Disney College Program. What Is it? Part 5: Extra Stuff You Need To Know!

  Getting College Credit

The DCP is an internship program, which means that you are able to earn credit if you choose too. Each housing complex has a special building with classrooms, so classes are held at different housing complexes.

   Not everyone can afford to take off a semester. Some people like to keep a student status at your school, which is very smart, if your school offers it. Not every college offers the DCP for credit, but a lot do. If doing the DCP is interesting to you, check to see if your school offers it! If it doesn't just know that would mean taking off a semester.

 My school did offer the DCP. There were a couple requirements I had to do, to be able to receive credit. I had to take a class, a seminar class, volunteer once, and write reflection papers. My school's DCP advisor also comes down to visit and meets with us to ask how we are doing with the program. For the most part, it didn't interfere with my schedule too much. Disney knows that if you are taking a class, they are required to schedule you off for that day. So it was nice, knowing what day I would have off, but my class was a 4 hour class, which did take up most of the day, but I would usually end up going out that night.

So if you can take credit, or need it, I would recommend doing so.

Security

Each housing complex is surrounded by a fence and the only entrance in, is a security gate. I felt very safe while walking around my complex. The only people allowed in are CP's. You are allowed to go to other housing complexes, but there are certain times where people from other complexes have to be out by, and certain times where they stop letting other complex people in.

They do allow guests in (and usually on check-in day the are less strict with parents) but you have to fill out a form, and they take copies of drivers license etc..

The bus transportation they provide also check your housing ID before getting on the bus. The buses are for CP's only! No guests are allowed on.

If you accidently loose your housing ID, just talk to security and they will give you a temporary ID to use for housing and buses.

Inspections

Inspections on your apartment occur once a month. They usually post the dates in which there will be inspections for your complex, although they don't tell you which buildings they will be inspecting on what day. This is hard because you have to make sure your apartment is clean every day until you get inspected. So hopefully your roommates are clean.

The inspectors can come at any time usually between 9am-5pm. They fill out a sheet and you will either Pass, Fail, or get a White Glove Award. You must Pass or get a White glove award, otherwise you and your roommates will be fined money. It depends really on how you will be fined. If one half of the room is clearly messier than the other, that roommate will be fined. If one room is messier than the others, that room will be fined, and if the whole apartment is messy, everyone will be fined. This is also the time when the inspectors will look for anything that isn't supposed to be there. Such as alcohol in Wellness apartments, drugs etc..

Getting the White Glove Award is a awesome thing! If you receive this, this means that your apartment was very clean. The firs time you get it, you get your picture on the White Glove Award Board in the complexes clubhouse, and each roommate gets a small prize. If you get a WGA again, everyone receives a better prize etc..

My apartment got the White Glove award twice in a row. The first time we got cookies, and the 2nd time we got really nice water bottles

Cast Connection

I know I briefly mentioned this in Part 3, but I didn't explain what it was. Cast Connection is a special store, only for Cast Members and their guests. This store has overstock or slightly damaged Disney merchandise items for sale at a very discounted price. They have items for everyone. Toys, clothing, even food. You can bring up to 3 guests with you, and when you check out they ask for your blue ID to make sure you are cast member.

Within cast connection is a small room called Property control. This area is for Cast Members Only! They check your ID at the door, and ask you to leave any items you found in Cast Connection, outside of the room. In property control they have damaged items, which are even more discounted than what is in Cast Connection. I found 2 pairs of Minnie ears that I paid $3.00 for and I saw nothing wrong with them. It is a very fun trip to go there once in awhile.

Housing Parties

Again, this was something that I briefly explained in Part 2, but it is exactly what the name tells you. Usually held at Chatham Field, are housing parties for CP's Only. They usually have free food, free stuff, a DJ, and rare character meet and greets. Along with this is Winter or Spring Formal, which is kind of like a Disney version of prom, and Graduation. I don't want to tell too much.. It's fun to be surprised.

Well that's it kiddos! There are some things that I can't tell you! I guess you just have to do the program and find out for yourself! If you have any questions, feel free to tweet me @ltdDream1 or leave a comment!

Thanks
-S