Disney College Program for Parents Thread...

[wdwscout]

1. How early is too early to get there? If check-in starts at 9 AM we would plan to get there no later than that, but is there any reason or advantage to getting there early?

We arrived around 8 or 830. The only advantage was that my son ended up being the first person in the apartment so he got first choice of which bedroom he wanted. Other than that- no real advantage.

2. When can my daughter actually move in to her apartment? Is it available as soon as she checks in? Can the parents help at this time, even if just to take bags into the room? Or does the actual, physical move-in take place later in the day? Because I will be staying so close, I could just as easily hang around the resort and come back later instead of sitting around the apartments waiting for her to be available to move in.

She will go one way and the parents go another. The parents are brought to a centrally located tent where you will get an information packet and get to meet other parents- all equally anxious about this new venture the kids are embarking upon! It's lots of fun. It didn't take even an hour as I recall, and then cell phones started ringing as the kids came out with their apartment assignments and keys. You move in right then! At that point you can move your car (if you have one) into the complex and unload.
The do have to go to Casting soon after check-in (they go on a bus). You cannot go there with her. This is when I unpacked my son's stuff and tried to help him organize. The other parents in his apartment did the same. I think that took about an hour or so too.

3. I understand that the day after check in is a "free" day where the participants have no scheduled activities. Is that right? I thought that that might be a perfect day to run errands like buying work shoes and getting an initial supply of groceries.

They do have a housing meeting that evening. And I recall a pool party or something else too. But there is time to go run a few errands, buy food and anything else you may need. And the following day is usually pretty free as well.

4. What does everyone do about banking services? Is there a nearby bank that allows the participants to open free accounts to deposit paychecks and obtain cash? Does that bank have ATM's in the area where its customers can withdraw cash without paying a fee? Does Disney offer direct deposit to accounts at this or any other bank?

Disney does not give them paychecks. They get a "pay card"- like a debit card, sort of. Their pay is automatically loaded on the card each payday. So there is no need to deposit checks. The card can be used anywhere a debit/credit card is accepted. I believe they can use it in any ATMs as well.
If you really want, they can arrange direct deposit into your local bank. Then if she has a debit card and/or credit card there, she can use that for spending money. We thought we'd do direct deposit, but the pay card was already set up and proved very convenient.

5. Do the participants get a secure storage area where they can keep things like their suitcases or any other things they won't need on a daily basis?

No storage areas, but the walk-in closets are ample and have a couple of high shelves to get rarely used items out of the way (like suitcases or storage containers). And we brought "under the bed" storage boxes for more easy access to sheets, and a few other items.

Hope these answers helped!

 

[KCMiller]

I don't think the discount can be retroactive because in order to get the discount the CP has to make the reservation on the Hub.

And, it's OK "to be a mom" and hang around. I had a last minute change in plans and had to fly back after I dropped my DD off. I was a mess all the way home back to California. AND she lost her phone the very first day somewhere between her apartment and Walmart. Found that out when my older DD picked me up from LAX. What we discovered from that incident was, my youngest DD would lose her head if it wasn't attached to her body. Smart child, but can't hang on to her keys, phone or wallet. Thank goodness they wore lanyards.

Thanks! How soon after she checks in is she able to go on the 'Hub' and make reservations and such? How soon will she be able to use the other discounts she gets, such as guest passes?

I appreciate the help!

KC

 

[DISshopkeeper]

My daughter checks in the same day!!

My daughter is coming for the fall program with a check-in on Monday, August 22. We are arriving on Saturday, the 20th and staying at the nearby Saratoga Springs using DVC points. I am planning to rent a car for at least a few days to help with move-in, shopping, etc. I plan to hang around the resort until Thursday, the 25th in case I can help with some shopping or other errands. Otherwise, I plan to enjoy the resort (it's tough duty but someone has to do it.)

Can someone help describe for me what check in day is like and how much the parents are able to help with moving in? Specifically,

1. How early is too early to get there? If check-in starts at 9 AM we would plan to get there no later than that, but is there any reason or advantage to getting there early?

2. When can my daughter actually move in to her apartment? Is it available as soon as she checks in? Can the parents help at this time, even if just to take bags into the room? Or does the actual, physical move-in take place later in the day? Because I will be staying so close, I could just as easily hang around the resort and come back later instead of sitting around the apartments waiting for her to be available to move in.

3. I understand that the day after check in is a "free" day where the participants have no scheduled activities. Is that right? I thought that that might be a perfect day to run errands like buying work shoes and getting an initial supply of groceries.

4. What does everyone do about banking services? Is there a nearby bank that allows the participants to open free accounts to deposit paychecks and obtain cash? Does that bank have ATM's in the area where its customers can withdraw cash without paying a fee? Does Disney offer direct deposit to accounts at this or any other bank?

5. Do the participants get a secure storage area where they can keep things like their suitcases or any other things they won't need on a daily basis?

Thanks for any help.

 

[kikiq]

Thanks! How soon after she checks in is she able to go on the 'Hub' and make reservations and such? How soon will she be able to use the other discounts she gets, such as guest passes?

I appreciate the help! KC

She won't be able to go on the hub until she receives her first few days of training when they get their assignments and "how tos". I would say within a week of her starting. I just talked to my DD (she's graduating!!!) and should have asked her. She started in June and we made a trip in August with her BFF's family, used her main gate passes. Then I came in October, she made reservations at POP.

 

[Libbysmom91]

My daughter will also be arriving on Aug. 22! We're so excited, and also anxious. I have a lot of the same questions as you, and have been looking over old posts, hoping to find some answers and tips about what to do. Mine will be working in QSFB, what about yours?

 

[Libbysmom91]

My daughter is also checking in on Aug. 22! She'll be working in QSFB, where will yours be? We're so excited, and a little nervous. Hoping to find some good info here, and maybe some moms to communicate with.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

My daughter is also checking in on Aug. 22! She'll be working in QSFB, where will yours be? We're so excited, and a little nervous. Hoping to find some good info here, and maybe some moms to communicate with.

My DD will be in merchandise. She can hardly WAIT until Aug 22!

 

[scoopmorgan]

My daughter is checking in on Aug. 22nd, also! She's arriving onthe 21st, and spending the night across from where their orientation will take place. I know she will be working food service. She asked for Casey's Corner, but won't know for sure until check-in. She has found a few friends on this board, who will be rooming with her. I am nearly as excited for her, as she is for herself! I wonder how many kids begin on the 22nd? Any clues?

 

[scoopmorgan]

Is anyone else planning to travel to WDW to visit their kids while they are in the CP program? I have always wanted to go to WDW, so this was my perfect excuse!

 

[SIMJUN]

We are going at Christmas. We have two kids on the college program this fall and one doing a professional internship.

Just hope they can all get some time off together.

 

[SportsChick]

Be prepared for not a lot of time off - The week going into Christmas and then up to New Year's was crazy for me - I had one day off in 2 1/2 weeks. I had December 22nd off and then didn't have another day off until the end of my program, January 7th.

 

[SIMJUN]

Thanks, I realise that the holidays are the busiest time. DS did the college program and we visited hi at Chritmas too (2009). We did manage to see quite a bit of him, but I doubt we will get many days when they have free time together.

 

[disneyworldaddict]

My daughter's best friend is starting the program Aug 8 and we will be visiting her Aug 20. One of our daughter is considering the program also, but not until next summer, so she wants to check it out when we visit. I know interns families can get discounts, but I was wondering if friends can also. My husband and I are passholders, but our daughters are not, is it possible for their friend to get them a discount?

 

[Dreamstuff]

Yeah you can get discounts for friends. As long as the Cast Member is present it can be done.

 

[Libbysmom91]

Is anyone else planning to travel to WDW to visit their kids while they are in the CP program? I have always wanted to go to WDW, so this was my perfect excuse!

We're planning a couple of trips... We're taking her down on the 21st, helping her get settled, but won't go to the parks then, as it's too hot! I think we'll go sometime in October, and then again late December, or January. I've always wanted to see WDW decorated for Christmas... We're counting the days!

 

[Tink431]

We are heading down in 13 days to see our son who has been in the DCP since May. He is at the concierge desk at the All Star Resorts. He is have a great time, making friends and contacts. He was planning on coming home in January, but may be extending to May. He was able to get a few days off during the time we are there and will also catch up with us on days he is working for at least one meal. I can hardly wait. Its been a long three months waiting to see him. I hope to go back in Jan/Feb if he does decide to stay until May.

 

[scoopmorgan]

I know there are some veteran parents on here, who might be able to help me. My daughter is already away at school, and we'll only see her briefly to take her to the airport when she goes to the CP. We use Skype and internet a lot. She has purchased bedding, towels, and other personal items, but I don't know if she'll need other things. I'm thinking maybe a small fan... how's the A/C in these units? Are bedbugs a problem in Florida? Does she need a mattress cover to protect herself? Did your kids report things they wished they had brought along? Do they furnish alarm clocks? TV's, or just basic furniture?

She's been saving up for a while, and will have some funds when she arrives, but if there are things Mom can provide before-hand, I would feel much better about it. Any and all hints are welcome!Thanks

 

[Berlioz70]

The apartments only provide the basics, so she will need to provide things like an alarm clock, hangers, toliet paper, and other daily necessities.

I recommend a fan, not for temperature, but for the noise. I had a roommate who closed every night and got home at 2 am... then I had a roommate the opened every morning and left at 4 am. Having a fan provides some extra noise as roommates come and go all hours of the day/night.

I had no problems with bugs, but recommend a mattress pad for a little extra cusion on the beds.

TVs are not provided. If she lives in Vista or Chatham there is only one jack in the living room. If she lives in Patterson then there are also jacks in the bedrooms.

Other recommendations - wireless modem, laundry bag that's easy to transport to the laundry buildings, and a shower caddy.

 

[Tink431]

i kept the list I used for my son this May in case he decides to go down again, I didn't want to forget anything

I asked him if he wanted to send anything home and the only thing from this list was the one suit and a few dress shirts.

Money, ID, lunch bag, Lanyard, Toilet paper, paper towels, laundry det, dish wash det, kitchen towels, cleanser, facial soap, dress shirts, undershirts, shorts, casual shirts, dress pants, ties, socks, belts, underwear, suit coat, razor, lock for locker, umbrella, rain poncho, toothpast, sheets, blanket, pillows, trashbags, towels, meds, powerstrip, electronics, laptop, laptop lock, camera, bathing suit, pj sneaks, sweat shirts, sweat pants, flip flops, sunglasses, extra phone, chargers, bathroom essentials, alarm clock, laundry basket, hangers, calendar, reusuable grocey bags (great for runs to walmart on the bus), watch, bed risers, extension cord, beach towel, shower curtain, shower organizer, bath mat, floor mat, air freshner, labels (food), sharpie (food), paper plates, DVDs, shampoo, body soap, dry erase board, toothpaste, suntan loation, walmart gift cards, Cash. I sent curtains down with him also, but I don't think he was allow to put them up. Now of course you would need to make adjustments for your daughter with some of the dress items, but so far I think all he really needed to go to walmart for was food and anything he may ran out of. Sorry if the list is all over the place, but we had to put it together within only a few weeks of him leaving.

 

[scoopmorgan]

Other recommendations - wireless modem, laundry bag that's easy to transport to the laundry buildings, and a shower caddy.

thanks, I would've overlooked a laundry bag! duh! Having W/D at home, she won't have thought of it either, I reckon! And a shower Caddy is very handy too, with roommates. Thanks for the tips!