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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The Accidental Reveal of My Work Location

So, on January 15th I was at the airport waiting for my flight to Orlando with my family. I got a call and my Grandma handed me the phone. I got real nervous!! It was an automated message from Cast Deployment.

It said "Custodial workers trained in Epcot World Showcase call "this number" for cast deployment to pick up an extra shift". Okay, that isn't exact, but you get the point.

My heart started racing and I was filled with excitement!! I didn't know what to think, I asked on Facebook with no responses - sadly. However, 2 days later another future Custodial CP posted about it and I was surprised. Then another came forward and so did I.

One particular CP said she got the same call from cast deployment 5 days prior to her arrival date asking for Pop Century Front Desk cast members, and when she got to Disney that's exactly where she was placed.

Other CPs chimed in stating they've gotten those calls after they completed the program and that Epcot will probably end up being our location.

Here I was . . . dying to know my location or to at least get a hint. LOL! Well, this could change between now and Monday. *highly doubt it*  I will keep my head high and post my report when I find out on check-in day.

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Countdown: Only 1 Week Left

This is going by fast folks!!! Only one week left until I check-in at Vista and begin my Disney journey. I've mentioned before that I'll actually be leaving on the 15th of January, which is tomorrow, for Orlando, Florida. I will be staying with a friend 5 days prior to check-in on January 20th.

So, actually a bit of my journey starts tomorrow!! Oh, I'm excited. I'll be heading to South Carolina for a few days to chill.

Anyway . . . . Here's a rundown of what I've done so far:

• Documents - About New Hire Documents
• Proof - See About I-9 Documents
• DORMS - Completing DORMS
• Packed - See My Packing List

So, everything is in order. My flight was booked back in October 2013 just 2 week after I accepted the program offer.

Here's how I EXPECT my first day at Disney to go:

I will arrive early to Vista at between 7AM or 7:30AM for my 8AM check-in time. I'm standing in line early, so I can be on the first 2 buses to casting which will hopefully be at 9:30AM and 10AM.

After check-in at Vista Way, I should be boarding a bus to Casting near Downtown Disney. I suspect Casting will take maybe 1 hour to 1hours and 30 minutes. 

I may be out of Casting between 11AM and 12:30AM.

After Casting, the bus will take us back to Vista Way to pick up our luggage from the security area and take our cars (possibly with my roomies) or the buses with our stuff back to the housing complex we were designated.

Once I get off the bus, I will go to my apartment and move-in my belongings. 

In no order, I will go shopping, unpack, decorate, organize my things and chill with my roommates.

I can't wait to see if my predictions and expectations are close to what really happens.

Considering that, Casting is possibly a 2 day things and may take longer than 2 hours. My room mates and I may not all be together at once.

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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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Countdown: The Big 10 and a Challenge

I am now officially starting the real countdown, I mean the big ten! Okay, so I know DORMS is suppose to come 10 Days out, but I swear Disney is counting it differently. Anyway, my housing registration has been completed. Hooray! As you there are already CPs at Disney, they checked in on Jan 8th, but there is another group coming on the 13th. That's right another group is about to check-in and gives us a report see the reports. I can't wait.

So, I actually leave for Orlando in just 5 days!!! I'll be staying with a friend in Orlando until my check-in day. However, as soon as I arrive, we'll be headed back up to South Carolina to stay with her Dad. My side-trip to South Carolina will be the first off my personal blogs post.

I'm excited too see South Carolina more in depth. Usually, I just pass through that state and head for North Carolina and Virginia.

As you can see, today is the day I start my 10 Disney Days countdown challenge. This challenge will end on the 19th, the day before check-in. Once I check-in on the 20th, I will attempt to post a summary of my day. I am doing this challenge to get myself in the Disney spirit, so I can increase my excitement about my arrival.

Next up, is to packing my things and making final arrangements with my room mates via Google Hangout this Sunday around 8PM.

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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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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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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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Countdown: Only 2 Weeks until Disney World

Ahhhhhhhhhh! So close, yet so far away! I can't believe it . . . . tomorrow people start checking-in. I wasn't feeling the excitement before, but now I'm feeling it because I look forward to the check-in reports from the Jan 8th arrivals.

January 13th, is the next arrival date, so more reports will be posted in the group. I know there are many blogs and videos but much of that is extremely outdated. It's like . . . if your not currently in the program NOW . . . . your information is outdated because there are so many changes during the program.

Anyway, as for my arrival date . . . I got my first email 30 days out - prepare for your arrival, another email 20-23 days out - See Ya Real Soon, and I should get another email from Disney soon.

Today, I should have receive my DORM registration information. The DORMS email 10 days from you arrival date sometimes it's earlier than 10 days.

After my roommates and I complete DORMS, there will be nothing else to do but wait for check-in and prepare for my arrival. One more thing, I actually leave on the 15th, so my adventures will start a little early.

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Email: See Ya Real Soon

A new email from Disney Recruiting arrived on December 29th, 2013. It's similar to the other email I got in Mid-December.

Instead of reminding us about the onboarding website that no one seems to read, this email reminds everyone to complete the new hire documents, which seems to be freaking out a lot of programmers who have already completed the documents.

Of course, DORMS is out for many participants, read about that here, so that means the January, 20th arrivals should be next in line for registration. 

The New Hire Documents should be sent 10 days from your arrival, but of course it can be earlier. I believe 10 days out is the latest you should receive the documents.

At the bottom of the email, is a reminder to prepare your eligibility documents, read over the Disney Look, and complete the new hire documents. This is also the time to submit medical and religious accommodation forms for work. A link to a short packing list has been made available on the boarding site.

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Countdown: 20 Days More Days

I'm so jealous of the January 8th arrivals, they have less than 10 days until check-in like . . . Oh My Gosh!!! So, I have 20 days til check-in, but the excitement hasn't really hit me yet I don't know what's wrong with me. *sigh* Perhaps, I'm nervous even though I've done the program before. Hmm . . . don't know. Anyway, to details, according to the Disney onboarding website . . . .

10-20 Days From Arrival

Start Thinking About Housing/Roommate Preferences

Incoming participants may have the opportunity to indicate preferences for apartment complex, unit size and/or roommates. Pre-registration begins approximately 10 days prior to check-in day.

Complete Hire Documentation

You will need to complete your Hire Documentation prior to your arrival.

Bring Proper Vehicle Documentation

Participants are allowed to bring a car and parking at the apartment complexes is free of charge to housing residents. Please be sure to bring the proper documentation required to secure a parking decal.

Bring a Canceled Check

You will need a blank check from your checking account to set up direct deposit for your weekly pay.

Pack

Review the list of suggested items to bring as well as the list of prohibited items.

The Room mate preference step is actually under the 30-60 days out list, but should be under 10-20 days out. I believe that is a typo on Disney's part since, it clearly says you will receive DORMS 10 days from your arrival date.

The January 8th individuals have already completed the DORMS system. No one seemed to have too many issues with the system. There was a little bit of chatter for a few days, but then the noise died down. I believe the DORMS system is only open for maybe 10 days. If you do not register within that time frame you will be put in line to complete it at check-in. This is not concrete . . . . matter of fact read it here. Make sure you read the comments section.

I've completed my new hire documents. As for the void check, I have decided to sign-up for Disney's payroll card and after a week or two I will change it to my bank if I do not like the payroll card. I will be flying into Orlando International Airport, so I have no need for bringing vehicle information.

As for packing, I haven't started. *don't judge me*. I have seriously been putting it off until the last minute. I leave January 15th, so I'll probably start on Jan 10th. Perhaps, next week I will post an ultimate packing list and tips.

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Updates: A Whole New Year

In case you've been living under a rock, it's 2014! My New Years Eve has been wonderful. I am recovering from all the excitement and alcohol. *giggles* So, Happy New Year Everyone!!! It will be interesting beginning my new year at Disney World.

It's going to be weird moving to Florida and starting anew in Orlando. New home, new room mates, new job, and new experiences.

About 50-something days ago, I created this blog to document my experience at Disney. Here I am, 20 days out from arrival and I am so happy.

So, here's my little "try-to-post" list for the next 20 Days,

• An Ultimate Packing List
• A tour of Disney Housing with videos from DCP bloggers
• What I Expect: The First Few Days
• Advice on Getting to Orlando and to Check-In
• Leaving Early for Orlando
• Going to South Carolina before checking-in
• More Fun Stuff & Grey Topics!!
• My Pin board - Quick post and information with dates
• More help on creating a bucket list

I will not only continue to document my college program experience, but I will also be posting my non-Disney related events and happenings around Orlando. This will make the blog even more personal and fun. Hopefully, future CPs can see that there are things to do besides work.

A lot of DCP blogs just post about work and never the fun stuff. They mention it every now and then but don't go into too much detail. It makes me think they're not getting out as much . . . I don' t know. LOL! Maybe some of it is not for the blogs. *shrugs*

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FAQ: Pre-Arrival Research

Now that school is over, finals are done, and two week notices are being served everyone is waiting for check-in day. At this point, many people are counting down the days looking for ways to kill time until their check-in day.

Well, if you haven't already you should be studying the onboarding page front to back. It keeps you from freaking about when you should or shouldn't receive certain emails.You should also study the Disney program blog.

Here's a run down of what pages you should be reading from each source.

The Disney Programs Blog:

Employment Eligibility Documents - If you do not have the correct documents from this list, your check-in day will be really rough. It will delay your check-in day and training.

DORMS - This is the pre-regristration for Housing. Not participating in DORMS before arrival can delay your check-in day. Recruiting will put you on a computer to complete the information. If you click on each step in the DORMS instructions, you will see the prices for each apartment.

The Disney Look - On check-in day, casting will check to see if you are in compliance with the Disney Look. Be prepared to make changes to your hair or even glasses when you get to casting. If you're not willing to change your look, then going home is your only choice.

Tips for Spring 2014 - This is a few tips from Recruiting about your arrival, read to fresh your mind about your upcoming arrival.

WDW Bus Tips - An overview of the transportation. This subject is not covered that well in the post, but the video is more sufficent. If you watch the video, you see what some of the buses look like, cps thoughts on transportation, and some of the bus stops.

On-Site Laundry - This post talks about all the complexes on-site laundry facilities cost and number of units. In the comment section, they mention the Commons (it's now open for all).

The Onboarding Page:

 

Check-In Details: Read this page to find out :: What time is in check-in? Where is check-in located? What to wear? What's the Disney Look? What about my family? Where do I put my luggage during check-in? How early should I arrive? What document do I need to bring?  How do I get there?

Items to Bring: Read this to find out :: What items do I bring? Do they have (insert item)? Is (insert item) allowed? Can i ship items before I arrive?

I-9 Documents: Read this to find out :: What are I-9 documents? What documents do I need? What are I-9 documents used for? Can I use copies?

Your First Few Days: Read this to find out :: What is the first week like? When do I find out my locations? When do I get my schedule? When do we go to casting? What is the housing meetings? When is the housing meeting? Is the housing meeting mandatory? What is Traditions? When is Traditions? When do I start training/work? Is there a drug test or background check?

Pay Information: Read this to find out :: How I do sign-up for Direct Deposit? What is a payroll card? When I get my first check? When is payday? How often are we paid? NOTE: Please watch the video on this page (usually at the bottom on the left side) about the Direct Deposit and the Payroll card.

The Disney Look: Read this to find out :: Anything related to the Disney Look. Read each page or section top to bottom.

Housing: Read this to find out :: Read each section. For some details read my housing page for prices, nearest shops/eats, bathroom details and more.

• Apartment Amenities 
• Housing Photos
• Policies
• Pre-Registration 
• Living in Florida

There are more subjects covered on the blog/website/social media, but it's your responsibility to read through and become more informed on the program. I will cover this more next!!

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Email: Prepare for Your Arrival

I got this email five days ago from Disney recruiting about preparing for my arrival. Woo hoo! I'm counting down the days until check-in. I haven't even packed or prepared a packing list. 

This email included my candidate number (the number used for mission timekeeper) and my check-in day, Jan 20th, 2014.

It reminds me to check the onboarding website and to complete the new hire documents. There's also information on which identifications are accepted for completing the I-9 forms. Information on pre-registration for housing and renter's insurance.

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Countdown: 1 Month until Check-In Day

Okay, so there are 30 more days until check in! My god, just a month, I was just worried about passing the phone interview. Here I am, preparing for my departure and check-in day.  At this point., there is nothing else to do. In the DCP Facebook group, many people still have not received their new hire documents. They are on the way, for those still waiting, you can receive them 2 weeks prior to arrival.

I recently got an email from Disney, which I will post soon, about my fast approaching check-in day. The email was nothing special. Fun fact, back in 2007 when I was waiting for my check-in day, I got an email similar to the one I got the other day about my arrival. I got the email on the same exact day, December 19th, so crazy . . . . right? So, if things keep lining up like this, I expect 3 more emails from Disney. One saying "See ya really soon", "the DORMS" email for roommates,  and "You're almost there" emails. This is just a wild guess. I kept all my emails from 2007 from when  I first applied for the program. So, I am using these as a reference because not much has changed since I applied for the program. 

I am so glad, there are people checking in before us because I am hoping they will tell us about check-in day, how DORMS really works, and if casting is really broken down into 2 days.

Yes, I saw on Facebook that casting maybe a 2 day thing for some CPs. So, yeah I am just waiting at this point.

Not much else to say until DORMS is released. I have a feeling DORMS will be a little hectic because CPs are having such a difficult time completing the new hire documents . . . the DORMS paperwork may be worse for some participants. 

I knew things would speed up around Christmas. After the Christmas holiday, things will be moving so fast because the first group of CPs will experience DORMS and check-in day. The Facebook group will become ten  times more active.

That's all for now. An update will come at the 20th or 10th day or as things progress forward. Until then, I will continue my bucket list post. A packing list and arrival timeline will be posted in the future.

Peace!

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Countdown: 40 days down, now what?

Time certainly flies around the holidays. With Black Friday shopping, being stuffed with turkey plus pie, and preparing for Christmas I have been a little busy.

Now that some time has passed, that means it's getting closer to my departure day (Jan 15th) and check-in (Jan 20th).

With only 40 days out, there's not much to do Disney Recruiting wise, since I am still within the 30-60 day phase according to the onboarding website. I have already completed my new hire documents that arrived in  my email long before the Thanksgiving holiday. The real deal comes about 10-20 days out from your arrival date, which I will post when it's time.

I have only received a very very late education email from Disney about registering for courses, which I did on November 11th, 2013. Everything that can be done has been done!

Right now it's time to find room mates (if you haven't already or prefer to go random), complete your new hire documents (must be done before your arrival date), start that DCP bucket list, plan out your packing list or start buying a few things for your apartment and do deep research on: program policies, disney look, money/pay, the Orlando area, and anything that comes up.

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