Your magical early prep guide for relocation buyers and future snowbirds
So you’re dreaming of waking up near Cinderella Castle, catching fireworks from your lanai, and maybe even grabbing groceries with a view of Spaceship Earth?
If 2026 is your year to make the move to the Disney area, it’s never too early to start planning…and that’s not just fairy godmother advice. In today’s competitive market, smart strategy meets magical timing.
Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or just to live your best Disney Bubble life, this month-by-month game plan will help you glide into 2026 like a monorail pulling into the station…on time and ready for magic.
🎯 Who Is This Guide For?
- 🧳 Relocating families dreaming of a Disney lifestyle
- ❄️ Snowbirds planning a sunny seasonal shift
- 🏡 Second-home buyers wanting a vacation base near the magic
- 🎠 Anyone who wants to live where churros, character brunches, and sunshine are just part of the weekly routine
📅 12–18 MONTHS OUT: Dream & Discover
Theme: “Envision the Magic”
This is your “window shopping” phase…fun, inspiring, and vital for setting the right course.
✅ Define your why for moving: Are you chasing better weather, lifestyle, parks, family proximity, or retirement? Your reason will guide everything from home size to location.
✅ Start researching cities and neighborhoods inside and just outside the Disney Bubble…Winter Garden, Horizon West, Celebration, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, etc.
✅ Explore city vibes: School ratings, local amenities, commute times, and what the vibe feels like.
✅ Begin budgeting and financial prep: Meet with a lender, check your credit score, and understand second-home or investment purchase requirements.
✅ Start following real estate pros (like yours truly!), YouTube videos, and relocation blogs.
✨ Pixie Dust Tip: Start a private Pinterest board of homes, styles, or even Mickey-shaped door knockers. You’re creating your real-life mood board!
📅 9–12 MONTHS OUT: Educate & Connect
Theme: “Research Like a Cast Member in Training”
Now that you’ve been dreaming, it’s time to learn the logistics and build your expert team.
✅ Dive into price points, home styles, and local market trends
✅ Schedule a discovery trip or start virtual tours with a buyer’s agent
✅ Get pre-approved with a lender who knows Florida’s quirks…think HOA rules, flood zones, and short-term rental laws
✅ Understand key differences: New construction vs. resale, HOA vs. no HOA, etc.
✅ Talk schools, tax rates, insurance costs, and yes…how often you can realistically go to Disney
✨ Pixie Dust Tip: Visit during the holidays to see what it’s really like when the crowds arrive and the weather cools down (yes, 68° is hoodie weather here).
📅 6–9 MONTHS OUT: Decide & Strategize
Theme: “Turn Dreams into Deadlines”
You’re ready to narrow things down and start getting serious.
✅ Pick your top 2–3 communities that best fit your needs and lifestyle
✅ Nail down your purchase timeline and ideal move-in month
✅ If selling another property, get it prepped or listed
✅ Explore moving logistics, including relocation companies or self-move options
✅ Learn about multiple offer strategies and how to win when the right home hits
✨ Pixie Dust Tip: Set a reminder for when Annual Pass sales typically reopen…it’s never too early to plan those park days!
📅 3–6 MONTHS OUT: House Hunt in Earnest
Theme: “The Adventure Begins!”
It’s go time! With pre-approval in hand and neighborhoods selected, the house hunt is on.
✅ Begin serious home shopping…virtually or in person
✅ Consider offer terms that win (yes, price matters, but so does flexibility!)
✅ Evaluate resale vs. new builds for timeline alignment
✅ Keep your agent looped in on any changing preferences or needs
✅ Understand your inspection, appraisal, and contingency timelines
✨ Pixie Dust Tip: If fireworks views are on your wish list, make sure your agent knows…there are neighborhoods where you can catch nightly shows from your backyard!
📅 1–3 MONTHS OUT: Close & Move
Theme: “You’re Almost Home!”
Let’s tie the bow on your move with Disney-level attention to detail.
✅ Finalize your loan and insurance
✅ Set up Florida utilities, DMV appointments, and voter registration
✅ Arrange moving trucks, pods, or car shipments
✅ Do your final walkthrough and prepare for closing (virtually or in person)
✅ Get ready for life in Florida: pool maintenance, pest control, and sunblock on everything
✨ Pixie Dust Tip: Celebrate with your first Dole Whip or park visit as a local. You earned it!
🧾 Bonus: The Ultimate Disney Bubble Relocation Checklist
- Define your reason for moving
- Set a realistic budget and timeline
- Start researching neighborhoods
- Get pre-approved with a local lender
- Hire a buyer’s agent (hi again! 👋)
- Tour homes in person or virtually
- Evaluate school zones, HOAs, and taxes
- Prepare for closing and utilities
- Coordinate your move
- Celebrate your new Disney life!
🎁 Wrapping It All Up: You’re on Your Way to the Magic
Planning a 2026 move might feel far off now, but early prep can save you time, money, and stress later. And trust me…when you’re sipping coffee with a castle view or spending Saturdays at the Flower & Garden Festival, you’ll be glad you took the time to plan this right.
Need a guide who knows how to mix market insight with a little Disney fairy dust? I’d love to help you make the happiest move of your life.
👉 Ready to start planning your 2026 move? Let’s talk timelines, neighborhoods, and all things Disney relocation magic.
I’m Timothy Carter, your dedicated Disney World Orlando area relocation expert with The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty.
Author of the book: Moving To The Disney Bubble: Your Guide To Living Near the Magic
I specialize in helping Disney lovers & theme park enthusiasts find their perfect home or vacation investment property. I’m here to help turn your dreams into reality!
You’ll find everything you need to know about living in the greater Orlando area – from neighborhood guides, real estate tips & the lifestyle of living near the theme parks, to insider advice on relocating to this magical place.
My family moved to Orlando to LIVE the ultimate Disney lifestyle!
You can too! I can help! Click here —-> Meet With Timothy Carter
