A couple of weeks ago, Matt wrote an article about his experience with the Studios as a local.  As some of you may know, I too recently moved from Hawaii to the Orlando-area.  The way I enjoy Walt Disney World has changed considerably since my big move, and I thought I would expound a bit to provide some thoughts to anyone considering moving to Orlando to be closer to the Mouse.

            Being a Disneyphile living in Hawaii was an extremely difficult feat.  Having been to Walt Disney World on a few occasions, I always had the itch to go back (even in the most extreme circumstances).  Being about 6,000 miles away from the magic, it sometimes was years in between trips to Walt Disney World, as the expense was so great.  When I did have the opportunity to go to Walt Disney World, it was all about commando-style touring.  Hitting the park an hour or so before opening, going to the headliner attractions first, eating an early lunch, maybe going back to the room to avoid the midday crowds and then coming back and staying until closing to catch the even fireworks or parade.  I was determined to see and do every attraction during the length of my stay, because I honestly did not know when the next time I would be coming back.  In between trips, I would spend hours, days, and weeks planning the next trip, trying to find the perfect deals, and of course, keeping up with the Disney internet community (e.g., podcasts, websites, articles, boards, etc.).  It was difficult living so far away from my favorite vacation destination, but I did manage and make the most of it.

            As stated previously, I moved to Orlando to, among other things, finally live within a hop, skip, and a jump away from Walt Disney World.  Of course that begs the question that many ask when they hear a Disneyphile moves down to Orlando: Has Walt Disney World lost any of its appeal or magic since you can go whenever you want?  For me, the answer is a definite no.  Walt Disney World still remains my favorite place to visit, its still as exciting as it was when I was 6,000 miles away, and of course, I still enjoy riding the rides and seeing the shows, etc.  But to be honest, I enjoy Walt Disney World in a much different way than I did before.

            Walt Disney World, to me, is a different experience than it once was.  Before, when visiting the Mouse, I was intent on seeing everything I could.  That meant I had to be at rope drop, I had to follow some rigorous touring plans, and I had to lose some sleep because I was at the park until closing.  That all changes now that I am close to the parks.  Let me give you an example.  On Sunday, I went to the driving range at Disney’s Osprey Ridge and hit a bucket of golf balls (quite badly I might add).  When I was done humiliating myself, I noticed it was about lunch time, so I headed to Epcot.  I walked from the entrance to the Yakitori House in the Japan Pavilion for some tempura shrimp udon.  When I was done, I checked out a few of the constructions walls that have been put up for Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, walked through the back of the United Kingdom Pavilion (which I hadn’t ever done before) and then made my way to the exit, and left.  I was in Epcot for no more than a couple of hours, and I was perfectly fine with that.  I wasn’t compelled to wait for Soarin’ or to get a Fastpass to Mission: Space, because I knew I could always come back and ride what I wanted to when I felt like it.  What’s more, I broke a cardinal rule I always followed when I previously came to visit: never be in the park at midday in order to avoid the crowds.  But lo and behold, there I was at the busiest time of the day, hanging out at Yakitori House.  Why?  Well, that’s because I was no longer trying to save time and adhere to a touring plan.  I can tour the parks at my own pace now.  I can do what I want, in the order that I want to do it in, and not have the guilt of missing an attraction or two.  If the queue for something I want to ride or see is a bit too unwieldy, I simply mutter to myself “I can always come back.”  Moreover, the time that I have now to tour the parks always me to see things that I simply avoided or walked past when I was here on vacation. 

            Living in Orlando also provides me with some great opportunities to experience many things Disney has to offer year round that I just did not have the chance to participate in before.  I usually could only visit Walt Disney World in December or during the summer months.  But, as many of you know, there are so many other offerings throughout the year.  Just this past summer, I was at my first Star Wars Weekend.  In the coming months, I will be “getting my grub on” at the Food and Wine Festival (and share my thoughts here as well), attending the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K Party in October, and perhaps even dress up for a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.  All these things that I’ve read and heard about are now things I can experience for myself fir the very first time.  And if you’ve read any of my articles before, you know that I am always on the look out for new and exciting things. 

            As someone who was so focused on rides, saving time, and dining, etc., I did not have a full appreciation for Walt Disney World.  Moving to Orlando has really changed my perspective on how one can have a fun and entertaining on property.  While I assume many have already made this connection, it took a pretty drastic change in my life to realize that Walt Disney World is more than rides.  As a local resident, I now have the opportunity to finally experience what else is out there – and of course, bring my observations and impressions to you through this article.   While I don’t think moving to Orlando is for everyone, it does have its obvious benefits…

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