Disney College Program for Parents Thread...

[Fargoman2]

Here is a taxi rate finder for Orlando:
http://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=Orlando

Thanks, but I tried this link and even when I put in the exact correct addresses it showed it as a 16 mile trip, which it is not...

any other ideas?

 

[vellamint]

I just made reservations for the Cinderella Breakfast for our last day .... when we have to leave them there.... I dont even know if their schedules will accommodate this but I think it is the perfect way to leave our Princesses (for 7 months).

I can feel myself starting to cry already...

 

[famouschinesec]

Add me to the parents list!!


my DS just got his email ... he's coming home this weekend and we'll pick dates, etc.

Is there a Facebook group for Spring 2013? Did I see that somewhere?

Here's one: https://www.facebook.com/groups/217859881623225/
There is also a subgroup formed from that group just for my daughter's check in date. That is how she found roommates.

 

[AnnaS]

Does anyone have any idea how big the lockers are? (big enough for laptop, etc.).

TIA.

Just saw it on youtube - always forget about this great tool

 

[westjones]

My DD wants to do the college program, but I am telling her she can't apply until she shows me she has the 'life skills' to do it.

Would most of you say your kids had good 'life skills' before going?

Like:

-being able to keep up with their laundry
-keeping their room clean
-closing cereal and cracker boxes so they don't go stale (or in Florida, so bugs don't crawl in).
-putting stuff away after they have used it.
-wiping up toothpaste and hair from the bathroom sinks.

Honestly, I don't think anyone would want to live with my DD at this time, and I don't think she can handle a job and also planning for her groceries and sundries and doing that shopping. And just budgeting her money to be able to do all of that.

HER thinking is.....in this type of program she would be forced to do all of that and she would be able to handle it. MY thinking is....show me you can do these things FIRST and then I will be OK with you applying.

I realize she is an adult and doesn't need my permission, but there is no other way for her to get to Florida and back, and I believe you have to put a deposit down on the apartment and stuff like that, so in reality she may not legally need my permission, but she needs me in order to go.

So I would love some input.

 

[Andtototoo]

My DD wants to do the college program, but I am telling her she can't apply until she shows me she has the 'life skills' to do it.

Would most of you say your kids had good 'life skills' before going?

Like:

-being able to keep up with their laundry
-keeping their room clean
-closing cereal and cracker boxes so they don't go stale (or in Florida, so bugs don't crawl in).
-putting stuff away after they have used it.
-wiping up toothpaste and hair from the bathroom sinks.

Honestly, I don't think anyone would want to live with my DD at this time, and I don't think she can handle a job and also planning for her groceries and sundries and doing that shopping. And just budgeting her money to be able to do all of that.

HER thinking is.....in this type of program she would be forced to do all of that and she would be able to handle it. MY thinking is....show me you can do these things FIRST and then I will be OK with you applying.

I realize she is an adult and doesn't need my permission, but there is no other way for her to get to Florida and back, and I believe you have to put a deposit down on the apartment and stuff like that, so in reality she may not legally need my permission, but she needs me in order to go.

So I would love some input.

From one mom to another, I think you are correct and I wouldn't be aiding and abetting her to go.

Two of my dd's three rommates did not have those life skills going into the CP. They never acquired them during the entire CP. Their behavior did have a direct and negative impact on my dd and the 4th roommate who were reasonably responsible 18 year olds. I will say with all honesty that my dd and the fourth roommate grew to LOATHE those two girls. It oten made for a tense home environment.

I'd also note that being in the CP and working at Disney requires a great deal of responsibility, therefore if your dd refuses to close cereal boxes and clean up after herself, she's not a good candidate for these jobs. One of those girls got termed because her lack of personal responsibility manifested itself in a lack of job responsibility. The other girl somehow managed to avoid getting termed, but also grew to loathe Disney and the 'nightmare' of living with roommates. (She complained bitterly and endlessly when asked to take ONE turn of throwing away trash in four months. "It's so unfair!" was her mantra. When her mother visited, she was appalled by her behavior and apologized to my dd, but her efforts at talking to her daughter about it fell on deaf ears.)

So on both a social level and on a working level, I'd say that your dd is not mature enough to be in the CP.

 

[westjones]

Thanks. That is what I thought.

 

[vickyp91]

we are going to encourage ours to leave the car here. we were at WDW last week and talked to a CPer who has her car there and regrets it. Everyone bugs her for a ride and she said it has to be easier without a car.

I am doing the college program now and I have my car with me and it makes life so much easier! The bus system can take a ridiculous amount of time and the buses some times won't even show up. I work at DTD so it isn't a far drive at all. It cuts my travel time in half. Some of my roommates don't have cars and they have to extremely early for their shifts. Around 1-2 hours before they are scheduled. So I encourage CPs to bring their car. It's easier for Walmart runs too!

 

[grlwonder]

Hey there! I'm not a parent, but I am asking this question that my mom wants to know and I want to hear what other parents are doing to help their kids who are doing the dcp.

I got accepted for spring advantage and I just paid my fee and I have to pick an arrival date. Right now the only choices I see are two days for January and two dates for February and they are all on the weekday.

What my mom and I would like to know is what are you guys doing to prepare for taking your child to Disney when it comes to think such as work?

 

[AnnaS]

Hey there! I'm not a parent, but I am asking this question that my mom wants to know and I want to hear what other parents are doing to help their kids who are doing the dcp.

I got accepted for spring advantage and I just paid my fee and I have to pick an arrival date. Right now the only choices I see are two days for January and two dates for February and they are all on the weekday.

What my mom and I would like to know is what are you guys doing to prepare for taking your child to Disney when it comes to think such as work?

I am not sure exactly what you mean. Hubby and I are driving down and arrive the day before my dd check's in. We will be taking with us anything we can bring from home - sheets, towels, comforter and some supplies. We are staying an additional 6 nights just in case we need to make a run to Walmart for something.

Are you also asking preparing our dd for her job experience there? Besides the usual advice she has been working p/t at home for a year. I will be taking about 10 days off without pay so I can take her down - but have a tiny p/t job at home. Thankfully I can do this at work.

 

[grlwonder]

I am not sure exactly what you mean. Hubby and I are driving down and arrive the day before my dd check's in. We will be taking with us anything we can bring from home - sheets, towels, comforter and some supplies. We are staying an additional 6 nights just in case we need to make a run to Walmart for something.

Are you also asking preparing our dd for her job experience there? Besides the usual advice she has been working p/t at home for a year. I will be taking about 10 days off without pay so I can take her down - but have a tiny p/t job at home. Thankfully I can do this at work.

I don't know how to say it.. but what I mean is that my arrival date is on weekday, say like a Tuesday. My parents are driving me up to Disney but since it is on a weekday my dad has to work. Do you think my dad has to take that day off? That's basically what my question is, if you guys are taking time off to take your child to disney?

Sorry if it was confusing! haha!

 

[Andtototoo]

I don't know how to say it.. but what I mean is that my arrival date is on weekday, say like a Tuesday. My parents are driving me up to Disney but since it is on a weekday my dad has to work. Do you think my dad has to take that day off? That's basically what my question is, if you guys are taking time off to take your child to disney?

Sorry if it was confusing! haha!

Yes, both my husband and I had to take vacation days from work to bring our dd to the CP. Our other alternative was to send her there on her own -- which some people do.

 

[AnnaS]

I don't know how to say it.. but what I mean is that my arrival date is on weekday, say like a Tuesday. My parents are driving me up to Disney but since it is on a weekday my dad has to work. Do you think my dad has to take that day off? That's basically what my question is, if you guys are taking time off to take your child to disney?

Sorry if it was confusing! haha!

LOL - no - just wanted to make sure I was answering right. You live there in Florida? Not sure how far away you are. I think most of us are coming from out of state - I have also read where some of you (CP interns) are coming alone without parents. I guess depending on finances, work vacations, etc. there is no right or wrong procedure. Alone, both or one parents - whatever works.

 

[grlwonder]

LOL - no - just wanted to make sure I was answering right. You live there in Florida? Not sure how far away you are. I think most of us are coming from out of state - I have also read where some of you (CP interns) are coming alone without parents. I guess depending on finances, work vacations, etc. there is no right or wrong procedure. Alone, both or one parents - whatever works.

I live three hours away from Disney. I don't have my license, which is why my parents are going to take me there.

I guess my dad could take the day off in the morning and drive back the same day, I don't want him to miss work.

But thanks for help!

 

[Yvette563]

Hey there! I'm not a parent, but I am asking this question that my mom wants to know and I want to hear what other parents are doing to help their kids who are doing the dcp.

I got accepted for spring advantage and I just paid my fee and I have to pick an arrival date. Right now the only choices I see are two days for January and two dates for February and they are all on the weekday.

What my mom and I would like to know is what are you guys doing to prepare for taking your child to Disney when it comes to think such as work?

grlwonder,

I am flying out to Florida with my daughter who checks in on Jan 7th. My husband is also taking time off while I'm out there with her but he is staying home with our other children. A few of my daughters roomates will be flying out and checking in alone because their parents aren't able to either take the time off or afford the outrageous plane tickets. There honestly isn't an right or wrong way, it's just whatever makes you and your parents feel comfortable.

 

[AnnaS]

I live three hours away from Disney. I don't have my license, which is why my parents are going to take me there.

I guess my dad could take the day off in the morning and drive back the same day, I don't want him to miss work.

But thanks for help!

Would your mom be able to take you? Then again, I know I would rather go with hubby - he is my gps, etc. They can leave early and drop you off and head back. Good luck!!

I hope all you guys help each other out one way or another.

 

[jmqidoc]

HI there.. personally I would not miss being there for my daughter on this part of her journey. I know for many it is not only financially difficult but could also be difficult for work especially if they are not able to take the time off. We will be flying in on Saturday evening. Her checkin is Monday. I was lucky enough to get our flights with AirMilage. For us.. we will be staying at one of the Value Resorts. To fly in and get transportation to hotel will save us some $$. I will be staying till Wednesday. I will be renting a car on one of the days to help her with grocery shopping or such. Monday is her checking.. Tuesday I will reserve that day for her to spend moving in and acquainting herself with roommates. I really dont thing she will need me past Monday.. but I will be there just in case.. I know my daughter well enough and know she will enjoy the time we spend before her program. I am self employed and am taking the three days off from work. Yes I am losing $$ in taking time off.. but for me its easily fixed. I will just work a bit harder a few days after I return.
Grlwonder... if your father is unable to stay once he gets you there that is ok. Parents are not needed other than for the Parental Bank shopping for first groceries and such. If you need to stay a night before the day of checkin there is a Hotel just across the street of Vistaway. Many CP's stay there the night before and walk across the street to line up on checking day. Once the line starts moving and you are processing.. Parents and familymembers/friends can either leave or stay in a designated area.
If you are concerned with the necessity of your parents "having" to stay for Disney reasons, no worries. Once you sign in you have transportation to the places Disney related such as casting and apartments. Only thing you will need transportation for would be grocery shopping. You might be lucky and meet some CP's willing to help with transportation to a store.
I hope this helps.. I know it is difficult to figure out how to do this all. And I agree.. it is for many of us.. financially challenging.. but.. ohmy.. You Got In...
Keep the magic going.. dont sweat about the how to's it all falls into place..

 

[RogerRadcliffe]

I live three hours away from Disney. I don't have my license, which is why my parents are going to take me there.

I guess my dad could take the day off in the morning and drive back the same day, I don't want him to miss work.

But thanks for help!

Hello!

The simplest way would be your Dad or Mum giving you a ride down to Lake Buena Vista (The Walt Disney World Property) to the housing complex to Vista Way where a majority of the Check-ins are.

Since your available arrival dates are in January, that should be more than enough time for him to communicate it to his place of business. About 3 months notice, give or take.

I'm sure he'd also love to see his daughter off, and spend some time with you as well.

I'd recommend just talking with him as most arrival dates, no matter what, are going to be on a weekday. They usually fall on a Monday or Tuesday, depending on your program. No weekends, unfortunately due to viable reasons. Inform him of everything and just ask what works best from him.

Have a Magical Day!

 

[grlwonder]

I really appreciate all the help! We are working on trying to see if we can stay the night before check-in. My mom wouldn't like to drive me to the dcp since she doesn't like driving alone, and yeah my dad is her gps haha! My dad is trying to get time off in advance, so hopefully everything works out fine.

Thanks again!

 

[RogerRadcliffe]

I really appreciate all the help! We are working on trying to see if we can stay the night before check-in. My mom wouldn't like to drive me to the dcp since she doesn't like driving alone, and yeah my dad is her gps haha! My dad is trying to get time off in advance, so hopefully everything works out fine.

Thanks again!

I don't know if you've looked at hotel locations quite yet, but most CP's stay at the Sunspree since it's a walk away from Vista Way.

I'd personally go with one of the Disney Property Hotels, if you can get a reservation in time. The most popular that I've heard of is the Value Resorts, mainly the Pop Century Resort. Art of Animation is pretty neat as well since it's the newest. Makes one night memorable, really.

Have a Magical Day!