Disney College Program for Parents Thread...

[DCPmom2014]

As I am reading the discussions about housing while listening to my daughter's experiences as a current CP, my advice to all future CP's is flexibility! My daughter met other girls on her Facebook group prior to starting her program. She found three girls that she really connected to and they decided to try to get a 2 bedroom in Chatham. They made matching shirts, planned out who would bring what, and made other such plans. They were so excited to meet each other when they finally arrived in Florida. They enjoyed hanging out in the parks once they completed their training and had fun celebrating one roommates birthday. Unfortunately, all three of her roommates HATED their jobs. First one quit and a week later another left. My daughter's roommate (actually sharing the bedroom) also talked about leaving but luckily stayed. The other room remained empty for a couple weeks and then two new international CP's were moved into the room. They sound very nice but have different ideas about the apartment, space issues, etc. My daughter was finally adjusting to the change and now they all received a notice that bunkbeds are being moved into their bedrooms and, what was a 2 bedroom/4 person apartment, will now be a 2 bedroom/6 person apartment. There are no choices in the situation and all you can tell your CP'er is "Go with the flow". My advice has been to focus on the positives and let go of the negatives. I am a little concerned about how the recent "space issues" are going to play out adding two more girls to the mix, but in the end they will all need to work it out. So again, my advice to all future CP's is FLEXIBILITY!!! On a positive note: She loves, loves, loves the experience. She works hard and plays hard. She has had so many "Best day ever" that my husband and I have lost count!

So are there no more two bedroom, 4 persons in Chatham any longer? I wonder what they are thinking? That's what we were hoping for. My DD is deciding to go with a random roommate match once she arrives on May 19th but was really hoping for a max of 4. Her grandmother has actually been picking up everything she needs for the room as she lives two hours away. Lamp for night stand, bed risers, etc. If these are now bunkbeds, that changes things!!

 

[mlaw]

DCPMOM2014, I don't know how many of the 2 bedroom apartments are getting 2 more students. I just know that my daughter is one of the unlucky ones. What I don't understand is where these student's are coming from. How can there be new CP's in early April? Maybe more new international students? I will try to provide more information once I talk to my daughter again.

 

[poison ivy]

wow.

i can't believe they are putting bunks to fit 3 people per bdrm in a 2 bdrm apt.

I wonder if the company is expanding the DCP and seasonal employment and reducing their PT workforce?

Bunks are like dorm rooms - not apts. They're smaller, less headroom and too close for comfort. IMO.

 

[poison ivy]

What I don't understand is where these student's are coming from. How can there be new CP's in early April? Maybe more new international students? I will try to provide more information once I talk to my daughter again.

Do they house the PI's? I know the culinary interns have a different rotation than the DCP start dates.

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

Does anyone know if their rent was adjusted appropriately?

 

[mlaw]

My daughter said that rent will be reduced slightly, although she did not have the exact number, but it certainly will not be enough to make up for two more people in the apartment and having to be back in a bunkbed. Fortunately my daughter is an extrovert, who does not spend alot of time in her bedroom.

 

[DCPmom2014]

My daughter said that rent will be reduced slightly, although she did not have the exact number, but it certainly will not be enough to make up for two more people in the apartment and having to be back in a bunkbed. Fortunately my daughter is an extrovert, who does not spend alot of time in her bedroom.

Here is what we pulled off my DD's dashboard regarding housing. Looks like the 2BR, 6 person at Chatham are now the least expensive option. She is now considering a 2BR at Vista Way which was not her first choice but 4 roommates is her ideal number. And since she is not taking her car, Vista and Chatham are the best options.



Apartment Pricing Information
Most bedrooms are double occupancy. Some bedrooms are triple occupancy. Bedrooms with three participants include a single bed and a bunk bed.

Below is a synopsis of our weekly housing rates* to assist you:




Chatham Square
1 BR: 2 Person - $105
1 BR: 3 Person - $85
2 BR: 6 Person - $78
3 BR: 6 Person - $92
4 BR: 8 Person - $91



The Commons
1 BR: 2 Person - $109
1 BR: 3 Person - $89
2 BR: 4 Person - $107
2 BR: 5 Person - $82
3 BR: 6 Person - $95
4 BR: 8 Person - $94




Patterson Court
1 BR: 2 Person - $105
1 BR: 3 Person - $85
2 BR: 4 Person - $103
2 BR: 5 Person - $80
3 BR: 6 Person - $92


Vista Way
2 BR: 4 Person - $98
3 BR: 6 Person - $89

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

Based on those prices, it doesn't appear this was done for economic reasons since they will actually be paid less total rent on the ones with the added person/people. They must be doing this from a need for space.

 

[mlaw]

So I just talked to my daughter briefly, who reported that they received a form letter that she thinks was sent to all the two bedrooms in Chatham. They were told that at some point in time they will be given a date in which all their current bedroom furniture will be moved out of their apartment. They will get one set of bunkbeds and one single bed. She is not sure what other furniture will be coming in. Currently the two share a dresser. They have not been told if or when new roommates will be moved in. She currently has her bed on risers with lots stored underneath so she will lose that space and is worried she will lose her personal bulletin board. She is still in the "very upset" stage but then finished the conversation with fun stories about work. She is quickly learning that you do not have many "rights" when you are on the bottom of the totem pole.

 

[Traveliz]

As a former College Program Parent I must say the housing was disappointing. For those of you struggling with that now let me say that my daughter had somewhere in the neighborhood of 40-60 different roomates in her apt. We lost track at 28 (they were termed, left on their own, programs ended, international students moved in temporarily and then were moved into their regular housing, etc). Each time someone moves out EVERYONE had to get a new key and if that meant you got home after midnight and something had happened during the day then you were stuck waiting on security to let you in.

And then at the very end when it was down to just her and another girl with less than a month to go they decided they had to move them into a different apartment for consolidation reasons. It was a hot mess so I sympathize with you going through that.

As far as where new roomates are coming from at this point...it could be consolidation, international or culinary (as their program is different and they come and go all year).

Liz

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

This information is exactly why I like being on here. My son has attended a community college and has lived at home up until now. So, this will be his first experience with his 'own' place and having roomates. He is an only child and has never even shared his room.

With this being said, both he and us, his parents, are excited for him to experience this, for both the good and the bad. I do like knowing that this is all a possibility ahead of time. It helps for him to know that he has to be prepared for just about anything and that flexibility is going to be essential.

He is very laid back and I don't think he will have any trouble adapting. My biggest concern is over him keeping his area clean.

 

[Traveliz]

This information is exactly why I like being on here. My son has attended a community college and has lived at home up until now. So, this will be his first experience with his 'own' place and having roomates. He is an only child and has never even shared his room.

With this being said, both he and us, his parents, are excited for him to experience this, for both the good and the bad. I do like knowing that this is all a possibility ahead of time. It helps for him to know that he has to be prepared for just about anything and that flexibility is going to be essential.

He is very laid back and I don't think he will have any trouble adapting. My biggest concern is over him keeping his area clean.

This was my daughter as well - she wanted to do the college program and stay in the housing for the dorm like experience...not knowing she would end up transferring to UCF and having that experience for two more years.

In all of my daughter's housing moves none were super clean...in fact one move required her to move rooms at the end of one semester extending into the next. Housing claimed they had to move so they could clean the room for the next occupants. She moved into an apt where the previous occupants had just left for the year. Two of the bedrooms had so much paper piled up in them (like wadded up paper) that you couldn't even get into them. There were plates of unknown food all through the living room and kitchen. It was disgusting. She could bring her things in but they had to be placed on top of counters or dressers and not unpacked until the cleaning crew came through...several days later. We were in a Disney hotel so she stayed with us.

And btw I am not a neat freak or a germaphobe. It was just that bad. Housing management companies have changed since then so I hope it's better for all of you.

This all said, housing was the only bad part of her experience. And she was in attractions and had a lot of 60 hour weeks so she was not in the room that much.

Liz

 

[stitchlovestink]

What I would add to what Travelliz said is have your daughter/son bring anything they will need. Don't count on sharing anything! If your roommate gets termed, quits, or forcibly gets moved (and yes that can and does happen)... their belongings go with them! And if your kid was counting on having it to use...well they are now without and up a creek. Bring what you need yourself. Even if it means having doubles. Mark my words!
And honestly don't go crazy decorating the bathroom. Keep it very practical because if they have to move you don't want a lot of extra to take. The bathroom is a tub and toilet. The sink is just outside the bathroom, more in the bedroom area so someone can use the bathroom while someone else uses the sink.

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

What I would add to what Travelliz said is have your daughter/son bring anything they will need. Don't count on sharing anything! If your roommate gets termed, quits, or forcibly gets moved (and yes that can and does happen)... their belongings go with them! And if your kid was counting on having it to use...well they are now without and up a creek. Bring what you need yourself. Even if it means having doubles. Mark my words!
And honestly don't go crazy decorating the bathroom. Keep it very practical because if they have to move you don't want a lot of extra to take. The bathroom is a tub and toilet. The sink is just outside the bathroom, more in the bedroom area so someone can use the bathroom while someone else uses the sink.

Excellent tip. I hadn't considered this but it makes perfect sense.

 

[carol-lamb]

My daughter sent me a text of a picture of a bedroom at Chatham with the bunkbed. She lived in a three bedroom at Chatham during her program last year. She thinks that three to a room is ridiculous (her word not mine).

 

[TwoAtDisney]

I can't help with the apartment question either. But, I can tell you there will be a 21 year old guy with parents down there and a 21 year old girl with parents down there. We are shipping my sons car down for him to have. It is 16 years old and have concerns with driving it from central Illinois, but want him to have it to use down there. We will be driving him down. We plan on going to the parents meeting area at check in and helping him move in, but that is about it. We will stay around for a couple of days in case he needs anything, such as a wal-mart run, but we will be staying on our own. If he needs us, he will have to let us know. His girlfriend is going the same time he is. Her parents are driving down with her and flying back.

Would love info on shipping a car -
How much is it?
What company's do this?
Can you pack all the "stuff" in the car?
Is the arrival date "really guarranteed"? Our concern is that it wouldn't arrive on time.
Is it "to your door" service or how would the owner get to the location?
How would the DCPer know what date & time to arrange since they won't know their schedule?

 

[TwoAtDisney]

Some questions please -
1. Our DGD got Attractions job. We know cast members cannot go to the dining spots in their customes. Where do they eat/drink during their shifts? Are there food places in the Cast Tunnel area?

2. How much resort reservation discount will we get? Does it vary by resort category - value, moderate, etc.? Am I correct to assume she does not have to be staying with us since she will be in a DCP apartment?

3. How much dining discount will we get? Is it only for TS, or QS too. Must she be with us - I assume so. If not, do we have some sort of ID?

4. DDP - Do we get a discount on that with our resort reservation?

5. Park Tickets - do we get a discount on an AP or any other park tickets?

6. How soon after her checkin day does she receive her park pass & visitor passes, & dining/resort discounts?

 

[Summertime]

Replying to last two entries and answering some of the questions - not all. As for shipping a car - try to get a referral from someone that had a good experience. I called many brokers, but in the end did not end up shipping my DD's car as it was too expensive as it would have been shipped from the Northeast when all the snowbirds were shipping their cars so the price was high. I believe around $800 one way. I was told different things about putting stuff in the car to be shipped - some said it is not allowed and others said as long as you couldn't see it from the windows - and nothing expensive because they would not pay for anything that was stolen. They can't guarantee an exact time so if someone says they can - don't believe them. They do try to give you an "approximate" day/time and if all goes well then all is good. Not door to door - even if they advertise that. They try to get as close to the address as possible, but those big car carriers can't go down smaller roads/parking areas. You have to bring your car to the agreed upon location and they call you and tell you when to bring it there - I think they give you a timeframe once they know it. As for dropping the car off in Florida - they'll call you again and you meet them in the parking lot that is close to the apartments. What you need to think about is that when the kids move in to the apartments, they then have scheduled training etc. and you don't know those times until they move in and I know someone has to be there when the car gets delivered. If you are going to be in Florida for a few days, try to have it scheduled to be delivered before move in day so it's there before you (parents) head home. If your DD/DS can't be with you when the car arrives, then just leave it in the parking lot where it's dropped off (you'd need to be there) and get it when he/she is available later that day. That is the information I received when I did my research. You deal with brokers and then they put your information out to bid and a driver accepts it so you have no clue who these people really are -- that is why getting a referral of a broker that someone had a good experience with would help as it is a bit nerve wracking. As for the next set of questions - I just came back from visiting my DD and I stayed at a moderate and paid $110 a night - she had to make the reservations and there were only a few resorts that I could pick from. Yes - prices vary depending on resort. She does not have to stay with you, but I think the price goes up a bit if she doesn't stay - but who would know that she wasn't sleeping there. My daughter was told that she needed to be there when I checked in, but that was not true. She was working and the front desk didn't care. Your daughter will get the dining discount - and it's 20% before 5:00 pm for TS and nothing for QS at any time. Your daughter needs to pay and show her ID for any discounts. That is true even in the stores - my daughter had to use her credit card to get the 20% off of merchandise. I know after they move in there is a couple of weeks that they get a 40% discount for merchandise. If your daughter is not the one paying - there is no discount. My daughter told me that if I took out my credit card to pay - she could get termed if a manager saw so she used her card for all purchases. After they "earn their ears" they get their discount cards for family/friends to use for getting into the parks, but they 100% need go in the park with you. Two times I put my card on the new entry system at the same time my daughter used hers and was told that I needed to wait until she was done - maybe so the computer knew she was there to? Very strict. They can't even go into the park for free right away. They have to go through training first. No other discounts on any park tickets. I think it's a bit more than a week before they get their passes. Hope that helps a bit.

 

[Summertime]

You can go on youtube.com and many people put up videos of their apartments so you can see what they look like. Very basic. I also just found out that the kids go to the front desk (separate building within the complex) and can borrow vacuum cleaners/ irons/cleaning supplies etc. That is where they pick up their mail too.

 

[poison ivy]

My daughter sent me a text of a picture of a bedroom at Chatham with the bunkbed. She lived in a three bedroom at Chatham during her program last year. She thinks that three to a room is ridiculous (her word not mine).

Can you post this photo? I am curious to see them. How did they decide the bunk vs single sleeping arrangements with the two of them already settled in? I'm guessing it's whomever's side is replaced with the bunk probably gets the new setup. what a mess!

Some questions please -
1. Our DGD got Attractions job. We know cast members cannot go to the dining spots in their customes. Where do they eat/drink during their shifts? Are there food places in the Cast Tunnel area?

There are cast member break rooms. At the MK they are located underground.

2. How much resort reservation discount will we get? Does it vary by resort category - value, moderate, etc.? Am I correct to assume she does not have to be staying with us since she will be in a DCP apartment?

Not sure about right now, but in the past, I have seen it as high as 40% for non-CM friends and family and 50% for cm's.
Discount Rates and resort options seemed to vary based on time of year and availability. I know certain rooms seemed to always be excluded - such as grand villas.

3. How much dining discount will we get? Is it only for TS, or QS too. Must she be with us - I assume so. If not, do we have some sort of ID?

It was 20% last year for TS as the previous poster stated and the CM must dine with you.
I saw a receipt of my son's had a discount applied when he purchased a dole whip in the MK so I'm not sure it's only for TS.

4. DDP - Do we get a discount on that with our resort reservation?

Not sure if one is still offered. Hopefully someone can help.

5. Park Tickets - do we get a discount on an AP or any other park tickets?

Not that I'm aware of. Only the complimentary maingate passes.

6. How soon after her checkin day does she receive her park pass & visitor passes, & dining/resort discounts?

They receive their park pass/I.D. during the Traditions Class which is their first official work day at Disney. visitor passes are not sent out until weeks later.
I'm not sure when the dining/resort discounts are accessible.