Welcome to Watercooler Wednesday, where we talk about real-life questions…not just real estate listings.
Every week, I hear from hopeful buyers dreaming of life near Disney, and while their hearts are filled with magic… their minds are full of questions.
Is it safe?
Is it affordable?
What’s it really like to live so close to the parks?
Today, I’m sharing the top 5 questions I get asked most often…and giving you the straight, honest answers you deserve.
Let’s dive in.
🏡 “Can I Actually Afford to Live Near Disney?”
Short answer: Probably—if you’re strategic.
While some Disney-adjacent communities (like Celebration or Golden Oak) cater to luxury buyers, there are dozens of neighborhoods in places like Horizon West, Davenport, Clermont, and Kissimmee that offer homes in the $350K–$600K range with access to great schools, shopping, and…you guessed it…quick drives to the parks.
💡 Pro Tip: Your budget will stretch further the farther you go from the immediate resort boundary…without losing the magic.
🎢 “Do You Actually Go to the Parks All the Time?”
Yes and no.
Living near Disney doesn’t mean you’re on Space Mountain daily (unless you want to be). What it does mean is:
- You can go for a few hours without pressure
- You learn the quiet times and locals’ hacks
- You treat the parks like locals treat the beach: casual, comforting, and always there when you need it
Many residents become Annual Passholders, and their visits become more about peace and play than schedules and strollers.
🛣️ “Is the Traffic as Bad as People Say?”
Yes… and no. Let me explain.
If you’re trying to drive through I-4 at 5 PM during peak season, you’re going to hit traffic. But:
- Most Disney-area residents learn alternate routes fast
- New roads, like the Western Beltway (SR 429), make it easier to move east to west
- Many of the best neighborhoods are 15–20 minutes from the parks without needing the big highways at all
💡 Living near the magic means you can visit when it’s not crowded—and skip the times when it is.
🧒 “What About Schools and Community?”
This is a big one…especially for families.
Some of the best-rated schools in Central Florida are right outside the Disney Bubble, especially in:
- Horizon West (Windermere / Winter Garden)
- Clermont / Minneola
- Celebration (charter system)
- Lake Nona (tech-forward and STEM-focused)
You’ll want to do your research!
As for community? You’ll find neighborhoods that are incredibly connected, full of people who also relocated for sunshine, balance, and proximity to joy.
☀️ “Is It Worth It?”
This one’s personal.
Living near Disney isn’t for everyone…but for many of my clients, it’s been transformative. They say:
“I feel calmer.”
“Our family is closer.”
“We spend less time stressed and more time outside.”
When the world’s most magical place is in your backyard, you don’t just visit joy…
You build your life around it.
Big moves always come with questions.
But the right answers can turn hesitation into confidence.
If you’ve been dreaming of a life near Disney, maybe your next question shouldn’t be “What if?”
Maybe it should be…
“What would it take to make this real?”
✨ Your perfect home in Orlando is closer than you think. Whether you’re drawn to Winter Garden, Windermere, or Celebration, I’ll help you discover the right fit for your lifestyle. Reach out at 321-364-4844 or grab a spot on my calendar now.
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
