Disney World and The Villages: Florida’s Two “Magical Places” for Young and Old
In Florida, two unique destinations promise their own versions of happiness—Disney World and The Villages. These places may look different at first glance, but both were dreamed up by visionaries who transformed Florida’s swamps into something special. One offers the excitement and imagination of youth, the other the ease and comfort of later life, each in its own “magical” way.
At Disney World, our kids had boundless energy as they walked (and sometimes sprinted) from attraction to attraction, swept up in the joy of meeting beloved characters and riding thrilling roller coasters. Even decades after my own childhood visit, Disney classics like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remain just as they were, bridging generations. But, Disney also evolves, as seen in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—one of the highlights of our trip, which the kids loved so much they rode it twice. Disney World is a place for short, action-packed stays where families are constantly on the move, mingling with crowds and squeezing every ounce of joy out of the day.
The Villages, on the other hand, offered our family a very different adventure. The kids got to ride in a golf cart driven by their great aunt, who zipped them around the community’s extensive paths with all the style of a pro. The Villages boasts an astounding 54 golf courses (yes, 54!), each one a well-manicured playground for retirees living here part-time or year-round. Unlike the packed pools at Disney, the kids enjoyed an enormous, nearly empty pool all to themselves, splashing around while their laughter echoed across the peaceful landscape.
Where Disney is a whirlwind of activity meant for quick visits, The Villages is a place people settle into, either for a few months each year or permanently. Disney World is all about the energy and imagination of youth, while The Villages is about long, relaxed days, routines, and community. Disney World might be the world’s playground for kids and families, but The Villages is a playground for retirees, full of easygoing days, leisure, and friendships built on rounds of golf.
Florida’s tax policies help make both of these places what they are, benefiting private businesses and residents alike. Disney brings people together for shared adventures and big dreams, while The Villages offers a sense of home and belonging in later life. Together, Disney World and The Villages represent two different visions of happiness in the Sunshine State—one for the young and one for the young-at-heart, each a “magical place” designed for people to enjoy life’s best moments at any stage.
