Our Dream Retirement: Living the Magic at Disney World Orlando Florida

Introduction:

My husband and I have always dreamed of retiring to a place where magic fills the air. For us, that means Orlando, Florida – with a Disney World annual pass in hand for daily park visits! But with two cats and a dog in tow, figuring out how to retire to Disney World has been quite the adventure. Join us as we explore our options, weighing the pros, cons, and practicalities of each path.

As we approach retirement, my husband and I have been dreaming about how we want to spend our golden years. While many dream of quiet seaside escapes or traveling the world, our dream is a bit more magical: we want to retire to Orlando, Florida, and go to Disney World every day with season passes for residents. But there are many options to consider to make this dream a reality, especially since we have a dog and two cats. Here’s a detailed look at the different possibilities, including a deep dive into Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resorts, their contracts, and other residential options like Golden Oak.

Our Disney World Retirement Dream: What We Want

Our vision is simple: spend 10 days each month, from October to May, immersed in the parks. We’re looking for a solution that accommodates our furry family members, doesn’t break the bank over a 30-year retirement, and offers flexibility and convenience.

Option 1: Flying & Hotels (The Snowbird Approach)

This involves keeping our home in Pennsylvania and flying to Orlando each month, staying at a Disney World Resort hotel.

• Pros:
  • Maximum flexibility, no long-term commitment in Florida
  • All-in-one resort experience: Immerse ourselves in the Disney magic from the moment we arrive.
  • Free transportation: Utilize Disney’s complimentary buses, monorails, and boats to get around the resort.
  • Booking perks: Reserve dining and Genie+ Lightning Lane selections in advance, streamlining our park days.
  • Vacation packages: Bundle park tickets with hotel stays and add-ons for potential savings.
• Cons:
  • Most expensive option: Costs quickly add up with flights, hotel stays, and occasional dog boarding.
  • Less convenient than having a place in Florida

Note: We’re fortunate that our friends can watch our cats while we’re gone, and we’re comfortable leaving our house empty for short periods. If needed, we have options for boarding our dog as well.

Option 2: 6-Month Apartment Rental

This means renting a pre-furnished, pet-friendly apartment near Disney World for six months each year.

• Pros:
  • More affordable than hotels in the long run
  • Comfortable living space with less packing/unpacking
• Cons:
  • Challenging to find short-term leases (most are 12 months+)
  • Limited pet-friendly options that accommodate 3 pets
  • Annual rent increases
  • Doesn’t include transportation to and from Disney World
  • Need to store belongings during the off-season

Option 3: Buying a Home Near Disney World

Purchasing a home in Orlando provides a permanent base for our Disney adventures.

• Pros:
  • Long-term stability and investment potential
  • Our pets have a familiar, comfortable environment year-round
  • Freedom to personalize and decorate
• Cons:
  • Significant upfront investment (down payment, closing costs)
  • Ongoing expenses (mortgage, property taxes, maintenance)
  • What to do with the house during summer months?
    • Renting: Potential for damage, dealing with tenants
    • Leaving empty: We’re comfortable with this for shorter periods, but not for 6 months straight, so we would have to drive or fly down at least once a month to check each empty property (Pittsburgh would be empty in winter and Florida empty in the Summer), then it becomes expensive flying or driving which would need to be calculated into whatever cost savings we may have earned by buying the home.

Option 4: Disney Vacation Club (DVC)

DVC ownership offers a unique way to experience the magic of Disney resorts.

• Pros:
  • Variety of accommodations (studios to grand villas)
  • Full kitchens and amenities in villas
  • Access to resort amenities (pools, dining, activities)
  • Discounts on dining, merchandise, and select annual passes
  • Member-exclusive events and lounges
  • Flexibility to rent unused points or use them for Disney cruises, international parks, etc.
• Cons:
  • Significant upfront cost to purchase points
  • Annual dues
  • Point availability can vary depending on season and resort popularity
  • Need to find pet care for the days we’re in the parks

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resorts

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a vacation ownership program that allows members to stay at Disney resorts and other affiliated properties. Here’s a breakdown of the different DVC resorts, their opening dates, and the length of their contracts:

Upcoming DVC Resorts

Cabins at Fort Wilderness: Sales expected to start in Spring 2024.

New Tower at Polynesian: Sales expected to start in late Summer 2024.

Comparing DVC Resorts to Other Disney Resorts

DVC resorts offer various accommodations ranging from deluxe studios to three-bedroom grand villas. Here’s how they compare to other Disney resorts:

Deluxe Studios: Typically sleep four to five guests and come with kitchenettes, making them suitable for couples or small families.

One-Bedroom Villas: Offer more space with separate bedrooms, full kitchens, and washers and dryers. Ideal for families needing more room and amenities.

Two-Bedroom Villas: Great for larger groups, offering multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and multiple bathrooms.

Three-Bedroom Grand Villas: The most spacious, often accommodating up to 12 guests, perfect for extended families.

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resorts offer a variety of accommodations, ranging from deluxe studios to three-bedroom grand villas. They provide more space and amenities compared to standard Disney resorts, making them ideal for longer stays and larger families. DVC members enjoy numerous perks, such as discounts on dining, merchandise, and select annual passes, as well as access to exclusive member lounges and events. DVC members also enjoy perks like discounts on dining, merchandise, and select annual passes, along with access to exclusive member lounges and events.

Exploring Residential Communities: Disney’s Residential Communities

Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort

Golden Oak is a luxury residential community located at Walt Disney World Resort, offering a unique opportunity for Disney enthusiasts to live within the magic. Here’s what you need to know:

Homes: Custom single-family homes priced from $2 million to over $10 million.

Amenities: Access to the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, including its golf course, spa, and restaurants. Residents also enjoy concierge services, private transportation to Disney parks, and exclusive Disney events.

Shuttles: Includes private transportation to and from Disney parks.

Residential Communities at Disneyland (California)

At Disneyland, there are residential options like Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community in Rancho Mirage, California:

• Homes: Various types including estates, single-family homes, and condominiums.
• Amenities: Parks, shopping, dining, and entertainment curated by Disney.
• Shuttles: Information about shuttle services to Disneyland parks is not specified.

Speculating Future Residential Communities in Florida

Given the success of Golden Oak and the new residential community at Disneyland, it’s possible Disney may expand its residential offerings in Florida. This could provide additional options for Disney enthusiasts to live close to the magic with potential amenities like private transportation to parks, exclusive events, and more.

Detailed Cost Analysis for Our Specific Situation

Considering our desire to spend 10 consecutive Disney days every month from October to May, here’s a breakdown of the different possibilities and their costs:

1. Flying Monthly and Staying in Hotels

This option offers flexibility without a long-term commitment. Here’s the breakdown:

• Flights (Round-trip for 2 people): ~$400
• Pet-Friendly Hotel Costs (10 days/month): ~$1,050 to $5,600
• Dog Boarding Costs in Pennsylvania (10 days/month): ~$300 to $500
• Annual Passes for Two Residents: ~$1,938 ($969 each)
• Meals: ~$75/day for two people x 10 days = $750/month
• Transportation (Included in hotel shuttles): $0

Total Monthly Costs:

• Low Estimate: $1,750 (hotel) + $400 (flights) + $300 (boarding) + $162 (passes) + $750 (meals) = $3,362
• High Estimate: $5,600 (hotel) + $400 (flights) + $500 (boarding) + $162 (passes) + $750 (meals) = $7,412

Total Costs for 30 Years:

• Low Estimate: $3,362 x 12 x 30 = $1,210,320
• High Estimate: $7,412 x 12 x 30 = $2,668,320

2. Pre-Furnished Apartment (6-Month Lease)

Renting a pre-furnished apartment provides a comfortable and pet-friendly environment with less hassle. Here’s what it costs:

• Monthly Rent: ~$2,000 to $3,000
• Utilities & Pet Fees: ~$200/month
• Renters Insurance: ~$15/month
• Annual Rent Increase: 3%
• Annual Passes for Two Residents: ~$1,938 ($969 each)
• Meals: ~$50/day for two people x 30 days = $1,500/month
• Transportation (Driving from Pittsburgh to Orlando):
  • Gas & Maintenance: ~$200/month
  • Parking at Disney: ~$25/day x 30 days = ~$750/month

Total Monthly Costs:

• Low Estimate: $2,215 (rent) + $200 (utilities) + $15 (insurance) + $162 (passes) + $1,500 (meals) + $950 (transportation) = $5,042
• High Estimate: $3,215 (rent) + $200 (utilities) + $15 (insurance) + $162 (passes) + $1,500 (meals) + $950 (transportation) = $6,042

Total Costs for 30 Years (Compounded with 3% increase):

• Low Estimate: ~$643,870
• High Estimate: ~$934,485

3. Buying a Home Near Disney World

Buying a home provides long-term stability and comfort, especially for our pets. Here are the costs:

• Home Price: $400,000
• Down Payment (20%): $80,000
• Loan Amount: $320,000
• Monthly Mortgage (30-year fixed at 4% interest): ~$1,530
• Property Taxes & Insurance: ~$400/month
• Annual Maintenance Costs: ~$2,000
• Annual Passes for Two Residents: ~$1,938 ($969 each)

Total Monthly Costs:

• Mortgage + Property Taxes & Insurance: ~$1,930
• Annual Maintenance (monthly equivalent): ~$167
• Annual Passes (monthly equivalent): ~$162
• Transportation (Driving from Pittsburgh to Orlando):
  • Gas & Maintenance: ~$200/month
  • Parking at Disney: ~$25/day x 30 days = ~$750/month

Total Monthly Costs: ~$3,209

Total Costs for 30 Years:

• Mortgage Payments: $550,800
• Property Taxes & Insurance: $144,000
• Annual Maintenance: $60,000
• Down Payment: $80,000
• Annual Passes: $58,140
• Transportation Costs: $216,000
• Total Cost: $1,108,940

4. Disney Vacation Club (DVC)

DVC allows us to stay at Disney resorts frequently and offers significant savings in the long run. Here’s the cost analysis:

To stay 10 days at a time, once a month, during the cooler months (October – May), we would need approximately 1,200 points annually.

• Initial Points Purchase (1,200 points in 2040): $385,200
• Annual Dues: ~$13,487
• Dog Boarding Costs in Pennsylvania (10 days/month): ~$481 to $802
• Meals: ~$1,204/month
• Transportation (Included in resort shuttles): $0
• Annual Passes Included: $0

Total Annual Costs:

• Low Estimate: $13,487 (dues) + $5,772 (boarding) + $14,448 (meals) = $33,707
• High Estimate: $13,487 (dues) + $9,624 (boarding) + $14,448 (meals) = $37,559

Total Costs for 30 Years:

• Initial Purchase: $385,200
• Low Estimate: $33,707 x 30 = $1,011,210
• High Estimate: $37,559 x 30 = $1,126,770

Total Cost: $1,396,410 to $1,511,970

Conclusion

Our dream retirement involves the magic of Disney World, and the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offers a cost-effective and flexible solution. Golden Oak provides a luxury living option for those wanting to be immersed in the Disney experience year-round. As we plan for our future, exploring these options helps us envision a magical retirement filled with joy and excitement.

Summary of Options

1. Flying Monthly and Staying in Hotels:
   • Total Cost: $1,210,320 to $2,668,320
   • Pros: Flexibility, no long-term commitment.
   • Cons: Higher overall costs, less convenient for pet care.
2. Pre-Furnished Apartment (6-Month Lease):
   • Total Cost: $643,870 to $934,485
   • Pros: Comfortable, pet-friendly, less hassle.
   • Cons: Annual rent increases, ongoing monthly expenses.
3. Buying a Home Near Disney World:
   • Total Cost: $1,108,940
   • Pros: Long-term stability, homeownership.
   • Cons: High upfront costs, ongoing maintenance.
4. Disney Vacation Club (DVC):
   • Total Cost: $1,396,410 to $1,511,970
   • Pros: Cost-effective, access to Disney perks, flexible stays.
   • Cons: Significant initial investment, annual dues.

Future Possibilities

Considering the success of Golden Oak and other residential communities, Disney may expand its offerings in Florida. Potential future communities could offer additional amenities and exclusive Disney experiences, providing even more options for Disney enthusiasts looking to live near the magic.

Final Thoughts

Whether considering DVC, Golden Oak, or other residential options, Disney offers various ways to make your dream of living near the magic come true. If you’re considering a similar dream, I hope this breakdown helps you make an informed decision.

Given our specific situation—spending 10 consecutive Disney days every month from October to May—the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offers a balanced approach with cost savings in the long run, Disney perks, and flexibility. While the upfront cost is high, the overall savings compared to other options make it a worthwhile investment.

Exploring options like Golden Oak for a luxurious, permanent residence or pre-furnished apartments for a comfortable, less permanent stay also presents viable alternatives, though they come with higher annual increases and additional costs.

We’re still weighing our options! The “snowbird” approach seems most feasible for now, but we’re keeping an eye on DVC resale prices and the development of more pet-friendly rental options. Disney hotel and resort prices raise year after year so at some point, the cost savings of DVC or home ownership would win out over just continous hotel stays. Although the hotel stays allow a lot of perks and present the lowest risk, If our financial sittuations change, we aren’t burdened by long term investments or contracts.

Happy planning, and may your retirement be filled with magic and joy!