I just received my welcome email from the College Program!

How Should I Dress?
+ You will be moving into your apartment on the day you arrive, so dress comfortably.
+ Your hairstyle, hair coloring, and fingernails must be within the Disney Look guidelines upon your arrival.
+ All body modifications not within the Disney Look guidelines must be removed before arrival.
+ For males, all facial hair must be within the Disney Look guidelines.

What kind of documentation should I bring?
+ Original (no photocopies) employment eligibility documents so you can complete your I-9

What time should I arrive?
+ Between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Where Do I Go?
+ Vista Way Apartments in Lake Buena Vista, Florida!

When will I receive my Main Entrance Pass?
+ Your Main Entrance Pass allows you to admit your friends and family members into the park for free a certain number of times per year
+ This will be mailed to you between two to four weeks after your first shift, using the mailing address on file in our system (you can opt to have it mailed to your Orlando address instead--more information upon arrival).

The first few days
There are several things that must be done over the first week.
+ Check in: find out where your apartment is, get ID card, and get parking pass
+ Orientation: meet with education team, find out about role, and get training schedule
+ Not all work: also time to acquaint yourself with other College Program participants and explore the area surrounding Disney
+ Traditions (must wear Disney Look): Learn about heritage and traditions of Disney; after this you are an official Cast Member!

Needless to say, I am super excited.  My future roommate left today to start her drive from Colorado to Florida.  Smooth sailing, roomie!

In exactly one week I will be approaching Florida.  Have I finished packing?  Nope.  Am I terribly excited?  Yep.  Eight days until my internship starts.  I can't believe it!

I just got a reminder from my college team representative with some reminders, so I figured I would share them with you.

Here are some things that you MUST bring with you:
+ State issued ID/driver's licence and social security card/birth certificate OR a passport--these are needed for the I-9 form and you need your photo ID to receive your Disney ID.  If you have any questions about the I-9 for, click here.
+ Professional Disney Look clothing--this is needed for Traditions, orientation, and classes.
+ Dress shoes--sneakers, Uggs, and flip flops are NOT the Disney Look!
+ Linens, linens, linens
+ Jacket/coat--Florida is pretty warm, but it could get chilly at night or during the "winter"
+ Ethernet cord or wireless router--you may be able to leech a signal off another apartment, but if NOBODY brings a router, then everyone is out of luck
+ Sunscreen:  If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Things you should know:
+ Avoid Walmart on arrival days--you'll never get on it
+ If you live at Chatham or Patterson, Walgreens and Publix are 10 minutes away (walking)
+ Goodings is overpriced!
+ Check the donation bins when you arrive
+ The I-Ride trolley stops at the Premium Outlets located next to the Commons. This trolley goes up and down International Drive, hits most Orlando tourist destinations, several malls, and costs $1 each way. (Ask for student rates! Some drivers only charge students 25 cents!) It’s a great way to check out some non-Disney activities, including Sea World, Aquatica & Wet’n’Wild.
+ Get a Sea World Fun Card--it costs the same as a 1-day park pass but is good until the end of the calendar year
+ There's no easy way to get to Universal Studios without a car--take a cab, it's much faster than the 2 hour bus ride (111 Lynx bus at Downtown Disney and transfer to the 37 Lynx bus at Florida Mall)

+ Get your Disney discount book ASAP
+ Don't bring candles, incense, weapons (real or fake), drug paraphernalia, pets, bikes, or mini fridges 

+ The apartment is fully furnished, but the only appliances you have are a stove, oven, microwave, fridge and dishwasher--talk to your roommates about going in together and buying a cheap toaster or blender if you need one
+ Learn military time--your work and bus schedule are written in it
+ Have a roommate meeting the first day
+ At some point, you will ruin someone's vacation--it happens to everyone, so don't take it personally
+ Put the call-in number in your cell phone as soon as you get it
+ Don't call-in too much!
+ CPs don't get a discount at quick-service restaurants but they do at resorts--it's usually 20% but you have to let them know that you're a cast member when making the reservation or upon check-in and if you don't, they don't have to offer you the discount
+ Check out the networking opportunities--there is a calendar under the Develoopment Connection link on the HUB
+ Take an earlier bus to your first day of work, ideally one that gets you there 45 minutes before your shift starts. You can figure out during your training how much time you’ll need between getting off the bus and getting to your location and see if a later bus is an option. (If you work at MK, it’s not.)
+ Visit the Florida beaches if you can
+ Do the things you've always wanted to try
+ Have fun!

Hello, fellow Mouseketeers!

I don't have a great deal to say right now, but I have been tying together a bunch of loose ends.  I cleaned and organized some of my room (I still have to go through my closet, drawers, and desk, but that shouldn't be too bad).  I packed some books and my decorations.  I'm planning on organizing my closet and desk tomorrow.  I will be putting all the things I'm taking with me in the front and everything that will be staying behind will be pushed towards the back.  As for my school supplies, I have a box prepared.  I don't really need anything for school anymore (finals are next week), so I can just pack it all up and be done with it.  I need to buy space bags, newspaper, and a few extra boxes, but I think all in all, I'm in pretty good shape.

Also, I received a call from the College Program yesterday asking if I had any questions and confirming my arrival on May 24th.  I didn't have much to ask, but I was extremely pleased to make contact with them.  I cannot wait to get to Disney!  27 days until I leave my house, and 29 days until the program starts!

Oh, and don't forget, everyone!  Enter my contest to win a free copy of Brent Dodge's book "From Screen to Theme".  It's a great addition to any Cast Member's library!

I promised that I'd post my packing list, and I think it's finally ready!  I was just talking to my super awesome future roommie about what we're planning to bring, and I think it's going to be essential that we work together on this one, anyway.  So, without further ado, my list!

For the Bedroom
1) Fan
2) Bedding
3) Extra padding for bed
4) Extra lighting

For the Bathroom//Hygiene
1) Soap/shampoo/conditioner
2) Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
3) Brush/elastics/bobby pins
4) Shower caddy
5) Hair towels/beach towels/hand towels/dish towel/robe/slippers
6) Nail clippers
7) Flip flops for shower
8) Toothbrush/toothpaste
9) Feminine hygiene products
10) Make-up
11) Deodorant/perfume
12) Razors

Cleaning Supplies
1) Febreeze
2) Lysol/bathroom spray
3) Kitchen trash bags
4) Paper towels/napkins
5) Clorox wipes/Windex
6) Small vacuum
7) Swiffer

Electronics
1) Computer/printer/paper
2) Digital camera/cell phone and charger/ipod and charger/headphones
3) Computer speakers
4) External hard drive
5) Extension cords/surge protectors
6) Keyboard

For Your Desk//School Supplies
1) Desk lamp/extra lamp
2) Leisure books
3) Tissues
4) Trash can
5) Ikea boxes
6) Envelopes/stamps
7) Rubber bands/staples/paper clips/pencils/pens/pencil sharpener/post-it notes/push pins/hole punch
8) Scotch tape/masking tape/Duct tape
9) Batteries
10) Notebooks/index cards
11) Pencil/pen caddy
12) Calculator
13) Book bag

Storage
1) Rubbermaid containers
2) Milk crates
3) Ziploc bags

First Aid Kit
1) Neosporin
2) Bandaids
3) Cough drops
4) Aloe vera
5) Thermometer
6) Ice pack
7) Advil Cold & Sinus
8) Ibuprofen
9) Coricidin

Craft Items
1) Markers
2) Cardstock
3) Scissors
4) Glue
5) Crayons
6) Ruler
7) Tape

Miscellaneous
1) Sun screen
2) Mugs for loose change/items
3) Flash light
4) Alarm clock
5) Deck of cards/board games
6) White board
7) Sunglasses
8) Houseplant
10) Figment picture/wall art
11) Desk calendar/Phillies calendar
12) Brita pitcher/filter
13) Can opener
14) Travel mug
15) Air fresheners

I bought my sheets today!  They're not really anything exciting, but they're a reminder that this is real.  This is happening.  And it's happening soon!

While I was feeling excited, I started my packing list.  I separated it into parts, but I think I'm going to re-do the sections from rooms into three categories: buy now, buy when I get there, and already have.  I will definitely be firming up the list and posting it here, soon.

In other excitement, I have friended a few other College Program people on Facebook.  We are all planning a pre-arrival dessert.  We will be meeting at Ghiradelli's Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Downtown Disney on May 23rd.  It should be a good opportunity to meet some of the people I'll be working with!

I finally got my folder in the mail! I'm so excited! It feels so official!

Also, I received my roommate assignment yesterday. My roommate's name is Michele. She's 22 and from Colorado. I have a feeling we're going to get along swimmingly. :)

As far as my Disney vacation is concerned, I have yet to check in. Disney allows guests the option of checking in early so that they do not have to waste time doing that upon arrival (as does my airline). Guess what I'll be doing tonight along with the rest of my laundry? You guessed it!

Until next time! <3

Hello, world! I was officially accepted to the Disney College Program as a Quick-Service Food & Beverage Cast Member in the Fall Advantage 2010 Season. I received my acceptance email on March 16 (I have yet to receive my purple folder). I was ecstatic. I was also terrified, scared, and nervous. But mostly ecstatic. I am leaving on Monday for a week-long vacation in Walt Disney World. The week will be sweetened with the knowledge that on May 24th I will be returning to Lake Buena Vista, Florida to become an official cast member. I cannot wait!

Over the course of the seven months I am interning, I will use this blog to update about my experiences with the program. I am looking forward to getting started very much. Until then, I will update with my preparations. So far I have accepted my position and have applied for a roommate. It will be nice to get to know someone ahead of time. I have lived with a roommate before with much success, so I'm not expecting any problems. I just like meeting new people, I guess. :)

I began making a list of things I will need to bring with me to the living quarters. Tomorrow I will most likely look into filling out any necessary paperwork and make a master list of things I need to do before I leave.

Until next time,
Allison