Williams Family Blog: 3 Years Living in Florida

 

Ok, I'm a bit late (2 weeks) with the update, but we have been Floridians for 3 years!

If you want to read what our life was like at year 2, click here. 

And, here's a post at a year and a half.

For the folks who have been following our adventures for either a short time or well over a decade, know that living in Central Florida was a dream that we made come true.  No jealousy or envy, just know that if you put your mind to something and set a goal, you can achieve it.  We did!

The People:  

Well, we have family, friends, and neighbors nearby and have guests visit.  We've cruised with a couple who are neighbor friends, spent New Year's Eve with folks within the neighborhood, and enjoy weekly dominoes games, along with other visits to Disney theme parks, Disney Springs, shopping, or going out to eat.

When you move to a brand-new place, you want to have folks who you can call in the middle of the night with an emergency or vice versa.  We have that in multitudes. 

I am on our HOA Board and also an Orlando Health Patient Family Board that meets quarterly.  It feels good to give back.

The Places:

Since the update a year ago, we have driven to Miami, stayed overnight, and sailed from the port.  Have been to multiple beaches on the gulf side.  And, we rode with friends to Fort Lauderdale to board a Disney ship.  

I have become more familiar with Downtown Orlando, with visits to Orlando Health for Board Meetings, my endodontist, and Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center.  My secret parking spot raised its price!!!  One of our friends had an unexpected hospital stay in downtown Orlando and we made a visit--easy to navigate.  Sandford Airport has been the most frequented airport in the last year with the drive feeling familiar. 

We visit Disney theme parks, Disney Springs, and Disney Resorts on the regular.  When driving home from EPCOT the other night, I told the husband that there is now an automaticity when driving to/from the parks.  

The Services:

This past year, we added dance lessons to our repertoire, with an Author Murray Studio not far away. 

The husband frequents the library, which is in downtown Windermere, with one of our neighbor friends asking to accompany to learn more.  Orange County libraries make home deliveries of desired books; the husband loves that service! 

If you ask the husband what he does on Mondays, he will say the following:  a stop at Publix grocery store, if necessary, followed by Wal-Mart weekly order pick-up, then Bronson Liquor 2 if needed, with the last stop being New York Beer Project featuring half-price growler refills.  We have a rewards account with Bronson and the folks at New York Beer Project recognize him.  The route is efficient (and takes him behind Magic Kingdom). He is frequently asked to pick up items for neighbors during his Monday routine. 

In the last year, I have taken advantage of the tailor service within walking distance, along with Chase Bank to get Euros to take to Italy/Greece/Croatia.  And I've walked to our dentist, which is in the same shopping complex. 

A new location that we have explored is downtown Winter Garden, a neighboring community.  The quaint downtown with brick paved streets has museums, shops, restaurants, a theater, and festivals.  This is where you can find my favorite tennis shoe store--I'm on the email list, they keep track of purchases, and there is a customer loyalty program. 

The Things:

When I wrote about this a year ago, the things were tangible, stuff.  We still have less stuff, but I have made multiple donations to our local Goodwill.  Where is it coming from? 

Traffic--can still be a mess depending on where/when.  We plan drives accordingly.  An 8:00 am appointment, while convenient, means a busy drive.  10:00 works better.  Distance is in time, not miles.  10 miles=20 minutes.  The other day, driving 17 miles took 40 minutes. 

Weather:  Well, I'll say we turned on our heat for the first time this past January/ February.  Many plants froze during the cold weather snap that hadn't been experienced in over a decade.  I wore pants more often this winter than the previous two that we have lived here.  Other than that, we love it!  Our lanai is a prominent location daily for all of us, including naps if appropriate.  Last Summer lacked a hurricane season which was appreciated.  When it gets hot, we adjust.  But sometimes I am cold at 75 degrees.  Acclimation. 

We've been asked if we miss the seasons and no, not really.  There are seasons in Florida.  For example, the foliage does change color and leaves fall, it isn't during the same time of year as "Fall or Autumn." 

Unexpected benefits:  

We are both more active.  My flexibility, endurance, and general health improve each day.  Walking in the neighborhood, pool movement, or walking in the theme parks is a regular occurrence. They say Florida is where the Fountain of Youth is located.  

We miss our boy, but text/talk frequently.  I do stay on top of state and local news for both Florida and Iowa. 

As I headed to the pool the other day, not to be in the water, but to enjoy the scenery and chit chat with others who may be there, the husband asked what my goal was and I said, "to be familiar, comfortable, and not drain others' energy."  That is how I feel about living here--for it to be familiar, comfortable, and not drain our energy. 

Williams Family Blog: Spooky Season Theme Day!

 

It had been a minute since my last Walt Disney World Theme Day.  As a local, I enjoy selecting a theme and then touring the Walt Disney Resort finding attractions, entertainment, characters, and dining that align with the selected theme.

Click here to read about my Princess Belle theme day.

Click here to read about my Pixar theme day. 

Given the season, Spooky Season was the theme.  I donned my tennis shoes, threw my new yellow leather cross body bag from Venice over my should and off I went.  It was a "Good to Go" day for Annual Passholders, so no Park Reservations were necessary. The weather turned cooler, just in time!

Disney's Hollywood Studios was the first stop.  Hollywood Tower of Terror was the first destination, and I was confronted with a 70 minute wait time.  Oh, well.  I had made a commitment.  The wait passed quickly and it was excellent people watching.  A couple from Dayton, OH were visiting with a woman from Dubuque, IA, two cities I am familiar with, about how there are no Disney Passholders who are not Disney Vacation Club Members as Passholders they had met on Disney transportation fit into the other category as well.  I interjected with "I am."  Turns out they were looking for out of state Passholders. Turns out we are living the couple from Ohio's dream.  Then there was the woman who thought she was sneaking her vape out of her purse and blew it slowly from her mouth and nose to match the steam sprays in the queue.  In the queue area between the hotel lobby and TV room, a young child was next to me sneezing, coughing, and sniffly without covering.  The female adult said, "Are you sick?" I reached into my bag and pulled out a napkin, which the adult female took, followed by hand sanitizer which I poured into the child's hand.  The woman said, "She came prepared."

Tower of Terror was as always terrorizing!  Lots of air time during the randomized lifts and drops.

Exited the park just as the friendship launch approached.  Perfect timing.  The boat ride went quickly, and I got off at the 4th stop, EPCOT.  As I walked up the incline from International Gateway, there were guests looking confused.  I offered assistance.  They thought the park ended and needed to go back up the hill and turn right.  It was a wrong turn.

France was my destination, specifically, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure.  While some might not think this attraction fits with Spooky Season theme, the attraction includes a ghost throughout, the ghost of Gusteau.  Single Rider Line was quick and I rode with a family that had experienced the attraction before.  The lady behind me in the Single Rider Line asked I had done this before and wondered how long the line would take.  She was worried about her husband waiting outside as he had ridden Guardians of the Galaxy and was done riding rides for the day.  When walking from France to the front of the park, there were Cast Members cleaning up vomit and I thought about the lady's husband. Did you know that this attraction will become a 2-D attraction after a brief closure in November 2025?

To the front of the park I went and the Monorail was pulling into the station.  Just in time.  I rode the Ticket and Transportation Center, and then took the Ferry across Seven Seas Lagoon instead of transferring to another Monorail. 

When entering Magic Kingdom shortly after 2:00 pm, the corral for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party guests was already set up and guests were sitting at the Tap Styles for the 4:00 pm entry.  I had not checked the parade schedule and sure enough, Festival of Fantasy was circling the hub.  I crossed Main Street and strode through the Emporium and then cut behind Ye 'Ole Christmas Story.  The parade was past Frontierland and I was able to get into the queue for Haunted Mansion, 35 minute wait time from that point.  Again, the line moved quickly.  The guests in front of me were recalling their experience from many years ago.  

Exited Haunted Mansion and went towards Frontierland to use the restroom cut-through to Adventureland.  Pirates of the Caribbean had a 5 minute wait time, basically walk on.  The queue went so quickly, I barely had time to snap pictures.  Dead Men Tell No Tales does fit with Spooky Season Theme and of course, there's the legend of George, the ghost that supposedly haunts the attraction.  I did say, "Good night, George" at the top of the escalator belt. 

Pirates of the Caribbean was my last attraction, but not my last stop.  By the time I reached Town Square at 3:30 pm, the only exit was on the right, near the popcorn stand.  My original plan was to walk to The Contemporary but alas, the corral for party guests was taking up lots of space so Resort Monorail, here I came.  Met a family from Lakeland, FL, enjoying the cooler weather.  We talked about driving short cuts. At the Contemporary, there were guests exiting the Monorail that rode the escalator from the Monorail platform to the fourth floor, and then the next escalator to the next level down, but were looking lost.  I asked where they were headed.  Bus stop.  Follow me!  Same to the group behind them. Around the corner and down another escalator.  I said I'm stopping for the restroom, but head towards those doors and take a right turn to get to the Bus Stop.  One of guests asked if it was a stop for all buses.  I said yes, except Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT it turns out.  They were headed to Disney Springs, so all was good.  

A brief wait at the bus stop to unload and load scooters and soon we were off.  At Disney Springs, guests coming from Disney Resorts, now have a security screening, similar to park entrances and guests who use the parking garages.  I made sure some of my tag-alongs knew which way to turn to get to Rainforest Cafe.  I was off to Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.  

New this year, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar had decorated for Halloween.  No reservations are taken for this location, so there was a queue of guests waiting to be seated.  Typically, guests stroll in and find an empty table or seat at the bar, but due to the volume of guests, a host/hostess was now seating guests from the queue.  I was able to get a single seat at the bar.

I ordered my Zombie Eye deviled eggs with chicken nuggets.  The guests to my right, from Tampa and part of the Disney Day Drinkers Facebook Group, were enjoying sausages in flakey pastry served with mustard died red in a coffin and the guests to my left, a Cast Member who works in Creations at EPCOT, were sharing a pretzel charcuterie dish. Turns out I know which Happy Hour at Disney Springs ends last without having access to the Disney Day Drinkers Group's spreadsheet.  It's STK by the way that ends at 6:30 pm, and yes, I have been there.

In visiting with the Cast Member serving me, the drone show during the Summer of 2024 did not have a positive impact on businesses at Disney Springs.  That the Halloween Decorations at the Hangar Bar has driven business since August.  That the hot spiced hot chocolate drinks may be available at the "to go" bar outside during the Holiday Season.  And, that the Holiday decorations along with a new menu will begin November 12, 2025. I said, that makes sense since Santa will begin greeting guests at Disney Springs on November 13, using a Virtual Queue. More Seasonal Overlays may be happening at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar!

A bus ride to the Riviera then the Skyliner to Disney's Hollywood Studios to return to my car completed my full circle Spooky Season themed tour. 

On my way home, I drove by two of the Walt Disney World Christmas trees loaded on flatbed trucks that are slated to go up within days.  8 Hours, 3 Parks and Disney Springs, 4 Attractions, 5 forms of Disney Transportation, 14,000 steps, nearly 6 miles.  It was fun and good day!  It is great to be a local!

Williams Family: Do You Tour Like a Guest or a Local?

 

After years of making the Walt Disney World Resort a vacation destination I have always said, "there is more than one way to do Disney."  And, I firmly believe that.  As a family, our touring style morphed over the years from commando to more leisurely.  Now, we live "here" meaning in Central Florida, in Walt Disney World's backyard, basically; able to see and hear Magic Kingdom's fireworks nightly.  Which means our touring style has transitioned from Disney Guest to Disney Local.

While it needn't have been a forehead slapping moment, it was.  Upon returning from EPCOT last night, accompanied by a neighbor friend and fellow Disney fan, who experienced the American Garden Theater for the first time along with her first Eat-to-the-Beat concert performance it donned on me that it was her first time touring as a Disney Local.  On the car ride home, she said that she would have never sat and watched a concert like that when her family traveled from Illinois to Walt Disney World.  And, while our neighbor friend has lived "here" for over a year, her daughter works for Disney, when she goes to the parks, sometimes with me in tow, the touring style is more as a guest than a local.

Disney Guests want to make the most out of every moment.  Attractions, shows, characters, snacks/drinks, and nighttime spectaculars make up the itinerary.  Solid shoes, solid plans. Go, do, see!  Making the most of the experience to get the "worth the squeeze" out of the investment.  I get it.  Been there.  Sometimes still do that if accompanying other guests, including our neighbor friend. 

Disney Locals, which I will clarify as anyone within a 2-hour drive, have a more targeted, yet chill approach to park touring.  Locals come to the parks for a specific reason--like a new restaurant or attraction or specific entertainment.  Familiarity allows for efficiency, still leaving room for a bit of magic.  Last night, our neighbor friend wanted something specific at an outdoor kitchen (Food and Wine Festival) and then we walked to the American Garden Theater.  She said, "This is a long walk when you aren't wandering and looking at things."  Targeted--we knew our destination.  When exiting EPCOT, the lights and music made it magical--and we said as such.  No rush of the crowd exiting; a stroll to the car in the parking lot and home shortly thereafter--chill.  We know we'll be back. . . and soon.

When processing this idea of different park touring styles out loud with the husband, he added his own story of the evening.   When pin trading with a Cast Member, he had to answer a trivia question to get access to a mystery pin.  "Name 2 places at Walt Disney World where you can find Sorcerer Mickey."  The husband rattled off Mickey's Philharmagic and Fantasmic.  He said the Cast Member was stunned and asked if he was a regular.  He fibbed a little and said that he lived in Iowa.  As he was telling me the story, I added that Sorcerer Mickey is a meet and greet at Hollywood Studios.  

As we walked back to the car lot last night, we talked about how we have chosen to live here; near Walt Disney World.  Disney fandom was a part of the decision as well as living a dream and escaping Midwest winters. We shared how we had experienced skeptics/doubters. But in the end, made the move and made the dream life a reality. 

Williams Family Blog: Some Days Do Not Go As Planned

 

Some days do not go as planned and yesterday was one of those days.  A Sunday, in August, with a planned destination of the Magic Kingdom theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort.

I checked the weather in the morning--a slight chance of rain around 4:00 pm.  No worries, we'll be home by then.

The husband made egg, sausage, cheese on English muffins sandwiches and wrapped them in foil along with a baggie of sliced apples while I showered and dressed.  We'll eat in the car.  Off we went around 11:00 am as the sky loomed dark in the distance.  On our way, the rain started and by the time we were rounding the last bit of roadway to the Magic Kingdom, torrential rains were straining the windshield wipers.

Scanned our MagicBand to at the parking toll booth and made our way to the parking lot. Interestingly, the parking lot was missing the team of parking guides in their yellow vests, and we snagged a spot one space away from the tram lane.  We weren't the only ones holed up in our cars waiting for the rain to subside. And, it gave me more time to finish breakfast.

In the 30 minutes we waited, the cars around us began to empty as guests decided to brave the elements and give it a go.  Children wailed as they were put into strollers and covered with plastic tarps.  Since we had not prepared for rain, we decided to head back home, but by way of the gas station to fill up the car.  Alas, I needed to cancel our park reservation for the day.  After finagling with the MyDisneyExperience app and checking an email, I realized I had made the park reservation for the day prior!  And, I didn't cancel it!  I can just hear Disney saying "tsk tsk" while wagging a finger like the cap peddler in the children's book, Caps for Sale.

Using another app, Upside, that earns cash back for gas, I claimed a deal at a nearby gas station and off we went.  Tip:  The gas station right outside Magic Kingdom is on Upside!

With a full tank of gas and full bellies, we headed home and set into household chores.  There is always laundry and the husband brought out the stepstool and cleaned the lanai's ceiling fan blades. The afternoon whirred on with activity and conversation.

By evening, we settled on the lanai to play cards, a favorite setting with a favorite activity.  Our lanai is on a corner and ground level.  Trees, bushes, various wheeled machines, water, walkers, other lanais, and animals are within our purview.  A family that lives across the street and uses their screened door as their main entrance waves and says hello often.  Their son graduated from high school this last spring and is off to college in Gainsville.  Yes, I know all of this from across the street waves, activity, and conversations.  The mom had gone out for a jog and came back to find the door locked.  I hollered, "Do you need to use my phone?"  She replied thank you but no--someone was coming to let her in.  A few moments later, the young son came across the street with a bag of Guatemalan coffee to give as a gift.  How sweet!  We had another visitor, too.  A raccoon limped across the street, back leg injured and walked right by our lanai door.  Add this to other animals that have visited us right outside our door--rabbits, a turtle, a possum, and squirrels. I would say all the birds and lizards, too, but they are more like homesteaders. 

Pivoting and perspective are great tools for a day that doesn't go as planned!

Williams Family Blog: Two Years!

 

Believe it or not, we have celebrated two years of living in Central Florida!  Coincidentally?  Ironically?  On the actual anniversary date, we were in Iowa!

The People:  

With family, Todd's brother and his wife, not far--in Lakeland, FL, it is a delight to spend time together. We have also made friends with neighbors and community members. The pool is definitely a hub and weekly dominoes night is a great way to catch up.  We also have Disney friends who traverse Disney Parks and Disney Springs with us. . . or us with them. 

Yesterday, for example, I was able to call the Cashier at Aldi by her name, before seeing her nametag. At dominoes, Todd was complimented on his shirt and it was noted that it was the first time people were seeing him wear a non-Disney shirt. After dominoes I phoned a neighbor friend who is leaving on a trip soon and asked if they wanted to do something before leaving.  We have plans to go to EPCOT today. 

One evening last week, we walked to neighbor friends' home to play cards.  A group hosted the first community-wide Bingo night, with plans for once a month. While we were in Iowa over the weekend, I had calls and text messages from various neighbors.  We are connected.

The Places:

Walt Disney World Resort offers fun that we could participate in daily if desired.  Our theme park passes have no "black out" dates and the waterparks are included with our passes.  Nearly anywhere on Disney property is two stoplights away. I also have super-secret spots in the Disney Springs parking garages. 

Universal Orlando Resort is also not far, requiring no Interstate driving.  SeaWorld and its partner parks are even closer to us. 

We can make a round-trip drive to Orlando International Airport in less than an hour. 

Downtown Orlando is also not far to our East and we have enjoyed multiple offerings at Dr. Philips Performing Art Center. 

Beaches are to our East--Atlantic Ocean, and West--Gulf Coast. I have a bag ready for the pool and another bag ready for the beach.

The Services:

Within walking distance is shopping for any needs other than shoes/clothing.  We have grocery stores, dentist offices, hair and nail salons, banks, and restaurants. Various shopping locations are nearby. Now that we have switched primary care physicians, medical care is closer to our home.  When we first went to our dentist, there was a curtness that we hadn't experienced before.  But now, the interactions are softer.  Maybe they see so many new patients that having us keep coming back lowered the guard? 

I have recommended car mechanic services, butcher, nail salon (where I am on a first name basis with the technicians), and realtors. 

The Things:

As for literal "things" we have fewer of them and less need.  We successfully manage with one vehicle.  There's no need to clutter our space with new things and I must confess, there are still some packed boxes.

The figurative "things" include traffic--it can be horrific on certain roads at certain times of the day.  We plan accordingly.  Also, distance.  The nearest branch of our banking institution is 40 minutes away (18 miles) depending on traffic. Weather: What can I say other than most of the time it is marvelous. When it gets hot, we adjust the time of day we're outside.  There are storms, but infrequent. The husband is now hooked on wearing shorts daily. Diversity: It's amazing!  So many cultures and languages in our community.  Expense:  Goods and services are more expensive, such as gas. We did pay less to register our new vehicle in Florida for two years than we did for one year on a vehicle in Iowa. Enjoyment:  It is blissful to play cards on our lanai, stroll the nearby parks and paths, splash in the pool, and know the time when hearing Magic Kingdom Fireworks.  

Living here is a dream fulfilled for us.  The location of our home--in Walt Disney World's backyard and not far from Universal, the amenities in our community, and the ease of living in our home as we age are benefits we imagined. 

Williams Family: Packing, Planning, Pedicures, Pets, and Park Drawers

 

For decades our family traveled to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.  Our son was 4 on his first trip and 20 years old the last time he stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort logging 26 trips in between.  Anticipating an upcoming trip, packing, planning for dining and attractions, getting a pedicure for sandal weather, and securing pet care were all a part of the joyful process.  Friends, neighbors, and co-workers came to assume that when there was a school break, we would be off on some Disney adventure.  They were correct and my smile grew larger as the departure date grew nearer.

Now, we live here, in Central Florida, a 15 minute drive to the closest Walt Disney World theme park. We have annual passes that give us entry to the four theme parks and water parks.  We don't stay at Walt Disney World Resorts anymore, but we do visit them to eat, play, and soak in the atmosphere.  

When visiting a Walt Disney World Resort, the anticipation of other guests is palpable, one of the reasons we enjoy the visit.  The guests have entered and are immersed into a themed world of service, efficiency, and fun. Excitement abounds!  

I love listening, watching, and complimenting the colorful Disney inspired clothing, accessories, and yes, nail art. I imagine that guest at the nail salon wistfully day-dreaming of their upcoming Disney vacation while the technician transforms their fingers and toes. It is all a part of the preparation process and builds anticipation. 

As for us, the packing is the bag to take the park or resort.  A Cast Member told us that he could tell we were local because of the size of our bag(s)--small with only necessities.  Sometimes, I go without a purse or bag.  

Planning? A park reservation is needed for entry into the theme parks, but there are designated "good to go" days for Passholders that do not require reservations.  We can decide the day of, the day before, or in advance and can hold 5 park reservations at a time. We typically do not need dining reservations or Lightning Lanes, but make them when desired ignoring the 60 day reservation window. 

Pedicures?  Yes. Still. No design. It is sandal weather here nearly year round.  The nearby nail salon is a saved number on my phone and am on a first name basis with the crew.  

Pets? We have 2 long-care options for Sadie and use them when needed.  Otherwise, it is walk, "good-bye" treat, and music on the Echo until we return in a few hours. Thankfully she is not bothered by the fireworks!

Park Drawer? We have a park drawer in the dresser in the office/3rd bedroom that holds cooling towels, cooling fans, inflatable pocket seats, ponchos, and any other paraphernalia that would be helpful for park touring. There's a drawer for necessary items for cruising, too!

I have been asked if my feelings towards Disney have changed since we moved, and the answer is "No." We ventured to Disney Springs one evening after I had been home recovering from surgery, and I could feel the smile come across my face as we came down the escalator from the parking garage.  The magical feeling is the same and now we can experience it any time we want!

What has changed is that I no longer stand out as a Disney Fan.  Because of where we live, I am among many Disney Fans.  The nearest Publix grocery store has a Disney section. When I go to physical therapy, the majority of clients are wearing Disney apparel as they either work for Disney or attend frequently. In our community, there are many who work for Disney. And, in our friend circle, all have some sort of Annual Pass--there are several tiers available to Florida residents.  Having Disney friends to visit the parks with adds another layer of fun and excitement!

Related Links:  

Williams Family: A Year And A Half Into Our Florida Life

Williams Family: We Love Where We Live