Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Getting from Point A to Point B: Traveling to Check In
I'm in the 30's until my check in day! 38 days from right now I should be relaxing in my hotel waiting for check in the next day, very excited!
One of the things I get asked a lot about is how to get to check in. I'm from New Jersey, not exactly a hop skip and a jump from Florida. You are on your own in regards to getting to Florida, Disney just tells you what time to be at Vista Way, the rest is up to you. But it's not as stressful as you think! Here is how I recommend starting your journey:
When to Arrive
The day before, at least that's what I strongly recommend. Check In is usually in the morning, I believe it's either 8 or 9 until 12. I believe in being there when they start, the sooner you show up, the sooner you get done. You may also have more housing options available. and plus, if you're late, that's not good. It pushes everything back. I would rather be in Florida the night before knowing all I had to do in the morning was wake up and walk over. I don't want to be at the airport and find out I have this problem or the shuttle service get stuck or anything else that Murphy's Law would throw my way. I just strongly advise getting there the night before and staying in a hotel for the night, it will take away some stress and give you time to relax!
Where to Stay
This is easy. The reviews for this hotel when I was doing my research said this should be considered the official hotel for DCP Check Ins. I'm talking about the Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista on Apopka Vineland Road (click the link to go to their website) I thought the hotel was REALLY nice, heck, even Disney level nice. It's where a lot of people go when they can't stay on property and they definitely make sure it isn't just a bed where you sleep at night. They were clean, spacious and had an Applebee's inside for dinner and breakfast. Looking for my date in July, a standard room for me is $134
Now, here s the real kicker as to why I recommend staying at this particular resort.
It is directly across the street from Vista Way, where check in is. You walk out the door, cross a street, and there you are. Done.
How to Get to Florida:
Driving: If you have a car and want to bring it with you, make it a road trip! Granted, each person has a different trip since you are driving from your home but you can make it fun along the way! For instance, if I were to drive down I'd be driving through the Carolinas and I've always wanted to go to Georgia, you can go at your own pace and see sights along the way! Just be sure that if you are driving down with a car you intend on using throughout your program that you have all your proper documentation with you.
Flying: One of the common methods of transportation, flying right into Orlando International Airport. Like I said, I recommend arriving the day earlier so your arrival to and from the airport isn't as hectic.
Train: Amtrak has a station in Orland using their travel trains. Depending on the location, you can also take you car on the train so you don't have to do the drive to Florida. For example, someone I know drives from New Jersey to Virginia, checks her car onto the train and then takes the train down to Florida.
Getting to Vista
Whether you arrive the day before or the morning of, you need to get to Vista! If you don't have a car, how do you do it? Mears Transportation! You can put your reservation in online where you select your route. *Edit: I previously stated Vista wasn't an option as a destination based on my experience last year but a follower just corrected me and told me that they are! I was picked up at my apartment my last day but didn't know they could drop you off there too!* Using my date as an example, a one way trip for an adult is $21 using a shared shuttle. It is shared so it may not go immediately to your hotel, they may make drop offs along the way.
You make your reservation online and when you land, there is a Mears desk at the lower level of the airport. They give you one of the flashing pagers that will vibrate and flash when your van has arrived. They make it very easy. Mears is actually the company behind the Magical Express so they are very Disney dependable.
Hopefully this took away some stress about figuring out how to get down there! My dad came with me last year but this time I'm going on my own, it is easily manageable to do it on your own, nothing too scary. As usual, please rate this post and leave any questions in the comments!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
What to Do: Your First Night
The magic can start the very first night of your program if you want it to! You wont' get your ID for the parks on check-in, but your housing ID gets you on the bus and that can take you to non-park area of Disney property to give you that first dose of pixie dust to start off your program!
You will get a break between check in and casting to bring all your stuff to your new apartment. I pretty much just dumped it and left to go back to Vista to be with my dad until he had to leave. Casting for small groups is quick and once you're through there, you're done and free to do what you please. This is a good time to put you pictures on your cork board, unload you toiletries and put your clothes in your drawers, start settling in!
But, what do you do after?
Grocery Shop
If the buses are still running, you can use this time to go to Publix or Wal-Mart to start loading up on your first set of groceries and picking up any odds and ends such as your bed linens if you didn't bring them with you and anything you forgot. Some things to keep in mind as you grocery shop during your DCP:
*Buy reusable bags. I had about 2 bags for Publix and 2 bags for Wal-Mart. You can also buy refrigerator reusable bags to hold your dairy and frozen food. It is much easier carrying 2 or so fabric bags than 5 plastic bags. Plus, you won't have to worry about bags potentially ripping on you!
*You can buy a caddy. If you don't want to physically carry your bags, put them in a rolling caddy, You can't take them on the bus but the bus driver will pop open the storage underneath.
*Circulars. These will help you see what's available and at what price for the week, they even include coupons.
*Rewards Programs. Publix already gives you automatic discounts but it's always good to scope out if where you shop has a frequent shopper card or some type of rewards or points program.
Resort Hop. See Wishes! at the Polynesian!
Hop on a bus to a resort! This is a really good idea if you're location is in a resort, it gives you a chance to go and visualize it a walk around before you even get to training. and they are great photo opportunities! If you go to one of the monorail resorts (the Polynesian <3, the Grand Floridian, or the Contemporary Resort) you can ride the monorail and hit up 3 in 1 night! and if you go to my beloved Polynesian, you can watch Wishes! from the beach on your very first night! Resort hopping is one of my favorite activities, I'll definitely post more about it later!
You will get a break between check in and casting to bring all your stuff to your new apartment. I pretty much just dumped it and left to go back to Vista to be with my dad until he had to leave. Casting for small groups is quick and once you're through there, you're done and free to do what you please. This is a good time to put you pictures on your cork board, unload you toiletries and put your clothes in your drawers, start settling in!
But, what do you do after?
Grocery Shop
If the buses are still running, you can use this time to go to Publix or Wal-Mart to start loading up on your first set of groceries and picking up any odds and ends such as your bed linens if you didn't bring them with you and anything you forgot. Some things to keep in mind as you grocery shop during your DCP:
*Buy reusable bags. I had about 2 bags for Publix and 2 bags for Wal-Mart. You can also buy refrigerator reusable bags to hold your dairy and frozen food. It is much easier carrying 2 or so fabric bags than 5 plastic bags. Plus, you won't have to worry about bags potentially ripping on you!
*You can buy a caddy. If you don't want to physically carry your bags, put them in a rolling caddy, You can't take them on the bus but the bus driver will pop open the storage underneath.
*Circulars. These will help you see what's available and at what price for the week, they even include coupons.
*Rewards Programs. Publix already gives you automatic discounts but it's always good to scope out if where you shop has a frequent shopper card or some type of rewards or points program.
Resort Hop. See Wishes! at the Polynesian!
Hop on a bus to a resort! This is a really good idea if you're location is in a resort, it gives you a chance to go and visualize it a walk around before you even get to training. and they are great photo opportunities! If you go to one of the monorail resorts (the Polynesian <3, the Grand Floridian, or the Contemporary Resort) you can ride the monorail and hit up 3 in 1 night! and if you go to my beloved Polynesian, you can watch Wishes! from the beach on your very first night! Resort hopping is one of my favorite activities, I'll definitely post more about it later!
Downtown Disney
This is what I ended up doing because my roommates who had been there since January invited us to go see The Lorax at the DTD Disney theater. I kept falling asleep not because the movie was bad (it was rather cute!) but because the seats were so comfy and I was so tired! If you've never been to DTD before, it's the closest you can get to WDW experience without going into the parks. You can dine at great restaurants (Earl of Sandwich would be a good one for your first night!) and you can shop at countless stores, you can even pick up some pins to start trading! You can even get Disney treats! It's a lot of fun to walk around and give you that reality check of "gee, I'm really here!"
I've always said you should do something everyday of your program whether it's work (obviously!) or making memories at the parks, don't just lounge around. and what better way to kick it all off than your first night!
Don't forget to leave your questions in the comments sections and rate the posts!
Monday, May 27, 2013
Disney Earning
I've been answering some questions regarding Disney and pay lately so thought this would be a good time to make a post about earning in the Disney Culinary Program. From what I understand, the regular College Program pays varies but follows the same principle.
How Much?
The rates for pay in the Disney Culinary Program are as follows:
-$8.45/hour with $12.68/hour OT for parks and resorts
-$9.10/hour with $13.65/hour OT for Magic Kingdom locations.
Additional Hours
A typical shift is 8 hours. But what happens if you work more than 8 hours? This is very common in the food industry where we often may work doubles and a lot of overtime. The following is an example that we often use during our DCP Presentations to give you an example of what your pay may be like:
Monday: You work your normal 8 hour shift, earning $8.45 an hour.
Tuesday: You're off today. Go enjoy the parks!
Wednesday: Today you are scheduled for a 10 hour shit. Your first 8 hours are paid at $8.45/hour. When you reach your 9th hour, you get bumped to $12.68 for hours 9 and 10.
Thursday: Today you are working double (16 hours). For the first 8 hours you get pad $8.45/hour. At the 9th hour you get bumped to $12.68/hour. At hour 14, you get bumped to $16.90 for the remainder of your shift. You closed the dinner shift and clocked out at midnight.
Friday: You are scheduled for the breakfast shift at 6 AM, this is less than 8 hours between shifts. When you come in, you are automatically clocked in at $16.90 for your entire shift.
Not too shabby huh? You are guaranteed at least 30 hours and can sometimes work upwards of 50 hours a week. My location was a bit overstaffed and I was still bringing in about 34 hours/week.
Bonus, no state taxes are taken out in Florida!
How Do I Get My Money?
You will be paid every week. If you bring a void check or your routing numbers with you, you can opt for direct deposit. Your first 2 paychecks however, or all of them if you opt for this option, will be put onto a visa-like card given to you by casting on your check-in day. This card acts like any other credit/debit card, can be used at ATMs, and gives you online access to check your balance. All your paychecks will directly go to this card, no paper needed.
Rent Payments
If you do your payroll calculations in your head and you see hm, I'm shore $80 something bucks, don't sweat! It's your rent! Disney directly takes your rent out of your paycheck every week, you don't have to write a rent check out to anyone!
Did I Make Money?
Yes, I did. I honestly cannot imagine anyone blowing all of their earnings before they come home. This is the real world, you have to watch your money. I budgeted my groceries at about $50 a shop and I always stayed within budget or around it. I've found that I stayed within my budget more in Florida than in Rhode Island. And pace your purchases. Yeah I ate in the parks and got my souvenir popcorn buckets and mickey bars, but not all in one shot! You're there for months at a time, you can buy popcorn this week and go to Be Our Guest next week. I did this with souvenir shopping as well, don't wait until right before you leave to buy EVERYTHING, it's much easier on the eyes to see it taken out over time than in one big withdrawal at the end.
Company D and Cast Connections will be your best friend, they offer discounted items to Cast Members. I got a WDW sweatshirt for $11 instead of $45 because there was a little blotch on the sleeve, you honestly wouldn't even see it unless I pointed it out to you, it took me ages to find it myself!
As long as you watch your money and balance your spending, I assure you you will come back with some pixie dust in your pocket and money in the bank!
How Much?
The rates for pay in the Disney Culinary Program are as follows:
-$8.45/hour with $12.68/hour OT for parks and resorts
-$9.10/hour with $13.65/hour OT for Magic Kingdom locations.
Additional Hours
A typical shift is 8 hours. But what happens if you work more than 8 hours? This is very common in the food industry where we often may work doubles and a lot of overtime. The following is an example that we often use during our DCP Presentations to give you an example of what your pay may be like:
Monday: You work your normal 8 hour shift, earning $8.45 an hour.
Tuesday: You're off today. Go enjoy the parks!
Wednesday: Today you are scheduled for a 10 hour shit. Your first 8 hours are paid at $8.45/hour. When you reach your 9th hour, you get bumped to $12.68 for hours 9 and 10.
Thursday: Today you are working double (16 hours). For the first 8 hours you get pad $8.45/hour. At the 9th hour you get bumped to $12.68/hour. At hour 14, you get bumped to $16.90 for the remainder of your shift. You closed the dinner shift and clocked out at midnight.
Friday: You are scheduled for the breakfast shift at 6 AM, this is less than 8 hours between shifts. When you come in, you are automatically clocked in at $16.90 for your entire shift.
Not too shabby huh? You are guaranteed at least 30 hours and can sometimes work upwards of 50 hours a week. My location was a bit overstaffed and I was still bringing in about 34 hours/week.
Bonus, no state taxes are taken out in Florida!
How Do I Get My Money?
You will be paid every week. If you bring a void check or your routing numbers with you, you can opt for direct deposit. Your first 2 paychecks however, or all of them if you opt for this option, will be put onto a visa-like card given to you by casting on your check-in day. This card acts like any other credit/debit card, can be used at ATMs, and gives you online access to check your balance. All your paychecks will directly go to this card, no paper needed.
Rent Payments
If you do your payroll calculations in your head and you see hm, I'm shore $80 something bucks, don't sweat! It's your rent! Disney directly takes your rent out of your paycheck every week, you don't have to write a rent check out to anyone!
Did I Make Money?
Yes, I did. I honestly cannot imagine anyone blowing all of their earnings before they come home. This is the real world, you have to watch your money. I budgeted my groceries at about $50 a shop and I always stayed within budget or around it. I've found that I stayed within my budget more in Florida than in Rhode Island. And pace your purchases. Yeah I ate in the parks and got my souvenir popcorn buckets and mickey bars, but not all in one shot! You're there for months at a time, you can buy popcorn this week and go to Be Our Guest next week. I did this with souvenir shopping as well, don't wait until right before you leave to buy EVERYTHING, it's much easier on the eyes to see it taken out over time than in one big withdrawal at the end.
Company D and Cast Connections will be your best friend, they offer discounted items to Cast Members. I got a WDW sweatshirt for $11 instead of $45 because there was a little blotch on the sleeve, you honestly wouldn't even see it unless I pointed it out to you, it took me ages to find it myself!
As long as you watch your money and balance your spending, I assure you you will come back with some pixie dust in your pocket and money in the bank!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
This blog is for YOU
Hey everyone!
Just stopping by to remind you that this blog is for YOU. I write these posts hoping I can give you a better and personal understanding about the DCP. I have been very fortunate for my tumblr to be successful and reach nearly 1200 followers and I answer tons of questions, I've formed friendships over it and absolutely adore the interaction with my followers.
The reason why I created the blogspot form of disneybakerdcp is to have a dcp only blog, my other tumblr became clogged with my various fandoms and information got lost amidst the 27,000 posts that I have. Needless to say it was a bit messy. So I came here to make it cleaner.
but I really want to stress that this blog is just as much yours as it is mine. you can rate my posts, tell me if they are interesting, tell me if they are boring. most importantly, you can ask me questions! you can leave your name, they can be anonymous, you can leave 1 question, you can leave 100 if you like. My mom always told me, if you have a question, chances are other people have that same question too but are too shy to ask it. Please feel free to ask any questions in any of the comment sections, old or new, I'll find them believe me. With this I get to help you and make a Q&A tab to keep them together and tag the information of the question. So ask away, anything you've got! If you speak another language, type it up and I'll use a translator (if it's Italian I may not have too! haha)
I'm here for you. The reason why I started blogging about the Disney Culinary Program is because I had no one to talk to. I don't want that for you no matter if you're doing culinary, college or international. I'm here to prep you for you interview, guide you along the way, and answer your questions, it's what I love to do. I can't ever shut up about Disney!
So don't be shy, ask away and ask it all!
Meg
Just stopping by to remind you that this blog is for YOU. I write these posts hoping I can give you a better and personal understanding about the DCP. I have been very fortunate for my tumblr to be successful and reach nearly 1200 followers and I answer tons of questions, I've formed friendships over it and absolutely adore the interaction with my followers.
The reason why I created the blogspot form of disneybakerdcp is to have a dcp only blog, my other tumblr became clogged with my various fandoms and information got lost amidst the 27,000 posts that I have. Needless to say it was a bit messy. So I came here to make it cleaner.
but I really want to stress that this blog is just as much yours as it is mine. you can rate my posts, tell me if they are interesting, tell me if they are boring. most importantly, you can ask me questions! you can leave your name, they can be anonymous, you can leave 1 question, you can leave 100 if you like. My mom always told me, if you have a question, chances are other people have that same question too but are too shy to ask it. Please feel free to ask any questions in any of the comment sections, old or new, I'll find them believe me. With this I get to help you and make a Q&A tab to keep them together and tag the information of the question. So ask away, anything you've got! If you speak another language, type it up and I'll use a translator (if it's Italian I may not have too! haha)
I'm here for you. The reason why I started blogging about the Disney Culinary Program is because I had no one to talk to. I don't want that for you no matter if you're doing culinary, college or international. I'm here to prep you for you interview, guide you along the way, and answer your questions, it's what I love to do. I can't ever shut up about Disney!
So don't be shy, ask away and ask it all!
Meg
Saturday, May 25, 2013
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