Disney College Program Housing Bedroom/Bathroom & Rent Prices

Here is a breakdown of the Disney housing complexes. As mention here,  the rent prices for housing in Disney complexes can range from $86-105.00 every week. NOTE: These prices for 2013-2014 and are subject to change. Rent is taken out after taxes are deducted. You will be able to choose your housing preferences using the new DORMS system 10 days from you're arrival date.

To read about the DORMS pre-registration housing process, click here. It is highly recommended that you participate in the pre-registration process to speed up your check-in day. You will also specify who you would like to room with by linking them in DORMS.

Here is breakdown of each complexes amenities, pros/cons, bedrooms and bathrooms. Also, the current prices for 2013/2014.

VISTA WAY

The Location

Vista Way is tucked away behind a gas station and Chik-fil-A/Wendy's. The walk from this complex to others is a very, very long walk in the Florida heat.

The Units

Each unit in Vista has 2 beds in each rooms.Vista has no private balconies like the other complexes. Vista has no 1 or 4 bedroom units. I believe the windows can be open , but housing may not allow it. Opening windows is discouraged from housing. In a 3 bedroom apartment, 1 bedroom will have its own bathroom while the 2 remaining bedrooms must share a bathroom with a sink in the hallway. The 2 bedroom units will have 2 full bathrooms.

Amenities

Vista Way also has two pools, a fitness center, sand volleyball court, outdoor pool table, tennis court, basketball court, and two hot tubs. The transportation head quarters is also located at Vista Way. Having the transportation hub located at Vista could be a huge advantage for living in this complex. Vista Way is the oldest complex, however it is also known as the "party" housing. Although, the parties can be somewhat avoided there us usually people hanging out around the complex.

Mail & Laundry

There is one mail room where students can pick up their mail and they can send mail from the mail kiosk outside of the fitness center. There are laundry machines in every building and they are card operated machines, which means you must purchase a laundry card for $5 with a $1 non-refundable fee. These cards are only used at Vista Way. 

Major Pros & Cons

PROS: The main bus hub is located here, so those relying on the DCP buses will find this complex a little more convenient. It also with walking distance to some shops and restaurants. This is the only complex with movie rentals. There are computer labs and a few classes with be held in this complex.

CONS: This is the party complex. Vista has held this reputation for many years, so take that into consideration. Many apartments parties are held in this complex (be careful of under 21 drinkers). This complex is really, really old and the insides of the apartments will have a bit of ware and tare. However,  renovations did started in 2011 and may have finished sometime last year, so they should be in better shape. Although, I've been told that your college dorms may be worse, so Vista won't be all that bad. LOL!

Shops Eats & Drinks within Walking Distance

Vista Way is walking distance from a Walgreens, liquor store, Chick-Fil-A, Wendy's, Starbucks, a gas station, 7-Eleven, Applebee's, CiCi's Pizza and much more.

BED & BATHROOM PRICES

2 Bedrooms - $96 - 2 Bathrooms

3 Bedrooms - $86 - 2 Bathrooms (1 Bedroom has a Bathroom/ Other 2 rooms must share Bathroom - with a sink in the hallway)

CHATHAM SQUARE 

The Location

Chatham Square is right across from Mickey's Retreat and is next to Patterson Court.

The Units

Each unit in Chatham has 2 beds in each room. The 1 and 3 bedroom units have equal number of bathrooms. The 2 bedroom units 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
units have 2.5 bathrooms, with 2 bedrooms sharing a full bathroom and half bathroom located in the hallway.

Mail & Laundry

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.

Amenities

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

Major Pros & Cons

CONS: A longer (but completely doable) walking distance to public city transportation, shopping, and eating locations. If your unfavorable to noise, majority of the housing events take place here, so it can be loud during housing events. 

PROS: Majority of the housing events are located here. It's the second major bus hub. Within walking distance to a ton of shops and eats. Within walking distance to public city transportation. Great pool and fitness center. This complex is considered the "happy medium" for those that like to drink, have fun, and party but also enjoy some quite.

Shops Eats & Drinks within Walking Distance

The Premium Outlets has a lot of shops (Forever 21 & Charlotte Russe = YAY!) but also a full service food court. The food court has Taco Bell, Starbucks, A&W Old Town Ice Cream, Subway, Auntie Anne Pretzels, Mrs. Fields/TCBY and Frozenberry. It also offers Japanese, Chinese, Italian and many other quick service cuisines.

You can also walk to the Publix Plaza which has of course Publix Grocery Store, Walgreens, more restaurants (sushi, Mcdonalds, Outback Steakhouse), a nail shop and other retail stores.

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 (far from Chatham but it can done. May take 10-12 mins) that has a Panera, Smoothie shop (can't remember the name) , a spa and other shops.

BED & BATHROOM PRICES

1 Bedroom - $101 - 1 Bathroom

2 Bedrooms - $101 - 2 Bathrooms (1 Bedroom is private/ 1 Bathroom is connected bedroom & hallway)

3 Bedrooms - $91 - 3 Bathrooms

4 Bedrooms - $91 - 2.5 Bathrooms (2 Bedrooms Share Bath/ Half Bath in Hallway)

PATTERSON COURT

Location

It is located in the Little Lake Bryan area with Chatham Square and The Commons. Mickey's Retreat is down the street. It's located next to Chatham.The Premium Outlets - Vineland is around the corner. You can see International Drive from these apartments.

The Unit

The apartment units in Patterson are know to be a bit larger than the other apartment complexes. There are 2 beds in each room with each room having its own bathroom. There a no 4 bedroom apartments in Patterson.

Mail & Laundry

There is one mail kiosk located in Patterson Court where students can pick up and drop off their mail. There are four laundry facilities, which take debit or credit cards. Similar to Chatham's laundry, you can sign up for text alerts by going to laundryview.com/pattersoncourt in order to know when your wash or dry cycle is done.

Amenities

Patterson Court has a fitness center, pool, and an outdoor pool table.

Major Cons & Pros

CONS: Patterson Court does not have its own bus stop, so the students living here 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. If you plan on throwing a few apartment parties keep this in mind. It has fewer recreational amenities than the other complexes.

PROS: This is the newest complex and the units are possibly the largest. The closets are larger, so this is good option if you plan on bringing a lot of clothing and items. 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.

Shops Eats & Drinks within Walking Distance

The Premium Outlets has a lot of shops (Forever 21 & Charlotte Russe = YAY!) but also a full service food court. The food court has Taco Bell, Starbucks, A&W Old Town Ice Cream, Subway, Auntie Anne Pretzels, Mrs. Fields/TCBY and Frozenberry. It also offers Japanese, Chinese, Italian and many other quick service cuisines.

You can also walk to the Publix Plaza which has of course Publix Grocery Store, Walgreens, more restaurants (sushi, Mcdonalds, Outback Steakhouse), a nail shop and other retail stores.

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 (this a much, much farther from Patterson (12-15 mins) but this can done on a really good day) that has a Panera, Smoothie shop (can't remember the name) , a spa and other shops.

BED & BATHROOM PRICES

1 Bedroom - $101 - 1 Bathroom - 1 Bathrooms

2 Bedrooms - $101 - 2 Bathrooms - 2 Bathrooms

3 Bedrooms - $91 - 3 Bathrooms - 3 Bathrooms

THE COMMONS

Please Note: The Commons is for the NOW OPEN to all Disney College Program participants.

The Location

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.

The Units

Each unit has 2 beds in each room and a balcony. You may find the design of some of The Commons units very different. Some units 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 units have 2.5 bathrooms, with 2 bedrooms sharing a full bathroom and half bathroom located in the hallway.

Mail & Laundry

There are laundry machines in every apartment. There are two mail kiosks where students can pick up and drop off their mail.

Amenities 

There is also a pool, fitness center, computer center, sand volleyball court, and tennis courts in the Commons. 

Major Pros & Cons

PROS: The Commons has a washer/dryer in every unit. It's location (in my opinion) beats out Vista simply because of the Outlets. The Commons is located across the street (less 3-5 minutes walk) from the Premium Outlets - Vineland. This complex could also be considered a happy medium for party people who also quiet time.

CONS: 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.

This could be a deal breaker for most despite having a washer/dryer in every apartment unit.

Shops Eats & Drinks within Walking Distance
The Premium Outlets has a lot of shops (Forever 21 & Charlotte Russe = YAY!) but also a full service food court. The food court has Taco Bell, Starbucks, A&W Old Town Ice Cream, Subway, Auntie Anne Pretzels, Mrs. Fields/TCBY and Frozenberry. It also offers Japanese, Chinese, Italian and many other quick service cuisines.

You can also walk to the Publix Plaza which has of course Publix Grocery Store, Walgreens, more restaurants (sushi, Mcdonalds, Outback Steakhouse), a nail shop and other retail stores.

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 (much closer to the commons than chatham/patterson) that has a Panera, Smoothie shop (can't remember the name) , a spa and other shops.

BED & BATHROOM PRICES

1 Bedroom - $105 -1 Bathroom

2 Bedrooms - $105 - 2 Bathrooms

3 Bedrooms - $93 - 3 Bathrooms

4 Bedrooms - $93 - 2.5 Bathrooms 2 Rooms Share Bath/ Half Bath in Hallway)

A Overhead Map of the Area

All Complexes

Will have wifi in the main areas like the pool, clubhouses, some bus stops and lounge areas. All the complexes have pools, a fitness center, and computer lab.

You may also purchase an internet upgrade for $10.00. Now, it's unclear if that option will add $10.00 to everyone's rent or just one person.

Visiting hours are from 7AM to 1AM for non-program participants AND program participants UNLESS you live in the SAME housing complex. Quiet hours are from 7AM to 1AM for all COMPLEXES.

For example, Chatham residents can visit each other after 1AM (of course you must be considerate of others). Patterson residents can visit each other . . . and so on. However, Chatham CANNOT visit Patterson residents after 1AM.


Wellness vs. Non Wellness

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. (read about that here)


Choosing Roommates

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.  Remember: One Bedroom = Two People, Two Bedrooms = Four People, Etc.

Read about how to find a roommate for the program, download the room mate survey template, questions to ask and more.

 

RESOURCE & IMAGES

(http://disneycollegeprogrammagic.blogspot.com/2012/10/college-program-housing.html) (https://disneyprogramsblog.com/dorms/)(http://www.wdwip.com/wiki/The_Living_Experience)