You Moved to the Disney Bubble—Now What?

A Guide for Post-Move Essentials: Utilities, Licenses, Deliveries, and Making Friends

Welcome home, neighbor! You did it—you made the leap, signed the papers, and now you’re officially a resident of the Disney Bubble. Your boxes are stacked like a game of Tetris, your MagicBand collection is somewhere, and you’re wondering… what’s next?

Moving close to Walt Disney World is a dream come true, but even in the most magical place on Earth, there’s still a checklist or two to handle after the moving truck drives off into the Florida sunset. Whether you’re fresh from a cross-country move or just swapped zip codes for a little more pixie dust, here’s your guide to settling in like a pro.

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📦 1. Unpack the Essentials First

Sure, you want your Mickey-shaped waffle iron out immediately, but let’s start with the basics.

Prioritize unpacking:

• Bedding and towels (nothing says “bad first night” like sleeping on bare mattresses)
• Kitchen essentials (plates, coffee maker, utensils)
• Personal care items (toothbrush, meds, toilet paper—you’ll thank us)
• Wi-Fi setup (streaming Disney+ is absolutely a priority)

Pro tip: If movers did the “everything in the living room” method, sort by room first. Even Minnie would need a strategy to tame the chaos.

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🔌 2. Set Up Your Utilities (Let the Magic Flow)

Welcome to Central Florida, where sunshine is abundant—and so is the humidity. Here’s how to get the essentials turned on faster than Genie snapping his fingers:

Key Providers by County:

• Electric: Duke Energy (Orange, Lake), OUC (Orlando proper)
• Water & Trash: County-specific (Orange County Utilities, Toho Water Authority, etc.)
• Internet: Spectrum, AT&T, CenturyLink

Tips:

• Call ahead or set up online accounts before moving day
• Take note of trash/recycling days (your HOA or county will list them)
• Consider automatic payments for peace of mind—you’ve got castles to visit, not bills to chase!

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🛂 3. DMV Time—The Realest Ride in Florida

Welcome to adulthood’s version of the Tower of Terror: the Florida DMV. The good news? It’s manageable with a little prep.

You’ll Need To:

• Change your license within 30 days
• Register your vehicle(s)
• Show proof of FL residency, insurance, VIN, and prior registration

Tips:

• Schedule your appointment online—walk-ins are risky
• Many counties have “DMV Express” services with shorter waits
• Bring snacks. And maybe a churro.

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📦 4. Deliveries, Groceries & Local Services

The first time you get a package in Florida rain, you’ll understand the importance of a good porch setup.

Here’s what to know:

• Amazon/UPS/FedEx: If you’re in a gated community, check if packages go to a central office or your door
• Groceries: Instacart, Shipt, Walmart+, and Publix delivery are common
• Local services to set up early:
  • Pest control (hello, palmetto bugs)
  • Lawn care and landscaping
  • Pool maintenance
  • House cleaners (especially for post-move sparkle)

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 5. Making Friends in the Bubble—No Fairy Godmother Required

Moving to a new place can feel lonely at first—even if that place is right next to Cinderella Castle. The great news? There’s a massive community of fellow Disney lovers and friendly neighbors waiting to connect.

Where to Start:

• Facebook Groups:
  • “Celebration FL Moms,” “Disney Annual Passholders,” “Windermere Locals,” etc.
• Local Events:
  • Town farmer’s markets, HOA block parties, school carnivals
• Volunteering:
  • Give Kids the World Village, local food banks, theme park charity events
• School Involvement:
  • Join the PTA, attend sports or theater events—even just doing school pickup is a great way to meet people

Pro Tip: Say yes to invites, even if they feel a little out of your comfort zone. Friendships in the Bubble form fast—you never know who else is new here too.

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✅ 6. Your Quick-Start Settling-In Checklist

Because let’s face it, checklists make everything feel more manageable:

✔️ Change your address (USPS, banks, streaming accounts, etc.)
✔️ Update your license & vehicle registration
✔️ Register to vote in Florida
✔️ Set up local healthcare and refill prescriptions
✔️ Enroll kids in school or daycare
✔️ Check smoke detectors and AC filters
✔️ Introduce yourself to neighbors—bonus points if you bring Mickey cookies

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🎉 Welcome Home—You Did It!

Moving to the Disney Bubble is one of life’s biggest adventures—and you’ve already made it through the hardest part. The boxes will get unpacked, the Wi-Fi will get fixed (eventually), and soon, you’ll find yourself watching fireworks from your backyard wondering how you ever lived anywhere else.

✨ Need recommendations for service providers, local hangouts, or your next neighborhood event? I’ve got you covered. Reach out anytime…because your happily ever after in the Disney Bubble is just beginning.