Hey you all. How are you?

So you got accepted into the program, picked roommates, and make a bucket list. But you have no idea how to get to DCP. What do you do? How do you get there? Hitchhike?

Well no, let’s not do that. That can have some dangerous results. Today I’ll tell you how to travel to the DCP.

I do want to say is that you do have the option to bring your car. Yes, you can have your car during the program if taking the bus does not fit the bill. Just make sure you have your car’s registration, insurance, and a declaration saying you are insured. Keep that in mind while making your travel plans.

First off, you can always drive. Make a road trip out of it. A plus of taking your car is that you can pack more stuff. You’re not limited the space in your suitcases. Also, I’ll mention this here, you can also pack things like reusable grocery bags and fill them with things like shampoo, conditioner, body soap, cereal, fruit snacks, etc. This way you have supplies ready to go beforehand. You won’t get paid the first couple of weeks, so it helps to get some things beforehand so you’re not hurting terribly until you do get paid.

If you have a bit of an older car (like I do) and you think it won’t be able to handle a lengthy road trip, taking the auto train is also an option.

Auto train? What is that?

I’m glad you asked! Amtrak has a train called the auto train that will take you and your car to Florida. The auto train runs from Lorton, Virginia (which is in the Northern Virginia area, where I’m located, about 20 minutes south of Washington, DC) to Sanford, Florida (which is about an hour away from Orlando). Now, this only works if you’re the WDW DCP. There isn’t on that goes to California. DLR (Disneyland Resort) CPs you’re out of luck on the auto train. Sidenote: I’m not being sponsored by Amtrak to say any of this. I’m simply just sharing information. It would be cool if they did though.

Now if the auto train or driving doesn’t appeal to you, or you can’t take your car, you can always fly. You can check studentuniverse.com (not sponsored) for deals on flights. I flew with JetBlue (not sponsored) when I did my program. Remember that you are limited to what you can pack so just be mindful of that.

Okay, cool. But I have a question: should I get to Anaheim/Orlando the day of my check in or the day before?

Good question. I suggest you arrive a day or two before your check in day. This way you have a buffer just in case anything happens. Your plane gets delayed. You’re late getting to your destination. Weather decides to be a jerk and cancel your flight. Whatever.

So now you figured out if you want drive, take the auto train, or fly to the DCP. Next step, where to stay.

If you have family or friends in the area who are willing to let you stay with them for a night or two, great. Be sure to thank them for their generosity. Maybe take to Downtown Disney/Disney Springs for dinner, one day park tickets, something as a thank you.

If you don’t, then its hotels for you. Airbnbs are good options. You can get a nice place for a fair price. The Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista on State Road 535 is also a great location. It’s right across the street from Vista Way. A little down the way from the other three complexes. Good prices. You can’t go wrong with them (Not sponsored).

I can’t give any advice for the DLR program. Sorry my friends. But if anyone who has done that program and knows any good hotel recommendations please let me know. I’ll be sure to make an edit and give you credit.

That is all I have for you today. Please be sure to give this post a like and to subscribe to this blog. It will help me out a lot. It makes me feel like you are actually reading and enjoying on what I have to say.

Be on the look out for my next couple of posts because I will be interviewing actual college program participants. Yes, you read that right. I will be interviewing former/current CPs who have been where you are. I’ll be getting their insight on their programs. I’m gonna try and get many different roles as I can. So this way you all can get some first hand experience on some of the roles you yourself may of gotten. Please stay tuned for that.

Thank you guys so much for reading, and remember, stay magical everyone!

Slacker out! (If you get where that is from bonus points to you!)