Disney College Program Housing - WDW

Ola' Everyone !
Disney housing, a really interesting and for some ridiculous reason, completely confusing topic.

there are 4 Complexes in WDW.

Vista Way, Patterson Court, Chatham Square, and the Commons.

originally, Commons was only open to International CPs,
but now they're open to everyone.

each one more or less has different rates depending on

amount of rooms, complexes, and if there are bunk beds.

It can vary between $78 - $109 a week, per person.

First is Vista Way..

Vista is a 5 Minute drive, roughly, or a really long walk to the rest of the complexes.

it's where you show up to do check in !!

YOU ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY ASSIGNED TO VISTA, IT IS JUST WHERE YOU CHECK IN UNLESS YOU GET PLACED THERE.
WHICH YOU WONT KNOW UNTIL CHECK-IN DAY ITSELF SO RELAX !

Vista is the oldest but closest to the main road and main bus station. they are also doing current renovations..
Vista Way also wont have any bunk beds.. at least not for 2014.

Vista Pricing is as follows:

2 Bedroom: 2 Bathroom: 4 Person = $98

3 Bedroom: 2 Bathroom: 6 Person = $89

Unlike the other complexes, Vista does not have its own private balcony. In a 2 bedroom, each room has its own full private bathroom, in a 3 bedroom, 1 room has a full bathroom, the 2 remaining rooms share a bathroom with the sink in the hallway.

each bedroom has 2 regular twin sized beds, a walk in closet, a cork board on the wall for decorative purposes, 2 side tables, and a dresser with a mirror.

Vista also has 2 pools, a fitness center, sand volleyball court, outdoor pool table, tennis court, basketball court, and two hot tubs. The bus transportation head quarters is also at Vista.

It also has laundry machines in every building that are card operated. You need to buy a laundry card for $5 with a $1 non refundable fee. These cards only work in the Vista Complex.

Mail will be picked up or dropped off at the mail kiosk in front of the fitness center.

It is the only complex with Disney movie rentals, there is also computer labs and some of the Disney classes will be held here. its also in walking distance from some shops and restaurants.

Next is Chatham Square

Chatham is across from Mickey's Retreat.
An area designated only for CM's. Mickey's Retreat is across the street from Chatham, if you want to do more recreational activities like rent canoes, sports, grill food, etc.

The 1 and 3 bedroom apartments have equal number of bathrooms. The 2 bedroom will have 1 bedroom with 1 private full bathroom in the room and the other bedroom will a have full bathroom with a door connected to the hallway. The 4 bedroom will have 2.5 bathrooms, with 2 bedrooms sharing a full bathroom and half bathroom in the hallway.

There are two mail kiosks where students can pick up and drop off their mail. There are laundry machines in buildings 2, 7, 15, and 19 and the machines take debit or credit cards. 

The laundry card is also available for $5 with a non-refundable $1 fee. You can also sign up for text message alerts for when your machine has finished the wash or dry cycle by going to laundryview.com/chathamsquare.

There is a fitness center, pool, sand volleyball court, outdoor pool table, computer center and a tennis court available to the students living in Chatham Square. There is a bus stop at Chatham Square, which located at the front of the housing center.

it's a longer (but completely doable) walking distance to public city transportation, shopping, and eating locations. 

a majority of the housing events are located here. It's the second major bus hub. Within walking distance to a ton of shops and dining. Within walking distance to public city transportation. 

There is also a bus stop for the iTrolley and Lynx city bus. This great if you wanna get out more (no car) and want to visit Universal.

There also another little shopping center and a spa. And its walking distance from Publix.

1 BR: 1 Bathroom: 2 Person - $105
1 BR: 1 Bathroom: 3 Person - $85
2 BR: 2 Bathroom: 6 Person - $78
3 BR: 3 Bathroom: 6 Person - $92
4 BR: 2.5 Bathroom: 8 Person - $ 91

Next, Patterson Court

It is located in the Little Lake Bryan area with Chatham Square and The Commons. The Premium Outlets - Vineland is around the corner. You can see International Drive from these apartments.

The apartment units in Patterson are a bit larger than the other apartment complexes. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. There a no 4 bedroom apartments in Patterson.

The mail and laundry facilities are the same as Chatham Square.
Patterson also has a pool, a fitness center and an outdoor pool table.

Patterson Court does not have its own bus stop, so living here makes you walk to the bus stop at Chatham Square. A much farther walk (than Chatham) to the shops, public city transportation, and restaurants. Patterson Court is known for being the much quieter complex of the other housing options.  It has fewer recreational amenities than the other complexes.

Patterson is the newest complex and possibly the largest. This is within walking distance (although much farther away because it's behind Chatham Square but off to the side) to shops, restaurants and public city transportation. The is pool is very nice. Newer appliances and amenities.

The Premium Outlets is also walking distance along with Publix.

1 BR: 1 Bathroom: 2 Person - $105
1 BR: 1 Bathroom: 3 Person - $85
2 BR: 2 Bathroom: 4 Person - $103
2 BR: 2 Bathroom: 5 Person - $80
3 BR: 3 Bathroom: 6 Person - $92

and finally the Commons

It is located in the Little Lake Bryan area with Chatham Square and Patterson Court. Mickey's Retreat is behind The Commons. The Premium Outlets - Vineland is across the street.

You may find the design of some of The Commons units very different. Some apartments will be located on the first floor, but when you walk in there will be a stair case that leads upstairs to the second floor where the actual apartment is located. 

The 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms have equal number of beds and bathrooms. The 4 bedroom apartments have 2.5 bathrooms, with 2 bedrooms sharing a full bathroom and half bathroom located in the hallway.

There are laundry machines in every apartment. There are two mail kiosks where students can pick up and drop off their mail. There is also a pool, fitness center, computer center, sand volleyball court, and tennis courts in the Commons. 

There is a bus stop at the Commons but some of the buses will not stop at the Commons, unless someone requests it.

Only 6 buses go to The Commons, they are the: 
C Bus - EPCOT, 
F Bus - Typhoon Lagoon/Downtown Disney, 
J Bus - Animal Kingdom/Animal Kingdom Lodge/ World Wide Sports, 
E Bus - Hollywood Studios/BoardWalk/Yatch&Beach, Fantasia Mini Golf/Dolphin & Swan, 
M Bus - FloridaMall, 
and the H Bus - Walgreens/Walmart/Publix/Post Office.

1 BR: 1 Bathroom: 2 Person - $109
1 BR: 1 Bathroom: 3 Person - $89
2 BR: 2 Bathroom: 4 Person - $107
2 BR: 2 Bathroom: 5 Person - $82
3 BR: 3 Bathroom: 6 Person - $95
4 BR: 2.5 Bathroom: 8 Person- 94

All apartments have wifi  but you need to purchase your own router. 
Visiting hours are from 7AM to 1AM for eveuntilryone, UNLESS you live in the SAME housing complex. 
Quiet hours are from 7AM to 1AM for all COMPLEXES.

Non-Wellness means that you are 21 or over and you CAN consume or keep alcohol in your apartment.
Wellness means that you are UNDER 21 and you cannot consume or keep alcohol in your apartment. (pfft.)

You may pick your own roommates but you must:

• Same check in and check out date 
• Same apartment preferences 
• Non-Wellness participants may rooms with Wellness but must sign a contract

Finding room mates on Facebook is the most popular option. There are groups made for each arrival date to help keep things organized. You can also let Disney match you with random room mates, but keep in mind that some participants in the program are over 30+ years old. Which is okay, but most don't move of their parents home to move in with someone else's parent. 

Until then, Happy Living!
Stay Tuned for my Disney Bucket List!

Roommate Search!

Ciao Everyone !

So we all know the dying question..
after getting into the program,
how the heck are you going to find 1 - 7 other roommates

in a group of 5,000 people?

well never fear! you are NOT alone!

all those other people are just are worried as you are.

take a deep breath and socialize.

and you know what else?

FILL OUT THAT DREADFUL ROOMMATE SURVEY.

because as how annoying it is,

it's really helpful and will narrow down people.

it also may be a problem because you'll also find alot of people.

first make some friends while you wait.

thats what i did.

Shawn, Tiffany, Hannah, Melissa..

theyre all girls i met and have a few things in common with,

like PONIES and One Direction!

yes guilty fan girl right here...

moving on..

i filled out a survey, responded to a few others.

and though im not rooming with any of the girls i listed above

we're still friends AND have plans to hang out once we get there!

Shawn, Hannah, and i? 

One Direction Concert Oct 3. in Tampa.

Melissa, i, and a few others?

Horse Back Riding..

Tiffany, Shawn, and i?

Dapper Day Sept 27. 

in Disney Hollywood Studios

See what i mean?

its not hard, scary yes, but not hard. 

and some people you will only talk to once,

others more..

so who are my beautiful roommates you ask?

theyre the best girls in the world and i couldnt ask for any better.

Kristen M.

Victoria A.

Emily B.

Allison B.

and Jocelyn B.

I love them so much and we're all already best buds!

i originally messaged Kristen because of her quirky

video roommate survey..

little that i know that it would lead to everyone else!!

they messaged her, too.. i think?

im not exactly sure but eventually Kristen added me to a group chat, and it was history!

best roommates ever!

we're fun Disney lovers..

(there's more too us i promise!
but that would be a whole book on its own!)

definitely keep an eye out for more adventures from us!

More pictures and maybe videos to come!

Stay Tuned for Next Post of Housing and Room Rates and photos..

Until then! Happy Hunting !

Bonus! Phone Interview Questions !

Bonjour Everyone !

this will also be another obnoxiously long post,

but on the plus side !

this will be SUPER helpful to the Applying CPers?

does that make sense?

i hope so...

guys and gals and everyone in between, this is for you guys.

i didn't create this list, but found it and it was what helped me!

Some advice?

don't stress!!

hah i know, weird right? coming from the queen of stress..

but really don't bother. you will do great, why do i know that?

because this is for the mouse! and your dream!

remember to smile and laugh because they can tell if you're frowning.. and no one is allowed to do grumpy but Grumpy himself.. and the grumpy cat..
and are you either one?

didn't think so..

so turn that upside down. sit infront of a mirror. scream. dance do what you want before the interview. but remember to smile !

they will love you just as much as you love disney. you just have to let them know why you love it so much. and every answer is a good answer! be as cheesy as you want!

oh and anyone who had the interview please comment any question that may have been missed!

General

AA = Always Asked

FA = Frequently Asked

* Why do you want to work for Disney/do the DCP? AA 

* Do you have any experience speaking in front of large groups of people? AA

* How do you feel about having roommates and living away from home? AA

* Are you comfortable handling money?

* Do you have any tattoos or body modifications?*AA & DO NOT LIE

* Are you familiar with the Disney parks and resorts?

* What does Disney mean to you?

* How will the CP help you professionally?

* What are you most looking forward to in the DCP? FA

* What makes you a good candidate for the DCP?

* What do you plan to do after college?

* What can you offer to the Disney company?

* What are 3 positive qualities about yourself?

* Describe a situation where you have had to work with a difficult person, boss, or teacher. FA

* What is your favorite memory of Disney?

* Do you mind working outside in the Florida heat and in the rain? AA

* Would you rather work alone or in a group setting? AA

* How would you help a guest who speaks little or no English? AA

* Tell me about some jobs you have had. FA

* Tell me about a time you made a guest or customer happy at a previous job.FA

*How would you handle a roommate disagreement?

* Do you mind working mornings, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays? FA

* Do you prefer a fast paced or slow paced work environment? FA

* Are you okay with being on your feet for 8+ Hour Days? FA

* Do you prefer and indoor or outdoor environment? FA

* What are 3 negative qualities about yourself?

* What is your favorite Disney (movie, ride, park, character), and why?

* What are your top 3 roles? AA

* How would you handle an emergency? AA

* Are you open to the QSFB or Custodial roles? FA

ROLE SPECIFIC:

BBB

* Do you have any salon experience?

* Do you have any childcare experience?

* How would you react if a little girl was shy or scared?

Costuming

* Are you comfortable operating an advanced costume checkout computer?

* Are you willing and able to carry heavy (up to 50+ lbs) costumes to different locations?

* Would you be comfortable working independently?

* How do you feel about working “backstage” with minimal guest contact?

* Are you willing to operate basic laundry equipment?

Housekeeping

* Are you comfortable working with cleaning chemicals?

* How do you feel about working in a guest’s room while they are not there?

* Are you able to work independently with little to no guest contact?

Lifeguard

* Are you comfortable working for long periods of time in the Florida heat?

* Are you willing to work in another role during off-peak seasons?

* Are you comfortable with spending long periods of time standing in water?

* Are you a strong swimmer?

* What would you do in the event of a guest injury or illness?

* Do you believe you are able to pass the swim test?

Custodial

* Are you comfortable with emptying trashcans (which may include shooing bees or flies) and lifting heavy garbage bags?

* Are you willing to bus tables in restaurants and outdoors?

* Are you comfortable working for long periods of time outside in the heat, rain, or cold?

Main Entrance

* Are you comfortable delivering long speeches on a microphone?

* How would you make a guest feel special as they enter a park? AA
* Are you willing to drive a large parking tram?

* Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades and park openings?

Merchandise

* Are you comfortable with handling cash? AA

* What would you do if a guest was looking for a specific item, but you are out or don’t sell this item? AA

* Are you comfortable suggesting items to guests based on first impressions?

* Are you willing to work independently outdoors? AA

Photopass

* Are you comfortable with operating digital cameras? AA

* How do you feel about achieving monthly sales goals and suggesting products? AA

* Are you comfortable working in several different parks, potentially all in the same week?

* How do you feel about a guest refusing a picture?  AA

QSFB

* Are you comfortable preparing simple food items, which may include using a fryer, grill, or other cooking equipment?

* Would you be willing to wash dishes or bus tables?

* Are you comfortable selling alcohol?

* Are you able to multitask?

* Are you comfortable handling cash and using a cash register?

* How do you feel about working independently at a food cart?

FSFB

* Are you comfortable handling cash and using a register?

* Are you willing to spend long periods of time rolling 

silverware, and folding napkins?

* Have you ever managed a seating chart, or are you willing to learn?

* What would you tell a guest if they wanted to eat at a restaurant, but there are no tables available for several hours?

Recreation

* Are you willing to train with watercraft, arcades, and other recreational facilities?

* Are you willing to work in another role during the off-seasons?

* How do you feel about working for long periods of time outdoors and around water?

Transportation

* Do you have a valid driver’s license?

* Are you comfortable memorizing and delivering long speeches?

* Are you comfortable talking to other CM via radio?

* Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades?

* How do you feel about driving large vehicles (such as a monorail or bus) filled with guests?

Vacation Planner

* What do you think the duties of a vacation planner are? AA

* Are you comfortable handling large amounts of money and achieving monthly sales goals? FA

* How do you feel about working in multiple parks, potentially all four in a week?

* Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades?

* Are you comfortable working with a computerized ticket system offering over 128 different ticket combinations?

* How do you work while under pressure?

Character attendant

* How would you react if a child was being violent with a character?

* What does character integrity mean to you? FA

* What would you tell guests if you had to turn them away because a line is closing for the day?

* What would you do if a child was afraid of a character?

* What would you say if someone asked why the fur character doesn’t talk? FA

* How would you say “(Mickey, Cinderella, Ariel, Donald, Beast) has to leave?”

Attractions

* What would you do if a child wants to ride space mountain, but is too short? FA

* What would you do if a guest wanted to get on an attraction but it was out of service?

* How would you feel about operating a ride? FA

* Would you be willing to help with crowd control during a parade?

* Are you comfortable talking in front of large groups of people?

* Can you memorize and remember long speeches? FA

* Are you comfortable with having the safety and lives of guest in your hands? AA

* What would you do if you messed up your spiel?

Bell Services

* Are you willing and able to carry heavy (50+ lbs) luggage (including overhead)?

* Are you comfortable talking to guests on the phone?

* Are you comfortable being the first CM that a guest interacts with on their vacation?

Hospitality

* What would you do if a guest wanted a specific type of room and there were none available?

* How do you feel about being trained on a computer system?

* How would you make a guest feel special as they are beginning their vacation?

* Are you comfortable talking to guests on the phone?

* Are you comfortable handling large amounts of cash?

Concierge

* What do you think the duties of a concierge are? FA

* Do you have any experience handling cash, including foreign currency, and travelers checks?

* How do you feel about being trained on a computer system?

* What do you expect when you stay at a Disney Resort? FA

Hope this was helpful !
Stay Tuned !

(Created by Reggie Knight)