Check in and following days

[rbrainerd]

I am scheduled to check in on June 15. Myself and 4 other family members/friends are flying down a day or two beforehand. When I check in can someone accompany me? What should I expect the first, second and third day as far as moving in and orientation? I think I read day 3 is Traditions orientation. They are planning on helping me get settled (food and other stuff I may need) and they also plan on visiting the parks is there is time. I am thinking the first day we will be busy helping me move in. On day 2 is there any time I may be able to join them in a park or for a meal? I think they are leaving shortly after.

[BabyPiglet]

If they want to accompany you to check-in, I believe there will be a tent set up for the family/friends of the CPs. :)

Day 1 - Check in and housing meeting.
Day 2 - More work paperwork and location assignment.
Day 3 - Traditions (this is where you get your cast ID for park entry and such).

I've heard you'll have plenty of time on days 1 and 2 to move in and get settled, but if you want to go to the park, you'll have to buy a ticket. :)

[rbrainerd]

We are staying at a resort on site and have tickets already. I was just thinking that like maybe on day 2, meeting them up at a park and spending the day with them. Is there transportation from the apartments to the parks that I could take since I would not yet have ID..or just get a taxi? Thank for answering all my questions :)

[kmg148]

You get your housing ID on the first day, so you can use the buses right away. You need the property ID for the parks, not the buses.

On my 4th day, I met up with my family who was in town for the marathon. I had F&B training til 12. The 2nd day we all basically did nothing, so I'm sure you would have time to meet up!

[rbrainerd]

:yay: That's great to hear! They (we) are traveling all the way from Michigan so its going to be a long ways to travel before they come again.

[~Zephyr~]

I understand that, I'm from Michigan too, and it kinda sucks that my family will be so far away... but at the same time I 'm glad to be getting away from them.

[lightell]

What time is traditions on day 3 and how long does it last?

[namara87]

FYI, I got an email from my recruiter today saying that a new check-in process will be rolling out with the first group of FA participants this summer. I guess the bulk of things are going to be finished on the arrival date (mainly day 1 and 2 things). CP's will check-in at Vista as usual, but then are bused, the same day, to Casting to complete paperwork, location information, etc. So, I would think you could have more time with your family the day or two after check-in. Although this doesn't mean they didn't move Traditions up to the second day...idk, my recruiter only briefly explained the new process, and traditions wasn't mentioned.

Hope that helps.

[rbrainerd]

Another question..when we get there we will not have a car, to get to the stores for groceries and other items do we take a taxi? or is there a shuttle of some sort?

[kmg148]

You'll have to take the buses to Walmart or hopefully have a roommate who has a car. 6/8 of us have cars, so the first couple shopping trips people went together.

Traditions is only 4 hours, although it does become longer because of how long the buses take. It still doesn't eat up the entire day, however. You are either done at around 12 or 6.

[rbrainerd]

If my family wants to shop with me can they take the bus or do they have to get a taxi? Sooo many questions.

[glendalais]

If my family wants to shop with me can they take the bus or do they have to get a taxi? Sooo many questions.

Only Disney College and International Programme participants with valid Disney Housing IDs will be permitted on the busses.

Traditions is only 4 hours, although it does become longer because of how long the buses take. It still doesn't eat up the entire day, however. You are either done at around 12 or 6.

For the record, it's actually at least 4 hours.

Most Walt Disney World Resort College and International Progamme Participants will take the special version of Traditions for those programmes, which is four hours in length. However, certain Participants under select circumstances may be scheduled for the General Employment Traditions class, which is eight hours in length.

[BabyPiglet]

FYI, I got an email from my recruiter today saying that a new check-in process will be rolling out with the first group of FA participants this summer. I guess the bulk of things are going to be finished on the arrival date (mainly day 1 and 2 things). CP's will check-in at Vista as usual, but then are bused, the same day, to Casting to complete paperwork, location information, etc. So, I would think you could have more time with your family the day or two after check-in. Although this doesn't mean they didn't move Traditions up to the second day...idk, my recruiter only briefly explained the new process, and traditions wasn't mentioned.

Hope that helps.
Oh wow. That is going to be very interesting to hear about.

[ckrisie]

My family is planning on coming down with me too, if they stick around for after I take my traditions class and I have my ID, can I use it to get them into the parks the next day with the free park tickets?

[BabyPiglet]

My family is planning on coming down with me too, if they stick around for after I take my traditions class and I have my ID, can I use it to get them into the parks the next day with the free park tickets?
The Main Gate passes come seperately. I'm not sure when you recieve them -- I've heard you get them on the first day, but I've also heard they mail them to you after you arrive.

[Joanna71985]

FYI, I got an email from my recruiter today saying that a new check-in process will be rolling out with the first group of FA participants this summer. I guess the bulk of things are going to be finished on the arrival date (mainly day 1 and 2 things). CP's will check-in at Vista as usual, but then are bused, the same day, to Casting to complete paperwork, location information, etc. So, I would think you could have more time with your family the day or two after check-in. Although this doesn't mean they didn't move Traditions up to the second day...idk, my recruiter only briefly explained the new process, and traditions wasn't mentioned.

Hope that helps.

Really?? Wow, that is interesting!

[Joanna71985]

The Main Gate passes come seperately. I'm not sure when you recieve them -- I've heard you get them on the first day, but I've also heard they mail them to you after you arrive.

They are mailed, if I am correct. I believe it now is 2 weeks after the start of the CP.