Email: Final Reminders

Alright, I'm a little late posting this email, but 2 days in a row I got a ton of emails from Disney. I got this email on January 8th, 2014 which 13 days from my arrival date. This basically a final reminder to read the onboarding website before you arrive to make sure you understand what documents you need to bring, check-in time, the location of check-in, check-in attire, direct deposit, packing, and your program perks.

OH! I want to point this out, but it says clearly in this email: "be sure to show up at your schedule arrival time." This is a clear answer to those asking should I arrive at the time I was given in my DORMS email.

For some reason, this emails contain out candidate ID number which I have no idea what to do with right now because we have PERNER numbers.

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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: Exploring Disney Heritage Status Update

Back in November 12th, 2013, I mention after I sign up for Disney courses that I missed out signing up for Disney Heritage. Well, I was place on a wait list, see about that here at the bottom of the page, and there was no availability.

Well, on January 7th, 2014, I received an update regarding the status of my registration for Disney Heritage. I have officially been denied . . . sort of!

This was the email I received:

So, that is that . . . No Disney Heritage for me. And it took them 2 months to let me know . . . sigh! Haha! Anyway, I'm not sure I want the class anymore because I think it will be a bit much for me. These classes are held on my off days, so I'm not really willing to give up another off day for classes.

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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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Onboarding: New Hire Documents *Updated*

* I have updated this document on how to solve the issues with the new hire documents* This afternoon around 12:00PM, I received  my New Hire Documents. I was slightly surprised that I received them THIS week. I had previously mentioned, that people arriving Jan 8th and Jan 13th had already received their paperwork starting maybe, Monday (Nov, 18th) of last week. 

UPDATE:

If DORMS is not working for you try all of the following:

- Use Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari since it's recommended in the email. Internet Explorer is said to work the BEST. Chrome and Opera should be a last attempt.

- After getting a compatible browser . . . . YOU MUST UPDATE Adobe Reader and Flash. After updating, clear you cache and cookies then close and open the browser.

REMEMBER: You must do this for EVERY BROWSER.

- If you have updated both Reader and Flash and they don't work try completely uninstalling Adobe Reader and Flash or at the minimum uninstalling Adobe Reader.

 - Clear cookies and cache. *google this if you don't know how* Then install them again.

If you manage to open the documents and they won't save:

- Give the documents a minute to save after you click "submit". 

 - When I submitted my documents, it said pending BUT after I completed and submitted the next document, the previous document I finished would update to "completed".

- So, just keep going to the next document. They save slowly, so give them a minute.

 - If they still don't save log out and log back in to see if it changes.

- Although, this isn't mentioned in the email, updating your version of JAVA might help with opening and saving the documents.

If the following don't work: updating Adobe Reader, updating Flash player, JAVA, clearing cookies, clearing cache, trying all browsers and waiting patiently don't work contact recruiting for solutions.

NOTE: Many CPs have contacted recruiting about the documents and they stated:

• You can complete the documents at check-in. 
• If something is incorrect, you CAN CORRECT is at check-in/casting.
• They will have printers at check-in for you to complete and print any necessary paperwork.
• Seasonal and recent alumni may NOT receive New Hire Documents at all.

So, please do not stress if the documents are not working for you. Do expect your check-in process to be longer than the reported 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Okay, back to the topic:

On Facebook, people were reporting that their dashboard changed from "Post Offer Stage" back to "In Progress". You usually see the "In Progress" status after you apply and/or do your phone interview up until your accepted unless, of course, your status has been "pended" or you're "NLIC - No Longer In Consideration".

However, accepted participants began seeing their status go back to "In Progress", many called Recruiting, who simply stated, you're about to receive your New Hire Documents. Then after completing the paperwork their status was then changed to "(Insert Role) H/H", for example, my dashboard has new drop down menu that says "Custodial H/H" which means Host/Hostess and no emails. The "Disney College Program" option is still available in the drop down menu will all of my emails (Disney Look, Welcome to the Team, etc.).

Speaking of the Disney Look email, if you get this email in your inbox . . . then you're next in line to receive the paperwork email. I received the Disney Look email first, 7 days later my dashboard change and the next day I received my new hire paperwork.


How to fill out the new hire documentation?

I will not post photos from this, as it's a little more sensitive and confidential.

First, check your inbox/spam folder for an email from donotreply@disneycareers.com and look for two emails:

The Walt Disney Company New Hire Portal Instructions-[145870] - this will have your username, the portal URL, instructions, and the downloads.

The Walt Disney Company New Hire Account Information-[145870] - this will have your password ONLY and a message about the first email.

Once you receive these login (the link is in the email),

You will see a 2 minute video with a message from the WDW CEO. Watch this! At the bottom of the page read the instructions and then click "Start Onboarding Proess".

The steps are: 

Profile >> EEO Information >> Direct Depsoit >> New Info >> eSignature >> Forms

• Profile: Review the pre-filled information and click next/submit.
• EEO Information: Your race and ethnicity.
• Direct Deposit: For the program - do not put papercheck. 
• Choose Direct Deposit. You will need your routing number and account number. NOTE: If you put in  these numbers - YOU WILL STILL NEED A VOID CHECK ON CHECK-IN DAY. If you do not have a void check on your arrival day, you will be automatically given a payroll debit visa card issued by Partners Federal Credit Union. After receiving 2 paychecks from Disney, you may change it by adding your bank number in the HUB - YOU DO NOT NEED A VOID CHECK.

• New Information: This includes forms for 
• Emergency Contact (More can be added in the HUB)
• Family/Dependents: Unless you have children or married - click SINGLE. Review the page & move on.
• Payment Method Election: Paper or Direct Deposit. Chose Direct Deposit
•  New Hire Additional Information: Type in your home city, state, and country.
• Esignature: Just sign this clear and neat as you can and submit.

• Forms: This is the longest part. These are all the forms.
• Business Conduct Booklet
• WDW Costuming Issue & Policy Returns
• Cast Policy & procedure Terms
• Computer Usage & Security
• Authorization for Release of Information (College Program) - They can provide any information to your school, if your school request it from Disney.
• Ideas & Suggestion Agreement
• Disney Look Book
• Employee Policy Manual - PLEASE READ THIS!!
• Blood Born Pathogens
• Review & Submit - Profile, Esignature, Family/Dependents, EEO Info, New Hire Add. Info, Emergency 
• Payment Method
• Employee Document Acknowledgement 
• W-4 Tax Form

Remember you will need Adobe Reader and Flash Player. Use Internet Explorer - it will make things easier.

When opening each "Form" wait a minute for it to load. It's slow.You only need to Click Submit for each form. Wait a minute after clicking "Submit" . . . you will get a message afterwards.

If it still say pending next to the form you completed. Click the form again and then click close. The page will refresh and it should now be completed.

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Onboarding: Check-In Day - What time is the Disney check-in?

This  information is taken from the Onboarding page, it answers the following questions:

What time is check-in?
Where is check-in?
What is the address to check-in?
What is the latest I can check-in?
How early can I arrive?
Where to I put my stuff during check-in?
What happens if I late to check-in?
What to wear to check-in?
Where about my family?

Things not mention in the article:

• They have somewhere to store your luggage. It's in the security building. You can retrieve it after going to casting.
• There is parking across the street. Once, check-in starts, they will let you park inside Vista. DO NOT PARK AT WALGREENS.
• Make sure your flight arrives well before check-in time and make time for traffic. Coming late to check-in will set you back big time.
• If you're flight is delayed call them ahead of time. They will work with you.
• Your family CANNOT go to Casting with you and YOU MUST get on the bus to Casting. You cannot take your own transportation to Casting. Your family will need to find something to pass the time.
• Your family/friends CANNOT move your stuff into your apartment. Although I don't recommend this, if you wantyour parent/friend to move your stuff in then go with them to Housing and sign them in. Drive or catch the bus Vista and get on the bus designated for Casting.

From the Onboarding Site:

To assist you in preparing for your arrival, we have outlined some important details for you to review. Please pay close attention to this information to help ensure a smooth arrival process.
During the check-in process, you will receive your housing assignment and learn your specific work location.

Please bring the original employment eligibility documents that you use to complete your I-9 Work Authorization Form.

Check-in Time: Between 8 AM and 10 AM EST
On arrival day, the check-in process begins at Vista Way at 8 a.m. and may take up to three or more hours in length. Occasionally we are able to start checking in participants prior to 8 a.m., and as such, newly-arriving students and their families are welcome to arrive a bit ahead of schedule.
We request that for their own safety and as a courtesy to our current participants, new arrivals refrain from arriving any earlier than 7:00 a.m. on their arrival day, as space outside our gates is very limited and access inside the complex is restricted during quiet hours (1 a.m. to 7 a.m. daily).

We prefer that you arrive and check in by 10 AM EST in order for you to attend your Welcome Session. If you cannot arrive by 10 AM, you will be required to attend the Welcome Session on another date. This will create delays in starting your Disney College Program experience.
Other than arriving at the check-in location between 8 AM and 10 AM on your assigned date, there is no need to worry about specific details as to times and locations for each activity that will take place. You will receive a detailed schedule when you check in that is specific to your arrival date.

Where to Check-in
Your ultimate destination is the Vista Way Apartments located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Once you arrive at Vista Way, you will fill out all of the necessary paperwork and receive your housing assignment.
Remember, you must provide your own transportation to Vista Way for the arrival check-in.
Please keep in mind that Vista Way serves as a central arrival location and that you may be assigned to a different apartment complex.
Vista Way Address:
13501 Meadow Creek Dr
Orlando, FL 32821

If Traveling by Air
Please make flight arrangements to arrive in Orlando, so that you can pick up your luggage and travel to Vista Way by 10 AM EST. If your flight arrives after 8:30 AM EST, you may not reach Vista Way by 10 AM EST.
You will be responsible for transportation to Vista Way. We recommend Mears Transportation (www.mearstransportation.com) to assist you with transportation from the airport to the Vista Way Apartments. This transportation has departures from the Baggage Claim area of the Orlando International Airport every 20 to 25 minutes and operates 24 hours a day.
Local Airports:
MCO - Orlando, FL (19mi)
SFB - Sanford, FL (42mi)
TPA - Tampa, FL (78mi)
If Traveling by Bus or Train
We recommend contacting your transportation service provider to address questions in regards to traveling from the bus or train stations to the Vista Way Apartments.
If you take Amtrak's Auto Train (Lorton, VA - Sanford, FL), please follow these directions from the Sanford station in your car.

• From Sanford head west on I-4 to Orlando.
• Exit I-4 at Exit 68.
• At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto 535.
• Proceed to the second light, and turn right onto Meadow Creek Drive.
• The Vista Way Apartments will be the first complex on your right.

Early Arrival
You cannot check in before your arrival date. However, you can call the Disney Reservation Center at (407) W-DISNEY (407-934-7639) for accommodations at any Walt Disney World®Resort (please note that you will not be eligible for the cast member rates).
There are many other hotels located close-by the Walt Disney World Resort. If you do not wish to stay in a Disney resort, you may want to locate a hotel that is on or near State Road 535 or Highway 192.

What to Wear When You Check-in
Please dress comfortably for check-in. You do not need to be in professional attire; however, your clothing should be in good taste. You will be moving your personal belongings into your apartment, so jeans, T-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, etc. are acceptable for this day.
Please remember that you must be within Disney Look Guidelines upon your arrival. This includes, but is not limited to, removing all body piercings (including cartilage piercings, nose piercings, and tongue rings, covering visible tattoos, and adhering to proper hairstyle and hair color guidelines.

Family Members are Welcome
Family members are welcome to help you move into your apartment. On most arrival days, a Family and Friends Welcome Area will be available for them to sit and relax while they wait for you to complete the Housing Check-in Process.
If your family members need a return trip to the airport, they may want to make arrangements with Mears Transportation.

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Onboarding: Employment Eligibility Documents (I-9)

Add these documents to your list of items to bring. These documents are called I-9 documents, and prove your eligible to work and not an illegal person trying to work.

Here is the information as taken from the Onboarding site regarding the I-9 documents:

Things to remember about your documents:

• Any document you provide for employment verification on the I-9 Form must be an original.  Copies of any document cannot be accepted.
• Documents must also be unexpired in order to be valid for employment authorization purposes.
• In the event you arrive for your program and you do not have the necessary documents to complete the I-9 Form, you will be unable to start work.

If you still don't understand, here's the link on the Disney Interns & Programs official blog.

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Disney College Program Blog Must Read

These links were pinned to the top of the Facebook group due to so many people asking questions that all could be found on the Disney Interns & Programs official blog. The post really useful and helpful information about your stay at Disney. They are quick to answer questions and explain things you need to know about the program.

Here's run down of links to check out:


General Check-In info: 
https://disneyprogramsblog.com/2014-springspring-advantage-arrival-tips/

What documents to bring for Check-In:
https://disneyprogramsblog.com/employment-eligibility-documents/

TRADITIONS:
https://disneyprogramsblog.com/disney-traditions/

DORMS:
https://disneyprogramsblog.com/dorms/

Your hair:
https://disneyprogramsblog.com/disney-look-hair-color/

What to wear:
https://disneyprogramsblog.com/the-disney-look-professional-attire/

PACKING:
https://disneyprogramsblog.com/making-a-mark-your-packing-checklist/

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What is the Disney Look?

The information about the Disney Look is very straight forward on the onboarding website. They will send you emails, put in your contract, pre-arrival information, tell you in the interview about the Disney Look.

It should come as no surprise on arrival day . . . right? right?

Well . . . . uhmm *clears throat* . . . .

There are some things to consider . . . now, I can only talk from a girls point of view (sort of) about the Disney Look.

Just note:

Your Hair Color - you may be asked to dye your hair even if it's natural. But if it doesn't LOOK natural, you may be asked to change it, so be prepared for this arrival day.

Your Glasses - you have blue frames, polka dots, green stripes . . . well they may not be apart of the Disney Look. You may asked by Casting/Costuming/Your Leaders to removed them and get NEW ones . . . no joke. This happened to a few alumni and they said to just be prepared.

Tattoos - Got a role where you will be washing your hands a lot? Got a wrist or hand tattoo? Well be careful, cause it may wash off (depends on cover up used). Test out some alternatives or water proof products before arrival.

Your nails - This is easy . . . keep them short with neutral/natural colors. No bright or neon. Dark and neutral colors. Acrylic are allowed if they meet all of the Disney Look requirements such as length and color. French tips (pink/white or white/clear) are also allowed.

Facial Hair - Don't forget this . . . read the Disney Look onboarding page BEFORE arrival.

Hair Style - People with dreads - please find out what is or isn't acceptable. There is NO clear answer on if they're allowed or what is acceptable. Same with girls with braids - braids too thick (box braids) or too long may not be acceptable . . . just ask!!

Shoes - Custodial and QSFB roles will be given shoes. All other roles must find out from their Leader upon arrival.

That all I have for this . . . be prepared to change your look and style. You don't want any surprises or rude awakenings come check-in day.

You either change it or go home!

More of the Disney College Program: Disney Look email:

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Disney College Program: Welcome to the Team!

After being accepted into the program, paying your fees, submitting and confirming your dates, your officially part of the Disney College Program. The final email you should receive( for application process)  is the "Welcome to the Team!" email.

In this email you'll receive your candidate id, a link to the onboarding website and links to other important information regarding your program.

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