New Performer. Where Should I live? (Orlando, Holiday: apartments, to rent, to live)

[racerkid124]

Hello Everyone! I am a professional dancer that has worked on cruise ships and other theme parks for the last 7 years. I have been wanting to move to Orlando for some time because I have always wanted to dance for Disney and or Universal (but mostly Disney) and it seems that this year will be the year around November.

My question is where is a good place to start looking for an apartment/housing situation that would be no more than $650 a month? I am not oppose to a roommate but I would like to keep it with just one.

My next question would be how does the inner workings of Disney v.s. Universal work especially in regards to working your way up in the company i.e. parade dancer to equity dancer, to dance captain, dance supervisor, etc?

Thank you all for your help and advice!

[bmw335xi]

You'll be okay renting a room on that budget. I would look into Dr. Phillips. Good area to live and safe. Universal is basically here and Disney World is nearby.

[Restrain]

As to moving up in the industry, which park is better, etc, I would suggest you see if there is a Facebook or Twitter link to former park employees. They would be the best source, and I bet there is a Facebook page where they share experiences.

[bmw335xi]

glassdoor.com

[brinkofsunshine]

You're not going to find anything safe (1-bedroom apt) for $650, especially if you want to be relatively close to the theme parks. at minimum you'd need $1000, but even that is getting hard to find. Nice one-bedrooms in this area are around $1200. There are a lot of Facebook groups for Disney cast member and Universal team members. I know someone who had success recently finding roommates through one of them.

I don't know much about performers in the parks, but I do know that at Universal, each seasonal event has its own audition process (Mardi Gras parade, Holiday parade/Grinchmas, and Halloween Horror Nights), and just because you are cast in one, does not mean you get to stay with the company- you have to keep auditioning. There are permanent roles though (Superstar parade, various characters, Harry Potter shows, etc.). I'd join an Orlando actor/dancer group on FB as chances are many of them have worked at the parks and can give you advice.

[bmw335xi]

I searched craigslist and found a decent amount in Dr. Phillips area for $650. Windermere probably has some too. I'd think Seaworld as well.

[brinkofsunshine]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

I searched craigslist and found a decent amount in Dr. Phillips area for $650. Windermere probably has some too. I'd think Seaworld as well.

I was referring to one-bedroom apartments; I actually mis-read OP and thought she said while she wasn't opposed to roommates, she'd rather be by herself- whoops. She shouldn't have any problem finding a room to rent in her budget.

[OTownKnight]

At $650 per month you will absolutely need a roommate(s). No chance finding an apartment to live on your own for that budget, unless it's an absolute dump in the middle of a bad area. As brinkofsunshine said, typical 1 BR apartments are going for $1200/mo. in the Orlando area. It's gotten insane over the past half decade.