Packing List

Hey you all. What’s going on? I really ran out of witty/cringy things to say as an intro.

So we went over the Disney Look, travel plans, and bucket lists, but we haven’t went over the most important list, your packing list. So let’s jump right into this.

I’ll break it down into if you’re driving or flying and into different subgroups like clothes, bathroom things, etc.

Pro tip for you fall program peeps: wait until places like Target, Kohls, or Bed, Bath, and Beyond do their annual back to school/college dorm move in sale for the following things. You’ll save a lot of money and get really nice stuff. That’s what I did…thank me later…also not sponsored…

Bedroom:

  • Bedding. Bed sheets. Pillow cases. Things like that. Disney does provide you with a twin sized bed.
  • Pillows
  • Comforter
  • Blanket
  • Mattress cover (You don’t no bed bugs)
  • Mattress pad (the mattresses are the same ones they use in actual college dorms. Not super comfy)
  • Small bookbag
  • Step stool (If you’re short like I am)
  • Hamper (my bedding’s packaging doubled as a hamper, with handles and over-the-shoulder cross strap. Found it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond)
  • Bed risers (this will open up more storage space. Try to find ones with an outlet/USB charging area. Also found one at Bed, Bath and Beyond)
  • Hangers
  • Alarm clock/iHome
  • Lock for your locker. Everyone in your apartment gets a locker. They are usually found in the closets.
  • Under bed storage

Bathroom:

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Make up (if you use it)
  • Sunscreen
  • Lotion
  • Hairbrush
  • Shower curtains. Disney provides you with the liner.
  • Shower cady (maybe. I say maybe because I bought one and didn’t use it at all. You can get one if you feel the need to keep your stuff organized and tidy)

Kitchen:

  • Tuber ware
  • Water bottle
  • Lunch box

Electronics:

  • TV (decide among you and your future roomies who is bringing one)
  • DVDs/DVD player
  • Video games
  • Phone/phone charger (duh)
  • Headphones
  • Laptop/laptop charger
  • Camera (for taking pics/vlogging)
  • Lamp

Personal/check in documents:

  • Blank check
  • DORMS registration forms
  • Valid passport OR
  • Social Security with valid government ID (ie driver’s licence. You’ll need it regardless if you’re bringing your car with you)
  • Car registration (for your car)
  • Insurance card stating that you’re on the policy (for your car)

Clothes:

  • T shirts
  • Pants/leggings
  • Shorts/skirts
  • Long sleeve shirt (believe it or not it does get a bit chilly during the winter months, especially during the night)
  • Sweaters
  • Business casual, Disney Look approved, clothes for Traditions (I went over this in my “The Disney Look” post. If you haven’t read it or forgotten (Remember me, though I have to say goodbye) take a look for a refresher)
  • Dress shoes
  • Casual shoes
  • Flip flops/sandals
  • Bathing suits

Tips/tricks for those who are FLYING:

  1. Use space bags. You’ll have more room in your suitcases for the more bulkier stuff.
    • Insert dryer sheets with your clothes. It’ll keep your clothes fresher, longer…thank me later
  2. For the clothes you’re going to be wearing during your travels, fold your clothes into thirds or roll them up. Another space saver. Don’t forget about the dryer sheets!
  3. Spring for the second checked bag. Let’s get real for a second guys. Listen, listen Linda, before you get all mad. Hear me out. You’re not paying for a semester’s worth of classes, dorms, meal plans, textbooks, parking, etc. I know you paid a good amount in your fees (trust me, I know. I seen the price), but still. You can pay 50 dollars for another suitcase. The more space the better. You’ll have two suitcases, a carry on, and a personal.
  4. If you can’t get some of the stuff on this list, go on a Walmart run and get them on Check In Day. I get it. You can’t fit everything in a suitcase. Just hold off until Check In Day and buy it then.

Tips and tricks for those who are DRIVING:

  1. Place all your stuff into reusable bags. If you use reusable bags, for packing, you can use those same bags to do grocery shopping later. Save the planet and all.
  2. While you’re stuffing your reusable bags, fill them with toiletries and other dry foods! Fill them lots of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, cereal, pasta/pasta sauce (just don’t get lost in the sauce), mac and cheese, and things of that nature. You won’t be paid for the first, like, three weeks. This way you’re not hurting too terribly the first couple of weeks. Get things like milk once you arrive.
  3. You might want to invest in Sunpass. Florida has a lot of toll roads. I learned that the hard way. So if you’re planning to take trips outside of Orlando/Lake Buena Vista you might want in getting a Sunpass for your car. I guess the best way to explain it is that it’s Florida’s EZ pass, if your state does EZ pass. I know in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia, it’s our cute way of saying our regional area) area we have EZ pass.
  4. Don’t be afraid to pack more! Having your own car means you’re not as limited. So don’t be afraid to pack a little more.
  5. Finally, if your carless roommates ask you (nicely) for a ride to the store, do it! Help each other out. It’s to get along with all your roommates so you help them out with going to the store, they’ll help you out when you need it. Or at least I hope they would return the favor.

That is all I have for today. Thank you so much for reading. I hope this helps in all your packing needs. If you have any more questions, let me know down in the comments. I’ll do my best to answer them!

Again, thank you all so much for reading. If you like what you saw, please be sure to give this post a like. While you’re at it, you might as well follow/subscribe so you don’t miss out on when I post. It would mean so much to me. Knowing that you like what I’m saying motives me to keep going.

I have so much more that I want to do share with you all. More interviews. More stories. More tips and tricks of the trade. So be on the look out for that!

I will see you in the next post, But until then, stay magical and also, stay safe guys!

Slacker out!

It’s 3:17 in the morning…wtf is wrong with me? Why do I insist on writing so late at night?

Traveling to the DCP

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!)