Making Decisions: How Much Money Should I Bring?

   This is a fairly hot topic with CPs for one big reason: everyone's needs are different. Some people are good at saving money, and have more than they need before they go down, while other people don't have this ability. The fact of the matter is though, you need to have SOME money with you for your first few weeks. You could go up to 3 weeks before you get a paycheck. But why? There are a whole host of reasons, from delayed background checks, to a lost social security card (not the end of the world, it just means you start late!) So how much should you bring? I've listed a bunch of normal things to buy for a new apartment. Pick the one's you're going to need, add them up, and you'll have a rough estimate of how much money to bring!

Breakdown:

• Groceries - $200 (remember, you're stocking a brand new pantry. This is for 3 weeks)
• Comforter - $30 (TARGET!)
• Sheets - $20
• Toilet Paper/Paper Towels - $20
• Cleaning Supplies - $10 (Coordinate with your roommates so you're not all buying the same things!)
• Toiletries - $40 (Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. You know how much you spend on your own supplies)
• Feminine Products - $15 (If you have it when you first get there, I'm sorry. That sucks.)
• Hangers - $3/pack 18 (Target. Also, know they are going to be very hard to find on check in day)
• Combination Lock - $8 (for your valubles)
• Work Shoes - $40 (Don't buy until you get there! The roles that get free shoes is ever changing! If you buy them from Cast Connections, they can take it out of your pay check.)
• Command Strips - $4/4 pack (Any decorations you have for your apartment need to be hung with command strips)
• Mattress Pad - $50 (Yes, you need it. Yes, buy the good one.)
• Towels - $10/each
• Wash Cloths - $5/3 pack
• Shower Curtian - $20 (They provide the liner)
• Beach Towel - $15
• Laundry Basket - $10
• Pillows - $10
• Trash Bags - $8
• Bathroom Trashcan - $10
• Coffee Pot - $30

Total - $558

   Obviously, you won't need all of these things, and there will be other things that you do need that I haven't listed. $500 is a solid amount to bring with you. If you have money left over, all the better. But it's better to have to much money than not enough!

Making Decisions: Should I Drive Or Fly and Should I Bring My Car

   This is the second part in my Making Decisions series, following up on "Where To Stay and When To Get There". If you haven't read it, you can check it out HERE!

Should I Drive or Fly?
   
   There are a lot of deciding factors here! How far away are you? Are you keeping your car in Florida with you? Is money or time more important to you? Do you love road trips, are you afraid of flying? Or maybe you appreciate letting someone else take control of getting you there? How about, how much stuff do you NEED to bring?!

• How Far Away Are You? How close you are to Orlando COULD be one of the determining factors, but not necessarily the main one. Personally, I'm going to be driving about 22 hour to get to Orlando, and I know there are people who make an even longer trek. It all depends on what you're comfortable with! If you're close, then I would highly recommend driving. You'll be able to bring more of what you need, and spend less money on things you already own once you're in Orlando. However, if you're farther away, maybe flying is the best option for you, especially if you're worried about time!
• Money vs. Time: This is not necessarily as clear cut as it seems. There is a lot that goes into which is going to be more expensive. If you're driving, you need to take gas, tolls, possible hotel stays and more into account. Whereas, if you're flying, you need to consider airfare, baggage fees, extra things to buy in Orlando, possible shuttles, and more. To figure out what best suits you, sit down an figure out approximately what each is going to cost you. Add them all up and compare. Are you going to save enough doing one to make it worth it? Or would you rather do the more expensive for less hassle. Even still, maybe it's not money you're worried about, it's time. Weather you don't have enough time, and need to fly out at the last second, or you want to spend time road tripping with your family before you leave for 6 months, always make sure to take time into consideration. Compare the two and decide what's best for you!
• How Much Stuff Do I Need To Bring: Basically, how much stuff do you already own that you're willing to replace? If the idea of buying things you already own, or waiting until the last second to buy things, upsets you, then I recommend you drive. You'll be able to fit much more into your car than you would a suitcase, and you don't have to worry about weight limits. If you don't mind, maybe flying is for you! Or maybe it's not!

   When it comes down to it, weather you fly or drive is up to you. Generally, my recommendation is always going to be to drive (and I hate driving). You're better off being able to bring your things with you and having a car with you in Orlando as you settle in, even if they car isn't staying with you. However, nothing is that cut and dry, and sometimes driving just isn't an option. Sit down and figure out what's best for you relatively soon, before airfare goes up!

Should I Bring My Car?

   This is the question a lot of college program participants ask themselves in the months leading up to check in. And I finally have an easy answer for you: YES! DO IT! BRING IT! Orlando has some of the cheapest gas in the country, and honestly, you'll be glad you have it. Bringing your car doesn't opt you out of the busing system, you don't HAVE to drive your car to work and the parks every day. But when it comes time for grocery shopping, or your bus is 30 minutes late and looking like a no show, or you are getting off work at 2am with the rest of the world... you'll be glad to have it. Hands down, without a doubt, bring your car. Stop wondering, just do it. (...if you can. I am aware that sometimes things come up)

  Feel free to stop by and say hello if you’re looking for a friend, or have any questions you need answered! I am going to be continuing this decision making series over the next couple weeks, so let me know if you have any questions! Also, I’ve considered making a vlog to compliment the blog, but I’m not sure if people would watch? Let me know what you think! I can’t wait to see you real soon!

How Did I Find Out!?

   I've gone through all of the technical details now, so now what about the "how did I find out, where was I, how did I tell my family, yada yada yada?" I feel like I should tell you, before we get into this, that I'm a nanny for a 21 month old (LZ) and a 6 year old(LN). I've only recently started working for this family, and while I do love the kids - let's just say that I'm not going to be sorry to leave. It has not been an easy job so far, we'll leave it at that.

   So, I was having a particularly hard day at work, it was early afternoon, and so I was home with just LZ, when my phone dinged. I was in the middle of calming her down from a particularly nasty temper tantrum, so I wasn't able to get to it right away. Finally, she was calm and happy, I glanced at my phone and there it was:


   I won't lie, I immediately started crying hysterically. I had all of these plans on how to tell my family, super cute ideas, but they immediately flew out the door. I tried to call my mom, no answer, got a hold of my sister, managed to choke out that I had gotten in but I didn't know what my role was yet. LZ came up to me, starts patting my face and frowning. She still doesn't really speak (I'm working on it) but she can say "cry" which of course made me cry more, even though they were good tears. I found out I'm going to be a lifeguard (YAY!), paid my fees, talked to my sister (again) and that was that!

   All in all, I got lucky that only LZ was home, because she can't talk, so she can't tell her family before I'm ready (which LN would have done). We danced around the house and celebrated, which definitely seemed to cheer her up! Now, just 80 more days until check in!

Making Decisions: Where To Stay And When To Get There

   If you've recently been accepted into the Disney College Program, you're probably anxious to be making plans! Or maybe you're not super, psycho obsessive about planning like I am. I can't help it, I'm excited, and I accept this flaw in myself! Although I myself have never done the Disney College Program, I know a lot of people who have, including my sister! Last spring we took the trip down to Orlando to drop my sister off for her program, and I swear I planned as much for her program as I am for my own! (And also her's, because she is going back! She checks in the week after me!)

    Weather you stay on or off property, where to stay is a big decisions! Okay, maybe not, but there are somethings to take into consideration!

   Your first thought is probably going to be to stay at the closest hotel to Vista Way (Holiday Inn), where we'll be checking in. DON'T DO IT! Okay, okay, maybe I'm being a tad dramatic. It's a very lovely hotel, and if you have to walk to Vista, it's your best choice. The thing is, the Holiday Inn isn't really worth it. It's more expensive than staying on property at one of the value resorts, and even if you don't have a ride to Vista, you'll be saving more staying on property than you will spend on a taxi. So, there's that. Walking across the street is not recommended, as it's a major road. Also, driving to Vista, you have to take a right out of the parking lot, just before a stoplight, where lovely Orlando drivers will let a car through once about every 15 minutes. You'll have to drive a couple miles down the road and make a U-Turn (on the crazy busy road), and go back past your hotel to get to Vista. It's...no. It's not worth it. To top it all off, we stayed there last January when my sister checked in and the manger in the attached Applebee's thought it was appropriate to follow a waitress onto the floor as she was working and continue to scream at her/threaten to fire her for asking to switch shifts with another waitress. When we expressed our concern to the waitress, she said it is a regular occurrence and when we spoke with the manager, he showed no remorse for his actions so... you know, not someplace I'll ever be supporting again.

   So, where should you stay? Your best bet, especially if you're flying, it to stay on Disney property. Utilizing the Magical Express (which is free!) can save you money on a shuttle or cab from the airport! No matter how you're getting to Disney, staying on property is a great way to begin the magic! Disney hotels, weather Value or Deluxe, are filled to the brim with magic, and mostly a fairly short distance away from Vista Way! If you're looking for the best value, All Star Sports tends to be the cheapest, though all of the All Star resorts tend to be within $10-$15 of each other. Booking through a website like Orbitz or Expedia can sometimes get you more of a discount, but just beware that you will also probably need to pay the total upfront. Disney itself offers good early spring discounts, and you only have to pay upfront for the first night of your stay.

   Personally, my favorite resort is Port Orleans French Quarter! (Okay, I've only stayed at Riverside, but we spent all of our free time at French Quarter!) All Star Movies is my favorite value resort, and the Contemporary is my favorite Deluxe! (Although, I also really love the Polynesian...) The fact of the matter is, if you stay on Disney property, you're going to have a great time! Currently, the cheapest room on the WDW website is Pop Century, at $88/night, and $79/night on Orbitz. Orbitz also has a deal going on right now where if you stay 2+ nights, you get 15% off, so do with that what you will!

   Personally, I am pretty sure my family (Mom, sister, Papa, and I) are going to be starting off at Pop Century for a couple days before moving to Port Orleans (or one of the other moderates). Because my sister is checking in a week after me, my family is going to arrive in Orlando on 1/10 (the day before check in) and leaving on 1/18, the day she checks in. I plan on spending the first couple nights in my new apartment (!!!!!!!!!) and then when they move over to Port Orleans I'll go with them. Because, well... beignets, obviously!

Disney College Program Bucket List

This list is a constant work in progress. Once I get to Disney, to see what I've done, follow the link on the side of my page to get to this list! I'll be marking things off and linking to the post about completing them!

1. Eat A Dole Whip In Magic Kingdom
2. Eat A Dole Whip At The Polynesian
3. Eat A Mickey Bar
4. Ride the Full Monorail Loop (& Memorize The Monologue)
5. Conquer The Mountains
6. Eat At 1900 Park Fair
7. Finish The Kitchen Sink
8. Breakfast At O'hana
9. Visit Every Resort
10. Eat A Candy Apple In Magic Kingdom
11. Have a Le Feu's Brew
12. Visit All 4 Parks In 1 Day
13. Stay In Each Park Open To Close At Least Once
14. Dapper Day
15. Star Tours Weekend
16. Visit Flower and Garden Festival
17. Meet The Easter Flowers
18. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny
19. Watch Festival of the Lion King
20. Watch Every Parade
21. Pilot The Liberty Belle
22. Get An Autograph From Every Princess (Princess Day)
23. Meet All of The Fab Five
24. Drink Around The World (responsibly)
25. Try The Beverly
26. Disneybound (& Be Recognized!)
27. Eat Around The World
28. Attend Flag Retreat Ceremony
29. Watch Wishes From Every Monorail Resort
30. Become A Wilderness Explorer
31. Spend A Holiday In A Park
32. Take A Picture With Balloons On Main Street
33. Shop At Company D
34. Shop At Cast Connections
35. Fill An Entire Autograph Book
36. Eat At Crystal Palace Before Magic Kingdom Opens
37. Celebrate My Birthday In The Parks!
38. Complete Agent P's Adventure
39. VoulntEAR
40. Take A Backstage Tour
41. Ride A Ride With The Lights ON (Cast Member Ride)
42. Attend A Disney Audition
43. Attend Disney's 24 Hours Event
44. Take A Disney Cruise
45. See The Goodnight Kiss
46. Celebrate Mardi Gras At Port Orleans
47. Attend A Princesses Coronation
48. Attend A Passholder Event
49. Eat At The Hoop-De-Do Revu
50. Go To Each Park By Myself

My Postcard Came On Thursday!

Full Circle 9/18/15

   TA-DA! We've come back full circle. 4 weeks, 5 days after I first applied, on September 18, at 2:01PM CT I finally got the answer from Disney that I have been waiting for! So, what happens now? I'll tell you! Before we get started, know that all 3 steps must be completed within 7 days of receiving your email.

Step One: Accept Your Role 9/18/15 2:01PM
   First things first, you're going to follow the link at the bottom of your email to the offer acceptance page. Use your dashboard login to get to your letter and download the PDF file. Your offer letter is your contract, with all of your important information, including YOUR ROLE! Yay! Read through the information included in file to find out everything you need to know, make sure you're still interested, and then accept the offer from the offer website!

Step Two: Pay Your Fees 9/18/15 2:41PM
    Hopefully you know before going in that there are fees that need to be paid. $354 for Walt Disney World, a significant amount more for Disneyland. I honestly don't know much about Disneyland's process and I'm not going to pretend I do. So, for WDW you have to pay $354. A $150 program fee is for all of the housing events hosted by Disney during your program. The other $200 goes towards your first 2 weeks of rent (which is right around $100/week), so that money does come back to you. It's nice to know you don't have to worry about rent right away, since you won't be working much. But, it's also something that can creep up on you, so be prepared! You have 7 days to pay the fees, but the sooner you pay them, the more choices there are for dates.

Password Reset and ACTUALLY Pay Your Fees 9/18/15 2:43PM
   BUT before you can pay your fees, you need to create a DORMS account! DORMS is Disney's website for housing, where you will select your dates, pay your fees, and later select your roommates and housing preferences! I'm not sure how it works for alumni, but for new participants, you need to create a new account. Follow the link to retrieve your password, and send it to your email you used to apply to Disney. It will send you an email (above) with a temporary password. Follow the steps to finish filling paying your program fees. Now stop. STOP.  DO NOT PICK YOUR PROGRAM DATES. DON'T DO IT. YOU'RE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN. Okay, did you stop? Good, good. So here's the thing: Once you pay your fees, on the DORMS site you'll be able to pick your dates. But, if you pick them without waiting for the email, you're just going to have to do it again. Trust me, I went from the website, thought everything was good, and then a few hours latter realized I had never gotten the next email. Hmmmm. So, hold your horses and wait for the email, kay?

Payment Confirmation 9/18/15 2:49PM
  So the next step is to paste your confirmation number into the DORMS website. This email is a receipt, showing how much you've paid, and giving you a unique alphanumeric code to confirm that you have, in fact, paid your fees. Enter it in and wait for the next email!
Step Three: Schedule Your Program Dates 9/18/15 3:35PM
   So now it's time! Time to schedule your program dates! The way this will work is you're going to follow the link in the email to DORMS, sign in, and go to the Program Acceptance Tab (ignore the other tab for now, that won't be of any use to you until just before you go). You'll indicate if you want to live in company sponsored housing or not, and then you'll go on to select your dates! There will be a few choices for dates, and they will provide you with a check in and check out day grouped together. The sooner you choose your dates, the more choices there are, so be prompt. Select your dates (I choose to get there as soon as possible!) and confirm!


Request For Additional Information 9/18/15 9:12PM
 
Even though Disney claims there are 3 steps, there are obviously quiet a few more. Once you've finished up your program verification, they're going to send you an email requesting more info. They need the info to run your background check, and to fill out the tax credit information. It's all simple, to the point, mostly yes or no questions. Finish filling out these forms and you're good as gold! This email isn't as important as knowing that there are no more emails for the day after this one. It'll be a while until you hear from Disney again! That's all from me for now, have a magical day!