Doing the Disney College Program with No Car!

Soooooo, I  keep getting emails and comments years after my program on this topic, sohere is my long over due new post on getting around without a car during your Disney College Program.

I've managed to do 3 Disney College Programs with no vehicle, and I still manage to get around to grocery shopping, malls, and Orlando events.

A new thing a lot of CP's are doing is purchasing an annual passes to Universal (at the Florida resident rate - talk about it later). This gives unlimited entrance to Universal and you have access to Disney Parks.

I purchased an annual pass for my program extension, and it was the best investment ever!!!!! I have no regrets spending the $180. It was well worth it. I went to Universal over 10 times with NO CAR.

I went to a very popular Korean BBQ place with no car, it took some time but was no problem. Got to Downtown Orlando, no problem. There is also a  way to get to Busch Gardens in Tampa!! Beaches? Yep! Miami? Sure! Disneyland in Cali? Yeah!

Ways to Get Around

Itrolley - This is your best friend!!! If you wanna get away from Disney. Take the trolley that goes up and down International Drive, also know as, Idrive. Idrive is a long strip of resorts, restaurants and tourist attractions. Matter of fact, Chatham and Patterson are right off Idrive. The location of Disney housing is perfect. It was a great way to doing new things and getting away from Disney for awhile.

SUPER HOT TIP - Flash your Disney ID to take the trolley for .25 cents. It normally cost $2.00 per ride!! It's amazes me how many CPs don't know about this tip. It's not advertised on the website, and drivers don't say anything. I used this frequently!!!

Where's the Itrolley?  From Commons apts, you need to walk across the street to the parking garage - walk through the garage and to the Outlet.

Keep walking through the outlet, you need to come out near the Anne Taylor Loft and American Eagle store (see this map of the store outlet).

Walk to the corner and you will see a bus shelter. Take the bus on this side (the side Outlet Mall is on) to get to International Drive.

When you return from Idrive, get off at the McDonald's. Your bus stop pick and drop off is called Orlando Premium Outlets VINELAND AVE. There are two outlets,  you do not want the International Drive location.

There is also 2 lines and Red and Green. The red line is the one you want majority of the time. Visit the site for more information.

HOT TIP: At the bus shelter, there will be a board that looks similar to the picture above with the route and there will be a list of restaurants, shops, and attractions with a letter and/or number next to it to indicate where to get off. Each stop is announced on the trolley, so it's easy to find your stop.

LYNX Bus

The Premum Outlet Mall Itrolley Bus stop: You can catch the LYNX Bus 8 which takes basically the same route as the iTrolley but goes much faster and cost more. You can get off this bus and transfer to other LYNX buses if necessary.

Disney Springs LYNX Bus Stop:  This is another stop you might not have considered or heard of when getting around. The CP Bus ( Bus F) to Disney Springs, get off and walk to the entrance at the very front near Earl of Sandwich. Come out and you will see a crosswalk. Cross the street, and right on the corner is a bus shelter (can't miss it).

Also note, this info is based on the old F Bus stop (at casting) before it was Disney Springs. The new F Bus stop is over by Team Disney/ Casting (I think), so you could probably walk down the street to the bus shelter since it's on the same side of the road.

This bus will take you through Hotel Plaza Blvd, then it will turn on Apopka Vineland  and go to the corner near Olive Garden. It will turn again down Palm Parkway near Pizza Hut and continue on.

You can get to Chevy's Sweet Tomatoes, Burger King, Ale House, Goodings Grocery store (kind of expensive), Taco Bell, Buffalo Wild Wings, IHop, Hooters, Kobe Steakhouse, Sea Dog Brewing Company, and the Video 1 Game Bar (cool place). Plus many, many more restaurants, and shops.

The bus number is 300. Bus 300 is an express bus that goes straight to downtown Orlando and will take you directly to the LYNX Central Station. This bus takes the Highway instead of taking the back roads to get you right in the heart of Downtown to the Central Station.

Once at the Central Station, you will have access to numerous bus routes. This will require more research to your destination, but can be easily done.

Bus 50 (the Magic Kingdom bus) will also stop at Disney Springs, go through Palm Parkway, but will break off towards the International Drive area.  I don't recommend taking this from MK, unless you're already there. Getting off Disney Property takes forever. Just use the CP bus to get off Disney Property.

Visit LYNX Bus website for more information on routes and updates

Shuttle Bus

For the locations that are hard to reach by public transport, a shuttle bus will be your next option. The most popular company is Mears. They are used by Disney for the Magical Express, and you might have used them to get to Vista for check-in. So this is a huge company. Super Shuttle is also very popular and use throughout the US. They will be your go to when you need a ride to the airport. It's $20 one way. Look for coupons and codes online.

Visit Mears Shuttle Website or Super Shuttle Website

Coach Bus

MegaBus  - An extra cheap way  of getting to certain Florida destinations. They have routes as cheap as $1. No Kidding!! With on board wifi, and comfortable seats.

Greyhound - I've been to the Orlando station and it's a bit far from Disney Housing. You will need a cab to get there unless you get a roommate to take you. Only take this if it's necessary. Use MegaBus instead.

Other Modes of Transportation

Flights - If your looking to travel out of state a bit  (I'll get into this later) than look into Spirit Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Spirit Airlines is consider the taxi of the airways because it's very cheap and low budget, but gets you to your destination.

Taxis - I mostly use this if I'm staying at a location that operates beyond public transportation hours, too tired to take the bus back, or need to get somewhere ASAP.

Legit Companies: Mears, Diamond Cab and Ace Metro - Others -  Taxi Cab Orlando, Atlas, Yellow Taxi

Uber/Lyft - An wonderful alternative to taxi cabs. This may be a lot cheaper than taxis. There are many codes and special offers to get free or discounted rides.

Okay, I covered the different methods of transportation available to CPs and a little about how to use them. Don't be scared to try them out.

No one really bothers you, go with a friend if you need to, be alert and play it safe.

Keep some dollar bills and coins on you because you will need exact fair. Many cabs have credit card machines. Shuttles and coach buses require research and advanced bookings.

Routes to Specific Destinations

Getting to Universal/ Sea world/ Aquatica and International Drive

Okay to get to Seaworld and Aquatica (the water park) - Simply take the Itrolley and get off the bus at the designated stop. You honestly can't miss it!! Oh, Seaworld and Aquatica are 2 different stops on the Red Line. Aquatica is first then Seaworld.

Now Universal will take some walking - about 7-10 minutes. It's not bad, a little tiring after a full day of coasters but it can be done.

You will need to take the Itrolley from the Outlet mall near housing. You will need the Red Line to get there. Your stop is about 20-30 minutes away (quit whining it only cost 25 cents).

If taking the Red Line you will get off at Stop 6 - Wet N Wild. This will drop you off in front of the Wet N Wild water park entrance. Once you get off, walk to the corner and cross the small street first. Then cross the busy street which is International Drive. This puts you on the correct side of the road.

As you walk, you will cross a bridge then there will be a crosswalk near a pond with cars coming off the highway. Be careful here!  You will then pass a parking garage, keep walking straight until you see a staircase to your right. Walk up the steps and you will be coming upon the entrance.

If you mistakenly get on the Green Line the stop is G5.

HOT TIP: You can view this entire walk through Google Maps street view.

Getting Downtown Orlando

Take the 300 bus from Disney Springs or catch the Lynx Bus 8 at the Premium Outlet Mall. Use the 300 as an express bus to the central station which is in the heart of Downtown.

The number 8 (similar route as the trolley) goes through International Drive but eventually ends up at the station.

Bus 300 is a better option, but this will require you to take the CP - F Bus to Disney Springs first.

Getting to Busch Gardens

Remember the Mears Shuttle  I mentioned earlier, well they run a FREE bus to Busch Gardens. You must have a Busch Gardens ticket to ride for free. If you don't have a Busch Gardens ticket, it will be $10.

SUPER HOT TIP - It now picks up at Chatham and Vista. You could also get picked up at the Publix across from the Outlet Mall.

Info from the website:

• Shuttle is FREE with any paid Busch Gardens ticket.
• Passengers are responsible for transportation to and from the designated pickup and dropoff locations in and around the Orlando area. Mears Taxi services are available at a minimal charge by calling (407) 422-2222.
• Arrival time at Busch Gardens is subject to change: could be as late as 11:30 a.m.
• Departure time from Busch Gardens depends on park closing time. Please call the number below for exact departure time.
• # of stops for each shuttle are not determined until day of trip. Your shuttle could potentially have a maximum of 3 stops on the route.
• For additional information please call 1-800-221-1339.

Call first for the most up to date info, and then proceed with booking.

Click here to reserve your pick up

Getting to Miami,FL


Okay, I mention the Bus 300 Express Route earlier, well you will need that bus in order to get the MegaBus. The MegaBus location is down the street from the Central Station. If you inform the driver, they will let you off at the MegaBus stop.

Once a the MegaBus stop, you will line up, wait for the bus to arrive. Once it arrives, the driver will check you ticket. You sit where you want, get comfortable and then enjoy the ride to Miami.

Note: This bus doesn't stop in South Beach. It stops Downtown and at the Airport. However, it cost about $15 via cab to get the South Beach. Some hotels and hostels offer a free shuttle from the airport. There's also a cheap bus at the airport that will take you straight to South Beach for a dollar or two.

One more note on getting out of the Disney bubble:

Disney Housing Events - Okay, when you get those housing newsletters make sure you read them because you could be missing out on some great day trips to other Florida cities and beaches. Sometimes they are free!!!! I've done quite a few trips and they have been awesome.

Disneyland - CA - Your ID can get you into Disneyland as well, and yes I've done this on a CP trip. Unless things have changed your ID is your ticket. I booked a trip to Los Angeles during my first CP, we used Spirit Airlines and it was super cheap under $200 or so round trip to get to there. Could more or less for the flight. I also took that time to visit Universal Hollywood. Good times.

Using a Taxi Cab - Okay for those Fall CPs out there that go to Halloween Horror Nights. You can take the trolley to Universal. Getting back might be a problem since the routes stop running early on weekends specifically. Just take a cab and split the cost with friends. For me and my friend to Chatham was $25. It was worth it since it was so late.

Use Uber/Lyft - to hit up Orlando festivals and concert. Orlando has some awesome festival that are worth visiting.

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DCP Housing: 1 Bedroom VS 2-4 Bedrooms Apartment

Please note: Although my program is over, I will continue posting whatever comes to mind and uploading some old content.

I want to touch up on something that's not really brought up in a lot of DCP discussions, and that is whether to stay in a 1 Bedroom (2 people) or 2-4 Bedrooms (4-8 people).

I spent an entire year in Disney Housing. For the first half of my program, I stayed in a 3 bedroom apartment in Chatham. For my extension, I stayed in a 1 Bedroom apartment also in Chatham. I've seen the inside of Vista, Patterson and Commons apartments/bedrooms. Because of all my previous experience with Disney Housing, I can give a little insight on the pros and cons of both.

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Living: Chatham 18302

So, the DORMS information was correct! I do live in Chatham Square Building 18. The location is fabulous (I told you that here) because it's close to the bus, clubhouse, trash, and laundry.

I live in a 3 bedroom apartment on the 3rd floor. The apartment is spacious with plenty of room for storage. My rent is 92.00 per week.

The MAJOR CONS: Our microwave was disgusting with rust, hair and crack roof and a complete fire hazard - so we have NO microwave. The light and fan above the stove don't work! The bathrooms need additional cleaning. Some outlets don't work.

UPDATE (7/14/2015): So, I we took the microwave out and brought it down to the front desk and they gave us a dirty look. Not as dirty as the microwave, but whatever. Ha! We eventually did end up getting another microwave and the light above the stove was fixed half way through the program.

They aren't fast at fixing things, so stay on top of maintenance calls. Overall, the apartment was good (in my opinion). Although, some may be use to the good life and think it's a third world hut. I can say that is not bad. YOU do need to clean it yourself. After you clean it yourself, it will begin to feel like home. Do yourself a favor and decorate it! Oh, and the infamous green carpet is gross, but doable.

THE MAJOR PROS: LOCATION!!!!, All Buses come to CHATHAM!, my classes are at Chatham, and close to the Outlets. My room is large, a big bathroom and a standard closet.

UPDATE (7/14/2015): We were right across from the clubhouse, we had no problems with security (even when we had a party), no loud noise above (we on the 3rd floor), and  many events were held in the Chatham Square field.

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Email: DORMS Domestic Arrival Reminder 1/20/2014

This is a final email reminder from DORMS detailing the check-in location, date and time. As you can see, they are now assigning check-in times. However, many CPs believe this is only a recommendation as to when you should arrive to Vista.

It also confirms that DORMS pre-registration is closed and absolutely no changes can be made to your registration form.

Please remember to print out ALL 7-8 documents (it depends on if you have a vehicle or any accommodations) especially the bar code.

Here's the email:

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DORMS: I'm in Chatham!!!

Okay, so yesterday I found out I will be living in Chatham. So, how did I find out? Well, the Jan 13th Arrivals figured out that your apartment information is listed on the parking decal form for the apartments. If you DID NOT register a vehicle, you MAY be able to see it on the DORMS website very close to your arrival date. I will try to test this theory out later. Now, future CPs using the DORMS system know a loophole to finding their apartment information before they arrive to Orlando.

Sidenote: Read this post to learn about the pros and cons of each complex and this one for a video tour of the complexes.

I've been placed in Chatham 18302!

This means Building 18, 3rd Floor, Apartment 2.

I really thought we were going to get The Commons, but I guess not. Not really bummed about it, but just a little surprised. However, it was my FIRST choice initially and I have live in Chatham before so it's all good. The major plus is rent is CHEAPER than The Commons. I saved $3.00 dollars.

OH! Get this . . . Building 18 is actually across from Building 11 which is my old apartment building. So, I will be using the same laundry machine and mail kiosk . . . talk about Deja Vu!!!

The location is just all around awesome! I'm actually really excited about where they have put us in Chatham.

It's literally next to the laundry room, close to the garbage can outside, close to the buses - really close, close enough to security to call for help but far enough to be mischievous lol and near the clubhouse - a huge bonus. Also, I lived near security in building 11 with no problems.

We are a straight walk to the pool and classrooms located on the other side of the complex. The mail kiosk is also a bit of walk.

My suit mates and I have already chosen our actual rooms inside the apartments. My roommate and I chose bedroom 2 (at the end of the hallway).

It's the main bedroom she is showing in this video:



It's actually perfect not too big, not too small. We call it the goldilocks room. The room is spacious but not huge like Bedroom 1, the closet is the same as bedroom 1 but larger than bedroom 3. The bathroom is a bit larger than Bedroom 1 and has 2 door entrances.

Bedroom 3 (on the right or left side of the hallway next to bedroom 2) has the biggest bathroom, but a smaller room. The closets seems a bit smaller and is located in the bathroom behind the door.

Bedroom 1 (located in the front of the apartment in every 3 bedroom tour of Chatham) has the biggest room space. The bathroom is standard but decent size.

As for the closets, they're all okay. You have enough space and you can walk in the closest, but they're not huge.

The kitchen is a decent size with plenty of cabinet and shelf space. Counter top space is reasonable due to all the cabinet space in the kitchen.There is a dishwasher, garbage disposal, fridge, a few pots/pans, dishes, utensils, a tea kettle, oven/stove and a microwave.

I love the dining areas of Chatham because it's kind of sanctioned off from the others areas unlike Patterson and the Commons. In those 2 complexes it looks like they just threw chairs and a table in the middle of the room or off to the side.

The little table for internet is also a plus! I also believed they have opened up those magical doors inside of the Kitchen to allow more storage space for CPs.

A close look at Chatham:

NOTE: THIS IS WITH THE MOST UP TO DATE RENT PRICES

The Location

Chatham Square is located in the Little Lake Bryan areas right across from Mickey's Retreat and is next to Patterson Court but behind The Commons.

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. The 4 bedroom units will have 2 fridges.

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 (close to me) , 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, education classrooms, 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. The clubhouse offers rental service, an ATM (Partners FCU), drink machines, Cast Newsletters, and more

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. Closets in these apartments are a bit small, but not tiny. You and your roommate will have just enough space.

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. I have made the walk to the Taco Bell in the Outlet food court numerous times with no problems in the Florida heat. Within walking distance to public city transportation (Lynx City Bus and iTrolley). 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, a Publix Grocery Store, Walgreens, more restaurants (Sushiology, 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 is TON of stuff to do on Idrive. It's a major tourist area. There are bars (senor frogs/budz), attractions (Wonderworks/Helicopter Tours), shows (Mystery Dinner Shows/DRIP), shopping (Plaza/Centers), banks, spas, salons and much more. I encourage CPs to catch the BUS OR TROLLEY! Get our the Disney are for a change!

There also another little shopping center (far from Chatham but it can done. May take 10-15 mins) 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 - $103 - 2 Bathrooms (1 Bedroom is private/ 1 Bathroom is connected bedroom & hallway)

3 Bedrooms - $92 - 3 Bathrooms

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

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Email: Disney Housing Boarding Pass

Okay,I'm posting this a bit late. However, this is the final email I received after completing DORMS the other day. This email contains our boarding pass barcode (like an airport lol) that the Housing Team will scan on check-in day to give us our housing assignment and keys.

After, my room mate completed the DORMS registration first so we could link up, I was sent an email notifying me that I've been linked, and then I completed the registration after I got the email.

My part of the registration took 15 minutes, this includes receiving all emails related to DORMS. This is the final email you'll receive until closer to check-in.

You have the start of registration and until the end of registration period to go back into DORMS and change your information. Once, the registration period is over you CANNOT change anything. Your choices will be locked in to the system.

This email has your barcode for scanning at check-in and your roommate ID number which actually your PERNR work number.

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Email: Disney Housing You've Been Linked

After, one of my roommates completed her DORMS form and entered all of us into the system, we received this email from Disney confirming we have been linked. Now, I can start the housing registration. I used the information from the first email to log-in.

How to complete it:

Once, I was logged-in, I had to change my password and then complete the registration. This required reading all of the housing policies (at the bottom you click a checkbox and enter your birthday) and allow for payroll to deduct rent from my paycheck (click the checkbox and type your birthday). Then it moved on to the roommate and hoursing prefernces, which all I had to do was confirm the information my roommate entered.

If for some reason you want to deny the link, there is an "unlink me" button at the top that can be used to remove yourself from the link and not rooming with those participants. Once you unlink from that group you cannot link to them again.

After reading the housing rules and completing the housing preferences you will print the completed boarding documents.

This is the email once you've been linked:

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Email: DORMS is here!

I finally got my DORMS (Disney Onsite Resident Management System) registration information email. This purpose of this registration is to fill out vehicle information, read over the housing handbook, print the necessary documents prior to arrival, indicate your housing preferences, and to get your boarding pass.

I actually expected to receive this on the 11th because that is actually 10 days out, however, I received it today (Jan, 7th) in my email at 8:40AM. January 20th participants DORMS registration period is from Jan 7th to Jan 10th.

When my roommate is done collecting everyone's roommate numbers then I can receive my new DORMS email and complete the process. So, I will put that in different post. I will post the email with the information for the most accuracy. 

If you decided NOT to go random: 

• you need everyone's registration number first
• then pick one person to fill out DORMS first
• this person will input your numbers into their DORMS system application
• after they complete DORMS an email will be sent to you asking to link up with the other people
• you will open this new email and start your DORMS registration
• during your DORMS registration, they ask you to confirm linking up with the individuals linked
• Once you confirmed, you print your information and complete DORMS

If you decide TO GO random:

• you only need you information from the 2 emails
• sign-in and complete DORMS
• when you get to the room mate part, choose the option to "be adventurous"
• fill out your housing preferences and complete the DORMS process
• print out any information you are asked to print

First here are the 2 emails you should receive from Disney Housing:

Here's the DORMS email, read this for the most accuracy on how to complete DORMS and linking up with roomates:

MESSAGE 1 of 2 

This includes your roommates number which is actually your PERNER/WORK number, so please do not share it and block it out when posting screenshots.

MESSAGE 2 of 2

This email contains your password to log-in to DORMS.

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Disney Housing Video Tours

This was posted yesterday in the DCP Facebook group by a participant. I've seen these videos before and they are very detailed and helpful. They show you the property, pool and just the entire complex.

I enjoy this particular Vloggers videos because she shows you the outside of each complex. For example, she stands across the street from each complex while showing you the security gates, sidewalks, signs for each complex, and main entrances.

She walks around the complex, so you can see the buildings, parking lots, pools, balconies, educations classrooms, and other amenities.

It's a full wall around tour of each complex. The only one she shows the inside for is The Commons because she lives in that complex.

For Vista, there was not tour, so I used another video. 

For  breakdown of: Rent Prices, Bedrooms/Bathrooms, Amenities, Close Eats & Shops
READ THIS: http://thedcplife.blogspot.com/2013/11/disney-college-program-housing.html

Let's get to it . . .

PATTERSON COURT

Outside:

Inside:  http://youtu.be/Zq0i7MvdX5Y

THE COMMONS

Outside:

Inside: http://youtu.be/YrFm6xLklLE

CHATHAM SQUARE

Outside:

Inside: http://youtu.be/5WOBsLt-mzk

VISTA WAY

Outside:

Inside: http://youtu.be/V9_9lcvjDP8

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Grey Topics: Termination for Internet Usage

In this edition of Grey Topics, I want to go over something that made me really upset on the Facebook group the other day. Usually, I hold my silence, but I decided not to jump into the conversation no matter how much it pissed me off.

I would block out names but ugh I don't feel like it, besides what's the point when it's on Facebook. Closed group or not this is public. Sorry, not sorry.

BACKDROP:

Anyway, this was not the end of the conversation but it gives you a general idea of how this topic came up. The discussion got even more silly and ludicrous after the cut. There was also a conversation that came before this post.

The girl claims her room mate got termed for "streaming" content . . . not denying it, but shit that can't be the whole story. You just don't get termed for streaming a video or media. My god that's beyond rare!!! She claimed her room mate was only streaming.

Come on now! Her room mate didn't tell her everything. I mean you've only known her in person for 4-8 months!! She could have watered down the truth.

Note: After I completed this post, some else came back and post a questions about this again. And many people (again) refuted the possibility of this happening.

My Take on Her Story

I think she downloaded illegal content, now I mentioned the word downloaded. I believe, housing got a notice from their cable/internet service provider. You know, the notice that you get when you download a file and your internet and sometimes cable gets suspended. You call the cable company and they say your internet has been flagged for piracy . . . yeah that notice.

This had to happen. These notices include the name of the pirate content or file, for example "harry_potter_movie_DVDrip.avi"  . . . you get the point and it will also state the IP address that download the file.

All housing needs is the IP address to figure out which apartment tried to download the file. Everyone in the same apartment uses the same Wifi or ethernet cord therefore the same IP number.

The real question is how did they find out which person's computer it came from . . . that's the real question. I've said before that people only tell you want they want. It's never 100% . . . trust no one.

Not denying the story but she should have keep it mild and realistic. These stories make people feel like they can't do anything.  People keep forgetting we pay rent so were are still entitled to some privileges and privacy.

The Contract and You're Worthless

Okay, I really hate it when CPs bring up, "it's in the contract." We get it, but it's not that serious. Calm down. Don't thow that out when you have nothing else to say. They don't own us or our privacy (completely anyway). Having a contract doesn't mean your computer can be ransacked by housing without a proper notice. Which I doubt they can do that at all. Their is an internet usage policy, but it's no different than a contract for a regular Internet Service Provider.

Another thing that annoys me beyond belief is when I read  comments like this in the post thread: "we can be replaced easily", "they don't care if you get termed", "CPs are at the bottom of the food chain","you don't have any say or privileges", "you're just a CP so deal with","CPs are disposable", "deal with it or go home" . . . . . I'm like woah there!! O___O

To sum it up, some alumni claim, "you're a worthless piece of crap" according to Disney. That is false to an extent.

We're not EASILY replaceable.

Replaceable yes, easily NO. I remember when CPs would quit or get terminated at my location . . . NO ONE came in to take their spot. The hours are split amongst everyone, but that means Disney may need to pay overtime. That means more work for CPs and more stress for managers because there is less staff.

CPs only come in at certain times of the year. So, it's not like they can call in for more programmers because there is a system. CPs arrive in January and early February. More CPs will not arrive until April when the quarter programmers show up, but there are very few of them arriving. Then May/June is the start of the Fall Advantage, but we also lose CPs because this is the end of the regular Spring program. 

However, it's only certain times of year. So, until arrival season starts schedulers must make due with seasonal, full-timers, part-timers, and the remaining CPs.

They DO care about US.

Managers, security, housing, and bus drivers are not complete buttholes. They are not out to get you! They get paid to do their job not to get you termed purposely. I really sure housing has better things to do than to PURPOSELY get CPs termed. Housing is no different than any other apartment community management, they must keep resident occupancy at a certain number.

Many of them try to work with you and help you out. If you show respect, maturity and be courteous than you should have no problem encountering these individuals.

It's the same for work, if you apply yourself and show some responsibility then your managers will respect you the same. Of course, not all managers will give you the nod you deserve when you've worked hard, but you press on and maintain respect. Don't let someones bad attitude dictate how you should act.

Reciprocating Respect

Being a CP or at the bottom of the food chain, does not mean we should be disrespected and mistreated. Granted CPs work hard and are paid minimum wage, but ALL CPs knows this when they sign up. This is not NEW. Low pay and a ton of hours does not equate to being treated like shit. So cut the bull!

I was treated wonderfully by management, despite the many times I foolishly called out. I got my requested days off and many of them said thank you, almost daily for the work I did.

It's not like this everywhere . . . of course not, but once again management must respect you and act like managers should when on the job. If you do your job, they'll do theirs (maybe lol).

As for the "deal with it or go home" . . . what do think will happen if YOU decided not to comply with Disney's policies. Polices that you read in the new hire documents, at casting, and/or traditions. You go home right? Right. 

We know about the hard work, long hours, under staffing, low pay, mean full-timers, incompetent managers, and so on. But, this is almost every job!  So, of course, if you don't like any of this, then yes . . . by all means go home. Sad to say, this is real life and every job will have problems.

Back On The Topic

I've gone all off track! So we know downloading, sharing, and torrenting any copyrighted material is illegal . . . no shit. This is true! However, that's why many people do streaming. Streaming can be done from youtube, dailymotion, abc news, a blog, forum . . . anywhere on the internet.

To get termed for simply streaming . . . there is no way! Tracking down someone for watching a stream is very difficult and rare. If anyone is taken down for streaming illegal activity, it will be the website owner and hosting service. If you're doing the streaming, uploading or sharing then expect some problems.

I did some streaming of anime and videos with no issues. I've known MANY other CPs with no issues. Of course, not saying it can't happen, but I think housing is more worried about these underage drinkers. ^__^

Perhaps if she would have said downloading, that would've been way more legit. But, for real, come on now! I listen and take in everyone's stories, but I said in another grey topic, take these stories with a grain of salt.

On another note: Enough with the damn termination stories and scare tactics. Let these CPs live!

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Disney College Program Roommate Survey Template

I wanted to provide a quick example for anyone to use for their room mate survey. The room mate survey gives people general information about you and your lifestyle.

Most people in the Facebook ask, "Where do I find the room mate survey?". Well, here it is. :)

You can copy/paste the survey from anyone in your arrival date group or download it here. Please read my word of advice. I am by no means a DCP expert (just an alumni) but I have plenty of common sense. LOL!

(Skip the reading and just download the survey here from Google Documents)

WORD OF ADVICE:

Please don’t lie!! Be up front and keep it real. It shows maturity when you can be direct and honest about what you want without being disrespectful. 

If you want to party and drink, please admit it . . . . If you hate drunk people, say so . . . If you all you wanna do is bake brownies and watch Disney movies everyday during you entire program, say it . . . it will save you a HUGE headache later. Besides, you want people that are like or favorable to YOU.

Be vigilant in your search for a room mate. That means, post in ALL the groups because some people may not be in the main page or in your arrival page group. Keep posting, some people get accepted really late or wait til the last minute.

Housing Details:

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.  (read about that here)

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 and Non-wellness may room together BUT Non-Wellness participants must sign a contract. (read that here)

ASK QUESTIONS!!!

What questions should I ask?

Well the main ones, to me, are:

How do you feel about visitors during the day? night? after visiting hours (if in the same complex)?

How do you feel about drinking? being buzzed/slightly drunk? drinking games? throwing parties?

Would you ride a party bus? go to universal? visit a beach? go shopping? trips to Miami?

Do you smoke? Hookah bars? (No pipes on property)

how late do you stay up? When do you wake up?

Lights on or off at night? TV on or off at night?

Cold or Hot room? Fan or no fan? Messy or Clean?

To me these are the most important questions you should ask your potential roommates after reviewing their survey.

Finally to the room mate, you may add more details. . . the more the merrier. 

Disney College Program Unofficial Roommate Survey Template

BACKGROUND

• Name:
• Gender:
• Orientation:
• Relationship Status:
• Birthday/Age:
• Current Location:
• From:
• School:
• Major:
• Are you allergic/allergies to anything?
• Do you have any siblings?

DCP DETAILS

• Are you applying for WDW or DL?
• Flying or Driving:
• Your Role?:
• What program are you applying for?
• Do you want to live in Wellness or Non-Wellness?
• How many people do you want to live with?
• Which housing complex would you like to live in?:
• Alumni?

LIFESTYLE

• Do you party? How often?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you drink?
• Can you cook?
• Are you a night person or morning person?
• Do you snore?
• What does your bedroom normally look like?
• Do you like it when your room is hot or cold?
• Would you rather go out or stay in?
• What do you like to do on your days off/the weekend?
• Do you work out a lot?

PERSONALITY

• Three words that describe you:
• One good quality:
• One bad quality:
• Are you outgoing or quiet?  
• Do you like hanging out with people or keeping to yourself?
• What would you want in a roommate?
• What are your biggest pet peeves/dislikes?
• Are you messy or organized?
• How do you feel about sharing?
• Do you like having people over a lot?
• Favorite thing to do:
• Favorite Music:
• Favorite TV Shows:
• Favorite Movies: Favorite Food:
• Favorite Candy:
• Favorite Drink:
• Favorite Color:

DISNEY!!

• Favorite Character:
• Favorite Movie:
• Favorite Disney Channel Show:
• Favorite Park: 
• Favorite Ride:

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