Packing/shopping list

[china mom]

For those who have done the Disney College program or parents who have sent their child, what did you take with you/send with your child? (and even if you are waiting to go - what are your suggestions)

My DD is going in January and I would love to hear input on

What to bring - must haves
What to bring - would be nice to have
What not to bring - never needed it.

I know the kitchen comes with dishes and kitchenware and I know they need their own linens but what else? Do most buy cleaning supplies ahead of time or wait and buy them with their roommates? Are there things like brooms and dustpans? What cooking essentials are not provided that would have been useful.

 

[Mle8308]

For those who have done the Disney College program or parents who have sent their child, what did you take with you/send with your child? (and even if you are waiting to go - what are your suggestions)

My DD is going in January and I would love to hear input on

What to bring - must haves
What to bring - would be nice to have
What not to bring - never needed it.

I know the kitchen comes with dishes and kitchenware and I know they need their own linens but what else? Do most buy cleaning supplies ahead of time or wait and buy them with their roommates? Are there things like brooms and dustpans? What cooking essentials are not provided that would have been useful.

Will you be driving your child to WDW or will you all be flying? That makes a difference.

 

[china mom]

The answer depends a lot on how much we need to take. We can take two 50 pound suitcases each for free (DH, DD and myself) plus three 20 inch cabin bags so we will able to take a lot if we fly. Honestly, we can take more on the plane than we would be able to fit in a rental car (I need to bring my ECV as well)

I know we can go to Walmart and Target once we get there but I like to purchase ahead - especially if I can take advantage of Black Friday deals.

 

[Mle8308]

The answer depends a lot on how much we need to take. We can take two 50 pound suitcases each for free (DH, DD and myself) plus three 20 inch cabin bags so we will able to take a lot if we fly. Honestly, we can take more on the plane than we would be able to fit in a rental car (I need to bring my ECV as well)

I know we can go to Walmart and Target once we get there but I like to purchase ahead - especially if I can take advantage of Black Friday deals.

If you can take that much, then all you will really need to buy when you get there will be cleaning supplies - I would not risk taking that stuff in checked luggage. If it leaks, it will be a mess and that stuff is not expensive to buy (and is not usually marked down for Black Friday). If you or she doesn't already have an Amazon Prime account, I would recommend getting one. That way, you can send her all sorts of stuff, from food to cleaning supplies to clothes and it ships free and fast. One or two professional type outfits are enough, she will need something more business casual for traditions, plus it's good to have at least one decent outfit. It can get cold in Orlando in the winter, so at least one heavier coat. She will be provided a costume for work, so she won't be wearing her own clothes as much as she would be at home, so you won't have to bring as much. She will be able to get shoes for work at Disney, but if she knows her role and the type of footwear required, she may want to buy a pair in advance, as she will have more choices. And may be able to get a better price. Kitchens have the basics, if she just prepares "normal" meals, you should be fine. Honestly, as far as extras and household items, it's probably best to wait and see what is in the actual apartment and what her roommates bring. There is a small Target at Flamingo Crossing, you can pick up more basics there. And again, Amazon Prime is very helpful.

 

[china mom]

If you can take that much, then all you will really need to buy when you get there will be cleaning supplies - I would not risk taking that stuff in checked luggage. If it leaks, it will be a mess and that stuff is not expensive to buy (and is not usually marked down for Black Friday). If you or she doesn't already have an Amazon Prime account, I would recommend getting one. That way, you can send her all sorts of stuff, from food to cleaning supplies to clothes and it ships free and fast. One or two professional type outfits are enough, she will need something more business casual for traditions, plus it's good to have at least one decent outfit. It can get cold in Orlando in the winter, so at least one heavier coat. She will be provided a costume for work, so she won't be wearing her own clothes as much as she would be at home, so you won't have to bring as much. She will be able to get shoes for work at Disney, but if she knows her role and the type of footwear required, she may want to buy a pair in advance, as she will have more choices. And may be able to get a better price. Kitchens have the basics, if she just prepares "normal" meals, you should be fine. Honestly, as far as extras and household items, it's probably best to wait and see what is in the actual apartment and what her roommates bring. There is a small Target at Flamingo Crossing, you can pick up more basics there. And again, Amazon Prime is very helpful.

Thank you. We already plan on giving the Amazon Prime account a workout

Do you know if there is a microwave? That is probably where she will do most of her "cooking"

 

[Mle8308]

Thank you. We already plan on giving the Amazon Prime account a workout

Do you know if there is a microwave? That is probably where she will do most of her "cooking"

Yes, there are microwaves. The apartments are pretty well equipped (my neighbors son did the DCP last year, and I worked for Disney for over 15 years, but left before this complex opened - it's much nicer than Vista Way). Here is a link to the apartment complex and what they come with:

https://www.americancampus.com/student-apartments/fl/disney/flamingo-crossings-village