Everyone who lives here knows that living in one other biggest city for tourism comes with many struggles.
1. Everybody knows everybody.
Though Orlando is a big city with lots of places and people, it is inevitable to run into someone you know. No matter where you go, whether it be Publix, The attractions, the gym, or even for a walk, you will see someone you know or once knew. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but can be awkward when out on dates or with family and your old ex-boyfriend shows up.
2. Becoming numb to the magic of theme parks.
Orlando has some of the biggest theme parks in the entire world, whether it be Disney World, Universal Studios, or even Sea World. People come from all over just to see what is in our backyard. They wait their whole lives to visit and experience the magic, yet most of us natives don't even remember our first time at Disney or Universal. Being from around here, often times we get to go to these parks whenever we want and find that it's the only thing to do in town. We never get to really experience or feel that awe-inspiring touch that the parks have because it is literally like a second home. Part of this struggle is when you have friends or family from out of town that wants to vacation with you, and always recommend coming to the Parks, which ends up being a normal week for you.
3. You never know what to do during free time.
Though there are numerous theme parks and attractions, it's often hard to find anything else to do. This is how a usual conversation goes between friends, "What should we do today? Disney?" "Nah we were there yesterday,". Or sometimes, we work at those attractions and just don't want to spend a day off at the place you struggle to survive at for money.
4. It is crazy expensive.
Living in Orlando causes you to be broke at all times. No matter what you do or where you, you are spending a fortune. Want a bottle of water at the Parks? That'll be $6. Want a quick bite at the local restaurant? That'll be at least $20 without tip. All the good places to eat know they are good so jack up their prices that nearly cause us to go bankrupt. Not only that but if you don't work at the attractions or know someone that does, you're paying an arm and a leg just to get into them.
5. Crowded streets.
Let's have a little rant about a curse of a road named I-4. Otherwise known as one of the most dangerous roadways in the nation because literally so much is going on. There is no winning on I-4, and if you somehow make it out without a dent on your car, honking your horn, or getting flipped off, well, you got lucky. International Drive is also a nightmare for no one seems to remember what blinkers are. Or really how to drive a mobile vehicle at all. All rules are out the window on roads in Orlando. Always drive with caution.
6. Having to plan to be anywhere two hours in advance.
Literally, all of the above struggles are the reason to plan a journey across town two hours ahead of time. Sometimes tolls are required (gotta love Florida Sunpass), which can add up, and gas as well is used extra from the continuous stop and go of a million traffic lights and stop signs on the same road for 10 miles. Traffic is unavoidable and also unexpectable anywhere. Not even just near the parks. The tourists tend to take their sweet time driving and wait in the middle of a 4-way intersection expecting everyone to give them a free pass to move on through.
Living in Orlando is amazing and we are fortunate to live in a place with lots of opportunity and thrill, but what people don't realize is that sometimes, it can be a drag.
