Check-In, Day #1

On Monday I checked into my third Disney Culinary program and it was definitely a little different from even last year.

Check In happens at Vista Way. When you arrive to Vista whether you're driving or walking, at the security gate you explain that you are there for Check In. Security is well aware of the Check In dates, and usually your luggage is a giveaway! Once you get through the gate you will see all the signs leading you to the welcome center in the back. Once you get to the welcome pavilion you will be greeted by a CM who will hand you your program guide. You will then enter the little building and get in line to find out your housing complex, get your key, and have your ID made. Following the excitement of finding out where you live, you will proceed to the patio outside where you will get you itinerary for the next few days and you will get debriefed on Traditions and what to wear and where to be. The itinerary will disclose your schedule for casting, the housing meeting, and Traditions. You will receive all your other information at Traditions.

What is new with this year is that you go straight to Casting from Vista. In years past once you were done at Vista you grabbed your luggage from where it was stored during Check In, board the luggage bus to your complex and put your stuff down at your apartment before catching a scheduled bus to Casting. Now, you go on the scheduled bus that leaves right outside from the Check In building down to casting. Don't worry, they have fruits and bars out to help tide over the hunger!

Our bus back from Casting. You better believe there was Disney music and trivia!

Once you get to Casting, this is where all the fun paperwork starts, by fun we mean government specifics that aren't really fun. but there's Disney stuff on the walls so who cares! You need to be sure that you have a government issued photo ID, passport, or social security card. This will be used when completing the I9 documents. At Casting you will also be fingerprinted and be given information in regards to signing up for direct deposit and other payment options.

The good news is once you're done with Casting, you're done for the day! All you have left between you and Traditions is a simple housing meeting the next day that is at most a few minutes past an hour, and it's held right at the Commons.

So, you get here and don't have access to the parks, what do you do? Downtown Disney is an option of course!I actually went there first things first to get a new case for my new phone. In case y'all didn't get the memo, my favorite Disney character is Dopey. He doesn't get as much love as he deserves (all the Grumpy merch Disney? Seriously?) But, I love him. So obviously when I saw that you could make a custom phone case at the new D-Tech On Demand shop in the new Co-Op at Downtown Disney, I obviously got it

I mean look at it!

 

Two of my roommates are actually working in DTD so we went and toured their stores and got to know each other a little bit more. It was a fun night to unwind and still have some Disney fun. We grabbed a bite to eat at Earl of Sandwich and I was torn between like 4 sandwiches but was so happy with the vegetarian one that I went with! It had avocado, zucchini (my favorite!), cabbage, tomato, and pesto. SO good

 I've never labeled myself as fully vegetarian or vegan, but I do try to incorporate it when I can. and this was definitely a great choice!

DCP Check In Day!

So today was my check in for my second Disney Culinary Program and while it doesn't compare to last years, it could still be worse!

Check in for me started at 9 AM, they usually run until about 12 but the earlier you get there the better. What was so great compared to last years was how the handled my luggage. I don't know if it's because we were such a tiny group last year or half of us were idiots and didn't know what to do, but we had to lug our bags around. My dad was here last year so he stood in line with my suitcase while I had my other bags. Then I had to board all of that onto the bus to Patterson along with a bunch of other people checking in so before you knew it, the aisles were crammed with luggage. Taking them on and off was a hassle since they weighed so much. I remember it wearing me out and just getting overall frustrated. This year however, they let you store your luggage in a building while you check in. Then after check in is done, a bus takes you directly to your complex so there's no getting in the way of the regular CP buses.

Check in goes by fairly quick with such a small group. You first check in and get a sticky name tag and collect your program guide. From there you walk into the Vista office and find out your housing assignment. The housing goes based off what you put in for and when your departure date is. Next you go on to the next booth and get your picture taken for your housing ID. From there you proceed to a table where they will stick a sticker on your program guide telling you your location, this used to be done at casting. Then you will get a brief lecture on Disney look, a list of upcoming meetings and then once you fill out your I9 paper, you're good to go!

Waiting for the bus to the apartments did take quite a while, they would rather you sit on it and wait for more people for less trips so it did get kind of boring, I have to admit. But I would rather do that than lug everything around! I was placed in a 2 bedroom in The Commons. I will do a another separate post on that later

I got to my apartment at around 11 and had until 2 to be at casting. That required catching the bus at about 1 so I had a good 2 hours to just relax. At Casting you go through a series of steps. You are greeted in this lovely room by a cast member who gets the crowd going. I had my alumni pin from check in on and he asked me a couple questions and next thing you knew I was helping people out, it was great!

From here you begin the paperwork journey. This is where it's nice to be in a small group because it goes faster. One of your first steps is going over your I9s and the paperwork you did online. I ran into an issue with that because since I was already an active cast member it didn't go through. But if there is any issues they have computers where you can resubmit. It is imperative though that you have your I9 identifications with you at Casting. This typically includes your drivers license and either your Social Security Card, Passport, or Birth Certificate. You need to have the original document, this is where some people ran into a problem. From there you get fingerprinted and just receive some more instructions for the next few days. And then you're free to go! But as you exit the casting building, don't forget to take a peek at the door knobs!

 Aren't they cute!

The casting building overall is just really pretty!

After casting is done, you're all set for the day! I headed to Walmart after to pick up my bedding and hangers and what not. I recommend getting your bedding here if you're flying. I took down a spare cover sheet and regular sheet just in case but since I'm here for 5 months I decided to get full bedding. At Walmart they sell bed in a bag, which comes with a bed skirt, cover sheet, sheet, comforter and a pillow case. That and my pillow case all came out to less than $35 It's worth saving the room in your luggage and you can donate it to a worthy cause when you leave, win win! It's definitely not as long and tiring as last year where I ended falling asleep in the movies!

At the end of the day, I'm back where I belong! Since I was an alumni and current cast member they had my new nametag waiting for me. I am allowed to go to Traditions on Thursday so I will get park access then. Happy to be back!

 I got the alumni button at Vista check in and it felt so great to hear people wishing me a welcome back. I was put on the spot in Casting and shared a bit about my story and it opened the floor to people asking me questions and helping them out which I love.

Mickey, I'm Home!

Greetings from Orlando! It has been a long and emotional day but my pixie dust has landed me sprawled out on my king sized bed here at the Holiday Inn in Orlando. My day started at 9 this morning when I had to wake up to finish packing (never will I be packed the day before, I mean let's be honest) and making sure I had everything. Still, on the way to the airport I was giving my mom a list of things to mail down! Then I started my goodbyes, you would think my eyes were Splash Mountain. It's weird to think I could channel my inner 10 and go from "Allonsy!" to "I don't want to go" over WDW (if you understand the reference, hello new best friend!) I just wish New Jersey and Florida were closer, at least Rhode Island is manageable.

I flew out of Newark International and landed in Orlando, the flight overall was about 3 hours, stark contrast from my 4 hour train rides from RI to NJ as my mom pointed out. I ended up sitting next to a family who had a little Yorkie in front of them on the plane, adorable but it made me miss my dog that much more.

I got on and off the plane with no problems. I collected my luggage and proceeded to book my Mears transportation. The buses come within 30 minutes and take you and various passengers to the surrounding resorts.

Waiting for my shuttle and there are palm trees! Kind of a big deal for a small town Jersey Girl! It was a beautiful 88 degrees and sunny, I can get used to this! It was weird sitting out there in front of the Disney Magical Express buses and seeing people on their way to WDW, I'm actually here!

 I was the last stop and pulled in to the hotel at about 9. I ended up getting a handicap room, I guess because it has 1 bed in it and it's just me that's what they gave me. No complaints!

 There is a closet to the left and above the fridge there your standard hotel essentials and a microwave. The bathroom is on the right behind that door

 

King size bed all to myself? Don't mind if I do! 

Handicap bathroom, interesting. Don't worry, there is another shower head above that little one! And you know, a toilet

You can guess where I will be spending my night tonight

 Best hotel keys EVER!

I just grabbed some jammy dodgers from the vending machine (such a Who post tonight!) and will try and take some pictures of the pool after hours possibly. But I need to rest up for my day tomorrow! You think I'm going to let a whole day go when I'm this close to Disney?! Tomorrow I will be hitting up DTD to catch the tail end of Independence Day festivities like getting some pins, the 4th of July cupcake, and then resort hopping and ending at the Poly for the 4th of July fireworks!

Q&A: Crosswalk Safety

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!

2 Months til Check In!

2 months from now I will probably be passed out on my bed in my new Disney apartment.

Because 2 months from today is my second DCP check in!

I remember my first check in being tiring and exciting all at the same time. After I signed all my paperwork and dotted all my i's, I got my room situated by putting all my pictures on my cork board. I kinda sorta didn't have a pillow for about the first 3 days so it was a bit barren for a while, but it was homey!

(a little tour of my Patterson apartment will come shortly!)

That night, 4 of my roommates and I went to Downtown Disney to watch the Lorax and I remember nodding off throughout the film. Not because it was bad (what I do remember, it was cute actually!) but because I was so tired.

but 2 months from right now I will be getting ready to spend another night in Florida. I will have already confirmed my work location, moved in, and met my roommates. I will have my outfit hanging in my closet for Traditions, knowing me I will probably have already gone to DTD to load up on pins and start trading.

When I look at this all numerically, it's hard to believe how it all happened so fast. I realized my dream almost 3 years ago, I left for my first DCP nearly 14 months ago and I'm already coming up on my 1 year since I left, May 18th. and now I'm gearing to go back and do it all over again.

and I'm excited that you guys will be here to join me on my journey! You can always follow my personal blog (beware, it is multifandom so Mickey Mouse may be followed by Harry Styles and the Doctor) on tumblr but be sure to check back here for strictly DCP organized posts! Don't forget to rate my posts and leave you questions and suggestions in the comments!

Have A Magical Evening!

Check In Countdown, 60's!

We have officially reached the 60s in my countdown to my second Disney Culinary/College Program!

I was accepted again this March (March 11th to be exact, not that I've been keeping track or anything...) and wake up in Florida on July 8th to head on over to Vista Way to star the check in process all over again!

I remember my first check in my dad had flown down with me and we stayed at the Holiday Inn across from Vista the night before. We ate at the Applebee's in the hotel and my dad just kept saying "You did good" or "This is a big step for you Meg" and trying to give me all these little pep talks but I don't even think I life coach could have untangled the knots in my stomach. We walked over to take a sneak peek into the Vista Way complex and I kept looking at everyone and telling myself that that's going to be me soon, no, that's going to be me tomorrow. We woke up bright and early the next morning and I hardly touched my food. This was it, it was happening. In a few hours I would find out where I would be living and who with, I would officially get my location, I would have to say goodbye to my dad, I was starting today.

Check In is a rather busy day for any CP. If you're checking in with the regular College Program you can be grouped with 500+ interns, and you thought the line for Toy Story Mania was long! For the Culinary Program however we had about 64 interns from various culinary schools like our 4 JWU campuses, the CIA, Art Institutes, Le Cordon Bleu, all here with our knife kits ready to work for the Mouse.

Your first step of Check In is to turn in your on boarding paperwork (you know how they say you should do it ahead of time? do it) and you get your Program Guide that basically becomes your bible filled with every contact, every in and every out of the program. and my personal favorite, quotes form Walt Disney :) Then you move on to get your housing assignment, I will have a whole post-several actually-on that area in the future, don't worry! You get the bus schedule, your photo ID and your time to head over to the Casting Offices. I don't want my posts to bee super wordy since I tend to go off on my own tangents so I will explain all about the Casting Offices and what to expect in a new post shortly!

What I love about Blogger is it keeps all my labels in one place. On my other blog you have to dig and dig and I often end up answering the same questions multiple times because my answers always get hidden. But here you can see everything all in one place. If it relates to check in or housing they will have designated tags so that way you can read any posts relating to that in one click. I hope it makes it easier for you and you find it useful!

Don't forget to leave comments! You can ask questions and I will address them as a post so I can tag the appropriate tags and even have a Q&A tag. This blog is for you!