What would you sacrifice to live at WDW?

[Mousekedude]

I found this interesting article on Disney building high-end homes that people can actually buy to live in on property:

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2010/06/ ... es-resort/

There's no way I could afford to buy one of these now, but I was thinking that with long-term sacrifices and careful money management, by the time we retire it may not necessarily be so impossible. So what would it take for you to get into one of these? What would you sacrifice to live in one of these luxury homes on property?

[mindflipper]

I found this interesting article on Disney building high-end homes that people can actually buy to live in on property:

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2010/06/ ... es-resort/

There's no way I could afford to buy one of these now, but I was thinking that with long-term sacrifices and careful money management, by the time we retire it may not necessarily be so impossible. So what would it take for you to get into one of these? What would you sacrifice to live in one of these luxury homes on property?

"Sacrifice" - does that include a live chicken?

It is Disney-owned property, but it's not connected to the RCID. It's no different than Celebrations, except more expensive. Anything to make a buck...

[theBIGyowski]

I'd almost rather spend my millions on DVC. It would be like living there...but without any of the upkeep. I guess packing suitcases would get old after a while...but you could get a change of scenery if you wanted it.

[Amy]

Living on property? Now that would be a dream come true! ...not likely to happen in my lifetime though sigh...

[northernmousefan2007]

They will take everything learned from Celebration and make that the best place in the world to live.

[stinoi]

You know, I keep trying to find ways NOW to be able to live at Disney...or at least spend an extended period of time there (like 1-2 months or so). There are many things that I would gladly sacrifice to live at WDW, such as trips to visit family (no loss there, they'd probably want to visit me instead), internet service, and all of the other things that we've already sacrificed in order to build up our nest egg (cable TV, dining out, leisure spending, slashed travel budget, etc.). I think it would be worth it to live at WDW and be surrounded by that level of creativity and imagination. It would spark my own creativity so that I would find additional ways to earn $$$$ so that I wouldn't have to continue to sacrifice--who wants to go to Epcot and not be able to enjoy all of the restaurants?

But before I put a down payment on anything, I want to see the long-term resolution to the copyright issue. The copyright for Mickey expires 70 years after Walt's death, and that would occur before I can retire. That could adversely impact the profitability and attraction of WDW, and in turn, my investment. I want to be sure that any investment that I make won't cannibalize my kids' inheritance or negatively impact my peaceful retirement.

[Amy]

...The copyright for Mickey expires 70 years after Walt's death, and that would occur before I can retire...

I didn't know this...this could have some very scary repercussions in the future!

[Mousekedude]

You know, I keep trying to find ways NOW to be able to live at Disney...or at least spend an extended period of time there (like 1-2 months or so). There are many things that I would gladly sacrifice to live at WDW, such as trips to visit family (no loss there, they'd probably want to visit me instead), internet service, and all of the other things that we've already sacrificed in order to build up our nest egg (cable TV, dining out, leisure spending, slashed travel budget, etc.). I think it would be worth it to live at WDW and be surrounded by that level of creativity and imagination. It would spark my own creativity so that I would find additional ways to earn $$$$ so that I wouldn't have to continue to sacrifice--who wants to go to Epcot and not be able to enjoy all of the restaurants?

But before I put a down payment on anything, I want to see the long-term resolution to the copyright issue. The copyright for Mickey expires 70 years after Walt's death, and that would occur before I can retire. That could adversely impact the profitability and attraction of WDW, and in turn, my investment. I want to be sure that any investment that I make won't cannibalize my kids' inheritance or negatively impact my peaceful retirement.

Wow, excellent and insightful post! Thank you so much!
I hadn't thought about the copyright thing, either. But I imagine that Disney is going to take whatever steps they have to in order to protect their empire. It should be interesting to see what they do.
But as for the value of the investment, it doesn't seem like there would really be anything to worry about. They've become what they are because of being extremely smart and savvy as to what the public likes and wants. So no matter what, they will always protect their interests. Case in point: when Pixar started to show itself as a force to be reckoned with, Disney simply bought them. Likewise with Marvel in a different way: they saw the opportunity to absorb another iconic part of American popular culture in order to help themselves to grow and evolve. I guarantee we'll be seeing more from that acquisition. So all things considered, Disney will always be on the cutting edge with things that keep people interested, and are therefore profitable. I wouldn't worry about the investment value.

[Jacca5660]

Anybody want to buy a couple of teenage boys?? I would miss them for awhile, but hey I'd be living in WDW!!

[cousininmiami]

I live close enough to WDW... I think the journey is just as much fun as the destination!

[northernmousefan2007]

You know, I keep trying to find ways NOW to be able to live at Disney...or at least spend an extended period of time there (like 1-2 months or so). There are many things that I would gladly sacrifice to live at WDW, such as trips to visit family (no loss there, they'd probably want to visit me instead), internet service, and all of the other things that we've already sacrificed in order to build up our nest egg (cable TV, dining out, leisure spending, slashed travel budget, etc.). I think it would be worth it to live at WDW and be surrounded by that level of creativity and imagination. It would spark my own creativity so that I would find additional ways to earn $$$$ so that I wouldn't have to continue to sacrifice--who wants to go to Epcot and not be able to enjoy all of the restaurants?

But before I put a down payment on anything, I want to see the long-term resolution to the copyright issue. The copyright for Mickey expires 70 years after Walt's death, and that would occur before I can retire. That could adversely impact the profitability and attraction of WDW, and in turn, my investment. I want to be sure that any investment that I make won't cannibalize my kids' inheritance or negatively impact my peaceful retirement.

I have also thought about living at wdw extensively. I want a piece of my own property near by for a garage and an office, but I wan't to spend 6-8 months on property. I have found it very difficult to obtain any long term discounts, one cast member told me the extended stay discounts are rare to obtain because of the rule and regulations of room pricing. I'm further investigating though. I work at home on a computer and in my garage so I could pull it off easily. I wonder what spending more then a month feels like?

[Amy]

Anybody want to buy a couple of teenage boys?? I would miss them for awhile, but hey I'd be living in WDW!!

Ummm, Jacca. To get rid of teenage boys, I think you have to pay someone to take them...sorry...try again

I wonder what spending more then a month feels like?

I'm guessing a lot of the magic would wear off when you were exposed to it on a daily basis. Although I suppose you could also make the argument that you could relax and take more time to people watch and appreciate the little details that go into making Disney such a unique environment!

[northernmousefan2007]

I think the magic may wear off a little... but the current place I live has no magic at all. I would rather have 50% of something then 100% of nothing. I'm moving to disney world! new goal!

[cousininmiami]

I wonder what spending more then a month feels like?

]

I actually did live at Walt Disney World for almost 3 months on the fall of 2000. My husband was training with a company and before they moved us, he had to be at the Corporate office (next to WDW) for 3 months. I had left my job already and our Son was 4 years old so not in school yet. Soooooo, rather than re-locating without my husband, we went to Disney World with him for the three months.

We "lived" in a suite at the Country Inn and Suites next to Downtown Disney. He had a per diem expense amount every day so we had money allotted for meals, and we bought annual passes. At that time the annual pass included water parks and Pleasure Island. In the beginning my 4 year old and I were so excited. We tried to not do the same thing every day. Eventually, we found a little alcove at Typhoon Lagoon that we went to every morning. My son learned how to swim! Then, we made a game of it involving the parks. We said we had to go to at least one park every day and ride at least one ride. So, we would go to Ty-Fagoon (that's what my 4 year old called it, we all actually still do to this day LOL), then go back to the hotel, get ready for a park and plan where we would go for dinner with my husband that night! We ate at every restaurant in every park and resort. We tried them all. I found some favorite little hang-outs at all the parks, we saw fireworks every night, and I knew every in and out in the parks! For the longest time my son thought every night ended with fireworks... it was a little transition in the new house!

But at the time when it was time to go, we were ready to leave Orlando, and move to our new house and back to real life. I look back on those days with amazing memories and pictures. I just seriously don't think "living" at Walt Disney World" is what maybe it is cracked up to be. The novelty does wear off, I lived it! Fun times, closing my eyes now to remember...

[theBIGyowski]

cousininmiami...that is awesome!!!

I do think "living" there would get old and maybe make one jaded after a certain period of time. Think about all of the things that tick us off that get changed...and now think about if they were your favorite thing that you visit every week or so.

I believe maybe a 2-4 week vacation there each year would be idea. Or maybe do one long vacation and one short one each year. This way you get that "home" feeling as well as keeping it fresh and feeling like a special vacation every time.

It's still my dream to live close enough to go whenever I want. I have a close friend who is about to move to Boca Raton...and that's about as good as I can get right now.