Last week I decided to take our “Moving to Main Street” blog in a whole new direction and focus on the current situation, since we’re here now! We have been Florida residents for two weeks! Sure, it’s been fun, a bit tiring but still a good thing thus far. We’ve gotten to meet some people that we only knew online, and that’s been pretty awesome. It’s great to put a face with a name, and connect on a friendlier level. I plan to continue to do that! Last week, I met up with my friend Andy (WDW Shutterbug) to catch the Festival of Fantasy Parade and to hang out for a bit. The parade was just as amazing in person, if not more so. I had only seen Andy’s videos and pictures up until that point. The details that went into creating that parade are really something to see, it’s most impressive! I want to go back and take more photos soon! Even though it was a really hot day, it was fun to hang out with Andy and take the kids on some rides.
That same day, I found out that some Main Streeters were at the Magic Kingdom as well. The Jensen Family from the East Coast were celebrating their final day of vacation and wanted to meet up and say hello! Christina said they were by the Partners Statue, so I started walking and spotted her husband’s TMSM Button!! I really can’t put into words the feeling I get when I see people sporting their TMSM pride. It’s overwhelming, and I’m so grateful for our Main Streeters. Andy was nice enough to take a group photo of us too. It was so nice to meet them, they’re a really awesome family!
So, you might think that Florida life has been all fun and theme parks…. but that’s not the case! There has been a lot to get in order and handle. Even just basic adjustments have been a little rough. I think I mentioned last week that we’ve been on “vacation time” and have been eating late dinners, staying up a little too late, etc. I’m waiting for that “vacation” feeling to pass. One thing I’ve noticed, is that we can’t spend money like we’re on vacation! We have always had the Disney Dining Plan when visiting the parks, so the kids were used to getting ice cream and snacks whenever they wanted. Well, not anymore! It’s a big difference when it comes out of pocket, you really have to watch what you buy or you can go broke quickly inside a park! We’ve been making the boys split food and drinks to help save a little, plus we haven’t been browsing the gift shops too much. It’s hard to grasp and separate what’s now real life, with what used to be vacation. Some things stick out. Like, we never had to cut grass on vacation, or work, or pay bills, or cook dinner. It’s all about adjusting. I’m working on finding a balance.
I was feeling a little homesick earlier this week. Granted, I don’t really miss Michigan, not the area itself. I miss my family and friends. This week will be a little hard, because every year since I can remember, I have spent the 4th of July with my parents. Every year they have a pool party and we get to swim and have fun with our extended family….. parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Gosh, I can’t imagine missing out, but it is what it is. There’s a family reunion this weekend too that I won’t be at either. I knew that it would be hard to adjust, and there will be times that I miss home, but I also know that everyone back there loves us and supports our dreams to the fullest. I can’t ask for anything more than that, I love them for it. It takes time to get used to new things, so I’m trying to keep that in mind. We’re still working on finding a new normal, and in time, I know we will!
So, that’s about it for this week. I appreciate you following along, and I hope that you all have a safe, happy, healthy and blessed 4th of July holiday! Until next week….. See you real soon! ~M
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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As a long term Central Florida resident who visits the parks one to three times a week with my family. Here is how we save money. Get a cooler and packs it with snacks, sandwiches, drinks, etc. take some water with you in the parks. Go back to the car to eat meals or reload drinks. Perfect time is when you leave one park to hop to another.
Waterparks take your cooler with you.
Once a month we eat out at the parks. Get a Tables in Wonderland card to get your 20% discount. Only eat/drink at the places that are on the Tables in Wonderland list.
Get a Chase Disney Visa and use it for all Disney related purchases. You will then get Disney cash back in the form of a gift card.
Even though you lived here you can still enjoy a Disney vacation. Stay at the resorts and use this time ton splurge just as you would when you came down here from up north.
Consider Disney Vacation Club membership. Great for short getaways to WDW when you need a break or drive down to Vero Beach for a great escape.
Glad things are working out! You might miss your family on the 4th but you will have the chance to see the best 4th fireworks! 🙂
We too, are planning on making the move after our son graduates which is in 4 years – I do have a few questions if you could point me in the right direction – how do you find the right neighborhood when searching from another state?
Thanks, Tracy
Of course we will follow along. You are our leader on hear. But you will ajust it takes time. I know you miss your family and maybe you can skype with them on the Fourth or something. I have a nephew who is in the Army and he was missing his daughter so I told him to skype. He did and this last time he was home she recognized him. Oh well off track again. We love you and are here for you. Just hollar!