Get ready for a long but informational post!
This will not cover every detail to housing, this is a first post in a series related to housing. To see all posts labeled 'housing' click on the Housing tab to the right. Leave any additional housing questions in the comments and I will address them in my next housing post!
Coming up in the housing series I will cover: rent and how it is paid, what furniture and items are included in the apartments, transportation, clubhouse functions, hurricanes,alcohol, what to bring and what not to bring, inspections and the White Glove test, and a further look into the interior of a Patterson Court apartment, where I lived the first time!
On to the first post in the housing series: The Complexes!
You won't really need real estate agent to sell the fact that while participating in the Disney College, Culinary or International Programs that you will have a castle in your backyard. At your fingertips you will have all 4 theme parks, Downtown Disney, 2 water parks and all the resorts, right there. People save up for years to be able to spend a week in the place that you get to live. Some have only seen Cinderella Castle in a postcard or commercial but you can see it anytime you want, I use to get a glimpse every night on the ride home from work.
But what about where YOU live? I personally would make do with a cardboard box if it meant being back working for Disney but thankfully, they give you a bit more wiggle room (and structure!)
You have the choice of 3-4 Apartment Complexes (clicking on this link will take you to the official DCP page with access to a video tour!):
Vista Way (clicking on titles will take you to the source of the picture)
Vista Way is the oldest complex of the apartments but also serves as the central hub. This is where you will come to check in on your arrival date. This complex not only houses 40 buildings but also the Disney Service Center and Disney Learning Center. and Education office Amenities here include a tennis and basketball court, fitness center 2 pools, educational classrooms, security, a clubhouse, and the main bus hub. Like all the complexes you must enter through security. There is a mail area in the clubhouse and laundry rooms on the ground floor of each building. The Learning Center also has a computer lab.
Chatham Square
Chatham is a short drive from Vista Way. Chatham Square houses a fitness center, education classrooms, volleyball courts, tennis courts, a pool and a clubhouse in addition to its 30 buildings. Like all the complexes, you must enter through security. Mailboxes are broken into sections throughout the complexes and laundry rooms are located in designated buildings. The clubhouse also houses a computer lab. Chatham has a bus stop that is shared with Patterson Court outside of the clubhouse.
The Commons
This complex is commonly used to house those on the International Program (listen to all the different languages and accents!) It is not always a stop on the bus route but you can ask to be dropped off there if it is not. It houses 29 buildings, a tennis court, clubhouse, fitness center, pool, and the Disney Housing Operations Programs Office (this will be where your housing orientation is held after your check in, and also Grocery Bingo!) Like all the complexes, you must enter through security. Mail kiosks are located at various buildings and there are laundry machines in each building. A computer lab is also located in the clubhouse.
Patterson Court
Patterson, is the smallest complex with 16 buildings, and is also the newest. Patterson is located across from Chatham and shares their bus stop. Like all the complexes, you must enter through security. Patterson has a club house, education classrooms, fitness center, and pool. Mail kiosks are broken down throughout the complex. There are also 4 laundry areas located throughout. The clubhouse also houses a computer lab.
In a future post I will discuss rent, how it is paid, what it covers, and what your apartment will come stocked with when you arrive. Don't forget to leave your questions in the comments!
Chatham is great if you want shade. I feel that the apartments are also much larger than those in PC. TC is available for anyone to live in, not just ICP's anymore. Grocery Bingo is also held on Chatham Field.
ReplyDeleteYes, Chatham does have good places for shade! I've never been in Chatham but the rooms in Patterson were very spacious so if they're bigger, that must be great! I feel Chatham is a good medium of Patterson and Vista.
ReplyDeleteand yes, I plan on doing a Commons post as part of the series since they changed it, during my program it was mostly for icps but they have adjusted it, which should be interesting!
I never got to go to grocery bingo but I do hope to do it this term! when I was there it was held in the office in the commons so maybe that has changed too. Disney is always changing, I can't keep up! haha