What to bring?

[BabySimba]

This is a great thread so I just have to bring it back to life!

I'm hoping to go for the Cul. Rep. Program so do they provide you with a locker at work too? I've only read stuff about the College Program people getting lockers. I just want to make sure I'd have one to put my backpack in.

And where do you change into your costume if you decided to change at work? Is there a bathroom or change room backstage?

 

[Meg13]

This is a great thread so I just have to bring it back to life!

I'm hoping to go for the Cul. Rep. Program so do they provide you with a locker at work too? I've only read stuff about the College Program people getting lockers. I just want to make sure I'd have one to put my backpack in.

And where do you change into your costume if you decided to change at work? Is there a bathroom or change room backstage?

The lockers are provided for anyone who works in the location; a lot of FT and PT used them, as well. It just depends on your location; when I was sent to Sunset Ranch for a week, they didn't have them, so we kept our bags in the manager's office.

Funny story about changing. There is a CM building just outside of all of the parks (I haven't been to AK's, but my roommate says it's around there somewhere), and that is where you are supposed to change. We did have a few people (in EPCOT) who changed in the bathroom, like if they got off work early and wanted to go watch IllumiNations, and our crazy older man who cleaned up the backstage CM areas would get furious. He actually made up signs and put them on the doors stating that you were not allowed to change in the bathrooms. He was a little extreme in all aspects, however, so I'm not sure if you'd get quite the reprimands he would distribute if you changed somewhere else.

 

[BabySimba]

The lockers are provided for anyone who works in the location; a lot of FT and PT used them, as well. It just depends on your location; when I was sent to Sunset Ranch for a week, they didn't have them, so we kept our bags in the manager's office.

Funny story about changing. There is a CM building just outside of all of the parks (I haven't been to AK's, but my roommate says it's around there somewhere), and that is where you are supposed to change. We did have a few people (in EPCOT) who changed in the bathroom, like if they got off work early and wanted to go watch IllumiNations, and our crazy older man who cleaned up the backstage CM areas would get furious. He actually made up signs and put them on the doors stating that you were not allowed to change in the bathrooms. He was a little extreme in all aspects, however, so I'm not sure if you'd get quite the reprimands he would distribute if you changed somewhere else.

Thanks for the answers!
I also have question about the apartments. When we first arrive, are we placed in an apartment with people who have already been there for a few months etc. or are they in the same boat as us newbies?

 

[Meg13]

You're usually in an apartment with whoever you're standing next to at check-in; at least, that's how it worked last year. So they'll all be people who arrived the same day as you.

 

[BabySimba]

Thanks so much for your help, Meg!

 

[Meg13]

No problem! Just let me know if you come up with any more questions!

 

[BabySimba]

You shouldn't have said that! Now I'm going to be badgering you with questions!
I was wondering about those lanyard things that your wear around your neck. I'd like to take one with me to keep all my important stuff (room key, ID, money etc.) in it. Are we allowed to wear those if they're underneath our costumes?

 

[Meg13]

No, really, I don't mind! It must be something about growing up where nobody goes to Disney; when I finally find someone who likes it, I'll talk about any aspect of it!

The lanyards... I remember wearing mine for the first couple of weeks. I assume it depends upong the costume you're wearing, but as long as there is absolutely no way to know that you're wearing it, it should be fine. I only carried around my ID, and after a while I just left that with my other things, as well. You should be fine as long as it's inconspicuous.

 

[BabySimba]

Great! I've taken a look at some pictures of the Canadian costumes. It looks like I might be able to hide it with the collar of the shirt. But the costume also has pockets so I guess I could stuff something in there if I had to.

Here's another question for you! Lots of people on here have talked about putting money together with your roommates to buy things like a TV or an Internet router. What happens to these shared things at the end of your stay? Do you sell them or does someone take them home or something? Just curious.

And another! I heard that the less bedrooms you have in the apartment, the more the rent is. Is it true? And are you allowed to have a preference in bedroom numbers? Like if I asked for a 1 or 2 bed could they just give me a 4 bed anyway?

 

[Meg13]

Yeah, I'd say with the Canadian costumes you wouldn't have too many problems.

It's really up to whoever puts the money in. A lot of people leave theirs for the next batch of participants who come in. If one person needed it (say a vacuum or whatever) and the others didn't, that person could take it. It just depends. My roommates and I usually just all bought things as we needed them, and whoever used it took it home. We shared so much stuff there was no point in keeping up with it. I got really lucky, though, and my original roommates were the best three girls I could have ever hoped to room with.

Yup! It also depends upon the complex, although I don't think the numbers vary too much. Vista Way is the cheapest, and Patterson Court is the most expensive, being the newest. I only had a two bedroom, and I never even noticed rent being taken out. In the CS program, it seems like they're more lenient than the CP. When we were there, we were given the option of how many people to room with (the four of us were just standing there in pairs, and all agreed), and then we were able to choose between Chatham Square and Patterson for apartments. It worked really well for us. I'd say the earlier your arrival date and the further ahead in line you are, the more likely you are to get what you want. Even if you've got the first arrival date, if you're at the end of the line, they do have to hold places for incoming participants.

 

[BabySimba]

Thanks AGAIN!

I'm hoping to get a two bedroom. I don't think I can handle rooming with six or eight girls! The drama that could unfold would be crazy!

What about the bus system? A few people have said it's good and others have said it's bad. I've also heard that it gets quite hectic if you go grocery shopping using the buses. Lots of bags, not enough hands, I guess. Some people use taxis instead. Are the taxis really worth it?

I'm probably going to bring my laptop to stay in touch with my parents back home. How is the internet connection in the apartments? Are we talking dial up or high speed? And we have to bring a cable to connect, right?

What about the phone service? Some people said they buy or bring cellphones to use. Is it worth it to buy a cellphone or should I just stick with the landline?

So many questions in one post! It's crazy!

 

[Meg13]

Thanks AGAIN!

I'm hoping to get a two bedroom. I don't think I can handle rooming with six or eight girls! The drama that could unfold would be crazy!

What about the bus system? A few people have said it's good and others have said it's bad. I've also heard that it gets quite hectic if you go grocery shopping using the buses. Lots of bags, not enough hands, I guess. Some people use taxis instead. Are the taxis really worth it?

I'm probably going to bring my laptop to stay in touch with my parents back home. How is the internet connection in the apartments? Are we talking dial up or high speed? And we have to bring a cable to connect, right?

What about the phone service? Some people said they buy or bring cellphones to use. Is it worth it to buy a cellphone or should I just stick with the landline?

So many questions in one post! It's crazy!

Yeah, the two bedroom was perfect. We had issues with fridge space with just four girls; eight would be chaos.

I used the bus system for the first four months I was down there, as far as going to work and such. There were a few mishaps - too many people on the bus and no one would get off, so a rather miffed lady came and yelled at us. Some of them broke down and we had to wait for another bus to come. Some nights you were just tired and had to deal with the push to get on to the bus. But I never had any real issues with it until I worked over 100 hours in two weeks; then I wanted all the sleep I could get, so I drove. But really, with any delays all you had to do was tell your manager, and they would be able to look it up and verify that's what happened. As far as groceries go, I always drove to Target to get mine. I can imagine there would be difficulties; everyone I knew who didn't have their own car just caught rides with someone else. I would try that before a taxi; a lot of people with cars are more than willing to give you a ride, even if it's someone that you work with who lives in another complex.

The Internet is high speed, and you either need a cable or a wireless router to connect to it. It's fairly reliable, although there were times during the program that it was down for a few hours.

I had my cellphone, which worked well for me. My roommate from Canada waited a few months before she eventually bought just a cheap plan to use when she wasn't in the apartment. It's one of those things I would just on and see how it works out.

Again, it's totally fine! It's the most fun I've had all day, what with attempting to study for my Spanish exam tomorrow... Disboards is much more fun.

 

[piratechick]

The four bedroom apartments have two refrigerators now. Personally, though, I would never stay in a four bedroom apt. Too much girls in one small space! Lol! I stayed in both a two bedroom (first program) and three bedroom (second program). I liked the three bedroom better, but that is because there were more girls to make friends with and I liked hanging out with them. The girls I stayed with in the two bedroom made me feel like a fourth wheel and I didn't like them very much.

 

[BabySimba]

Thanks for the answers guys!

Meg: For the cell phones do you know what plan your Canadian roommate used? There have been a lot of suggestions for what company to use but I want one where I can call home. People have said that Virgin and Wal Mart are good. Or would I do better buying one of those long distance phone cards and using the landline to call home instead?

Piratechick: I guess it all depends on your roommates. Four girls who get along would be much better than eight who fight over everything!

 

[Meg13]

BabySimba, I just sent a message to her, so I'll let you know what she used.

 

[BabySimba]

All right, thanks so much for your help!

 

[Meg13]

All right, thanks so much for your help!

No problem!

 

[hollisterluva92]

Thanks for all of the great info! I'm applying for fall 2012 advantage, so I have started my list already! Anyone who wants, please critique my list!


Disney College Program
Fall Advantage 2012
Packing List


Bedroom
-Bedding Set (Dorm bedding set-Twin XL)
-Blankets (2-3)
-Extra Set of Sheets
-Pillows (2 regular & 2 decorative)
-Pillow Cases
-Egg Crate Mattress Pad
-Mattress Cover/Pad (mine zips around the mattress to keep the bugs out and hold the egg crate in place)
-Bedside Caddy (I love mine! It works great for when I want to read before bed or need my phone or tissues!)
-Bed Risers
-Under Bed Storage (not sure if i'm going to do this or not)
-Decorations (what exactly can we put on the walls?)
-White Board with markers (for all of our schedules)
-Extension Cord (1-2)
-Garbage Can (2-one for the bathroom and one for the bedroom)
-Garbage Bags
-Lamp (bedside lamp and one for the desk)
-Hangers (buy most at walmart)
-Laundry Basket (If I drive, I'm going to bring my rolling one-otherwise I'll just buy a pop-up one)
-Laundry Supplies (Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softener, Shout, Dryer Sheets)
-Tv & Dvd player (if i'm driving down)
-Storage Containers (Buy at walmart)
-Pictures & Disney decorations
-Calendar



Bathroom
-Shower Curtain
-Shower Organizer (for all of us to share)
-Bath Rug
-Air Freshener
-Toothbrush & Toothpaste
-Towels (3-4)
-Washcloths (5)
-Straightener & Curling Iron
-First Aid Kit
-Hair Brush
-Hair Ties & Headbands
-Bobby Pins
-Sunscreen
-Hair Spray & Detangler
-Shower Gel/Body Wash
-Face Wash
-Shampoo & Conditioner
-Deodorant
-Q-tips & Cotton Pads/Makeup Sponges
-Makeup remover wipes
-Makeup
-Nail Polish (2-4) & Remover
-Blister Stick (Do I really need this?)
-Razors & Shaving Cream
-Kleenex
-Nail Clippers
-Aloe Vera Gel
-Perfume
-Bug Spray
-Shower Caddy
-Small Handheld Makeup Mirror
-Toilet Paper
-Hand Soap
-Feminine Stuff
-Containers for organizing everything
-Towel Rack (maybe heated?)
-Night Light
-Loofah

Kitchen/Living Room
-Dish Towels (2-4)
-Sharpie for marking food
-Tupperware
-Different size ziploc bags
-Paper Plates
-Plastic Silverware
-Plastic Cups
-Napkins
-Paper Towels
-Coffee Cups/Mugs (2)
-Travel Cups (2)
-Plates & Bowls (2 of each)
-Coffee Maker
-Dish Soap
-Dish Sponges
-Brita Water Pitcher
-Filters for pitcher
-Filters for coffee maker
-Magnets for fridge


Cleaning
-Febreze
-Clorox Wipes
-Kitchen Trash Bags
-Windex
-Handheld Vacuum
-Swiffer

Electronics
-Laptop
-Power Cord
-Printer (If I drive down) with paper & ink
-Digital Camera
-Power Cord, Extra Memory Cards
-Cell Phone & Charger
-Headphones
-Surge Protector (2-3)
-Mouse & Mousepad
-Extra Batteries
-Wireless Router (go in with roommates on this)
-Nook Color & Accessories
-Dvd's
-Ethernet Cable (for the first little bit until we get a wireless router)


Miscellaneous
-Backpack
-Disney Travel Books
-Notebooks
-Pens & Pencils
-Stapler & Staples
-Post it notes
-Mini Tool Set
-Check in paperwork
-Insurance & Car Registration (If driving)
-Passport (get this), drivers license, birth certificate (will I need this? or does my license cover it?)
-Flashlight
-Alarm Clock
-Battery Operated Candle
-Sound Machine
-Pin Trading Necklace & Pins
-Mickey Ears
-Camera Case
-Tripod for camera
-Umbrella
-Reusable Shopping Bags (for groceries)
-Waterproof Pouch for water rides
-Combination Locks (1-2)
-Plane Tickets (If flying)
-Money
-Plastic container for all paperwork and important papers

Clothes
-Casual Tops (For days off) (T-shirts) (10)
-Long Sleeved T-shirts (5)
-Dressy Tops (For traditions, classes, etc.) (5)
-Hoodies (2-3)
-Shorts (10)
-Skirts (2)
-Capri's (2)
-Pants (5 non-jeans)
-Jeans (2-3)
-Sweats (4)
-Cardigans/Sweaters (2-3)
-Belt (2)
-Business Attire (for traditions)
-2 pairs of athletic shoes for non-working days
-1 pair of black tennis shoes
-1 pair of white tennis shoes
-2 pairs of heels
-5 pairs of flip flops
-1 or 2 pairs of other shoes
-Pajamas (5-8)
-Underwear (20)
-Bras (5-10)
-Socks (20+)
-Pantyhose/Tights (2-5)
-Slippers (2)
-Jewelry
-Watch
-Sunglasses (2-5)
-Rain Poncho (bringing my Disney one from my last trip)
-Swim Suit (2)
-Beach Towel (2)
-1 light jacket
-1 heavy jacket
-1 hat/scarf/gloves

 

[bubblybackflips]

Wait, I thought applications for Fall 2012 weren't out yet?? If they are, please tell me where to find them so I can start filling things out right away!

I'm so hyper, jeez

 

[hollisterluva92]

Fall 2012 applications don't come out for another few weeks, but keep checking!