Here are, in my opinion, some pros and cons for the Walt Disney World fan that lives locally. There are also a couple of tips for everyone thrown in.
Pro – A local can visit WDW to see new things right away.
It’s really cool that a local can hear about something new at WDW and can go see it immediately! The local can pick their time and date to see this and does not need to plan a whole vacation for a visit. A great example is the Osborne lights in 2015, I could simply visit and see them while many non locals who must book rooms, plan travel, and plan meals, could not.
Con – A local SEES the small changes.
The local sees small changes that are not always good. A change in their favorite pastry; something that’s broken, something that was taken away without notice etc. These small changes tend to bother the local since they experience the change firsthand. Someone who visits less often is less likely to notice.
Con – A local tends to miss rope drops
Back to the locals, “we can go anytime we want” mentality, locals tend not to get up and get out of the house early to fight the traffic to get there in time for rope drop. In my opinion, the non-local who is on vacation, especially staying on site, has a better shot at this.
A Disney Tip for everyone – If you can get to the park for rope drop, DO IT! It’s a totally different experience! We came close making it on time for a rope drop on a day trip to the Magic Kingdom, we were about 10 minutes late for the rope drop but it was still great! You will see a street show you don’t see otherwise. A Main Street vehicle like the double-decker bus is running. I even got to ride the double-decker bus alone, all to myself. I climbed to the top center and waved to everyone as we cruised down Main Street! I felt like the Mayor! It was magical!
Pro – A local spends less money during each visit
The local’s visits are shorter, and it’s even possible to visit and not spend a dime during that visit. Maybe it’s that quick visit to see that one little change like mentioned above, and assuming the local has an annual pass, it can be done!
Con – A local spends more money in the long run
Only the most disciplined local can avoid this. The reality is, most of the time when the local visits, they buy something. Even small purchases, if you visit WDW a lot, adds up over time. That money I saved on my annual pass is for sure erased by all the purchases I made. Having said this, although it’s a con for the family budget, it is a big pro for the family fun quotient!
Con – A local tends to procrastinate
I have learned this one first hand! A non local MUST plan, they must make ADRs etc. If the non local sees something during their 10 day visit they must buy it because they know they won’t be back any time soon. Sometimes a local may put off that Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) thinking they will take any spot available only find out there are no openings. Don’t get me started on FastPass+ for locals; it’s hit or miss in the 30 day window, never mind any time sooner than that. My biggest mistake; I saw this Lion King Gallery Of Light box that I loved, and being a local, procrastinated, and they were gone! Big mistake!
A Disney Tip for everyone – When you see that special item in WDW that you want – GET IT! The same Lion King Gallery Of Light box I did not buy when I saw it in WDW is now on Ebay for around $1000 last I looked..
Pro – A local need not stay on site to visit
During the week I can finish my workday and then go to WDW! This is something many non locals dream of. It’s really cool to be able to do this. I call these my “Nano-Vacations”. No planning, in the morning it’s a normal work day, in the evening I am standing on Main Street. It is truly magical.
Con – A local need not stay on site to visit
See what I did here? This same point can be both a Pro and a Con. While it’s true a local can visit any time, even on work days in the evening, the local is never detached from their normal day. I am walking down Main Street and my mind many times is on work of the day. “I am in WDW but not really in WDW”. Since I moved to FL, we have NOT taken a traditional vacation- traveling away from home, staying in a hotel etc. Even when on my “vacation days” off from work, our days are like normal days, errands to do, housework, the difference is several day trips to WDW. After a day at the parks, it’s back home and back to reality. Sad to say, even on my “vacation days” I am checking my inbox at work….
In the bubble
Here is where (in my opinion) the non local ironically gets the edge. The non local obviously detaches from home physically when they come here, and hopefully that forces folks to detach from the worries at home mentally. Staying on site or off site near WDW you are “in the bubble”. How great is it to stay at a resort on the monorail loop, get up early, get a bite, jump on the monorail and zip over to the Magic Kingdom. Spend the day there, stay for the “kiss goodnight”, jump on the monorail and zip back to your room. This is the magic of being “in the bubble”.
A Disney Tip for everyone – If you can, stay in the Magic Kingdom about 30 minutes past closing time. Stand on Main Street facing the castle. You will see a special good night message called the “kiss goodnight“, most folks miss.
“In my opinion, the non local spends more “quality time” at WDW than the local does”.
A well planned vacation using a quality travel agent like Dreams Unlimited Travel (shameless plug) will ensure you will make the most of your Walt Disney World vacation.
Oh boy, now I’ve started something… Ok, ok, maybe I paint a fantasy here for the non local, and yes it’s not as bad as I say as a local, but these are my pluses and minuses. I am sure everybody has an opinion. Let’s discuss!
