AS A kid, we all dream of going to Disney World, but what if I told you, you could actually live there?
Well, you can in Disney-themed houses littered with subtle details from hidden Mickeys to Beauty and the Beast character door knobs.
Mum and content creator, Cristie Anne, and her family bought a house in Golden Oak at Disney World Florida back in 2020 – the exclusive community that is directly on Disney property.
In fact, it is so exclusive that only residents are allowed into the community where there are 300 homes, as well as a clubhouse, a pool, a coffee bar and a fitness suite.
Cristie Anne of The Traveling Red, said: “Living at Disney World is a little surreal, even after all these years.
“[We’re] surrounded by Disney magic, yet it’s super quiet and peaceful. The homes are beautiful and there’s a great sense of community.
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“We always have neighbourhood events and we have met some of the nicest people there.”
Cristie Anne added: “At the time, Charlie [her daughter] was just two-years-old, so the idea of having a place where our family could spend time together while being so close to Disney felt absolutely perfect.”
And with Mickey Mouse himself as your neighbour, there are obviously some big perks including being just minutes away from both the Epcot and Magic Kingdom parks.
Instead of battling for a car parking space, residents simply make a call to be picked up and then they’ll be dropped directly at the park.
Cristie Anne said: “A Golden Oak van will take us directly to the parks and drop us right at the front entrance. They’ll actually take us anywhere on Disney property.
“Being able to decide at breakfast that you want to spend the afternoon in a Disney park and be there just minutes later is something I never take for granted.”
In addition to a concierge team and a full calendar of events, the community also gets front row seats to the theme park’s daily fireworks, without even leaving their homes.
“Our third-floor reading room has the most perfect view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
“We can hear them a little from inside, but from up there the view is incredible,” she said.
Every house in the community is unique, with Cristie Anne’s home being inspired by Belle’s cottage from Beauty and the Beast on the outside.
On the inside, you can expect a Winnie the Pooh room as well as a bedroom with Bambi-inspired bunk beds, complete with a Mickey seared into the wood.
There’s even a ‘Haunted Mansion’ in one of their walk-in cupboards.
She added: “Some of the themed rooms inside our neighbours’ homes are absolutely incredible and would completely blow you away.”
When asked about the mistakes tourists make when visiting Disney World, Cristie Anne simply replied: “Trying to do too much.”
She added: “People spend months planning and then arrive with a schedule so packed that they’re stressed before they even walk through the gates.”
Instead of checking rides off a list, Cristie Anne recommends slowing down, watching the parade, exploring a resort and hunting for a great meal.
Or she simply lets her daughter lead the day, instead.
“You’ll enjoy Disney much more if you leave room for spontaneity, and if you’re well rested,” she added.
And of all the spots to enjoy, Cristie Anne of course has some hidden gems up her sleeve, confessing that many people don’t leave the parks but should.
She revealed: “Disney’s resorts are attractions in their own right. The lobbies, restaurants, seasonal decorations, and activities create an entirely different side of Disney that most tourists never experience.
“If I had to pick one specific experience, I’d recommend visiting Animal Kingdom in the evening.
“Many guests leave early, but Pandora at night is one of the most beautiful places anywhere on Disney property and feels completely different after dark.
“It’s more romantic and there’s great restaurants. If we just want something quick and simple, we love Nomad Lounge. If we want a full meal, Tiffin’s is fantastic. Animal Kingdom in the evening could be a great date night without all the chaos.”
By the end of this summer, Charlie will have visited 21 countries (a number Cristie Anne admits would be even higher if it wasn’t for the Covid-19 pandemic).
And for those wanting to travel with their kids more, the mum recommends “just doing it”.
She said: “The first few trips may feel overwhelming, but every trip gets easier.
“At nine-years-old, Charlie’s incredibly comfortable navigating airports, long flights, different cultures, and unfamiliar places. She gets excited about trying new foods, meeting new people, and exploring new destinations.
“I truly believe that’s because she grew up doing it. Travel isn’t something intimidating or stressful to her… It’s something she loves.”
She added that travelling with a child allows you to slow down, stay in a place for longer and really experience it – rather than parenthood stopping you from travelling, it just changes the way you travel.
Cristie Anne revealed: “We leave room for pool days, playground stops, long dinners, and spontaneous adventures. Ironically, slowing down has allowed us to enjoy our travels so much more.
“The temporary challenges of traveling with a toddler are far outweighed by the memories you create and the confidence, adaptability, and curiosity that travel helps build in them.”