You’ve made the exciting decision to move to Central Florida—close to the magic of Walt Disney World.
But hold on.
Before you fall in love with a listing that “looks perfect” on Zillow, make sure you don’t fall into the traps that cost new buyers time, money, or peace of mind.
Today, I’m breaking down the five biggest mistakes people make when buying a home near Disney, and how to avoid them like a pro.
❌ Mistake #1: Overpaying for Proximity to the Parks
Sure, being 5 minutes from Magic Kingdom sounds dreamy—but do you really need to be that close?
The truth is, the difference between a 10-minute and a 20-minute drive can save you tens of thousands of dollars, without sacrificing access.
💡 Pro Tip: Look in areas like Winter Garden, Reunion, or ChampionsGate for better deals just outside the “Disney bubble.”
❌ Mistake #2: Not Understanding Short-Term Rental Zoning
Not every neighborhood allows Airbnb or short-term rentals—even if the listing says “great investment opportunity.”
Many buyers assume they can rent out part of their home or turn it into a vacation property later, only to discover HOA or zoning restrictions make it illegal.
💡 Pro Tip: If investing is part of your plan, let your agent (that’s me!) guide you to STR-approved zones like Windsor Hills, Emerald Island, or Storey Lake.
❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring HOA Rules (Until It’s Too Late)
Some communities near Disney are governed by strict HOAs that regulate everything from paint colors to how long your trash bins can sit curbside.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing—it often helps keep neighborhoods clean and safe. But it can be frustrating if you weren’t prepared for it.
💡 Pro Tip: Always ask for a copy of the HOA rules and fees upfront—and understand what’s included.
❌ Mistake #4: Overlooking School Zones and Commute Routes
Even buyers without kids are affected by school zones, since they impact property value and traffic flow. Some areas get very congested during pickup/dropoff times, which can add 20+ minutes to your commute.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Google Maps to test drive times during peak hours. That “15-minute drive to Epcot” might double at 5:30 PM.
❌ Mistake #5: Skipping the Home Inspection Because It’s “New”
Just because it’s a new build doesn’t mean it’s flawless.
In fact, I’ve seen brand-new homes with issues like improper drainage, missing insulation, or uneven foundation work. Builders make mistakes too—and your inspector is your only line of defense.
💡 Pro Tip: Always get an independent home inspection, even for new construction. It’s worth every penny.
💡 You Don’t Need to Know It All—You Just Need a Guide
Buying near Disney is an exciting move—but it’s not without its unique challenges.
From zoning quirks to understanding local market trends, it helps to have someone who’s walked hundreds of buyers through the same process.
🎯 Want to Avoid These Mistakes?
Let’s build a plan that protects your budget, fits your lifestyle, and gets you the magic without the mayhem.
📞 Book a no-pressure strategy call today
📩 Or DM me with your #1 question about buying near Disney—I’d love to help.
I’m Timothy Carter, your dedicated Disney World Orlando area relocation expert with The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty.
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
