I left NYC after 20 years to live near Disney World in Florida

Recently, I began the relocation process from New York City to Orlando, Florida, so that I could reside 10 minutes from Walt Disney World.

Some individuals criticized my decision to leave “the biggest metropolis in the world” and move closer to a mouse as dumb.

However, I knew from an early age that I desired to live close to the magnificent theme park. Everyone in my life believed that my love for Disney would diminish as I grew older, but it has only grown stronger.

Walt Disney World has always been more to me than merely a holiday spot. It was the one place where I felt truly happy, valued, and free to be myself.

After experiencing Orlando during the college program, I was even more smitten.
Life is too brief to avoid activities that could bring me happiness.

Jenna Clark

Participating in the Disney College Program, where students can work and live near the parks for a few months, altered the course of my life. Even though I just spent a semester in Florida, it helped me reinforce my desire to reside permanently in Orlando.

Throughout the remainder of my college career, I yearned to reside near the magic once more.

Each freezing New York winter, I would walk through piles of snow to a store that didn’t offer Mickey Premium Bars, while my Florida-based pals were basking in the heat and riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Due to my frequent Disney travels, it was also financially prudent for me to relocate.

As an out-of-state annual passholder, organizing regular Disney vacations to get my Disney “fix” was always time-consuming and quite costly when I factored in airline, hotel stays, and other expenses.

Since I would visit the parks around every three months and spend thousands of dollars to stay for only a few days or weeks, I determined that it would be better for my mental health and wallet to move closer to the theme parks. Thus, I could visit whenever I desired and incur fewer additional costs.

In addition, I would be able to see many of my closest friends more frequently, as many of them live near Disney World and are passholders as well. I anticipate many opportunities to create memories with them at the parks and resorts.

I cannot wait to be able to embrace Mickey Mouse every day if I so choose and to watch fireworks every night from the park.

Although it was frightening to consider moving away from my family, friends, and childhood home, I knew I would regret not at least attempting to live independently near the location that offers me the most joy.

Obviously, I’ll miss New York City, but I’m excited to show my family and friends around Disney World, my new backyard.