I live about 3 hours away, so while day trips arent impossible, they are still extremely exhausting.. I would like to know what its like for those of you that live close to the parks, do you ever just decide to go eat dinner at one of the parks or hotels? does the magic ever wear off for you? What is it really like living next to so many wonderful parks? (including uni).. Would love to hear about some of your experiences
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What's it like living near WDW?
- Thread starter MickeyMind
- Start date
sweetpee_1993
Well-Known Member
When I was a kid we had the (then) equivalent to the Florida Seasonal passes (Three Season Salute) and lived fairly close. We lived in the Pine Castle area, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, then Winter Park. We moved around a good bit. LOL! Anywhoo, it was about an hour or so drive out to the Disney parks which at that time consisted of the Magic Kingdom & Epcot. We moved to Orlando in '81 so my school friends' parents were people who worked onsite during Epcot's construction. In those days if my brothers' little league teams had to play teams from Kissimmee or St. Cloud we thought they were on the field with a bunch of hillbillies. There wasn't much outside the boundaries of Disney's property then.
Back in those days my family was a blended bunch with 5 kids between my mom & step-dad. We never had a whole lotta money. Usually the passes were bought with the annual tax return. I guess at least a few times the parental units decided after waking up in the morning on a weekend that we were going to Disney. Some mornings I remember waking up early before the parents and conspiring with my sibs to get the house super-duper clean & everyone dressed to go with teeth brushed & everything in the hopes the parents would wake up in a good mood and want to go. It was unusual to be out very late at night because my step-dad was nearly completely night blind and didn't like driving at night.
Being a big family with not much money we rarely ever ate in the parks. We would eat at home before heading out, leave the park mid-day & go off-property to cheap buffet (usually The Ponderosa), then return for the evening. Having a Coke or a popcorn was something special. If we had these treats we had to share 2 drinks & 2 popcorns between 5 kids.
Considering in those days there were only the Magic Kingdom resorts, people who stayed in those hotels were the equivalent of "stinkin' rich" to us. :lol: Those folks might as well have all been Ricky Schroeder from 'Silver Spoons' because it just didn't get much better than that to us. :lol:
It sounds like a living nightmare to think of 5 kids sharing and having to stay hydrated via water fountains nowadays but back then it wasn't such a stretch. I look at how good my kids have it when we go now and I'm certain they'd just roll over and die if they had to do it the way we did back then. But it never hurt us...and we were THERE! I got to see Epcot Center in all it's old-school glory so many times I couldn't even tell you how many. How many people here can say they rode the double-decker bus around World Showcase up top, kicked back, letting the driver do all the work getting us around the lagoon??? Can't complain.
Back in those days my family was a blended bunch with 5 kids between my mom & step-dad. We never had a whole lotta money. Usually the passes were bought with the annual tax return. I guess at least a few times the parental units decided after waking up in the morning on a weekend that we were going to Disney. Some mornings I remember waking up early before the parents and conspiring with my sibs to get the house super-duper clean & everyone dressed to go with teeth brushed & everything in the hopes the parents would wake up in a good mood and want to go. It was unusual to be out very late at night because my step-dad was nearly completely night blind and didn't like driving at night.
Being a big family with not much money we rarely ever ate in the parks. We would eat at home before heading out, leave the park mid-day & go off-property to cheap buffet (usually The Ponderosa), then return for the evening. Having a Coke or a popcorn was something special. If we had these treats we had to share 2 drinks & 2 popcorns between 5 kids.
Considering in those days there were only the Magic Kingdom resorts, people who stayed in those hotels were the equivalent of "stinkin' rich" to us. :lol: Those folks might as well have all been Ricky Schroeder from 'Silver Spoons' because it just didn't get much better than that to us. :lol:
It sounds like a living nightmare to think of 5 kids sharing and having to stay hydrated via water fountains nowadays but back then it wasn't such a stretch. I look at how good my kids have it when we go now and I'm certain they'd just roll over and die if they had to do it the way we did back then. But it never hurt us...and we were THERE! I got to see Epcot Center in all it's old-school glory so many times I couldn't even tell you how many. How many people here can say they rode the double-decker bus around World Showcase up top, kicked back, letting the driver do all the work getting us around the lagoon??? Can't complain.
xsupaxmanxsfnex
Well-Known Member
I lived in Tampa until I was 5 years old and my whole family had Annual Passes. We were able to make day trips and my mom even used to let us skip school for a day and take us to the Magic Kingdom for the day by herself while my dad was out of town. It was amazing be able to grow up so close to WDW and is probably why I love it so much to this day.
Bravo 229
Member
We live about 30 minutes away and have Seasonal Passes. A lot of times we just go for dinner or special events, such as F&W/F&G and the concerts at EPCOT. Sometimes we make a trip over there to a park for a half-day or if someone comes to town, we make sure to take them for a full day. I also like to take solo trips when I can, because everytime we go as a family, something always comes up to where we are either late getting to the park or someone wants to leave early. It happens every time. So its nice to be able to run over there for a few hours in the morning and ride the things I don't get to see often. Also, we eat at Downtown Disney a lot, so that is another way we can experience the magic. And, for those of you who play golf, I like to play at their courses every once in a while, because they are always kept in excellent condition - whereas my local courses aren't very good at all.
MoonMouse1
Member
We live pretty much right behind the Magic Kingdom Cast parking lot. You can see the fireworks from our front yard. Do we watch them every night? No...but it's cool to have the option, and even though we don't feel like paying extra for the special events like the Halloween and Christmas parties we can still see the special fireworks. You can hear the train's whistle in the distance, and on a quiet morning you can hear a Nascar car on the Richard Petty track. It's also cool to drive on back roads and see where they launch the fireworks and house the trains and monorails.
Yesterday we went to Epcot for a few hours and tried some selections at the Food and Wine Festival, and today we ran over to Magic Kingdom to meet Rapunzel and watch the Thunderbirds fly over the castle.
I think when you frequent the parks you just become more observant than the average guest...we start noticing things like new plants, looking backwards when we ride rides to see how things "work", noticing when a character or float is missing from a parade, etc. You also learn to be more efficient...what Fastpasses you should get first, what rides will be less populated at certain times...I won't ride anything with a line over 20 minutes anymore.
Some weeks go by and we don't go to Disney at all, but for the most part I think it's pretty awesome to live so close so we can run over there whenever we feel like it...and I'm not sick of it yet.
Yesterday we went to Epcot for a few hours and tried some selections at the Food and Wine Festival, and today we ran over to Magic Kingdom to meet Rapunzel and watch the Thunderbirds fly over the castle.
I think when you frequent the parks you just become more observant than the average guest...we start noticing things like new plants, looking backwards when we ride rides to see how things "work", noticing when a character or float is missing from a parade, etc. You also learn to be more efficient...what Fastpasses you should get first, what rides will be less populated at certain times...I won't ride anything with a line over 20 minutes anymore.
Some weeks go by and we don't go to Disney at all, but for the most part I think it's pretty awesome to live so close so we can run over there whenever we feel like it...and I'm not sick of it yet.
WDW-Crazy
Active Member
We live pretty much right behind the Magic Kingdom Cast parking lot. You can see the fireworks from our front yard. Do we watch them every night? No...but it's cool to have the option, and even though we don't feel like paying extra for the special events like the Halloween and Christmas parties we can still see the special fireworks. You can hear the train's whistle in the distance, and on a quiet morning you can hear a Nascar car on the Richard Petty track. It's also cool to drive on back roads and see where they launch the fireworks and house the trains and monorails.
Yesterday we went to Epcot for a few hours and tried some selections at the Food and Wine Festival, and today we ran over to Magic Kingdom to meet Rapunzel and watch the Thunderbirds fly over the castle.
I think when you frequent the parks you just become more observant than the average guest...we start noticing things like new plants, looking backwards when we ride rides to see how things "work", noticing when a character or float is missing from a parade, etc. You also learn to be more efficient...what Fastpasses you should get first, what rides will be less populated at certain times...I won't ride anything with a line over 20 minutes anymore.
Some weeks go by and we don't go to Disney at all, but for the most part I think it's pretty awesome to live so close so we can run over there whenever we feel like it...and I'm not sick of it yet.
That's so cool. How long have you lived there?
We live pretty much right behind the Magic Kingdom Cast parking lot. You can see the fireworks from our front yard. Do we watch them every night? No...but it's cool to have the option, and even though we don't feel like paying extra for the special events like the Halloween and Christmas parties we can still see the special fireworks. You can hear the train's whistle in the distance, and on a quiet morning you can hear a Nascar car on the Richard Petty track. It's also cool to drive on back roads and see where they launch the fireworks and house the trains and monorails.
Yesterday we went to Epcot for a few hours and tried some selections at the Food and Wine Festival, and today we ran over to Magic Kingdom to meet Rapunzel and watch the Thunderbirds fly over the castle.
I think when you frequent the parks you just become more observant than the average guest...we start noticing things like new plants, looking backwards when we ride rides to see how things "work", noticing when a character or float is missing from a parade, etc. You also learn to be more efficient...what Fastpasses you should get first, what rides will be less populated at certain times...I won't ride anything with a line over 20 minutes anymore.
Some weeks go by and we don't go to Disney at all, but for the most part I think it's pretty awesome to live so close so we can run over there whenever we feel like it...and I'm not sick of it yet.
Wow that is so awesome.. didnt know it was possible to live that close.. is it a private community?
WelshBatman
Active Member
I live on the other side of the world... heh... I live on the Animal Kingdom side but I can see the fireworks at night and the biggest problem with living so close to it all is the traffic at times. But other than that, I know when it's 9pm every night without looking at a clock because I can hear illuminations start.
The other pain is that when you want to go to the parks, you have to use the parking lots... which isn't that great when you go to Magic Kingdom.
The other pain is that when you want to go to the parks, you have to use the parking lots... which isn't that great when you go to Magic Kingdom.
sweetpee_1993
Well-Known Member
LOL! I can't stand the way the water tastes. I remember always hating it but we had to do it. I think my kids would probably roll over & die at the thought of only getting hydration from a fountain. Times are very different. Plus, I'm sure a large part of that is my own fault - ya know, the stuff that bugged ya most as a kid you really go overboard not making your own kids do just because ya love 'em & all. I know, it sounds awful! My sis-in-law thinks I'm nuts because I don't make 'em clean house that often either...or do laundry...or cook...
I can be in a park or resort in an hour or less. I do go for the day, but, as I work late nights (after 3am) a day trip can be tiring so I usually spend the night. I also go for just a meal at a park or resort. I have passes to USF, WDW, and BG so a quick trip to ride an attraction or satisfy a food craving is not out of the question.
Susan Savia
Well-Known Member
I think that would be great to live so close to the parks like so many do. We are in the Virginia suburbs and live about 10 miles from DC, 2-1/2 hours to Williamsburg and 3 hours to the ocean. There's a lot of stuff to do in this area. Driving from Maryland to Virginia we often take the route skirting DC and see the Capital and Pentagon on our way home. Company always wants to go see the musuems in DC and we have gone over holidays to see Williamsburg several times.
I often drink from the fountains in the parks and have no problem. :lookaroun
We are in the Virginia suburbs and live about 10 miles from DC, 2-1/2 hours to Williamsburg and 3 hours to the ocean. There's a lot of stuff to do in this area. Driving from Maryland to Virginia we often take the route skirting DC and see the Capital and Pentagon on our way home. Company always wants to go see the musuems in DC and we have gone over holidays to see Williamsburg several times. I often drink from the fountains in the parks and have no problem. :lookaroun
JustInTime
Well-Known Member
I would hate it. The reason why the parks are so special for me is because they area treat! We only go once every couple years and I am extremely grateful for that. I would never want to take it for granted.
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
I think that would be great to live so close to the parks like so many do.
I often drink from the fountains in the parks and have no problem. :lookaroun
I live very close to NYC. I could walk to the George Washington Bridge from my house. There is a bus stop 75 yards from my front door where the bus will drop me off in the middle of midtown 20 minutes later (if traffic plays nice) but I find myself not going to NYC all that often. It's there, but it is no great thrill. I don't know if WDW would end up being the same way for me if I lived close.
And I too have no problem with WDW water fountains.
-dave
MissM
Well-Known Member
I live about an hour away. For me, I actually can't imagine what it's like to save up all year and then be on property for a week at a time. A week! How crazy is that? :lol:
Growing up in Florida, Disney is always part of it. I took two class trips to Epcot (because it's educational) in my school years. I see TV commercials and billboards all the time for it. It's just kinda always there and living here, you either couldn't care less or love it. (You'd be amazed at how many FL residents who hate theme parks!)
I like knowing I have no pressure. I can do what I want or not and there's no feeling of having to cram everything in. Don't get to something today? Line's too long (and by that I mean more then 20 minutes)? No worries. We'll do it next time. And "next time" can be whenever I want it to be whether it's the next weekend or the next month.
It's definitely a different experience being a local and being in the parks so often. You get to know the little details much more - for better and worse.
Growing up in Florida, Disney is always part of it. I took two class trips to Epcot (because it's educational) in my school years. I see TV commercials and billboards all the time for it. It's just kinda always there and living here, you either couldn't care less or love it. (You'd be amazed at how many FL residents who hate theme parks!)
I like knowing I have no pressure. I can do what I want or not and there's no feeling of having to cram everything in. Don't get to something today? Line's too long (and by that I mean more then 20 minutes)? No worries. We'll do it next time. And "next time" can be whenever I want it to be whether it's the next weekend or the next month.
It's definitely a different experience being a local and being in the parks so often. You get to know the little details much more - for better and worse.
Close to the Magic
We live 15 min away and with our seasonal pass we take our evening walks at the parks/resorts whenever we want. While walking we go into the shops to see what's new, pick up "ideas" for gifts, etc. We normally eat at home but we do stop by France (if we are at Epcot) and share a dessert it's even better as we remember what we spent at our previous visits to the Food & Wine events. Saturday's we stop by the lake at Downtown Disney, have a drink and listen to the music plus meeting people from other countries is always fun. The fireworks can be seen from our second floor during our summer storms...HHHAAA...we also ride around the back roads and see how many deers, etc enjoy their home at disney. Yep it's fun living that close knowing we can go when we like. During the holidays visiting the Resort does not cost a thing. It is a pleasure as I remember the cost years ago with my kids. Now it's their turn...HHHAAA. :wave:
We live 15 min away and with our seasonal pass we take our evening walks at the parks/resorts whenever we want. While walking we go into the shops to see what's new, pick up "ideas" for gifts, etc. We normally eat at home but we do stop by France (if we are at Epcot) and share a dessert it's even better as we remember what we spent at our previous visits to the Food & Wine events. Saturday's we stop by the lake at Downtown Disney, have a drink and listen to the music plus meeting people from other countries is always fun. The fireworks can be seen from our second floor during our summer storms...HHHAAA...we also ride around the back roads and see how many deers, etc enjoy their home at disney. Yep it's fun living that close knowing we can go when we like. During the holidays visiting the Resort does not cost a thing. It is a pleasure as I remember the cost years ago with my kids. Now it's their turn...HHHAAA. :wave:
CP_alum08
Well-Known Member
We just recently relocated from MI to south Florida, turning a 3 hour plane ride into a 3 hour car ride :ROFLOL: We have only lived down here a little over 2 months and have visited WDW once in that time. I can't see doing too many day trips, but definitely overnight/weekend trips.
I did the CP 2 years ago, while Im sure living close and working at WDW is different from loving close and NOT working there, I loved it. Like many have said, when you are ale to just pop in and out of the parks you really start to notice the little things. I worked at Caribbean Beach but I had friends who worked at MK who took me through the tunnels and inside some of the rides, very cool!
I did the CP 2 years ago, while Im sure living close and working at WDW is different from loving close and NOT working there, I loved it. Like many have said, when you are ale to just pop in and out of the parks you really start to notice the little things. I worked at Caribbean Beach but I had friends who worked at MK who took me through the tunnels and inside some of the rides, very cool!