Can I have my own room?

[JakInNeverland]

Does anyone know if I can get a room by myself in housing if I agree to pay two portions of the rent? I don't mind sharing an apartment with other girls, but if at all possible I would prefer to have my own room. Thanks!

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

Your best bet, assuming you'll have a car, is to live off-site if you must have your own bedroom. There's a Facebook page called something like Disney Cast Member Roommate Finder (I don't recall the exact name but it's close to that) - ask around for someone who might rent you a room on a month-to-month type lease.

 

[wilkeliza]

There is no guarantee you will get your own room and really paying for both beds is a lot of money. Better option is to get a short term rental for length of program and just not live in housing all together.

 

[JakInNeverland]

Thanks for replying! I though about doing that but I still want to be in housing if I can because I'd like to have that inclusive environment you know? Everyone there is in the CP and for the most part probably on a similar path. Do you guys think that I would still get that living off housing? I'm not really worried about the cost, I'm saving money so that it wont be in issue when I'm there. I have no delusions that I'm going to be saving any money on the program, I want to make the most of the experience while I'm there and not stress about money.

 

[wilkeliza]

Most people I know who lived off campus still went to all the DCP events and even came to pool parties and stuff.

There isn't really much "dcp" community so to speak except for the events which anyone can go to. You'll still make friends with CPs in your area. The only thing you are missing is the housing rules, room checks, and buses.

 

[JakInNeverland]

Thank you for your input! Off site sounds like its the way to go then =] Any suggestions on what area to look in? I've never been to WDW or Florida for that matter (I'm a west-coaster ), so I have no idea.

 

[HM2012Butler]

Do you know your role yet? I know you wont know specifics but do you have a general idea?

 

[SingingMom]

The only real perk about onsite housing is the transportation system. You can still attend housing events with a "nonresident DCP id". But, you can only use the buses if you live in housing. My DD had her car, but used the transportation system and it helped her meet people and learn about the area. When she extended, she moved offsite, but felt comfortable with getting around by then.

 

[HopperFan]

DD originally was going to live offsite and we toured lots of apartments. It's not cheap there so she realized she would have to get roommates (she was coming from having her own apartment). In the end she decided on the DCP Housing experience and did fine with a roommate.

Even thought DD picked her roommates long in advance and they got to know each other online .... her friends that she made and hung out with all the time were from work. Housing was not needed to meet them. She went to only a few events, her group had more fun doing their own thing.

As PP suggested, try to connect with some groups to find an empty bedroom with other offsite CMs. You will need to be careful when looking for apartments as neighborhoods can change quickly.

Camden World Gateway is great location, gated and has lots of CMs living there. That was her favorite.

 

[SureAsLiz]

Camden World Gateway is great location, gated and has lots of CMs living there. That was her favorite.

This is where I lived during most of my PI (I later moved into Camden Town Square which is also very nice but a little more expensive), and I can vouch for these apartments. They are super close to Disney - MK cast parking is 20ish minutes away, and everything else is closer. Sea World and Universal are about the same distance depending on traffic.

The apartments themselves are decently sized, and they offer a CM discount on rent (most apartments waive application fees, but don't offer an ongoing discount).

I'm not sure how affordable it is on a CP income if you are wanting your own room. It's not uncommon for people to double on on their own to help save on rent.

I second joining the roommate finder group on Facebook if you are wanting your own room. If you can't find it, send me a message and I can direct you to the right place. It's pretty common for people to join and leave leases, so the complexes around here know how to work with CP timelines.

 

[PghDisneyDarling]

Disney will not give you your own room, even if you are willing to pay both parts of rent, unless you have a significant need for it and can show proof that you need your own space.

Having a roommate is not all that bad, and to be honest you are not in your apartment very much other than for sleeping, because you will usually be working or spending time with friends/in the parks/out.

It is way cheaper and you will be able to enjoy many more things and have more spending money if you are in CP housing and have a roommate, but if you can deal with the cost and want your own room, you gotta go with off site housing.

I have friends who live in Buena Vista Place, right behind the MK cast parking lot, and I have heard really good things, but it is more on the pricier side. It is also where the PI program sponsored housing is, so obviously Disney likes it.

Enjoy your program!

 

[HM2012Butler]

I have friends who live in Buena Vista Place, right behind the MK cast parking lot, and I have heard really good things, but it is more on the pricier side. It is also where the PI program sponsored housing is, so obviously Disney likes it.

I've heard good and bad. Sometimes referred to as "Goofy's Ghetto"... but it is a great location if you work at MK. There are so many close places. Just depends on where you want to be. But I would seriously recommend you living in CP housing for your program. It will give you the chance to get the lay of the land and figure out what you like. Having a roommate really isn't bad at all. You're really not home too often if you're making the most of your time there. I had my fears going in but I'm glad I stayed in CP housing. It has its rules but so does working for he mouse. You learn to live with them (and work around some)

 

[Cali_Sparrow]

I've heard good and bad. Sometimes referred to as "Goofy's Ghetto"...

I have friends who live in Buena Vista Place, right behind the MK cast parking lot, and I have heard really good things, but it is more on the pricier side. It is also where the PI program sponsored housing is, so obviously Disney likes it.

I'm an incoming PI and program housing is currently at Falcon Square.
Did they have PIs at Buena Vista Place in the past?

--
As a few people have suggested, having a roommate is not as bad as you might anticipate. If it's an issue of privacy, I've heard of people setting a schedule for alone time in their rooms, but I imagine that would be hard when your work schedule isn't the same every day. It helps to know your roommate ahead of time too, so you know what to expect and can be a little more comfortable!

 

[JakInNeverland]

Wow! Thank you all so much for your input! I got NLIC'd so it's not a pressing issue right now, but I will keep trying and eventually get it! I'm not sure what I'll do about the housing situation but I guess I'll just think on it until the time comes back around. Thank you all again for your help and support!

 

[JakInNeverland]

I'm not sure how affordable it is on a CP income if you are wanting your own room. It's not uncommon for people to double on their own to help save on rent.
I second joining the roommate finder group on Facebook if you are wanting your own room. If you can't find it, send me a message and I can direct you to the right place. It's pretty common for people to join and leave leases, so the complexes around here know how to work with CP timelines.[/QUOTE]
I'm saving money now so that I wont have to rely just on CP income, I don't want to be stressed about money while I'm there. So I'm not super concerned with how much it will cost (within reason). Unfortunately I got NLIC'd so I don't need to worry about it this season anyway ='[ but still this is all good information to have for when I do eventually get in =] Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Star Wars Girl]

I actually contacted Disney about this. I have a medical need, and they told me since that is the case, if I can prove it, then they'd consider it. But that must be the one and only case for it.

I'm applying again in the fall (I've applied twice and haven't gotten in) and am going to try for the PI and DCP, and probably will live off property since that move will probably be permanent and I'd like to move my cat down with me.

 

[aussie_princess]

The only way Disney would ever give you a private rom in CP housing is if they were required to legally due to a medical issue. And to be honest, when they're so desperate for space that they have put in bunk beds and are squeezing 6 people in to a 2 bedroom apartment, they aren't going to let someone have a room to themselves just because they want it.