We have done it ~ Steve and I have bought the farm (literally) and moved to central west Georgia from North Alabama to save gas when we go to Disney. Really. Our old address in New Hope, AL (just south of Huntsville, AL), was 617 miles (9 ½ hours without traffic) from our favorite resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Villas. By buying our little mini-farm in Butler, GA, we have reduced the trip to 372 miles (5 ½ hours without traffic). That’s 245 miles closer to Disney! Now if you consider that gas currently is about $2.19/gallon and my Tahoe gets approximately 18 miles to the gallon, it will take about 40 gallons round trip as opposed to the former 68 gallons. Why that’s a savings of 28 gallons per trip = $61.32 savings! When Steve got this offer to come back to Georgia, we did consider that it would put us closer to family; we also have been blessed to find our dream home that fits us better than we could have hoped, but the deciding factor was we are now 245 miles closer to Mickey! So last week, we packed up two 26’ moving trucks, my Tahoe loaded with our pets (5 dogs, 3 cats, and 20 exotic birds) with a 16’ trailer loaded with bird cages, and my Mom’s Lincoln to caravan from North Alabama to our new home and life in central west Georgia.
Now, speaking of Disney’s Boardwalk Villas and Inn, the villas offer a 200-foot rollercoaster-style slide, the Keister Coaster, which is the centerpiece of the Coney Island-themed Luna Park Pool complex. Have someone ready with a camera or video recorder as you slide into the pool through the clown’s mouth! After a great swim, join the poolside activities with carnivals, dance parties, bingo and Name that Tune contests. Adults and children are all welcome to participate and slide down Keister Coaster. Kid-friendly movies are free at 9 p.m. nightly Under the Stars! Life jackets and complimentary towels are available throughout the day. Luna Park Crazy Play Area is open 24 hours! I hear there are also great play equipment for toddlers and older kids too! If you are looking for a quieter, more adult pool, wade into the Villa Pool for sunbathing followed by a spa soak, from 7 a.m. to midnight.
Even if you are not a guest at Disney’s Boardwalk Villas and Inn, you should not miss all the sights, sounds and smells on the Boardwalk. The view and food are awesome during the day, but the real fun comes out at night on the Boardwalk with mimes, musicians and magicians, carnival games of chance and snacks! Entertainment on the Boardwalk is free for all to enjoy! There’s also great food and ice-cream available in the shops and eateries.
The Community Hall, located adjacent to the Boardwalk Villas quiet pool, features games, such as Air-hockey, foosball, and Ping-Pong, PlayStation II consoles, Wii, even an art corner and play area for preschoolers. Movies, books, and board games are available for checkout and tennis racquets are complimentary to hit a few balls on the two lighted courts form 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Although the Side Show Games Arcade is small, it packs excitement in with at least 20 games from retro Pac-man to modern hi-tech games from 7 am to 10 pm. Last but not least, Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios are walking distance from the Boardwalk so you can take a break from the parks (if you need one) and stroll the Boardwalk for a while! Then run back to Hollywood Studios to use that last fast pass on Tower of Terror!
Now you know why we bought the farm to be closer to Disney, it really wasn’t only about saving gas. 😉
Till Next Time,
LeighAnne
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple and STRESS FREE!
Leigh Anne, originally from Mississippi, lives in North Alabama with her husband and a menagerie of furry kids (FIDS), including dogs, cats, exotic birds, fish and a lionhead rabbit. Figment, her African Grey parrot, is named after Disney’s small purple dragon, Figment. She works as a motivational speaker and pastoral counselor. In 1974, Leigh Anne marched with the Enka High Marching Band in the Magic Kingdom daytime parade. Leigh Anne fell in love with Disney while on her Disney honeymoon with her husband in 2002. They have made an annual trip back to Disney to celebrate their anniversary every year since. Since they own a piece of the mouse with their Disney Vacation Club (DVC), some years they go twice! She also plans to be the grandmother that introduces all her grandchildren to Disney World first. She has a great start ~ 2 out of 3 so far! As a DVC member married to the best Disney shopper in the world, Leigh Anne has lots of experience in finding the most frugal way to have the most fun in the parks and resorts! Leigh Anne admits to being spoiled as a DVC member but is always on the lookout to keep their WDW vacations fun and frugal! She blogs at Queen of Hysteria and tweets @la_haygood
Want to know when Disney announces special savings and deals? Sign Up to Learn About the Latest Disney Promotions!
So jealous of your proximity – AND your menagerie!