“It was all started by a mouse” Walt Disney

[Yoheadden]

I was tempted to put this in the After Fire Thread because I am interested to see if anyone used the proximity to Walt Disney World as a criteria for moving to FL. If so, how did it work out? Are you going as often as you thought ? Did the lure of all things Disney where off ? Did you get a job as a Cast Member ?
We are big fans of “The World” and know there are lots of things to do there besides rides.

This ended up in the Travel Information thread because If there are any Disney fans here, there is a wealth of information and topics that can be shared.

[candrew]

Make sure you bring plenty of cheese to pay those entrance fees. Disney increased prices for 2020.

https://www.kgun9.com/disneyland-and...-prices-again/

"Depending on the day you choose to visit the parks, the entrance fee for a one-day park hopper pass will cost between $159 and $209. This marks the first time a single-day park hopper pass has gone above the $200 mark.

Single-park admission for one day at Disneyland starts at $104. Rates are date-based, which means you’ll pay more if you want to come at popular times of year.

You pay less if you buy multi-day passes. Multi-day passes have also been increased between 3-6%, while annual passes have increased between 4-8%."

Entrance fees have also increased at Disneyland in Anaheim.

[Just_Steve]

Quote:

Originally Posted by candrew Make sure you bring plenty of cheese to pay those entrance fees. Disney increased prices for 2020. https://www.kgun9.com/disneyland-and...-prices-again/ "Depending on the day you choose to visit the parks, the entrance fee for a one-day park hopper pass will cost between $159 and $209. This marks the first time a single-day park hopper pass has gone above the $200 mark. Single-park admission for one day at Disneyland starts at $104. Rates are date-based, which means you’ll pay more if you want to come at popular times of year. You pay less if you buy multi-day passes. Multi-day passes have also been increased between 3-6%, while annual passes have increased between 4-8%." Entrance fees have also increased at Disneyland in Anaheim.

Locals only pay $49.

[Sunset]

I though residents of FL could get in much cheaper. Maybe a year long pass ?

[W2R]

Never been to Disney World; took my daughter to Disneyland in California one time, back when she was 3 years old, in 1981. We were living in San Diego so it wasn't much of a drive.

To me, Disney World has zero attraction. That sort of thing is just not my cup of tea and there are SO many other things I'd rather do with my remaining years on this earth. Also, the prices you all are discussing seem insanely high. But, you know, different strokes for different folks and all that. If you enjoy Disney World that much, and just can't seem to get enough of it, then why not live there? I'd say Blow That Dough if you need to, to get the type of retirement you always dreamed of.

Grandkids grow up faster than one can imagine. So, I wouldn't think that the ease of taking the grandkids to Disney would be as strong a reason to move there, as wanting to go there oneself frequently.

[candrew]

I loved Disney as a kid. Never really had much interest in visiting one of their theme parks. Been to Six Flags, Cedar Point and others as I do enjoy the rides. For me, it's a "been there, done that."

The lure of discounted Disney park passes being offered to locals would rank pretty low for me as a criteria for residency.

I'd imagine the value of those local, discounted park passes would be relative to one's actual proximity. If attending a theme park would require a 2-3 hour drive each way, maybe not so much?

[Omalley]

We don't make to WDW as often as I would like, but hopefully during upcoming winters when we snowbird in FL we can visit more often. If you become a FL resident there are several annual pass options that seem pretty reasonable to the Disney obsessed.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/pa...ls=FL_RESIDENT

I would probably choose the $369 Weekday annual pass with blackout dates on weekends, Spring Break (2 weeks), June-July, and Christmas/New Years (2 weeks). This would provide access to the Orlando parks for 10 months of years, and keep me away when the rest of the world is able to visit.

[braumeister]

I've been to EPCOT and Disney World at least a dozen times each, but never paid for it. Back when I was doing diplomatic stuff, I had to escort VIPs who always had those places high on their list when visiting this country.

It was nice to use the VIP entrances, skip the lines, and get the background tours, but honestly if I never see either of those places again it will be fine with me.

[swakyaby]

I once lived in a city only 15 minutes away from Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. It was close enough to see some of the fireworks every night from my house. Somehow, living so close took away the allure of visiting the park.

[MRG]

I was to the Anaheim location when I was 6 years old. I don't remember much except my 3 year old niece attempting to jump out of a ride and crowds. Even in 1963 I thought it was crowded. I'll skip going back, you all enjoy the mouse.

[omni550]

All sorts of passes available for FL residents.... https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/passes/

I've met some mouse-obsessed adults who go to all sorts of events at Disney ... Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and the spring Flower and Garden Festival to name two.

It's been 20 or so years since I've gone to any Disney property. I guess "I've been there and done that" and have no great desire to return.

omni

[Yoheadden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by candrew Make sure you bring plenty of cheese to pay those entrance fees. Disney increased prices for 2020. https://www.kgun9.com/disneyland-and...-prices-again/ "Depending on the day you choose to visit the parks, the entrance fee for a one-day park hopper pass will cost between $159 and $209. This marks the first time a single-day park hopper pass has gone above the $200 mark. Single-park admission for one day at Disneyland starts at $104. Rates are date-based, which means you’ll pay more if you want to come at popular times of year. You pay less if you buy multi-day passes. Multi-day passes have also been increased between 3-6%, while annual passes have increased between 4-8%." Entrance fees have also increased at Disneyland in Anaheim.

Not only entrance fees, but last year was there biggest increase in food costs and I recently read that tours and special viewing events were going up as well. This is sad for families that make this a once in a lifetime trip and certainly a turnoff, but what hasn’t gotten more expensive. All of that magic is expensive to create.
If you stay on property, (which again, isn’t the cheapest option) they do offer a lot of free perks. Once you take out a small loan to get you and your family through the gates, there is a lot of value there & free things to do. Between the parades, shows, festivals, fireworks, safaris, characters, the Disney imagineering, gardens, rides, Downtown Disney etc, it is more than enough to keep someone entertained.
2 resources that we look at are allears.net and The Disney Food Blog.
We have been to Disneyland in Anaheim when we lived in CA. It is the original Disney Park, but doesn’t compare to the size and experience of Disney World in FL.
The food and the places to eat in Disney World could be a thread on its own.

[Moemg]

I would never move near Disney world with the thoughts of spending a lot of time there . Orlando is crazy busy and I-4 is the worst highway in America . Lots of people buy season paces to Disney when they move to Florida but once is usually enough . I took my grandchildren two years ago . The loved it but it was super crowded with long lines and very very expensive but I would do it again if they wanted to go .

[target2019]

As a stock holder, I hope the revenue continues to increase. Until the next juicy acquisition (like FOX last year), there is an obvious way to try and boost revenue. Sorry about those ticket and concession prices!

[Bestwifeever]

I know people in Orlando who have that pass and they seem to use it a lot.

We’re taking our kids and their spouses and kids in early June—pretty sure we are subsidizing a ton of resident passes!

[Silver]

We live about 20 minutes south of WDW. (20 minutes if I-4 is moving....) I've lived here for about 20 years and my DW grew up in this area and has always lived here.

Although the proximity to WDW is not our reason for being in this area, I had annual passes for many years and used them a lot. I would often go just to walk around the parks for exercise until they became so crowded it was more trouble than fun.

We live in a 55+ golf community, and a lot of people work for WDW here. Many moved here just to be able to work there. Most of the full-timers are in administration or professional jobs, although one works in Animal Kingdom at one of the roller coasters, and has been there for over 10 years. She loves it! We have former Mickeys, Minnies, (known as "rats") and Donald Ducks, always a petite female because of the short costumes. Some work a "casual" schedule that doesn't require much time but allows for a certain number of free passes a year. One friend only works when there is an ESPN event at WDW, and he does some kind of "hosting" gig for Disney. Another "casual" resident is a professional singer and only performs in specific seasonal shows.

Many community residents go to WDW regularly, especially for the concerts. We have gone to the Candlelight Christmas Carole Celebration at least 8-9 times because it's just so nice.

We have sometimes bought the short term Florida resident deals, but haven't for a couple years. Again....it is always so crowded it's taken some of the fun out of it. And we're getting older and don't like the crowds.

So to sum up....yes, a lot of locals go to WDW, but I need to tell you that central Florida is full and you wouldn't like it here anyway. Move to Texas....I hear they have lots of room.

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

We lived in nearby Lakeland 40 years ago. Many relatives visited often. We went to WDW so often that we began to notice where the paint was peeling and the secret doors the cast and maintenance workers cane and went through. It got old (and expensive) after a while.

[Clone]

If it gets any more crowded, nobody will go there anymore!

DW holds DIS in her ROTH, and follows the news religiously. We bought an annual pass for this year (July to July) and are trying to burn out her need to go there. A couple more trips this spring should do that. Then we will probably be good for another 5 years.

[Dreamer]

I have been to Disney World at least 4 times and to Disneyland once. If I lived close, I would definitely get the annual pass. When you go for a short time (5-7 days), you are on the run and miss seeing so many places. I would love to be able to take my time.

I have a friend who also lives in WV and she gets the annual pass. She has been going to Disney World since the beginning of January and is still there. She goes to a few other places also. She needs to get away from WV in the winter and have the FL sun.

[Koolau]

I went to DW Fla in '82. IIRC, a two-day pass was something under $20! I ended up feeling cheated since I spent virtually the whole time standing in a line. The park was actually turning away more "local" people to make room for those who had traveled long distances to get there (like me.) I think in 2 days we hit 2 or 3 "big" attractions. I was impressed with the park itself as well as the employees. No idea how things have changed since.

Simply surviving (enough food to keep the stomach a couple of inches from the back bone) cost way more than the entry free. Food was "okay" but seemed incredibly overpriced. Still, I could see how families with kids would seek this kind of entertainment if they could afford it. I would never go again, just because it's not really my "thing." As always, YMMV.