Disney College Program for Parents Thread...

[joybeth]

She should know her job. DD called me excited she was accepted, I asked what job and she said that the email didn't say. Then she went back on the computer, went to her dashboard or a link and it gave her the job and the wage. We have no first hand experience with loans but this is a college internship and should not affect that. Once she graduates they should kick in for payment.

Make sure that you check with her school regarding loans. If they are not still enrolled full time while doing the program they will have to start paying on loans. My daughter received full time credit for doing the program so it wasn't a problem, but all schools are different. When my daughter did her first program Spring 2012 I remember reading posts from many parents who were suddenly scrambling because they were not aware that financial aid would be interrupted and loans would have to go into payment status. Just get it all checked out with her school.

My daughter was just accepted for Fall 2014, Merchandise. She is so excited to return to Disney for another CP!

jb

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

My daughter accepted for the fall program today, start date Aug 17. I'll drive down from Chicago area with her and fly home so she has her car. What hotel can you recommend I stay at for a couple days? Thanks!

We are moving our son down from central Illinois August 11. He will be doing QSFB for fall. His girlfriend is doing Merchandising for fall. Her parents are driving down with her in her car and flying home. We have concerns about my sons car making the drive. Until I have it checked out by a mechanic, the plan is that we will ship the car down and drive him down. I want him to have his car because I've heard it makes it much easier.

 

[BadDad]

My daughter accepted for the fall program today, start date Aug 17. I'll drive down from Chicago area with her and fly home so she has her car. What hotel can you recommend I stay at for a couple days? Thanks!

My kids are in the program now.

We stayed at ASMu (Broadway), and took the Magical Express to MCO (Southwest) - we liked it. I would avoid ASMo

ASMo: Families
ASMu: Dance squads, HS bands, etc
ASSp: Sports teams

 

[carol-lamb]

My daughter accepted for the fall program today, start date Aug 17. I'll drive down from Chicago area with her and fly home so she has her car. What hotel can you recommend I stay at for a couple days? Thanks!

My daughter did Spring '13 and extended twice. I went down with her and stayed at Pop Century which is my favorite value resort.

 

[mobish]

My daughter accepted for the fall program today, start date Aug 17. I'll drive down from Chicago area with her and fly home so she has her car. What hotel can you recommend I stay at for a couple days? Thanks!

My daughter has done 2 CPs and is currently a PI so we've visited frequently! Pop is our favorite Value Resort with Port Orleans Riverside our choice for a moderate.

 

[Rvillediser]

Thanks so much for all the responses! We decided to stay at Pop (never have) (Port Orleans is our fave too) for a few days, it ended up being cheaper than the Holiday Inn and Dis will get us back to the airport!

 

[lacy1101]

My daughter is doing Fall 2014 QSFB. She selected September 2nd as her arrival date. Does she run the risk by not selecting an earlier date (I think August 18th was one of her choices) that she will not be able to get the complex she would prefer (i.e., Patterson)? Also, will she be moving into an apartment with girls that arrived before her, or only with girls arriving on the same date?

Another question that just came up - do the majority of these girls bring their parents for the move-in and 1st couple of days or so? We are in no way going to impose on her (I know she is going to be busy and trying to get to know her roommates etc.), but I just assumed we would accompany her down there (its a 12 hour drive), be there for check-in, help with moving her stuff in and unpacking, picking up supplies etc. Apparently, a couple of girls who just returned from the program in one of her classes told her that most people arrive on their own. Granted, these girls are both seniors so were 21+ when they did the program. I can see where girls of that age may not have their parents there, but our daughter will just have turned 19 in June. From what I've been reading on the College Parents Thread it sounds like the majority of the girls do have their parents there for the first day or so.

 

[MichelleVW]

My daughter is doing Fall 2014 QSFB. She selected September 2nd as her arrival date. Does she run the risk by not selecting an earlier date (I think August 18th was one of her choices) that she will not be able to get the complex she would prefer (i.e., Patterson)? Also, will she be moving into an apartment with girls that arrived before her, or only with girls arriving on the same date?

Another question that just came up - do the majority of these girls bring their parents for the move-in and 1st couple of days or so? We are in no way going to impose on her (I know she is going to be busy and trying to get to know her roommates etc.), but I just assumed we would accompany her down there (its a 12 hour drive), be there for check-in, help with moving her stuff in and unpacking, picking up supplies etc. Apparently, a couple of girls who just returned from the program in one of her classes told her that most people arrive on their own. Granted, these girls are both seniors so were 21+ when they did the program. I can see where girls of that age may not have their parents there, but our daughter will just have turned 19 in June. From what I've been reading on the College Parents Thread it sounds like the majority of the girls do have their parents there for the first day or so.

Can't help you on the housing question, but my daughter's check in date is June 9th and I'm driving down with her. She is 23 and perfectly capable of checking in by herself but we live in Texas and it's a 19 hour drive. My plans are just to be there if she needs/wants my help but other than that I will either be at the pool at the resort or the parks with some friends of mine that are there the same week. I will be flying home on Thursday of that week.

 

[Rvillediser]

I cannot help with the housing question either (although my daughter checks in 8/18). She'll be 23 and we're driving down from the Chicagoland area with her so she has her car and flying home late on the 19th.

 

[mobish]

we've been through 2 check in days and it always helps to have an extra pair of hands for move in, electronic set up and Walmart runs. After move in day they are busy with housing meetings, roommates, etc. Usually they assign roommates based on move in date meaning the entire apartment moves in the same day. Last program my daughter got her third choice complex (out of three) even though she arrived on the second date available so I don't think that matters unless you are the absolute last one in. Good luck to your daughter it is a great experience!

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

My daughter is doing Fall 2014 QSFB. She selected September 2nd as her arrival date. Does she run the risk by not selecting an earlier date (I think August 18th was one of her choices) that she will not be able to get the complex she would prefer (i.e., Patterson)? Also, will she be moving into an apartment with girls that arrived before her, or only with girls arriving on the same date?

Another question that just came up - do the majority of these girls bring their parents for the move-in and 1st couple of days or so? We are in no way going to impose on her (I know she is going to be busy and trying to get to know her roommates etc.), but I just assumed we would accompany her down there (its a 12 hour drive), be there for check-in, help with moving her stuff in and unpacking, picking up supplies etc. Apparently, a couple of girls who just returned from the program in one of her classes told her that most people arrive on their own. Granted, these girls are both seniors so were 21+ when they did the program. I can see where girls of that age may not have their parents there, but our daughter will just have turned 19 in June. From what I've been reading on the College Parents Thread it sounds like the majority of the girls do have their parents there for the first day or so.

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.

 

[BadDad]

My daughter is doing Fall 2014 QSFB. She selected September 2nd as her arrival date. Does she run the risk by not selecting an earlier date (I think August 18th was one of her choices) that she will not be able to get the complex she would prefer (i.e., Patterson)? Also, will she be moving into an apartment with girls that arrived before her, or only with girls arriving on the same date?

I have 2 kids in the program: S22, D19, both had the same start date

Both requested Chatham, Patterson, Commons (in that order) wanted to be close to each other as to help each other, go to the parks together, etc-

D19: Chatham
S22: Vista Way, wasn't on his list, in addition, 4 of his roommates, didn't select Vista Way either. The property manager told them, that they needed to place them together, tough luck.

All on the same date, all with the same departure date.

 

[Summertime]

Hi - my daughter is there now. When she moved in, all the parents were there helping. Before move in day we did a Walmart/Target trip and then another one on move in day. Also grocery shopping and Best Buy as they needed some modem thing. All roommates have to have to have the same move in day. My thoughts anyway - the more roommates the better. My daughter very rarely sees her roommates as they all seem to work different schedules. If there are lots of roommates, there is a better chance that someone is around to go in to the parks, do errands or whatever. As for picking apartments - even though Vista gets a bad "party" rap and it's older, it may be a better choice as there are always kids around. The other apartments are more like regular apartments and nobody hangs out. It's weird.

 

[mobish]

Very true about Vista. My daughter was in Chatham for her first program then Vista for her second CP. The Vista apartment was old and dingy but there were lots more people around and now two of them are her roommates in non Disney housing.

 

[Rvillediser]

Finally good to hear some not so unsavory comments on Vista Way! That location certainly has reputation that dates back for years (from what I've been reading).

 

[Summertime]

My daughter is in Patterson now and even though the landscaping is very nice, the apartments are basic and it wasn't super clean when she moved in. I scrubbed the tub and bathroom floor and it was pretty gross......so I'd plan on a little cleaning whatever apartment he/she ends up in. Also, if they don't have a car, Walgreens is next door to Vista. Saying this - I was there for check-in day as that is where they all go in the morning and the landscaping was just o.k. and I have never been in one of the apartments. It just seems to have a better atmosphere for the kids. I also don't know how much "partying" really goes on there and if it is crazy at night like I've read on blogs. Patterson is really lame like I've read.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Vista Way has a bad reputation, but it's mostly undeserved. I lived in Vista during my CP, and my apartment was fine. It was actually nicer than the apartment I had my senior year of school. I also didn't have a party constantly going on in my living room. My roommates and I were all pretty laid back (didn't know anyone ahead of time), and even though we were all of age, none of us were heavy partiers.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Vista Way has a bad reputation, but it's mostly undeserved. I lived in Vista during my CP, and my apartment was fine. It was actually nicer than the apartment I had my senior year of school. I also didn't have a party constantly going on in my living room. My roommates and I were all pretty laid back (didn't know anyone ahead of time), and even though we were all of age, none of us were heavy partiers.

I guess it depends on who you talk to as to whether Vista Way deserves it's reputation or not. My DD was there last spring/summer but she lived in Patterson and later moved to Chatham. Anyway while she was there she knew a group of 6 who were all termed the same day for a sex party at Vista.
I also knew other people from other years who had equally interesting stories to tell about Vista. It was where you went to 'Hook Up'. And the following morning you did the 'Walk of Shame.' Some long time friends....Some are now current Disney Cast Members.
There were also chronic bug problems in at least some of the buildings last year at Vista. They fumigated there way more than anywhere else. These were fellow CPers that my DD worked with commenting/complaining. They were living it. Why would they lie to her??
We have all found 8 girls in a unit RARELY ever goes well!!!! Someone will get ganged up on. Seen it happen TOO MANY times. And it is really ugly when one girl works an early shift and none of the others do and they make too much noise for her to sleep! Seen that happen more times than I ever should have. And the rest of the apt is nasty to the one who asks them to turn the volume down. YUP. Personally I think 4 is a nice number.... not too many but more than 1 other. They will be surprised how often they are together. And sometimes it's nice to have some quiet space!
Good Luck to those going in!

 

[mobish]

Girls in groups are rough in any setting, apartments, teams, just the way it is. My daughter lived in a 2 bedroom in Chatham first program then a 3 bedroom at Vista (not requested) for her second. Someone was termed from each apartment for work related issues. It amazes me that with all the screening and interviewing that so many wackos still slip through. Best advice is to stay neutral and out of the line of fire! In both programs her best friendships were developed at work. Those are the people you spend most of your time with and have similar schedules to socialize. I agree that the 4 person setting had far less drama.

 

[Joanna71985]

Hello everyone! My daughter just got accepted today and I have a couple of questions. First, she was offered Quick Service Food and Beverage. Can she request an alternate position or does she have to accept what's offered? Secondly, she was actually prepared to decline the offer if she was accepted since she will just be a college sophomore in the fall and thought maybe it would be better if she waited until her junior or senior year. Of course, now that she has actually been accepted, she is so excited and isn't sure what to do. Does anyone here have any thoughts on which is better-earlier or later in your college career? Thanks and congrats to all those here who have been accepted and good luck to all those who are waiting to hear...

As others have mentioned, you aren't able to switch roles unfortunately (unless for medical reasons). QSFB isn't that bad though- I did that on one of my CPs. As for when to go- there really isn't a bad time to do the CP. My first program was after 1 semester, and my last CP was right after graduating (with 3 in between those).

My daughter is doing Fall 2014 QSFB. She selected September 2nd as her arrival date. Does she run the risk by not selecting an earlier date (I think August 18th was one of her choices) that she will not be able to get the complex she would prefer (i.e., Patterson)? Also, will she be moving into an apartment with girls that arrived before her, or only with girls arriving on the same date?

Another question that just came up - do the majority of these girls bring their parents for the move-in and 1st couple of days or so? We are in no way going to impose on her (I know she is going to be busy and trying to get to know her roommates etc.), but I just assumed we would accompany her down there (its a 12 hour drive), be there for check-in, help with moving her stuff in and unpacking, picking up supplies etc. Apparently, a couple of girls who just returned from the program in one of her classes told her that most people arrive on their own. Granted, these girls are both seniors so were 21+ when they did the program. I can see where girls of that age may not have their parents there, but our daughter will just have turned 19 in June. From what I've been reading on the College Parents Thread it sounds like the majority of the girls do have their parents there for the first day or so.

Typically people room with others from that check-in date. However, every once in awhile some will wind up with a roomate that came before/after them.

Also- for all my programs, my dad came to help me check in. He usually left the day after (but my first program, he left 2 days later)