Disney College Program for Parents Thread...

[AnnaS]

Hello,

My son reports on Memorial Day (May 27), and he/I are driving down to Orlando together in his car, and I am flying back to Ohio. I am hoping to get my airplane ticket soon, and I am wondering if anyone can shed some insight as to what happens Report Day. Do I drop him off between 7-9 and then he's so busy I won't be able to see him again? Is it like dropping a student off at college, so he checks in, gets his apartment, needs groceries, etc.?

Should I plan to fly home Report Day or the day afterward?

Thanks.

Karen

Hi karen,

I thought I answered. I would fly home the next day. Check-in day was super busy. We dropped my dd off actually at 3 am and went back to the resort. There were at least 50 people already in line. We went back at 7 am and stayed at the parent's welcome center. When dd was done - it was moving in time and then like pp poster - trip to Walmart for shopping and back to the apartment. We stayed a few days and glad we did since she had two days off (well a quick 1 hour housing meeting the next day) after that. Then Traditions, off two days again. I would definitely leave at least the next day.

 

[Ziggy]

Is there an ATM close to where the ICP cast members are staying and if so how much is it to use? I really don't want DD taking a lot of cash for day to day expenses and would rather she withdrew smaller amounts more often. I did read somewhere that chase are charging $5 per use which is scary if she's only withdrawing $40

 

[Joanna71985]

Is there an ATM close to where the ICP cast members are staying and if so how much is it to use? I really don't want DD taking a lot of cash for day to day expenses and would rather she withdrew smaller amounts more often. I did read somewhere that chase are charging $5 per use which is scary if she's only withdrawing $40

There should be an ATM at each housing complex

 

[Ziggy]

There should be an ATM at each housing complex

Thanks, have you any idea if they charge if you are not a member of their bank?

 

[Joanna71985]

Thanks, have you any idea if they charge if you are not a member of their bank?

I don't know (as I used the Disney bank, which is the ATM there). However, if I had to guess, I would say most likely

 

[Ziggy]

I don't know (as I used the Disney bank, which is the ATM there). However, if I had to guess, I would say most likely

Sorry to be a pain with all the questions its just that DD is from the uk so the logistics are a bit more complicated. I was going to get her a prepayment card (from the uk) and keep loading it with money as she needed it, she'd use this for general day to day cash, she'd then use her credit card for larger purchases.

 

[cherylleigh59]

My daughter was recently accepted into the fall advantage program. She will be working in Full service food and beverage as a hostess. Does anyone have a child who worked in that area? If so, at what restaurant? Did they enjoy it?

 

[Berlioz70]

Is there an ATM close to where the ICP cast members are staying and if so how much is it to use? I really don't want DD taking a lot of cash for day to day expenses and would rather she withdrew smaller amounts more often. I did read somewhere that chase are charging $5 per use which is scary if she's only withdrawing $40

ICPs are paid through a pay card - meaning everything she makes goes on the card that she can use to withdrawl cash/pay for items. It's through Partners FCU, who is the owner of all the ATMs at the housing and around property, so I do not believe she would have to worry about a charge.

The pay card is an option for regular CMs and CPs - but I'm fairly certain ALL ICPs are required to use it.

 

[Ziggy]

ICPs are paid through a pay card - meaning everything she makes goes on the card that she can use to withdrawl cash/pay for items. It's through Partners FCU, who is the owner of all the ATMs at the housing and around property, so I do not believe she would have to worry about a charge.

The pay card is an option for regular CMs and CPs - but I'm fairly certain ALL ICPs are required to use it.

Brilliant! Thank you so much. Is it possible for me to add funds to this card if she is running low? I want her to enjoy her experience and not find she is struggling to pay food bills, she will use her credit card for parks outside WDW and other large purchases.

 

[jking6]

I am not sure if you can add money to the cards. My daughter is currently in the DCP and I know if she has a card from home that is affiliated with a credit union then there is no charge if they use machines back stage at all parks. I know alot of people say the kids make enough. But I wanted my daughter to have a great time and not worry about waiting for payday if she wants to go to DTD for dinner. She uses are local bank card every once in awhile. I just always keep in touch and if she needs money I add it to her local account.

 

[wilkeliza]

Hey guys! My DD will be coming in Fall for Merchandise and we just aren't sure how much money she needs to bring with her. Can any alumni help us out? Thank you!

Not a parent just an Alumni. I brought 600 and most of it was gone by the time I got my first check. Keep in mind I don't have awesome parents who bought all my stuff and food during check in. I had to buy all my appliances and food myself (by appliances I mean TV, wireless router and Espresso Maker. Roommate never did pay her part of the tv or router even though she used it all the time).

Also the 600 was use for meals at work. I quickly learned to pack a lunch. I think on days I paid for food and snacks backstage at Epcot I easily spent 20 to 30 a day.

Also until traditions you can't get your discounts or park entree so keep that in mind.

Most people I know brought between 500 and 1000 depending on what they were doing like going to Universal with roomies or exploring Orlando. I think 500 is fine if you are going to pay for the Wal-Mart run if you expect them to pay save 1000. That way they don't feel left out if the roomies go out to Universal or Sea World.

 

[Ziggy]

I am not sure if you can add money to the cards. My daughter is currently in the DCP and I know if she has a card from home that is affiliated with a credit union then there is no charge if they use machines back stage at all parks. I know alot of people say the kids make enough. But I wanted my daughter to have a great time and not worry about waiting for payday if she wants to go to DTD for dinner. She uses are local bank card every once in awhile. I just always keep in touch and if she needs money I add it to her local account.

Thanks, I think I'll get her a prepayment card here in the UK which she can use in Florida and just keep topping it up as required, it will cost her at the ATMs but not if she uses it for transactions in stores, I'm guessing the ATM withdrawals will be about $3 but I'll take the hit for peace of mind knowing she isn't going short, this is a massive experience for her and I'd hate for her to lose out because she didn't have enough.

 

[jking6]

Thanks, I think I'll get her a prepayment card here in the UK which she can use in Florida and just keep topping it up as required, it will cost her at the ATMs but not if she uses it for transactions in stores, I'm guessing the ATM withdrawals will be about $3 but I'll take the hit for peace of mind knowing she isn't going short, this is a massive experience for her and I'd hate for her to lose out because she didn't have enough.

Keep in mind that every where is Disney she can use her card for credit and not get charged $3.00. You can even use it to buy a soda. No minimum at Disney. My daughter has only withdrawn money a few times since last August and that has been when someone got Discount tickets for her for Universal or picked up an exclusive limited item and she was working.
Good luck

 

[Ziggy]

Keep in mind that every where is Disney she can use her card for credit and not get charged $3.00. You can even use it to buy a soda. No minimum at Disney. My daughter has only withdrawn money a few times since last August and that has been when someone got Discount tickets for her for Universal or picked up an exclusive limited item and she was working.
Good luck

Wow, thank you so much, I feel more settled now...well until my next worry

 

[Berlioz70]

ICPs are paid through a pay card - meaning everything she makes goes on the card that she can use to withdrawl cash/pay for items. It's through Partners FCU, who is the owner of all the ATMs at the housing and around property, so I do not believe she would have to worry about a charge.

The pay card is an option for regular CMs and CPs - but I'm fairly certain ALL ICPs are required to use it.

I have to fix my own misinformation. The pay cards USED to be through Partners, but now they use a different company. I do not know what the ATM fees are like to use them.

Sorry!

 

[Ziggy]

I have to fix my own misinformation. The pay cards USED to be through Partners, but now they use a different company. I do not know what the ATM fees are like to use them.

Sorry!

No worries, thanks for your help

 

[Shelly]

Hello Everyone. Helping a very excited daughter plan for her may 20th check in. Custodial.I wanted to ask parents. Can you give me your thoughts on bedding.
I see they sell bed bug matress covers, but then dd says she needs a mattress topper. I was just going to give her a regualr quilted mattress pad.
Any ideas what would be best?
Thanks.

 

[wilkeliza]

Hello Everyone. Helping a very excited daughter plan for her may 20th check in. Custodial.I wanted to ask parents. Can you give me your thoughts on bedding.
I see they sell bed bug matress covers, but then dd says she needs a mattress topper. I was just going to give her a regualr quilted mattress pad.
Any ideas what would be best?
Thanks.

The beds are like what you would find in a camp. They are foam mattresses with no spring or anything. Almost everyone I knew had a mattress pad. Mine was 4 in because I bought a 2 in king and folded it in half.

 

[Wishes Count]

Hello Everyone. Helping a very excited daughter plan for her may 20th check in. Custodial.I wanted to ask parents. Can you give me your thoughts on bedding.
I see they sell bed bug matress covers, but then dd says she needs a mattress topper. I was just going to give her a regualr quilted mattress pad.
Any ideas what would be best?
Thanks.

She needs a mattress topper! One of those foam or egg crate type ones! As previous poster has said they are very hard, I actually think the ones I used at summer camp as a child were more comfortable.

 

[Shelly]

Thanks everyone. Now I need to ask how many days I should get park tickets for. I know it will be busy and dont want to waste money on a day I don't need. I have sunday our arrival day. Then wondering if I should bother for monday? then Tuesday is my last day.