Joe’s Disney College Program – Packing Tips

-By Joseph Green

The Bare Necessities

I wouldn’t take anymore than you need to be entertained when you’re not working and have free time by yourself (almost never). The ONLY entertainment I brought for myself was my computer so I could watch Netflix and my guitar because out of all the musical instruments I could take, it seemed most logical. I mean, it’s Disney world. You’re not going to be spending much time in your room alone so there’s no point in being excessive as far as packing is concerned.

You probably think you need to take as many clothes as you can carry… you don’t. Odds are, 6 days of the week you’re going to be wearing a costume, so there are not as many opportunities to wear “regular clothes” as you’d think. Taking more than you need will only be more of a hassle on you when you’re moving. If you’ve never been to Disney World, or if you don’t go regularly, you’re going to buy lots of souvenirs, if you buy lots of souvenirs you’re gonna need room to take them home, if you take too much stuff to the DCP you’re not gonna have room for your souvenirs, and if you don’t have room for your souvenirs you’re probably going to need a glass of milk to go with that regret.

Honestly, before you get out your suitcase, make sure you have these things (they’re truly the most important)!

• Patience
• A good sense of humor
• The ability to be flexible, cooperative and get along well with others
• Solid time management skills
• Most important of all, a strong work ethic

When packing, use the less-is-more philosophy.

Clothes:  I took some casual clothes, a couple of business casual outfits and a sport coat for training, some layers like sweatshirts and jackets, work-out clothes (there was a gym and plenty of places to run).  Some people like to dress up a little for housing functions and get-togethers, but I didn’t.  I packed running shoes, dress shoes, and casual shoes for walking around the parks.  Don’t worry about work shoes until you get there.  I received my work shoes with my costume and didn’t have to shop for those.

I also took bedding (twin xl), mattress topper, pillows, and towels, some basic cleaning supplies and laundry detergent, toiletries, and a coffee maker.  That was all I really needed right away.  Do you need apartment decorations and a fancy shower curtain?  Nope.  Do you need extra pots and pans?  No, you don’t, but what you will need is cheap plastic food storage containers.  I cooked things like pasta and other meals that made lots of leftovers I could enjoy for several days, so those containers were the first thing I bought after I moved in.

You can borrow an iron and ironing board, vacuum, broom, mop, games, DVDs and lots of other stuff from housing – don’t bring those things.  Remember – the more you bring, the more you have to haul home at the end of your program.  Tons of stuff gets left behind or thrown away.  Unless you spend all your free time in your housing unit (do not do this!), you won’t need to treat it like a dorm room.

About a car

I know it’s not feasible for everyone to bring their own vehicle, but I was very (VERY!) glad I had mine.  I never used the Disney bus transportation.  I was happy to give coworkers rides to and from work and occasionally, a lift to the airport.  I have a thing about being on time and if there’s any chance I’m going to be late for anything, it stresses me out.  Don’t get me wrong, using the bus system works for many people, but I was happy to know, barring anything unforeseen, I’d be on time for work every day.  Plus, when my hours got long during Spring Break (12-15 hours per day), I didn’t have to add bus-waiting time to the length of those days.

That’s it!  Pack light and be ready to work hard and have lots of fun.  Check back for my next post about making the most of your Disney College Program experience and thanks for reading…Joe.