they were factors in our decision!

Good luck on your Relocation Prep trip, if you have any questions feel free to PM me!!

So very excited for you guys! (And jealous!) My husband and I have often talked about relocating to Florida, more Tampa area, as he used to live there. What an exciting/scary experience! Would love to see house pictures after you move!

Thank you so much! I am a bit scared but only for the 14 hr trip down but I don't have any doubts we'll be happy in FL. I'll definitely take more pictures once we move and get everything set up! I can't believe at this time next week I'll be a full blown Floridian :sohappy:

Couldn't be happier for the two of you! I know wonderful adventures are just over the horizon. I can only imagine the rollercoaster of emotions you'll be feeling the night you leave your current house.

Have a safe drive down my friend, and I might have to look you up in August!

Thanks Erin!! Talk about a rollercoaster, I've been crying tears of happiness almost daily since we picked our house! We just need to get through a few more days and we'll be on our way! Absolutely, we must get together in August! I've already made plans with people as far as September and October

 

[foreverbelle]

What an awesome ending-well all minus the bad experience with DME but otherwise it was so amazing.

I wish you guys a very fast week, and a safe travels next weekend in your transition from tourist to full time Floridian...

Great TR

 

[Magenta Panther]

I'm still so jealous of this picture lol.

and... this was the point that you texted me! yay!!!! :sohappy:

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg179/PFashionista007/WDW Feb 2012/TowerOfTerrorCMs.jpg

Oh crap, I love this picture so much. Especially that guy on the far left, looking like he's yelling GAHHHHH!! MOMMEEE!!! :ROFLOL:

And Davy Jones, yeah...*sigh*...a couple of years ago while in WDW, I walked past the stage while he was performing. Didn't see him, just heard his voice. Wish I'd checked out his show now. I read that his buddy and bandmate Mickey Dolenz will be filling in for him. I barely remember the Monkees, yet I felt very sad hearing about Davy's death...

 

[ndiniz]

You are about to have an experience like NO OTHER, and I CONGRATULATE YOU ON A JOB WELL DONE! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

 

[djpoore94]

Congrats on finding your dream house and the move, so exciting :sohappy:

 

[Ariel484]

Congratulations!! I'm glad things worked out for you, Jason and the kitties. Good luck with the move! :sohappy:

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

Ahhhhhh, so exciting!! You'll be so close to the magic!! I'm so jealous!!

Your kitties are SO CUTE!!! Merlin looks like a black and white cat we have who weighs about 20 lbs! He's a big boy.

Reading about how hard you and Jason worked to get to where you are now really inspired me. For so long I've been wanting to leave Maine and move somewhere I actually like (I can't stand it here at all!!) and I always find excuses like "it's too hard to move" or "I cant save up that much money to move" but reading this has inspired me to stop making excuses and actually do it! THANK YOU for writing this! While ideally I would LOVE to live in Florida (we have friends who live in Orlando and Davenport) it's really far from my family. I'm visiting a few different places this summer so I guess when I find someplace I really love I'll just know!

I will be down there at the world in 24 days! If you guys are all settled in by then perhaps we could meet up at one of the parks! I would love to finally meet someone from this here site we all love to post on! I will be meeting up with Jess and Courtney in September and I cannot wait!! Super excited!

 

[Fashionista007]

What an awesome ending-well all minus the bad experience with DME but otherwise it was so amazing.

I wish you guys a very fast week, and a safe travels next weekend in your transition from tourist to full time Floridian...

Great TR

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it I can't believe I only have 3 more sleeps!!! Jason and I are so excited, I can't even begin to tell you. This morning I did my usual exercise routine while watching TV and I totally burst into tears at a WDW commercial (happy tears of course!) We are also very blessed to have met so many locals over the years so we already have a group of friends to hang out with. I'm sure we'll just add more and more to our group!!

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg179/PFashionista007/WDW Feb 2012/TowerOfTerrorCMs.jpg

Oh crap, I love this picture so much. Especially that guy on the far left, looking like he's yelling GAHHHHH!! MOMMEEE!!! :ROFLOL:

And Davy Jones, yeah...*sigh*...a couple of years ago while in WDW, I walked past the stage while he was performing. Didn't see him, just heard his voice. Wish I'd checked out his show now. I read that his buddy and bandmate Mickey Dolenz will be filling in for him. I barely remember the Monkees, yet I felt very sad hearing about Davy's death...

That ToT photo is one of my favorite all time photos!! Being friends with CMs is so great and I appreciate what they do every day SO much. I could never do it!! I need to enjoy my magic from in front of the curtain, not behind

I heard about Mickey Dolenz filling in for Davy Jones, I will be sure to go to that concert. I used to watch the Monkees every week and I had a HUGE crush on Davy Jones. I'm so sad he died so early in life, he will be missed

You are about to have an experience like NO OTHER, and I CONGRATULATE YOU ON A JOB WELL DONE! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

Thank you so much I can't wait to share my adventures from here on out, especially Star Wars Weekends!!! We're already making our plans for that :sohappy:

 

[Fashionista007]

Congrats on finding your dream house and the move, so exciting :sohappy:

Thank you!! We couldn't be happier with the house and we're so excited to get on the road on Thursday :sohappy:

Congratulations!! I'm glad things worked out for you, Jason and the kitties. Good luck with the move! :sohappy:

Thank you very much :wave: I will keep everybody posted!!!

Ahhhhhh, so exciting!! You'll be so close to the magic!! I'm so jealous!!

Your kitties are SO CUTE!!! Merlin looks like a black and white cat we have who weighs about 20 lbs! He's a big boy.

Reading about how hard you and Jason worked to get to where you are now really inspired me. For so long I've been wanting to leave Maine and move somewhere I actually like (I can't stand it here at all!!) and I always find excuses like "it's too hard to move" or "I cant save up that much money to move" but reading this has inspired me to stop making excuses and actually do it! THANK YOU for writing this! While ideally I would LOVE to live in Florida (we have friends who live in Orlando and Davenport) it's really far from my family. I'm visiting a few different places this summer so I guess when I find someplace I really love I'll just know!

I will be down there at the world in 24 days! If you guys are all settled in by then perhaps we could meet up at one of the parks! I would love to finally meet someone from this here site we all love to post on! I will be meeting up with Jess and Courtney in September and I cannot wait!! Super excited!

Thanks Darolyn, I'm so glad you enjoyed the TR! I am so humbled to know that I have inspired you I know exactly how you feel, I slowly realized over the past 10 years that Baltimore was just not where I wanted to live my entire life. Have you ever been to a party and felt like you had no one to talk to and you just didn't belong? That's how I've been feeling every day for years now. I hope you find your happy place because where you live is so important to your overall emotional health :hammer:

I would love to get together in Sept and when you come down later this month! I'm also running the ToT 10 miler for Team Studios Central with Jess and Courtney. Ugh, gotta start training. I have some "winter weight" to lose

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

Thank you!! We couldn't be happier with the house and we're so excited to get on the road on Thursday :sohappy:



Thank you very much :wave: I will keep everybody posted!!!



Thanks Darolyn, I'm so glad you enjoyed the TR! I am so humbled to know that I have inspired you I know exactly how you feel, I slowly realized over the past 10 years that Baltimore was just not where I wanted to live my entire life. Have you ever been to a party and felt like you had no one to talk to and you just didn't belong? That's how I've been feeling every day for years now. I hope you find your happy place because where you live is so important to your overall emotional health :hammer:

I would love to get together in Sept and when you come down later this month! I'm also running the ToT 10 miler for Team Studios Central with Jess and Courtney. Ugh, gotta start training. I have some "winter weight" to lose

I know exactly what you mean. My priorities have changes and it seems like everyone else in Portland, Maine stil has the same priorities (drinking all the time, not growing up or settling down..) That was fun in my early 20's, but I'm 29 now. I'm ready for a change and I'm NOT going to find it here!

Jess just convinced me to join Studios Central team too so we're teammates now!! Woot woot!! I haven't run in like 3 weeks Yikes!! Now that the weather is getting better I'm going to start running outside. The treadmill running just bores me!

 

[WDWFigment]

Haven't gotten through the whole thing yet, but I'll be reading this closely. There's a fair chance we'll be relocating to Burbank/Glendale or Celebration/Orlando within the year, so I'm curious to see what you experience and learn in the process.

Oh, and that ToT photo is AWESOME! I definitely would have purchased that, too!

 

[Fashionista007]

I know exactly what you mean. My priorities have changes and it seems like everyone else in Portland, Maine stil has the same priorities (drinking all the time, not growing up or settling down..) That was fun in my early 20's, but I'm 29 now. I'm ready for a change and I'm NOT going to find it here!

Jess just convinced me to join Studios Central team too so we're teammates now!! Woot woot!! I haven't run in like 3 weeks Yikes!! Now that the weather is getting better I'm going to start running outside. The treadmill running just bores me!

I'm SO with you on being ready for a change...all our friends like to drink and party too and I feel so old going into bars with college kids. There are more mature bars but they still hang out at the college town bars :hammer: I'd rather do my drinking at EPCOT!!!

Yay another runner for Team Studios Central!! I cannot wait to start training. I'm planning to run the path from DHS to the Boardwalk :sohappy:

Haven't gotten through the whole thing yet, but I'll be reading this closely. There's a fair chance we'll be relocating to Burbank/Glendale or Celebration/Orlando within the year, so I'm curious to see what you experience and learn in the process.

Oh, and that ToT photo is AWESOME! I definitely would have purchased that, too!

Hi Tom! Wow you're thinking of relocating too?? AWESOME! I will say that the cost of living in Orlando is really cheap compared to anything in California. The biggest thing for me is no State income tax in FL. That saves me a LOT of money. You have to deal with higher property taxes but it's still cheaper to live in FL than MD. Check out my blog (link in my sig) I have a new relocation section where I discuss everything about our relocation! If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact me!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Even though I commented over at your blog first I'll comment here too!!!

Can't wait to hear all about your trip down!!!! I hope you and Jason (and the kitties) have a safe trip!!!!!

Can't wait to see you guys in September as well!

Looks like a lot of people are planning on relocating! Definitely plan on it sometime in the future. :sohappy:

Jess just convinced me to join Studios Central team too so we're teammates now!! Woot woot!! I haven't run in like 3 weeks Yikes!! Now that the weather is getting better I'm going to start running outside. The treadmill running just bores me!

Darn straight I convinced you!!! Actually more like forced it upon you :lol: