Navigating Housing Options in the Disney College Program

The Disney College Program (DCP) offers students a unique opportunity to live, learn, and work at Walt Disney World Resort, immersing themselves in the world of Disney. A significant part of this experience is the housing provided to participants. This article will guide you through the various aspects of Disney College Program housing, from costs and amenities to rules and tips for making the most of your experience. As part of Disney International Programs, you’ll experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most innovative entertainment companies. Living and working at Walt Disney World® Resort allows you to connect with people from across the globe, create lifelong memories and be immersed in an English-speaking environment.

Housing Costs and Fees

Housing costs are a significant consideration for DCP participants. These costs range from $114 to $205 per week, but are subject to change. The price varies depending on the size of the apartment and the specific apartment complex to which a participant is assigned. These costs are automatically deducted weekly from cast members’ paychecks. This cost includes all utilities such as electricity, cable hookup, waste disposal and local phone service; as well as the various resort-style amenities featured at each complex.

When a participant accepts his/her invitation to participate in the program, a $390 fee (includes the Participation Fee and Housing Fee) will be required (*fees subject to change). Please note that this fee must be paid by credit card/debit card as a single payment.

Apartment Assignments and Roommates

In assigning apartments and roommates, all accommodations will be assigned by gender, arrival/departure date and available inventory. Apartments may include up to eight participants per apartment. You are encouraged to submit a housing preference through the Disney Dorms system, as well as the number of roommates and bedrooms you prefer. To request a roommate, both or all must have the same registration period and departure date. Requests are not guaranteed. You’ll be notified of the complex you’ve been assigned to and how to check-in before you arrive. It’s possible. You can also virtually meet your roommates in these groups.

Housing Complexes

Currently, the five complexes are Vista Way, The Commons, Chatham Square, Patterson Court, and Flamingo Crossings, which is expected to open in summer 2020.

Read also: Pros and Cons of the DCP

Vista Way: This is the original DCP apartment complex and is considered the oldest. It's also often known as the "party complex." Buses: Vista Way is the bus hub, all buses stop here.
The Commons: For many years The Commons was only available to international participants. About half of the apartments have been updated recently. Buses: Most buses stop inside security in front of the clubhouse.
Chatham Square: Chatham is home to most of the housing events. It's the newest and nicest of the complexes with the largest apartments. Sometimes it's known as the "senior living" complex because sometimes the older CPs like to live here. Buses: All buses stop outside security in front of the Chatham Clubhouse.
Flamingo Crossings Village: Flamingo Crossings Village offers spacious 2 and 4 bedroom apartments. Flamingo Crossings Village is now leasing to Cast Members and Operating Participants.

Housing Rules and Regulations

All apartments, courtyards and hallways are designated non-smoking. We have a few basic rules, which we call Community Codes that benefit everyone living in our housing. Safety is always our top priority, and these guidelines are designed with our cast members’ safety and comfort in mind.

There are a lot! From “can I nail things into my wall” to “can someone spend the night”, most answers can be found in your DCP guide. When in doubt, call the service center or ask a fellow cast member. The rules are strict and heavily enforced.

Key rules and considerations include:

Guests: Rules dictate whether you can have guests over and under what conditions.
Decorations: Guidelines exist regarding what you can hang on the walls and how. For example, you may not be allowed to use thumbtacks.
Alcohol: Students 21 and over are assigned to Non-Wellness apartments, where alcohol is permitted. Students under 21 live in Wellness apartments, where alcohol is NOT prohibited.

Amenities and Services

Disney College Program housing offers a variety of amenities and services to enhance the living experience.

Utilities: Housing costs include all utilities such as electricity, cable hookup, waste disposal and local phone service.
Transportation: Transportation service is available to cast members who live at one of our apartment complexes only. The primary purpose of our transportation system is to provide our cast members with a shuttle to their work location on a scheduled route. Shuttles to local merchants for groceries and sundries also are provided. Although transportation is provided, we encourage participants to bring a vehicle if they have one, for their convenience.
Basic Furnishings: All apartments have basic furnishings: beds, living furniture, dining furniture, basic kitchen equipment, and housewares. You will need to provide your own bedding, extra linens, TV, groceries, and any specific kitchen equipment you want.
Laundry: Most units do not have a laundry room, but there is a laundry facility at each complex.
Internet: There is wifi in the common areas like the pool, clubhouses, and lounges.
Service Centers: Each complex has a service center that is there to help.

Special Considerations

Nut Allergies: Although we strive to create a healthy environment, we are unable to ensure residents will comply with nut allergy precautions.
Animal-Free Apartments: We are able to accept a request for an animal-free apartment.
Private Apartments: Flamingo Crossings Village does not provide a private apartment floor plan. Should you need a private apartment, we will not be able to accommodate that request and you should instead secure your own housing accommodations.
Accessible Needs: Flamingo Crossings Village offers various modified apartments to meet accessible needs. Approved assistance animals consistent with the Fair Housing Act (FHA) guidelines are welcomed at Flamingo Crossings Village. If you are in need of an accommodated parking spot, please be sure to select “yes” under the “accommodation needed” section on the Dorms registration page so your request can be reviewed. Requests for accommodations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please understand that parking is subject to availability and you are not guaranteed a parking spot.
Roommate Preferences: Roommate preferences are offered during select times of the arrival season. Depending on availability, we may or may not be able to accommodate a roommate preference.

Individual Lease and Renters Insurance

An individual lease provides each resident with their own separate lease agreement and responsibility for only their rental installments and applicable utility and parking charges. Coverage for your personal belongings is not included as part of your Lease Agreement. Renters insurance can provide coverage for loss or damage to your personal belongings (including fire, theft, or natural causes). Renters insurance is not required but highly recommended.

Read also: College Programs at Disney

Health and Safety Measures

The well-being of our residents and team members are very important to us. In response to COVID-19, we’ve created a new “Be safe. Be smart. Together, we’ve overhauled our cleaning protocols and trained our staff on the products and disinfecting methods to use in helping to mitigate pathogens and developed healthy living resources for residents. We also developed a first-of-its-kind touchpoint analysis and mitigation process for community amenities, which helped inform us on how to raise awareness among staff and residents regarding necessary preventative measures.

Making the Most of Your Housing Experience

The key to a good housing experience is all about your roommates. Even the best roommates can have issues, but the best way to avoid that is clear communication and boundaries.

Embrace the Experience: Living with fellow interns is a once in a lifetime experience.
Build Relationships: They become your support, your family, and your lifeline.
Communicate: Clear communication and setting boundaries with roommates are essential.
Get Involved: Spend time with your roommates, go to events, and try to get to know fellow cast members.
Be Proactive: Unless you’re sitting alone in your room every day, it’s virtually impossible to not meet people on the Disney College Program.
Homesickness and Loneliness: Lastly, to help with homesickness and loneliness, you must put yourself out there.

Pros and Cons of DCP Housing

Living in Disney College Program housing has both advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

Lower rent.
Instant friends.
Always having someone to do something with.
Moral support.
Sharing necessities.

Cons:

Personalities clash.
Not everyone may have the same cleaning standards.
More roommates means more noise.

Opting Out of DCP Housing

No. You can opt-out and find your own housing, but I wouldn’t advise that.

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