6. You might become more budget conscious

Image: Disney

Despite Annual Passholder discounts, there is one big catch to frequently visiting Walt Disney World—you might have to start paying closer attention to your dining and shopping budget! Even after discounts, Disney restaurants are still high-priced compared to their Orlando competitors. Excited passholders can easily overspend after one too many improvised Disney trips.

If you’re tight on funds, you’ll probably need to start budgeting for your Disney day trips. Unlike on a regular week-long Disney trip, you may find you’ll need to space out visits to table service restaurants and make a habit of bringing your own snacks so you don’t get wiped every time you visit. An empty wallet definitely puts a damper on a Disney trip, so spend wisely!

7. You put up less with Disney goof ups

Image: Disney

I will say one surprising side effect of becoming a Florida resident is that there are some elements of visiting Walt Disney World that lose their magic. When you haven’t had to wait 5-10 years to visit, you may be more prone to notice flaws in attractions and restaurants. You may also be less likely to brush it off when Disney goofs up or when they get too crazy with upcharges and pricing shenanigans.

Perhaps part of this has come from the perspective of a writer, but I did notice a tendency towards criticism after my first few months as a Florida resident. If Disney changes a much-loved attraction, starts charging for something that was previously free, or tries to pass off something cheap as something magical (and expensive—we’re looking at you Fancy-Pandora-Powerade-Punch), you may be less prone to let the issue slide. While a good attitude is one of your greatest assets on a Walt Disney World vacation, don’t feel too bad if you start spotting Disney’s flaws after becoming a resident. They’re a business, and they aren’t perfect, but the Most Magical Place on Earth can still maintain its fun and magic in other ways.

8. Embrace the fun

Image: Disney

One of the most fun things about becoming a Florida resident passholder has been the opportunity to embrace crazy on your Disney vacations. We’ve talked before about crazy challenges and superfan hacks you can try on your next vacation. These are a blast for residents who have already experienced rides in their normal form. Want to listen to your own soundtrack with headphones on Spaceship Earth? Go for it. Want to marathon ride all the coaster mountains in Walt Disney World? Give it a whirl! Want to start a mega-specific Disney Instagram account or spend an entire day obsessively pin trading with cast members? You have the freedom to do so!

Since becoming Florida residents, we’ve had the opportunity to dress up for a Star Wars movie premiere at Disney Springs, been able to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries at our favorite Disney restaurants, and we’ve been able to enjoy more of the details of Walt Disney World than ever before. While the Sunshine State might not be for everyone, if you do find yourself a newly minted resident of beautiful Florida, embrace the convenience of Walt Disney World access for all its worth!

Are you a Florida resident? What’s your favorite perk for Florida residents at Walt Disney World?