Chatham Square

DCP Interview #6 With Cait B!

| Sarah

Hey guys. What is up? I’m tired, not gonna lie. I’m on day…seven? Eight? Without coffee. It’s been a while. I might need to get back on that coffee grind again…starting tomorrow. It’s almost midnight as I am currently writing this.

But enough about my coffee needs (or lack there of) it is time for another DCP interview. This is another special one for me because today I’m interviewing my really good friend, Cait. She was first my pen pal but then we found out we did the same program (Fall 2015). It does make me think if we even unknowing cross paths. Same bus. Did she see me on the trams. Did she sell me food? But let’s get right into this interview!

What is your name, what was your role, and when did you do your program?

My name is Cait! I’ve completed two DCPs, one regular and one alumni**. My first role was quick service, food and beverage in the fall of 2015. I worked Outdoor Vending in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. My second role was the same, QSFB but in the summer of 2017. I worked in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, back in the Africa land. My job location was Africa’s Outdoor Foods.

**CPs who successfully completed a program have the opportunity to do a Summer Alumni Program. It’s a summer program, usually May to August. Normal people can’t apply for this specific program since it is exclusively for alum CPs.

Was your role your first choice? If not, what was your first choice?

Unfortunately no, my role wasn’t my first choice, but I ended up really enjoying it anyway because of the people I got to work with and the friends I made. My first choice would’ve been attractions, who wouldn’t want to work Peter Pan’s Flight?

Can you tell more about your role? Take me through a typical work day?

Working Outdoor Vending at MK, every day on my schedule a different land would be listed and I would need to have the costume that matched, including all the bells and whistles from the socks to the bow ties to the right hat. It was all themed. After clocking in and a costume check, I would be sent out to an ice cream/popcorn cart in a land and I would be in that position (cashier or filler) until someone came to me with a slip to move on to my next assignment or break. Working at a food cart in a Disney park can be stressful because it’s extremely hot weather, long lines and you need to keep your cart fully stocked and clean for safety. Put all that aside, it’s also kind of the best. You get to interact with guests all day, and I’d tell kids Disney jokes and make magical moments whenever I felt like it. I also saw every parade and firework show that day, so it was incredibly magical for me too.
I absolutely loved working in Africa in DAK as well. Two of the locations (Tamu Tamu and Kusafiri Bakery) were indoors for us cast members with the guests ordering at the window so we got a little bit of that AC. Our third location was Harambe’s Fruit Market right outside of the safari. I learned how to make dole whip with alcohol in it and these delicious waffles covered in ice cream at Tamu Tamu. I loved being in the fruit market, having that freedom to be outside, walk around, walk backstage to get more products and interact with guests was so fun. But we had a bit of a bee problem surrounding our frozen ice machine because of the sugar syrup flavors so we all dreaded getting that position haha. Whenever we went 101 (not running/working) at the fruit market, we got to let these blinds down and we couldn’t touch the registers so it was a fun break for us cast members. We would huddle around each other and just joke around until the lightning went away and we got the okay to work again. Working in Africa was also amazing because Disney provides so much entertainment with these beautiful singers, bands and acrobats. I heard Shakira’s Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) at least two the three times a day and we’d all sing it and sometimes our leaders would let us out on the floor to dance! Weirdly enough, closing was my absolute favorite shift. Closing down a location with your team, basically a group of your best friends where you get to dance and goof off as guests are no longer there was such a highlight. Afterwards we’d celebrate with free frosties at Wendy’s or go to Splitzville at Disney Springs to bowl.

Did you live in Disney Housing? If not, how did you find housing on your own?

I lived in Disney housing both programs, so I got to experience Chatham Square as well as Patterson Court.

How many roommates and which housing complex (if applicable) did you live in? How did you find your roommates?

I lived with five other roommates both programs, so a total of six girls to an apartment. My apartment in Chatham Square only had two bedrooms, three girls to a room, and yes you guessed it..bunk beds. Luckily I got a bottom bunk, but my roommate tended to drop a lot of things on me from the top. My roommate and I decorated the living and dining room for every holiday. We got to hang up lights and stockings for Christmas, but we had to use a fake tree since real ones weren’t allowed. My second apartment in Patterson was a three bedroom, two girls to a room.

If applicable, did you get the complex and apartment you wanted?

I always loved Chatham Square and always tried to get it. It had a bus stop, a pool and it’s not as expensive as some of the others. I heard a lot of stories about Vista Way so I tried to stay away from it, which I regret now because it has easy access to Wendy’s, the Dollar store, Chick Fil A and a Walgreen’s. Also, living at Patterson sucked a little bit because you had to walk all the way to Chatham Square to use their buses. Normally I love a good walk, but when you’re sweating your tail off or you just got off a twelve hour shift, you don’t want to have to walk another couple blocks to get home.

How did you hear about the Disney College Program?

I heard about the Disney College Program from a mutual friend.

Why did you want to do the program?

I’ve always loved Disney since I was a little girl, but a trip to Disney World is extremely expensive. I went to Magic Kingdom and Epcot once when I was twelve and I told myself I will do whatever it takes to get me back to Disney, and that’s when I learned about the program. As a grown adult and now graphic designer, working as a designer for the Walt Disney Company is a dream of mine.

What did you learn from the program?

I learned a lot about independence on my first program, as it was my first time living on my own, working and food shopping. I also learned that you can make friends from all over the world, and a new place can feel like home. I learned that not everyone working at Disney is a nice person and you can’t trust everyone. Disney also taught me to keep striving for my dreams and to not give up.

Are you happy you did the program?

I am very happy I did the program and I wish I could’ve extended mine.

Did the program have an impact on you?

I would say I think about Disney/my programs at least once or twice a day. It created friendships with amazing people I would’ve never had the chance to meet since we all live around the world. It also taught me how to work hard, in hard conditions and still be grateful and happy.

What do you wish you did differently? Any regrets?

I wish I cherished it more when I was living it. There will be days when you’re run down and just want to sleep in your apartment or you miss home. I wish I played in the parks every chance I got, didn’t turn down a couple Jelly Rolls trips and participated in more housing events because those were bomb. I also wish I networked more because it’s my dream to move back to Orlando as a graphic designer for Disney.

Did you make a bucket list? How much of the list did you complete, if it all?

I did make a bucket list for my programs and I believe I got most of them done. The one thing I couldn’t make happen was the backstage tour of the Haunted Mansion. It’s still a dream of mine.

Did you network? Take any classes or seminars?

I met the Vice President of the Magic Kingdom on my first program, and he reached out to me about a visual merchandising opportunity, which I was studying before the program. Sadly I had changed my major to graphic design, and had to turn it down.

Did you extend your program? If so, did you stay in the same role and location, or did any of that change? Did/would you do another program?

I didn’t get the chance to extend my program because I needed to return to school and finish my semesters since I was behind schedule for changing majors.

Would you recommend the Disney College Program to a friend in college?

I would recommend the Disney College Program to anyone with ears. It was and is the best experience of my life. The people you meet, the amazing backstage experiences only cast members get to see and the magic you create for little kids is indescribable.

Lastly, what advice would you give to future CPs doing the program?

I would tell future CPs to cherish every single moment. The program flies by in a blink of an eye. Take every opportunity, go out with your roommates, co-workers, and friends. Go see the beaches, Universal, cast events, housing events, Miami, Disney Springs. I would also recommend taking personal days for you to rest and recharge because you will be exhausted from working long hours.

Thank you so much Cait for taking the time to do this interview. It means a lot that you took the time to answer all my questions. I know you’re doing amazing things right now. Thanks for tolerating me with my rants about life and stuff.

That is all I have for today. Thanks so much reading. I hope this answers any questions about quick service and outdoor vending. If you have this role/locations, I hope this gave you some insight. If you have any questions at all, please leave a comment and I will try my best to answer them.

If you like what I’m doing and want to continue to follow my journey here, please follow and subscribe so you don’t miss anything. It really helps me out a lot. Also give this post a like to let know that you enjoy what I’m doing. It really motivates me to keep going and to put out content. I have a lot more I want to put out there. I will see you in the next post!

As always, stay magical, stay safe!

DCP Interview #5 with Ashley S!

| Sarah

What is up guys? How are you? How is life? Tell me about it.

I have another interview for you today. This one is extra special for me because I get to interview my good friend, Ashley. A little bit of a spoiler, she and I did the DCP during the same time. We even worked at the same park! We didn’t find that out until we became pen pals and it came up in conversation. It just makes me think; did we ever run into each other without knowing it? Were we ever on the CP bus at the same time and never realized it?

Oh well, no time to dwell on the past. Just like Uncle Walt said, we have to keep moving forward. So let’s move forward towards this interview!

What is your name, what was your role, and when did you do your program?

My name is Ashley, I did QSFB in Hollywood Studios in 2015, and did Attractions in Animal Kingdom in 2016.

Was your role your first choice? If not, what was your first choice?

My first program, no, QSFB wasn’t my first choice. I think Character Attendant or Attractions was my first choice.

Did you live in Disney Housing? If not, how did you find housing on your own?

Yes, I lived in Vista Way my first program, and Chatham my second program.

How many roommates and which housing complex (if applicable) did you live in? How did you find your roommates?

Vista Way – 5 and Chatham – 1. I found my roommate on Facebook and connected with the others via DORMS.

If applicable, did you get the complex and apartment you wanted?

Neither housing complex was my first choice, but I did end up enjoying both of them (actually, I enjoyed Vista Way more).

How did you hear about the Disney College Program?

My community college in 2010 had a flyer about the program.

Why did you want to do the program?

Disney was always one of my dream companies to work for and to be part of something that had a huge influence in my childhood.

What did you learn from the program?

I learned so much! Being on my own for the first time, learning how to be more social in group settings, how to handle situations in a professional manner, etc.

Are you happy you did the program?

Yes, I’m VERY happy I did the program!!!!

Did the program have an impact on you?

Very much so! This will always be one of the best experiences of my lifetime thus far.

What do you wish you did differently? Any regrets?

I wish I could’ve networked more with people within the company. And I wish I could’ve been more out-going with my roommates.

Did you make a bucket list? How much of the list did you complete, if it all?

Sort of. I did get to go to Typhoon Lagoon, as I hadn’t been to a water park there before. I got to do “Mission: Space” – the more intense version of it. I also got to see Smash Mouth and Neil Patrick Harris in person during their events!

Did you network? Take any classes or seminars?

I took the Disney Heritage class twice, but I wish I would’ve networked more with the instructors and the guest speakers.

Did you extend your program? If so, did you stay in the same role and location, or did any of that change? Did/would you do another program?

I originally wasn’t going to extend, but I decided to give it a shot. Once I found out I got Attractions, of course I stayed! I would LOVE to do another program (especially at Disneyland or to work Attractions at Epcot)!

Would you recommend the Disney College Program to a friend in college?

Absolutely! It is a one-in-a-lifetime experience and such a great one too!

Lastly, what advice would you give to future CPs doing the program?

If you’re considering doing the program, DO IT! I promise you you will have the best time of your life!

Thank you so much Ashley for doing this interview! I know you’re super busy with work and all! It means a lot that you took the time to answer all my questions. Let me know what you think!

That is all I have for you today. Be on the lookout for my next post. If you like what you saw and want keep up with me and this blog, please give this post a like. Since you’re already doing that you might as well follow and subscribe to this blog. It will help me out a lot. It says to me that you like what I have to say and motive me to keep posting more. I’ll see you guys in the next post!

As always guys, stay magical! Stay safe!

DCP Interview #4 with Diamond!

| Sarah

Welcome back guys. How are you doing? I’m super tired. It’s been a long day for me. Every time I tried to sit down and write something came up. Phone calls were made. It was just annoying. I wish it was good news but it was family stuff.

But enough about personal stuff, I’m back at it with another interview. Let’s jump right into it! Here goes.

What is your name, what was your role, and when did you do your program?

My name is Diamond, I did Front Desk at All Star Movies, and my first program was Fall Advantage 2018.

Was your role your first choice? If not, what was your first choice?

It was not, but it was my second! My first choice was Convention Guide.

Can you tell more about your role? Take me through a typical work day?

It’s hard to go through a “typical” work day for Front Desk because there is no official closing or opening time, there is a constant motion always. However, if i worked mornings, that would mean coming in at about 6:30 am and working until about 4:30 pm. It would typically get busy around 9 am when people would start checking in or checking out early. Since I worked at a value resort, it stayed busy pretty much all day every day. A “typical” day would see about 600 guests checking in. If I worked a night shift, which is what I typically worked, I came in at 5 pm and worked until about 1:30 am. Usually it would die down between 10 – 11 pm for the day. I also worked overnight a few times, which meant that I started at 10 pm and worked until 8:30 am. Overnights were slow, with only a few people who were checking out coming into the lobby.

Did you live in Disney Housing? If not, how did you find housing on your own?

I lived in housing!

How many roommates and which housing complex (if applicable) did you live in? How did you find your roommates?

I had 5 other roommates (6 of us in total in the apartment). We lived in Chatham Square! I met my roommates through groups on Facebook for the program!

If applicable, did you get the complex and apartment you wanted?

Yes, we were very lucky that we got exactly what we wanted! Since there were 6 of us, we asked for an apartment with 3 bedrooms/3 baths which we got!

How did you hear about the Disney College Program?

I heard about it originally in High School through the grapevine, but didn’t seriously consider or research it until college.

Why did you want to do the program?

As much as people say it and it’s corny, I love Disney. I also love to make people happy and I had gone to Disney a few times in the past and loved seeing how many people come to visit and from so many different places! I wanted to be apart of that, and get to see first hand how the company runs it’s parks. I’m a Hospitality major so it was a no-brainer to go for it!

What did you learn from the program?

I learned to be more confident. I didn’t have my family there to tell me how to do things or help, so it was really a lesson in learning how to fend for myself and get myself out of my shell of anxiety. I learned just how much every single cast member works to make a visiting guest feel immersed in the magic and just how much actual work that is.

Are you happy you did the program?

Absolutely yes. I was really lucky in that I honestly couldn’t have had better roommates or a work location. I know a lot of people who end up not enjoying their time on the program as much, either because they don’t like their location/role/living situation, but I lucked out. I learned so much and had so much fun!

Did the program have an impact on you?

Again, absolutely. I had days where I didn’t think I was good enough, and where i was really homesick. But once I learned more and became more comfortable I had a better time. I’ve become more confident in myself and made some amazing friends. Getting to work for Disney was such an amazing experience!

What do you wish you did differently? Any regrets?

I wish I had a car during my program. Getting to go to the parks whenever was so awesome, but I didn’t really get to really explore Orlando outside of Disney World. At first it wasn’t a big deal, but after a while I would have liked to go to some of the little towns in the area or to the beach or other places. I wish i had picked up more at other locations, or gotten to do some of the parties at Magic Kingdom during the holidays.

Did you make a bucket list? How much of the list did you complete, if it all?

I definitely didn’t do everything, but I think I got almost everything i really wanted to do crossed off!

Did you network? Take any classes or seminars?

Unfortunately no. I tried to sign up for a class once and it was already full by the time i tried to get in.

Did you extend your program? If so, did you stay in the same role and location, or did any of that change? Did/would you do another program?

I did extend into Spring 2019, in the same role and same location! I would definitely do another program, and I’m already making plans to do just that!

Would you recommend the Disney College Program to a friend in college?

I would, especially if you are a Hospitality major, or any major that would benefit from seeing how such a big company is run.

Lastly, what advice would you give to future CPs doing the program?

1 . If you are planning on applying for the DCP simply because you want to spend a semester at Disney World/Disneyland, make sure you are seriously considering this. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do it, but working at the Disney parks really is work. If you come into it thinking it’s gonna be just like a vacation, it absolutely is not.
2. Save as much money as you can beforehand. You won’t get paid for the first couple of weeks, and you are gonna need to get things for the apartment, not to mention wanting to go to the parks straight away. Try not to blow too much in the beginning, as you really won’t know what kind of hours you’re going to have until you really start working. It’s not fun living paycheck-to-paycheck.
3. If you have an angry guest in front of you, it can be scary/ intimidating sometimes. Try to remember that generally they aren’t yelling at YOU but rather the name tag. Don’t let it get to you, sometimes things don’t go right and people need somewhere to direct their anger.

Thank you so much Diamond for taking the time to do this interview with me! I know that you’re busy with life and it means a lot that you answered all my questions! I really appreciate you doing this for me!

I hope this answers all your questions about front desk. If you have this role and location, I hope this gives more insight on the role. Let me know if you any other questions and I’ll try to answer them the best I can.

That is all I have for you today. Be on the look out for my next interview. If you like what you saw and want keep up with me and this blog, please give this post a like. Since you’re already doing that you might as well follow and subscribe to this blog. It will help me out a lot. I says to me that you like what I have to say and motive me to keep posting more. I’ll see you guys in the next post!

As always, stay magical! Stay stay!

DCP Interview #3 with Morgan E!

| Sarah

Hey guys! I’m back at it again with another interview! Are you excited? I’m excited. Let’s just jump right into it.

What is your name, what was your role, and when did you do your program?

My name is Morgan E, Quick-Service Food and Beverage, Spring 2019

Was your role your first choice? If not, what was your first choice?

No! QSFB was not my first choice, Children’s Activities or Front Desk was my first choice.

Can you tell more about your role? Take me through a typical work day?

a. I worked at Cosmic Ray’s in the Magic Kingdom. Cosmic Ray’s is known for being the second busiest restaurant in the world.
b. A typical work day for me would be walking about around 11-12 (due to late night hours), eating lunch, getting ready for work. I’d leave my apartment around 4 pm every day to go to work. I’d have to be at work around 5-6 pm sometimes even 7-8 pm at night and wouldn’t get off till 11 pm -12 am or even 2-4 am. When I arrive at the MK Cast parking lot, I get on the MK bus to take me to the Utilidors (basically backstage behind beast castle). I’d walk to the Tomorrowland breakroom and drop off my dinner and backpack; sometimes I’d arrive early enough to talk with fellow cast members. To clock in we would have to go up into the kitchen to our CDS office, where we would clock in and get our assignment for the first half of our shift. (I was placed in the kitchen for my program, not where I thought I’d be placed) A few of the positions I could of held are Fryers (fries or nuggets), salads, KTF (cleaning the kitchen, taking out trash, stocking, food waste, etc.), Food runner, the Anchor, middle or window (getting orders put together for guests), and the boiler (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,) (basically making the buns and burgers we serve.) Normal, depending on length of shift you will be that spot for 3-5 hours before you get your break and can get a different position. After your break, you will get another assignment (normally to bump someone out; since CP means Closing Person). You would get put into your closing position till an hour or hour and a half till we closed. Some of the closing positions you could be would be closing a bay (takes an hour and half to two hours to close – 1 person closing), fryers (takes an hour to hour and half to close – 1 person closing), boiler (30 minutes to close – 1 person closing), salads (30 minutes to close – 1 person closing), and Take Downs (takes one and a half to three hours to close – 3 to 4 people closing). Once you have closed your area you have to have the kitchen coordinator and leader walk you to double check everything before you are able to clock out. Normally, once you have walked the kitchen coordinator has to change your time because normally they schedule us to get out earlier than we actually do.
c. Also, depending on who the closing coordinator and leader are you may actually get stuck doing extra work or helping out someone else that’s behind. Or they may make you redo your area.

Did you live in Disney Housing? If not, how did you find housing on your own?

Yes, I lived in Disney Housing – I lived in Chatham Square.

How many roommates and which housing complex (if applicable) did you live in? How did you find your roommates?

a. I had five other roommates (we lived in a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom apartment. Yay, no bunk beds!) Like I said in the previous question I lived at Chatham Square!
b. I found my roommates on the Disney College Program Spring 2019/Spring Advantage 2019 Facebook page.

If applicable, did you get the complex and apartment you wanted?

Yes, we got the complex and apartment we wanted! When we had to register for roommates and apartments we could only link 3 others, so we linked the 4 first roommates and had the 2 other roommates link and then we sent the DCP housing and DCP program and email asking if we could all be linked together no matter where we were placed.

How did you hear about the Disney College Program?

I heard about the DCP when I was in elementary school, and knew someone that did the program in 1970s! I started applying in January 2017 and after finally got accepted in Fall 2018 (My fourth application!)

Why did you want to do the program?

I wanted to do the program because I thought working for the company long-term once I’m done with college would be the dream. I wanted to work in Human Resources or Guest Services.

What did you learn from the program?

I learned how to be on my own and how to make friends. Back home, I’m the type of person that goes to school and goes home or to work. So, being in a totally different place miles away from home I knew I needed to meet some people and learn how to be on my own working 30-40 hours a week and managing a schedule.

Are you happy you did the program?

I am happy that I did the program. Once it got closer to me leaving I got very nervous about leaving and not wanting to leave, but I’m glad I did it and moved 2,000 miles away from home for 5 months.

Did the program have an impact on you?

The program did I have impact on me because I was able to come home and know exactly want I wanted to do in the future and I was able to break out of box and be more open to staying on campus longer to meet people.

What do you wish you did differently? Any regrets?

I don’t wish I did anything differently. I do regret not going to some of the late-night work outings due to work early in the morning. I was able to achieve everything I wanted to on my program and more.

Did you make a bucket list? How much of the list did you complete, if it all?

I did make a bucket list, I complete about half of my bucket list. If I had more days off and stayed through the summer, I believe I could have completed my bucket list.

Did you network? Take any classes or seminars?

This year Disney changed how you can take classes or seminars to more of a lottery taking and I was unable to get into those classes and seminars that I wanted to take.

Did you extend your program? If so, did you stay in the same role and location, or did any of that change? Did/would you do another program?

a. No, I didn’t extend my program. I came home to take summer school and work for more money back home so I wasn’t behind and could graduate on time.
b. I don’t know if I want to do another program. I think if I did another program I would want a different role or would even try for a full-time position with the company.

Would you recommend the Disney College Program to a friend in college?

I would recommend the DCP to a friend, but I’d tell them to be picky with the role they would want to do for their program and not put interest in a role that they really don’t care for.

Lastly, what advice would you give to future CPs doing the program?

a. Some advice I would give to future CPs to do the program for you and not for your family. Make sure you are prepared to make little money and have only 2 days off a week to explore in the park. Enjoy your program by going to the parks before work to have more park days. Get to know your coworkers because they will be your long-life friends, since you will see them more than your roommates sometimes (depending on everyone’s work schedule). Make sure you are only putting interest in roles you actually would consider doing for the company!! Take days off to doing do stuff in Florida, I regret not asking for a day off to go to the beach, so take a day off to do that stuff.
b. IT’S OKAY TO CALL OUT!! Don’t be afraid to call out to explore Florida or for a mental health day! I called out 4 times because I wanted to explore and needed mental health day and it was totally worth it!! Disney doesn’t care, as long as you don’t call out too many times! (Hint: if you call out bereavement versus call out, you don’t get a point!)

Thank you so much Morgan for taking the time to do this interview. I know that you’re very busy doing amazing stuff. It means so much that you answered all my questions.

Thank you to all of you for reading this post. For those who have QSFB/Cosmic Ray’s as their role and location, I hope this answers all your questions and gave you some insight. If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I’ll try to answer them as best I can.

If you like what you read, please give post a like, follow and subscribe for more posts like these. It really helps me out a lot by telling me that you’re actually reading and listening to what I have to say. It motivates me to keep putting out more content for you all.

As always guys: stay magical! Stay safe!

DCP Housing

| Sarah

After waiting what seems like an eternity and a half. You finally get the email you’ve been waiting for…that oh-so-magical congratulations email! You’re going to Disney World! Or Disneyland if you got Disneyland. Which is also cool! One of the choices you have to make is if you want to opt for Disney Housing, or opt out and live off housing.

Wait, Disney has housing for their interns…inside the parks?

Yes Susan Disney does offer housing for all their Disney College Program participants…no its not actually inside the parks itself. That would be cool and all but alas only a dream.

Both Disneyland and Disney World have housing complexes for the CPs. Yes, you do have to pay rent, but it’s automatically taken out of your paycheck. How much you pay for rent can vary depending on which complex you live in and how many roommates you have. During my program I have four other roommates (five of us in total) and we all paid 97 dollars each week. Remember this was back in 2015 and we were only getting paid 9.50 an hour. Rent does include electric, water, AC/heat, cable, and wifi. All of the apartments come fully furnish: kitchen stuff (forks, knives, plates, etc), couches, dining table, chairs, beds, nightstands. No tv, so you would have to bring your own!

Housing is also divides you into wellness and nonwellness. Wellness just means you are not allowed to have alcohol in your apartment. If you are under 21, you are automatically placed into wellness. If you turn 21 during your program, you have the option into moving into a nonwellness apartment. If you are over 21 you do have the option of being in a wellness apartment, you just have to agree to the same rules of not having alcohol in the apartment.

As a side note: if you’re under 21 and feel the need to go out and drink, don’t…just don’t. The risk isn’t worth it. It’s not worth getting kicked out of the program just to get wasted and party. If you get caught drinking underage you will kicked out of the program and you’ll have to deal with the police. I get that college kids party with booze to let off some steam. But please for the love of Mickey Mouse and all things magical don’t do it!!!! If you want to go to clubs and party, fine. But there are so many other things to do at Disney, and even the Anaheim/Orlando area to do that underage drinking isn’t worth it. It has happened to so many people during their programs. I don’t want any of you to waste this amazing opportunity during one careless night. Don’t think it will never happen to you, because it can and it will happen to you. You have been warned.

Housing does do inspections on a monthly basis. They check if you don’t have drugs, alcohol (if you’re in wellness), other things that you shouldn’t have in your apartment. There is a two week period on when they do inspections but you don’t know what day exactly they will come.

Wellness? Inspections? Roommates? Forget that! I want to live on my own and do my own thing.

And that’s perfectly fine. You can always decline housing. But once you opt out of housing. You can’t change your mind. You are responsible on finding a place to stay during the duration of your program.

Sarah, you said that there are complexes, as in more than one. What are my options?

Good question. I’ll go into detail about each one.

Disneyland

I’ll start with Disneyland’s housing. They only have one housing complex: Carnegie Plaza. Not a lot of people get into the Disneyland Program so there’s only one. I don’t know a whole lot since I’ve only the WDW (Walt Disney World) Program. But I’ll try my best.

Carnegie Plaza has two style of apartments: one room/three person apartments and two room/five person apartment. The one room/three person is obviously a triple occupancy room: meaning that there are bunk beds and a single platform bed. The other apartment was a triple occupancy room and a double room: two single beds. Parking is available in a garage below the complex.

One of the things that Disneyland doesn’t offer that Disney World does, is transportation. If you don’t have a car in Disneyland, then you’re stuck using public transportation. I’m not sure how that works exactly but once I do, I’ll make an edit about it.

Disney World

The Disney World Program offers free transportation to and from all the parks and resort via bus. So no worries if you don’t have a car. You can still get to work without a car. Whether or not you want to bring your car is really up to you.

If you decide to opt out of WDW housing, it is important that you HAVE YOUR OWN CAR. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to use housing transportation. I want to make that clear. You need the Disney housing issued housing ID in order to get on. They will not let you on if you do not have a housing ID.

Disney World has four housing complexes: Chatham Square, Patterson Court, The Commons, and Vista Waaaaay.

I personally stayed in The Commons, two bedroom/five person apartment. That meant I was in the apartment with triple occupancy. I was actually in the triple occupancy room with two other girls. Honestly, it wasn’t that bad.

Wwwhhhhhaaattt?

I know. Crazy. I’m only speaking from personal experience. I don’t speak for everyone who were in my shoes. But all three of us got along pretty well. We would have “nightly talks” each night. We would all hang out, watch movies, go to the pool and mall. Was it my first choice to be in a triple occupancy room? No, but I’m glad I got the chance.

All four of the complexes are guarded 24/7. Security will check for your housing ID at the gate.

The Commons

Since I was talking about The Commons, I’ll start with it. The Commons is the newest complex out the four. It was originally only for the ICPs (International Disney College Program participants, yes international students can also do the program!) but it opened up to all CPs some time ago.

Pros:

  • In unit washer and dryer! You get to wash your clothes in your own apartment. No dragging your dirty laundry out and about and having to pay for it!
  • The Commons also has The Grid and The Clubhouse. The Grid is a small convenience store within the complex. It has all your basic needs. The Clubhouse is where the housing meeting (more on that later), grocery bingo, movie nights, and other events like that are held.
  • Also you’re right across the street from the outlets. So if you enjoy shopping you have that option.

Cons:

  • Not all buses go to The Commons. Only the parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom), Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney Springs buses only go to The Commons. All of the resort buses do not go to The Commons. You can request those buses to pick you up/drop you off. Otherwise you would have to walk to Chatham to take those other buses, which is like a 5 minute walk.
  • Rent is a little higher (the rent is too damn high) because there are in unit washer and dryer. Personally, I think is trade off is worth it. I’d rather pay a little rent for unlimited washer and dryer. But that’s just me and my opinion.
  • The gym is kinda small. So if you’re really into fitness and need all the fancy gym stuff, you probably won’t find it here.

Apartment room breakdown:

  • 1 bedroom/2 person (double occupancy)
  • 1 bedroom/3 person (triple occupancy)
  • 2 bedroom/4 person (2 double occupancy)
  • 2 bedroom/5 person (1 double occupancy and 1 triple occupancy)
  • 3 bedroom/6 person (3 double occupancy)
  • 4 bedroom/8 person (4 double occupancy)

I love living in The Commons. It was nice. It was quiet. Having a washer and dryer in your apartment was amazing. If I ever do another program I would choose this complex again.

Chatham Square

I put Chatham Square as my next complex because well its number two at a lot of stuff. It has the second bus hub. Its the second biggest complex out of the four. It was the second complex built after Vista Way. Chatham would of been my second choice to live.

It is also second on my list…intentional? Well maybe.

Pros:

  • All the major housing events are held here. Welcoming parties, graduation, things like that. Chatham has this huge field to hold these types of events.
  • As I mentioned before, Chatham has one of two central hubs for housing. So all the buses come through here. No walking to other complexes required.
  • Some of the classes and seminars are held here.

Cons:

  • The housing parties. If you’re someone who needs their beauty sleep, or need peace and quiet, this complex may not be for you.
  • These apartments tend to be a bit more smaller than the others so if you’re someone who likes spacious apartments, this complex may not be for you.
  • Lastly, you may have to haul all your laundry to different building to do your laundry at a cost.

Apartment room breakdown:

  • 1 bedroom/2 person (double occupancy)
  • 1 bedroom/3 person (triple occupancy)
  • 2 bedroom/6 person (2 triple occupancy)
  • 3 bedroom/6 person (3 double occupancy)
  • 4 bedroom/8 person (4 double occupancy)

Patterson Court

Patterson Court was the third complex to be built. It’s be dubbed the “grandma” complex because it looks like your grandma’s retirement house. Whether or not you like that aesthetic is up to you. Patterson would of been my third choice.

Pros:

  • It has the nicest pool and clubhouse out of the four complexes, not gonna lie.
  • It also has the biggest fitness center.

Cons:

  • None of buses come to Patterson.
  • You have to go to Chatham to catch a bus anywhere. This can suck even worse when its raining, which happens nearly everyday in Orlando.
  • See Chatham’s situation on laundry.

Apartment room breakdown:

  • 1 bedroom/2 person (double occupancy)
  • 1 bedroom/3 person (triple occupancy)
  • 2 bedroom/5 person (1 double occupancy and 1 triple occupancy)
  • 3 bedroom/6 person (3 double occupancy)

Vista Way

This is the oldest WDW program complex. The first complex to be built. It’s been here since day one. It’s seen some stuff. It’s known as the “party complex” for a reason. Did you know that Vista Way once had a hot tub? It was removed when some things were found, just stewing in there **cough cough** STDS **cough cough**

This is why we can’t have nice things people….

This is also my last choice complex……..it’s why it’s listed last here. Shots fired! Oooooh! No, but really. You’ll see why it’s my last choice.

Pros:

  • It has the OG central bus hub. All of the buses come through here. No leaving the complex required.
  • This place is so big that is has 2 pools.
  • Here at Vista’s clubhouse you can rent movies.
  • Classes and seminars are held here.
  • You have Walgreens, Wendy’s, Chick-Fil-A, all that good stuff within walking distance
  • Parties are held here. So if you’re a social butterfly (unlike myself) then this is the place for you.

Cons:

  • Parties. All day, everyday. They can be LOUD. So if you’re not a party person, you may not like it. They don’t call Vista the party complex for nothing.
  • Since it is the oldest complex, its apartments are run down, dirty, and gross. Not pleasant. Yeah, they started to renovated some of the apartments, but you won’t know until you actually move.
  • It’s farther away from all the other complexes. The others are a five minute walk from each other. It would take maybe 15 or 20 at most walking.
  • No hot tub. RIP. All around me are familiar faces…..worn out places…..worn out faaacceeesss.
  • See Patterson’s situation on laundry.

Apartment room breakdown:

  • 2 bedroom/4 person (2 double occupancy)
  • 3 bedroom/6 person (3 double occupancy)

Finally, take in consideration the amount of roommates you have will effect how much you pay in rent. The less roommates you have, the more rent will be. The more roommates you have, the less rent will be. How many roommates you want and in which complex you want is all up to you. Also consider if you want to live in a triple occupancy room.

I will make a whole separate post on roommates. That’s a whole different story in it of itself for a different time.

Thank you so much for reading. I tried to go into detail about housing. I hope this clears up any confusion for you all. If you have a question, leave a comment and I’ll do my best to answer them! You should also consider subscribing so you’ll miss when I post! It would be cool if you did. I’ll see you in the next post!

Also as a little aside, I broke my own record for late night writing. It’s currently 3:04 in the freaking morning as I’m writing this. I’m weirdly tired and widely awake all at the same time. Does that make any sense? Has that happen to any of you? Okay. I’m gonna go now and attempt at sleeping. Well see how that goes.