On the Path Unwinding: 2017 Updates to the DCP

I know it has been some time since I last posted, and some things have changed with the new 2017 rules. So without delay we might as well get started with the most basic one.

Rent has again increased at WDW provided housing (yes PIs Falcon has increased as well), and this is the rent as of February 2017. 

For those of you doing the Disneyland program rent is now $149.50 per week, so rent has increased there as well. 

As for how to select your options you now rate them from most want option to least, so the bonus is you can now select more than 3-4 like the 2014/2015 application was. 

As there is still debate and such about what exactly Disney meant by the new policy I will just post the statement here, so everyone can read it verbatim for themselves. 

This rule was put in place on January 15, 2017 and as of right now will continue to be the rule until Disney says otherwise. To be clear this is just ICP and CPs for the moment PIs, Part-Time, and Full-Time are not included.

A Step in the Right Direction: Updated DCP Information

So, I know I've updated some posts with the new information for the DCP Fall 2016 apps that is a bit different from other rounds. However, I thought I would also make a separate post here so it would be easier to see all of the changes in one place. I will be updating this post as new information comes in, but as of right now here is all the updated changes from 2016.

Remember this? Yeah well it is not a thing anymore as of 2016. It is now called the Self-Admission pass instead, but to be clear it looks exactly the same. The guest passes however are now called Chip 'n' Dale's, and are yellow with the characters on them. Also as most people from the pre-2016 program now they were mailed to the complex after you started working with all the guest passes, and a certain number of hours did not have to be worked. Well that is now all 100% wrong for recurring Cast Members (aka interns and seasonal) as of 2016 the rule has changed. So, I will clarify below what the new rules are with these passes.

The guest passes are now one-day park hopper passes, and that means there is only one use per card. So, unlike the old rule using one card was the same as using all 3 that is no longer a thing. One card is now connected to one person for that day, and after they are done the card is useless. You also get 9 one-day park hoppers total for a calendar year, and that is the max for recurring CMs (PT/FT are a bit different).

Hours worked -yes you now have to work a certain number of hours to get the guest passes, but to be clear self-admission has not changed no hours need to be met prior to receiving that.

3 guest passes at 150 hours
6 guest passes at 300 hours
9 guest passes at 600 hours (maxed)

To be clear the hours start at Traditions not check-in or Casting, and once you reached 150 hours they will be mailed to whichever complex you live in. If you happen to live off housing they will be mailed to Vista Way, or you can pick them up at the office in Celebration (phone and address below).

Phone | 407-934-6077
Address | 200 Celebration Place 8th floor in Kissimmee, FL 34747

As I said they are one day park hoppers, so I am going to repeat myself here however there is a lot of confusion about this with alumni. They are one day park hoppers which means they can be used on one person for one day. You also do not have to use your guest passes as you get them you can wait until you get all 9, and then use them all on one person for 9 days or use them on 9 different people on different days.

Block out dates for Chip n Dale cards is now different as they are one day park hopper passes. The new Chip n Dales are not subject to guest pass block out dates only one day park hopper and employee self-admission block outs.

Where you can use them has also changed, so again for you pre-2016 CPs admission could be used for all Disney theme parks with the exception of Tokyo Disneyland. This is no longer true recurring CMs can only use it for domestic parks -so Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and California Adventures (again PT/FT are different). Also I thought I would add this as well since I have seen a lot of confusion as well guest passes cannot be used for the water parks -you will need to buy a discounted ticket. I also want to clarify since there is confusion as well CMs (all recurring, PT, FT) only get into the water parks certain times of the year unless their home location is a water park in which case they get into them year round.

*As a note as I am sure someone will ask there is no word if PT/FT will get admission to Shanghai, but seeing as the ownership is much like Tokyo Disneyland I would not expect it to be added.

I also want to state this since some alumni like to give stories of there exceptions when a leader forgot to separate them from the company (I was one, but I do not advertise that). Here is goes discount and complimentary admission are for active CMs only, so do not plan on using either one after your program end date.


*Also for Spring of 2016 they were given one complimentary ticket to the theme parks, and there is no word if this will continue into the Fall 2016 program. 

Unlike the DCP prior to 2016 you are now sometimes limited to the number of roommates you can link with. So, just be aware different arrival dates are not only allowed to link with a certain number of roommates A prime example was for Fall 2016 the first arrival for Fall Advantage was only allowed to link with one person, and while the second arrival was allowed to link with three. I just wanted to inform you, so when the time comes you have this in mind.

While on the subject of DORMS this needs to be addressed as well -parking. Yes, alumni the parking decal is no longer free there is a fee. According to Disney as of May 2016 the fee is $50 if you pre-register your car through DORMS, and $75 is you register it at housing. To be clear you do not pay the fee in DORMS just register your car, and you will pay the fee once you arrive after showing: a valid divers license, proof of insurance with your name on it, and current vehicle registration (your name does not need to be on this one).

*I know someone is going to ask they had pernr on the email, so I blocked out that information. This email was sent by Disney recruiting May 9, 2016 in regards to a Fall 2016 candidate. 

Now, not much with this has changed other than the prices which I will post below for anyone looking for the new cost as of Fall 2016.

Rent is still taken out weekly from your paycheck, and if you miss rent please check out my F.A.Q. as I address it there.

This is new as of 2016, so it is important to read this especially if you follow some of the older pre-2016 blogs. You will now get your check-in itinerary prior to arrival, so you will know your schedule the first day before you even get there. It should come about 3-5 days prior to your check-in by email, so keep a look out for it. Also an update as of I believe Fall 2016 you will now check-in at the complex you are living in, and yes you read that 100% correctly. Meaning if you were placed in Chatham you will now check-in there instead of Vista Way, and so on with the other complexes as well. If you live offsite you will be checking in at Patterson Court instead of Vista Way as a note for anyone wondering.

Above is a sample of the new itinerary used by Disney for check-in's, and to be clear this is for Walt Disney World arrivals as of right now Disneyland's arrivals are still the same. 

The new itinerary has:

• Check-in time at your complex
• Casting 
• Housing meeting
• Drug test (if needed for your role)

Again this is just the information I have found that has needed updating, and I will continue to add as more things update as well.

Wonderful World of Dorms: PI Version

You knew this post was coming you PI hopefuls, but for those wondering it will be a bit different then the post I did for the DCP. Firstly, I want to say for anyone who did a PI prior to 2013 Falcon Square is the new housing facility not Cumberland Park. Secondly, Falcon Square is not just a PI complex it is also open to regular renters. Thirdly, this only pertains to Florida PI hopefuls.

Important Information!

(Yes I want to do this now, so no one waste time reading this if they do not need to)

Falcon Square is only available for PIs in Florida (MIs need to live off property- no exceptions)

California PIs, New York PIs, and Connecticut PIs do not have housing at all

No, you do not need to live in housing if you do not want to

Keep in mind sometimes it is cheaper to live off property

Also consider living off property if you plan on staying after your PI

Moving on now! Yes, much like the DCP for any of you Alumni you will be welcomed back to housing with the Wonderful World of Dorms!

DORMS (Disney Onsite Residents Management System) aka their housing site that participants need to fill out prior to their start date.

What is in DORMS?

Unlike the DCP there is no complex picking you only get one option

Roommate choices

Unit Size

Does the PI have a housing fee?

Yes, it is about $250 the PI has a housing fee much like the DCP this fee is only if you live in housing however.  As a side note there is also an optional fee that anyone can pay to attend DCP events if you really wanted to.

How is rent paid?

Again this is very similar to the DCP for anyone who has done one, but if not it is taken out of your weekly paycheck.

Can I live in Falcon Square without living in PI housing?

This tends to be a popular question I want to address the short answer is –yes. Now, I want to make this clear since there is some confusion on this. You can live in Falcon Square since it is open to non-PI residents as well, but if you choose to do so you will be charged their regular rent –not the PI rent.

Am I guaranteed housing at Falcon Square?

No, you are not guaranteed housing at Falcon Square as I said it is open to regular renters as well (although most are cast members) therefore there is limited space available. So, housing at Falcon Square is on a first come, first  serve basis –so this is why it is important to let your recruiter know you want housing right away when your offer comes in. I also suggest while going through the process consider alternatives options such as the WDW roommate page –I will post the link at the bottom of the post*), searching for apartments with other hopefuls, and searching online for possible places**

Pros:
5 minutes away from the Magic Kingdom & Disney University (where Traditions is going to be)
Publix (grocery store) is about 5 minutes down the street
10-15 minutes away is a Target, as well as other stores and restaurants
Not located near Disney College Program Housing
Washer/Dryer
Bi-weekly house cleaning
Cable ready (Direct TV available for additional cost)
High Speed internet access
Gym on site as well as a pool

Cons:
Hearing fireworks every single night (Yes I know I am going to say it –while the first few nights it was pretty awesome, but after a week or so it just got annoying. Especially when they start doing multiple shows a night, and you work in the morning.
Not strictly PI housing (if your like someone I know that means you may hear a baby crying above you some nights)
Far away with non-Magic Kingdom theme parks (I will have estimated times below)

Also other little facts you might want to know (especially for you former DCP alumni comparing it to CP housing)
There are inspections 
No smoking allowed in housing
No overnight guest are allowed
Guest do not have to check in with security (Alumni will understand this one more)
No security that checks IDs
Still no pets allowed in housing
Yes it comes with furniture, cookware, television,


Per usual I will post photos for the inside and outside of Falcon Square

If anyone was wondering on estimated times away from certain theme parks or areas of Walt Disney World here are the estimated (keep in mind these are without traffic)

Downtown Disney/Team Disney/Typhoon Lagoon/Casting: 20-30 minutes 
Epcot: 25-35 minutes
Magic Kingdom/Disney University: 5-7 minutes

Animal Kingdom: 25-35 minutes

Blizzard Beach: 20-25 minutes

All Star Resort: 20-30 minutes

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa/Polynesian Resort: 10-15 minutes 

Contemporary Resort: 10-15 minutes

Hollywood Studios/Boardwalk: 20-25 minutes

Coronado Springs Resort: 20 minutes

Caribbean Beach Resort: 20 minutes

Cast Connections: 25-30 minutes

Wilderness Lodge: 15-20 minutes

If you had not noticed the only place it is really close to is Magic Kingdom, so if you work at any other (especially Animal Kingdom) you may want to consider a closer alternative. Although Falcon Square is nice the commutes here are based on non-events, non-marathon, and non-busy seasons. I can personally say even though the Grand is only 10-15 minutes away it once took me over an hour to get to work during a marathon -keep that in mind. 

*The link to the Facebook group for WDW roommate finder
**These are popular complexes that are not associated with Disney among cast members: Camden World Gateway, Abaco Key Apartments, Victoria Park Apartments, Cumberland Park Apartments, Post Lakeside Apartments, Discovery Palms, Evander Square Apartments, and Buena Vista Place. 

Wonderful World of Dorms: DCP Florida Version

Finally we made it to the blog post DCP applicants have been waiting for, and here it is as promised –DCP housing options (if you are looking for Disneyland housing click the step into the magic link). However, first I am going to cover DORMS* what it is, when you will fill it out, and what you need to know. 

DORMS (Disney Onsite Residents Management System) aka their housing site that participants need to fill out prior to their start date.

What is in DORMS?
Apartment Complex (which will be below)
Unit Size (aka bedrooms)
Names and roommate numbers of the individual you would like to live with **

Also if you are bringing a vehicle this is where you register it (if you do not know if you are bringing one you can do it when you get there during check-in as well)

How are roommates and apartments assigned?

Well all participants who request to line in the same apartment together have to meet certain requirements, and they are the following.
Must have received their DORMS email with roommate ID
Share the same gender as those they are requesting to live with
All occupants are over or under 21+ ***
Share the same arrival week and departure date (Yes both so always check!)
What is the fee?

The fee for the Walt Disney World college program where majority of the applicants go is around $350-$400. It coveres the first two weeks rent as well as some fees as well, and is 100% non-refundable. In case you were wondering (I will cover DCP for Disneyland in another post) their fees are much either around $850-$900. Also yes it still coveres the same thing as Florida's DCP -that's just you are paying to live in California. 

How is rent paid for?
When you pay your DCP fees a large amount of that money goes to cover the first two weeks rent, and then afterwards you will be working full-time. After the two weeks rent is then taken out of your weekly paycheck from Disney to pay for housing. If you do not work a week, or do not make enough to cover housing you have two options. The first is to pay them in-person with out-of-pocket money, or you can request it be taken out of the next weeks paycheck. 

Do I get my first choice from DORMS?
No, you do not always get your first choice sometimes not even the second. Why? Well CP housing is a little complex so let me explain. Internships do not all have the same end date, and this is important due to there are limited apartments. So, you may have requested a one-bedroom two-person apartment, but current interns who have not left yet could occupy them all.

Do I have to live on property?
No, you do not if you are over the age of 21+ and have your own vehicle. However, there is an exception to this rule if you are a summer alumni you have to live on property.

What are my options for apartments?

Fair warning these are from 2016, so if you are reading this anytime after it might be different. Also the number of roommates also depends now as some have bunk beds, so always check number of roommates with housing options.

The Commons: 
1 bedroom/ 2 person: $124  | 1 bedroom/ 3 person: $109
2 bedroom / 4 person: $122 | 2 bedroom / 5 person: $102
3 bedroom / 6 person: $110 
4 bedroom / 8 person: $109

Chatham Square: 
1 bedroom / 2 person: $120 | 1 bedroom / 3 person: $105
2 bedroom / 6 person: $93
3 bedroom / 6 person: $107 
4 bedroom / 8 person: $106 

Vista Way: 
2 bedroom / 4 person: $110
3 bedroom / 6 person: $101

Patterson Court: 
1 bedroom / 2 person: $120 | 1 bedroom / 3 person: $105
2 bedroom / 5 person: $100
3 bedroom / 6 person: $107

Prices are from Fall 2016 DORMS



Alright, so now the basics of DORMS is covered lets talk about the actual complexes. So, to begin we will start with the oldest complex Vista Way.

Pros:
Renovated in 2014
Main DCP bus depot with access to all the busses
Largest complex
Closet to Walt Disney World Property
Easy access to the main DCP office
Has the Disney resource center where you can rent films, books, games, and etc.
Easy access to Walgreens and dining options
Check-in is at Vista
Laundry is in the hallways

Cons:
Largest complex (yes I know I have it twice Vista is hard to navigate due to its size)
Has a certain reputation
Near a heavy traffic area with two major roads
Not close to the other DCP housing options ****
Exterior is dated


I want to make this clear I did not live at Vista way, but I did have friends that did. I will say that its reputation for being a party complex is not always true Chatham, Commons, and Patterson have their fair share as well especially after Happy Mondays.

Pros:
Closest to Mickey’s Retreat (a cast member only recreation site with pool, lake, volleyball, soccer field, and picnic area)
Majority of the housing events are hosted at Chatham
Has a bus stop right outside the complex that has most of the stops (few exceptions)
Close to the outlet mall, Walgreens, and Publix
Laundry facilities fairly close to each complex

Cons:
It is hard complex to get into to since it is highly requested
Housing events make parking impossible, and very loud
Complex is also fair large and confusing (seriously I mean dead end parking lots?)
Bus stop is outside the complex, so you will need to show your ID all the time to get back in (If you are like me it will annoy you when you forget it)
They are a little dated now (I mean green carpet come on!)


I personally lived in Chatham, and would have preferred Patterson personally (I had a car). However, as for why I would have preferred somewhere else I hold that until the end of this post.

Pros:
It is the newest complex, and honestly is pretty nice
Within walking distance to the outlet mall, Walgreens, and Publix
Small complex (for Patterson this is useful and you realize why in the cons)
Most of the Disney classes are here
Right next to Chatham where the housing events are held
Near Mickey’s Retreat
Probably has the nicest pool of all the complexes
Laundry facilities close to apartments

Cons:
Does not hold any events (for some that is a negative)
There is no bus stop, so you have to walk to Chatham (honestly it is not that far maybe ten minutes max)
Has a reputation for being quiet
Right next to a major street

Hard complex to get into since it is highly requested as well

Pros:
Washer and Dryer in units (Right there no paying for laundry, which when I was there was about $4 dollars total –think about how often you do laundry? Now thins about how much you just saved)
Bus stop located inside the gates 
The outlet mall is directly across the street (about a five minute walk)
Directly behind Mickey Retreat’s soccer field
A lot of ICP and International students still live here, so a lot of different culture exchanges
Holds housing events

Cons:
Not all busses stop here (Super inconvenient if you work at Magic Kingdom, since it only stops at Chatham which is about a ten to fifteen minute walk).
Complex can be noisy after Happy Mondays
Close but not near Patterson or Chatham

(Fair warning right now! This is not an actual housing option, but it is sometimes used for overflow for anyone 21+ with a car. I am listing it since if they ever ask you have an idea of would you want to move there or not)

Pros:
Nice apartment complex
Fairly quiet compared to the DCP options
More spacious and updated
Elevator (yup you read that right)
There is no security check-in (gate uses a fob)
Two swimming pools with hot tub
Fairly nice gym
Screened patio
Movie theater
Pool tables
Valet trash service
Large walk-in closets with large bathrooms (yes it was such a bonus)

Cons:
Parking is hard to find (After 10pm you're probably parking across the complex at, more then likely illegally parking at 11pm, and any later well good luck)
Does not host any DCP events due to being a regular apartment complex
Very little furniture given
Only for 21+ with cars
Regular tenants (So you might be like me hearing a newborn baby cry all night)
Across the street from Chatham and Patterson (there is no crosswalk on that four lane road)

Honestly I had the chance to live here, and truly I do not regret it (other then the parking). It was a nice complex, and was worth not living in Chatham anymore.


I know but there is the burning question what do the insides look like? Well none of these are my photos, but these are the DCP apartments. Yes, they all have the same basic setups the only difference is commons has the washer and dryer. As well as some apartment with more roommates have two refrigerators.

(This last one only the furniture & bulletin boards comes with apartment everything else does not)


Now let us address some other things you are going to want to know to make a decision –that's right myths, truths, and just some info I personally experienced.

• Vista is for partiers –as stated earlier this is not always true anymore Chatham when I lived there threw some pretty awesome parties as well (Building 11 you were crazy) If you ever lived in a college dorm you know labels are pretty ridiculous.
• If you have banned items (no lightsabers are not banned anymore as of 2015, but they will go over the list at the housing meeting) it does not mean just not in housing you also cannot have them in your car either (yes I have seen security search someone’s car who lived in wellness and brought liquor on site).
• Housing is owned by Disney –this my friends is false. The Disney housing is actually run by Lincoln Property, and it is a partnership program. The only people on-site who work for Disney are the CPs (of course), and the DCP related offices otherwise they are all Lincoln Property.
• Yes, they really do apartment checks every month where they come in and inspect cleanliness, and also check for banned items especially in wellness apartments.
• Which leads me to my next point the white glove award (basically perfectly clean like no one lives there), and to those who do not care yes you still can pass if it is clean.
• Let’s talk condition of the apartment, but honestly it depends on who lived there before. They all have their wear and tear they are older complexes none of them are brand new, so expect college dorm room not Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
• Is the crazy insane story about (blank) true? Honestly it really depends some of them are completely true, and some of them are just rumors that got way out of control. I do not know everything about Disney housing, but I do know take every story with a grain of salt.
• No pets allowed once so ever you cannot keep a living animal in the apartments at all.
• Some CPs steal laundry, and dude it is 100% true. I cannot tell you the amount of sweatpants, t-shirts, and even jackets I lost working here –seriously I can’t. The washing machines are locked once it is started then unlocks when finished, but the dryers are not –which sucks. Also speaking of laundry if you wait to long to take your clothes out of the washing machine, and you will probably find them on the floor –I swear the amount of clothes I saw on the floor was insane. The same thing will also happen with the dryer just an fyi. Now how to avoid this well I had the advantage of having ‘regular’ hour shifts, so I could do it in the afternoon when most were at work. However, best time to do laundry is either super late at night around 2-3am, or super early in the morning around 5-6am.
• Apartments come with wireless internet –eh’ close but not quite. Your apartment has access to the internet, but in order to have a wireless network in your apartment someone is going to need a router.
• Pest –yes you knew this one was going to come. While full disclosure they do technically spray for insects I suggest bring your own bug spray as they generally only do the kitchen.
• Bed bugs: I did not have any personal experience with this, but I have heard of several bed bug problems. My suggestion is bring bed bug spray, and mattress protector****. Also wash your sheets in hot water every week just in case (yes annoying and expensive)
• Spiders: Yes they live here too it is a thing, but honestly they tend not to be a major problem in the apartments.
• Frogs: I know this is an odd one to put on here, but they tend to break into your apartment from time to time.
• Lizards: Also commonly break into your apartment from time to time as well
• Snakes: They are generally outside of your apartment, and the ones I have seen are mostly non-poisonous. However, I have seen a few poisonous ones just call housing (on the back of your apartment Id).
• Roaches: Yup, you knew this was coming they live in warm climates. Okay, now our apartment building (yes the whole building) had a roach problem. I am not talking one or two roaches in the time we stayed I am talking we made a roach count compared it with our neighbors upstairs, and it came out to be 300+ roaches in the 6 months we lived there. Yes, they are huge and 1000% disgusting. This is not every apartment though I know people who did not have a single roach problem, but they did have other insects. This is why I suggest bringing bug spray as the problem seemed to subside when I started spraying every week around the apartment. I know this is uncomfortable trust me I do not do roaches at all! However, it is something you have to deal with in Florida no matter how uncomfortable the subject is.
• Ants: Yes, you are also going to have ants also just a problem of living in Florida. As with the roaches I suggest bringing bug spray as housing only sprays once a month or so.
• Mail yeah I know this is an odd one you are going to get a lot of mail from old CPS, or current CPS who moved apartments do not be that person who throws it out just stick it in the return to sender box.
• Packages that come from FedEx or UPS they go directly to your apartment door (anything USPS goes to the housing office), so yes people steal packages sometimes as well –just make sure you are home or a roommate so someone is there to get it quickly.
• Parking I did not have a problem with this, but I know some smaller complexes like Patterson did. It is not bad honestly you are just not going to park near your building calm down it is not the end of the world even if it is pouring rain.
• The gym is open 24/7, but the pool closes at night –also there is no more hot tub at Vista Way
• No, overnight guest are allowed in the apartments so that does include CPS from other complexes. Also yes it does include even non-Disney employees it is annoying I get it, but do not get termed because of it.
• You are more likely to get termed at work then housing, well yes and no. Most of the terms I personally know the story to happened due to something that happened at Disney housing not work.
• These are just a few things I can think of at the moment if you have other questions feel free to leave them below, but honestly just remember one thing. You are not doing the DCP to live at Disney (sure it is a perk), but this is a job your there to work not take a vacation.

As promised though here is a map so you can get an idea of where Vista is compared to the other complexes. Also those wondering Cumberland is the one across the street from Patterson, and can also be rented as an off property option******

(For those wondering Cumberland is directly across the 536 from Patterson) 


*If you are over the age of 21+, and are bringing your own vehicle you can live outside of Disney housing, which may be something to consider if you plan on staying as well
**If you do not fill this part out your roommates will be chosen at random
***Apartments with roommates under 21 are called wellness which are alcohol prohibited apartments (no alcohol at all at any time once so ever), and this is important due to an over 21 roommate can choose to live in wellness –this rule applies to them as well no exceptions. Over 21+ apartments are called non-wellness and are allowed alcohol within the apartment.
****I will post a map so you can have an idea of where they are located
*****I will go over a packing list in other post
******If you live off property you cannot use the DCP bus system as you are given an off property id.