Disney College Program for Parents Thread...

[Goofy4WDW1964]

We kept going back and forth on where to stay too.
The DTD hotels charge to park and may have other added fees.

we stayed at the Pop and Saratoga (rented pts) last year when our son checked in.
The prices were great and we loved being on property.

We also priced out shipping his truck but it was way too expensive compared to the auto train.

Good luck with everyone's plans.

Renting points is anther option I am looking into. Saratogo Springs would work out nicely because it isn't far to the housing. We have stayed there twice before and loved it, and, we love the pools there.

I wish the auto train was an option. I read your report on taking the auto train and it would have been perfect for us.

 

[reesecup]

So, I'm still trying to talk my daughter out of rooming with 7 other girls. She is just worried she will not find 3 other ones that are similar to her and checking in on the same day. Is there a board on here for the ones that will be coming in for this Fall? Our dd is coming in on Aug. 11th. I thought maybe I could help her find 3 other ones since she is not a member of the boards.

Also, still looking for anyone who has had experience in FULL service food and beverage. Just curious about what hours she may be looking at. I figure they will be mostly in the afternoon and night but hoping she may not be getting off too late. Thanks!

Good information about where to stay. We will probably just stay at Pop since it will be the cheapest but may look at renting points. We used to be DVC owners. Ugh! Wish we still were!! We will have some figuring out to do because we believe our son (18) will be moving down to Sarasota to attend Ringling college and he has to move in on / around the 13th so we will move her in first and then take him. Or since it's only about an hour and a half away, may move him on down first and then drive her up. Just have a lot of figuring out to do! Thanks for all the information!

 

[BadDad]

So, I'm still trying to talk my daughter out of rooming with 7 other girls. She is just worried she will not find 3 other ones that are similar to her and checking in on the same day. Is there a board on here for the ones that will be coming in for this Fall? Our dd is coming in on Aug. 11th. I thought maybe I could help her find 3 other ones since she is not a member of the boards.

7 roommates = 2 frigs
5 roommates = 1 frig

we believe our son (18) will be moving down to Sarasota to attend Ringling college and he has to move in on / around the 13th so we will move her in first and then take him.

Congratulations I hear Sony or Dreamworks hires alot of Ringling grads

 

[reesecup]

7 roommates = 2 frigs
5 roommates = 1 frig

Congratulations I hear Sony or Dreamworks hires alot of Ringling grads

Thank you! How many baths do the 8 student apartments have in them? I'm just worried about drama and I think 3 roommates would be better for her.

Thanks on the Congrats! He is so excited (we are too)! He's worked so hard for this; has spent his last two years of high school away at an art school, no license, no car (they could not take a car on campus so it was was crazy to pay insurance), etc. He has spent so many hours in the studio working on his art. He's a great kid (daughter is too) but boy, 11 hours away is going to be tough especially since he's only been 45 minutes away these past two years!

 

[DCPmom2014]

Renting points is anther option I am looking into. Saratogo Springs would work out nicely because it isn't far to the housing. We have stayed there twice before and loved it, and, we love the pools there.

I wish the auto train was an option. I read your report on taking the auto train and it would have been perfect for us.

We got a great deal on Groupon for the hotel below. Looks really convenient to the DCP apartments. We always stay at the Shades of Green because my DH is retired military but it is a Magic Kingdom hotel and bit further away. I think if you search deals on Groupon this one still pops up - incredibly cheap - one or two bedrooms

Grande Villas Resort — US
12118 Turtle Cay Circle
Orlando Florida 32836, US

 

[DCPmom2014]

So after hearing about the addition of bunkbeds and that a 2BR, 4 person is not longer an option at Chatham, trying to convince my DD to request a 1BR, 2 persons. Does anyone have any feedback on just having one other roommate? My DD is 21 (turning 22 in Aug) and has lived at home while going to college. I think going into a "dorm-like" situation with a bunch of roommates is not what she needs.

Any advice?

 

[stitchlovestink]

Thank you! How many baths do the 8 student apartments have in them? I'm just worried about drama and I think 3 roommates would be better for her.

Thanks on the Congrats! He is so excited (we are too)! He's worked so hard for this; has spent his last two years of high school away at an art school, no license, no car (they could not take a car on campus so it was was crazy to pay insurance), etc. He has spent so many hours in the studio working on his art. He's a great kid (daughter is too) but boy, 11 hours away is going to be tough especially since he's only been 45 minutes away these past two years!

My daughter did not live in one but visited one. She said they had 3 full baths and one half. Apparently those apartments are set up differently.
The 3 bedroom apartments the bathrooms are accessed from within the bedroom. So another roommate would have to go through your bedroom to get to your bathroom. I know this to be the case as I was in DD's unit.
Apparently with the four bedroom units the bathrooms are not accessed through bedrooms. Not sure if this helps or not.

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

We got a great deal on Groupon for the hotel below. Looks really convenient to the DCP apartments. We always stay at the Shades of Green because my DH is retired military but it is a Magic Kingdom hotel and bit further away. I think if you search deals on Groupon this one still pops up - incredibly cheap - one or two bedrooms

Grande Villas Resort — US
12118 Turtle Cay Circle
Orlando Florida 32836, US

Thanks, I will check this out.

I can't help with your question about roomates. This will be our sons first time living 'out on his own' as he also has been living at home while going to college. He has opted for the 3 bedroom with 5 additional roomates. I admit I had my concerns but am now relieved since it doesn't seem that the bunkbeds have made it into the 3 bedrooms, not that they can't eventually.

He doesn't seem to mind so that is a good thing.

 

[bethp1968]

My DD is in a 2 BR/2Bath unit at Patterson Court.. Each bedroom has 2 girls and those 2 share a bathroom. As of right now, the new bunkbed arrangement has not been added to their unit.

As far as drama goes, just because there are less girls, does not mean there will be less (or no) drama. My DD met her roomates on a Facebook group - they all skyped prior to meeting at check-in, got along great, made plans, etc.. She also met one of the girls face to face prior to arrival and everything was great. Then all of a sudden, there was a problem and drama ensued (wont go into details) and that girl has left the program. They now have a new roommate and all seems to be happy again

As far as where to stay prior to arrival day, I did not take my DD down (her grandparents did). However, I have read on some other groups, that if you call Disney and tell them your child is beginning the CP, they may give you a discount on the room rate. Not 100% sure, but it definately can't hurt to ask!

 

[DCPmom2014]

My DD is in a 2 BR/2Bath unit at Patterson Court.. Each bedroom has 2 girls and those 2 share a bathroom. As of right now, the new bunkbed arrangement has not been added to their unit.

As far as drama goes, just because there are less girls, does not mean there will be less (or no) drama. My DD met her roomates on a Facebook group - they all skyped prior to meeting at check-in, got along great, made plans, etc.. She also met one of the girls face to face prior to arrival and everything was great. Then all of a sudden, there was a problem and drama ensued (wont go into details) and that girl has left the program. They now have a new roommate and all seems to be happy again

As far as where to stay prior to arrival day, I did not take my DD down (her grandparents did). However, I have read on some other groups, that if you call Disney and tell them your child is beginning the CP, they may give you a discount on the room rate. Not 100% sure, but it definately can't hurt to ask!

Thanks for the info. My DD is not taking her car so Chatham and Vista are her best options. Although we love the idea of Patterson - just feel it won't work out due to the transportation issue.

As for drama since my DD is on the "older" side, hopeful that another roommate or two in the same age range (not 18 year olds) will minimize that! But you never know!!

 

[Summertime]

Chatham and Patterson are right across the street from each other - and it's a neighborhood area so basically they are right next to each other. The buses are right outside of Chatham, but if your daughter ends up in a building far from the front entrance, it would be no different than being at Patterson (at one of the closer buildings) - the walk is NOT far at all. My daughter is at Patterson without a car and it works fine (of course a car would be much better but it is doable without one). I'd say from her apartment to the bus stop is about 2 city blocks - if that far. They can track where the buses are on their phones so that is a help. There is also a monitor at the bus stop. The downside to Patterson is that nobody is ever outside for the kids to meet. All the blogs that say Patterson is way too quiet are right on the mark - it's bad for any socializing. As for roommate drama - I agree you can get it with 3 or 7 roommates. These kids work so many hours and especially taking the bus - they have to leave 1 to 1 1/2 hours before their shift starts in order to clock in on time. They are not in their apartments much at all. The bus has been a no show for my daughter a couple of times - they said it broke down, but there is a taxi that sits right near the security gates and she has had to take that a few times. I guess she could have called her manager and said she would be late - but she would have been about 45 minutes late if she did that.

 

[HopperFan]

DD is going down in the fall, so we did spring break there last week. We go often and know the area well but had never driven into the housing area. We drove all over and took pictures for her to send to her roommates. I wanted her driving everywhere this trip so she really had good feel for the area as I'm usually the one driving. Drove her to the closest Publix and Walmart etc. While you can drive on the road that goes through the complex and to the recreation area, the actual complexes are fenced and gated.

Chatham and Patterson are literally side by side and it would depend on location in either to determine the long walk to the bus. The bus stop is a building that has cover and a nice porch. Here is a map I marked if it helps anybody. Also a picture of the building by Chatham where bus stop is located.

 

[Summertime]

Great photos - I bet those will help people lots!

 

[PixieDustPrincessXO]

So, I'm still trying to talk my daughter out of rooming with 7 other girls. She is just worried she will not find 3 other ones that are similar to her and checking in on the same day. Is there a board on here for the ones that will be coming in for this Fall? Our dd is coming in on Aug. 11th. I thought maybe I could help her find 3 other ones since she is not a member of the boards.

Also, still looking for anyone who has had experience in FULL service food and beverage. Just curious about what hours she may be looking at. I figure they will be mostly in the afternoon and night but hoping she may not be getting off too late. Thanks!

Good information about where to stay. We will probably just stay at Pop since it will be the cheapest but may look at renting points. We used to be DVC owners. Ugh! Wish we still were!! We will have some figuring out to do because we believe our son (18) will be moving down to Sarasota to attend Ringling college and he has to move in on / around the 13th so we will move her in first and then take him. Or since it's only about an hour and a half away, may move him on down first and then drive her up. Just have a lot of figuring out to do! Thanks for all the information!

Hi there! I just finished a college program in January and had a friend who was full service f and b at Cinderella's Royal Table. She normally worked 2:00 ish until 11:00 pm ish it seemed.

 

[PixieDustPrincessXO]

Thanks for the info. My DD is not taking her car so Chatham and Vista are her best options. Although we love the idea of Patterson - just feel it won't work out due to the transportation issue.

As for drama since my DD is on the "older" side, hopeful that another roommate or two in the same age range (not 18 year olds) will minimize that! But you never know!!

Hi! I just finished my CP in January and lived in Patterson. It was by far the nicest out of the apartments and is less than a 5 minute walk from the Chatham bus stop! It wasn't too bad at all!

Also another note I did the program post grad at 22 and lived with all 19 year olds and I did wish I had chosen roommates closer in age to me so that we would have had similar experiences.

 

[PixieDustPrincessXO]

Is there anything you can do if someone in your apartment refuses to clean? I know I have read they have periodic inspections, but if it is one person that continuously refuses to pull there weight, is there any that can be done?

Not really. I just completed a CP and the apartment was always a mess until I stayed up all night before inspections to clean up everyone's messes with supplies I paid for. We would pass inspections and it would be disgusting within a week.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Not really. I just completed a CP and the apartment was always a mess until I stayed up all night before inspections to clean up everyone's messes with supplies I paid for. We would pass inspections and it would be disgusting within a week.

That is basically what my DD said...LoL.
She didn't have problems but one of her final roommates (who she ended up becoming BFFs with!) came from an AWFUL situation!! Her former roommate was a total slob and did some absolutely BIZARRE things!! Other roommates would come home and find her on the living room couch under a blanket and she would not have on ANY clothes...NOTHING!! She constantly made messes in the kitchen and NEVER cleaned up after herself. The other roommates went to "housing" collectively and "housing" set up a mediation meeting amongst ALL the girls and set up a "behavior contract" (or they may have called it something else) but ultimately nothing changed because they can't really impose any consequences. So it's not really enforceable. Basically it just wasted the other girls' time and frustrated them even more. I think the final outcome after months and months of incessant complaining, the immediate roommate (my daughter's friend) was FINALLY granted a move. But I think she complained well over 50 times. It was ridiculous!!
BTW I met and spent time with my DD'S friend. She is a lovely girl!! I am actually friends with her on FB.

 

[carol-lamb]

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!

 

[poison ivy]

wow! they don't look too sturdy.

This may be short lived if someone gets hurt.

I am so sorry for your daughter. I'm glad she's making the best of it, though.
What more can they do.

thanks so much for posting.

 

[carol-lamb]

wow! they don't look too sturdy.

This may be short lived if someone gets hurt.

I am so sorry for your daughter. I'm glad she's making the best of it, though.
What more can they do.

thanks so much for posting.

My daughter's college program ended in January so fortunately no bunk bed for her! I'm not sure where she got the picture from.