So from months to weeks to a mere couple days, Disney is drawing ever close and I feel very prepared as I hope all of you do too. There are many things to consider when embarking on this journey especially if you're driving yourself like I am planning to. How often should I stop? What's the most efficient way to pack? Can I get away with one full suitcase? How much money should I bring? These questions were tumbling in my mind like a dryer (lots of stuff packed in there but lint flying all over the place).
Stopping should be frequent as needed. I'm sure most of you (any of you) readers would agree having done this before while I have not. To be safe I'm opting for a room at Motel 6 instead of the Walmart parking lot, but if it comes to the latter of course my car doors will be locked and I will certainly become a light sleeper.
Packing can be pretty easy if you're just bringing clothes. Roll your t-shirts/shorts/pants/underwear to save on space and You might find an extra 20% of your capacity has increased. So what if it wrinkles, you toss them in the dryer once you've found time for yourself settling into the apartment. Laundry money is easy enough to get. There are dispensers for these laundromat cards at each laundry location at each complex that can hold as much as 20 bucks at a time. Get a card swipe the card, insert the money then use the card on your washing and drying machines. For some reason personal drying racks cannot be used outside the apartment on the balcony (I remember hearing that load of B.S. from housing on more than one occasion.) So if you must have one keep it indoors above/below an air vent if possible. With your clothes, try to pack some of the items listed in my previous posting "Chapter 9".
Suitcases can be bulky and take up space in your closet. I would suggest duffel bags that can double as a sleeping bag if you plan to sleep in your car. If bringing a heavy duty large suitcase is necessary, that's completely fine. There are quite a few closets in the apartment already. Me and my roommates shared the biggest closet in the kitchen where we put all our suitcases along with the extra desk. There are a few things that you can pack besides clothes in an extra suitcase if you really have room to spare. A small suitcase can carry your books, DVDs (in a single disc sleeve case preferably), a couple notebooks, some office supplies, etc. In case you're driving, I would suggest filling a small box with some nonperishable foods to stock your pantry.
Money is fine if you have some. You don't always need to bring cash, but Disney recommends bringing $350 or $400 along (how they came up with that number I can't be sure). When it comes to paying the first weeks rent on your new place, Disney will pay you in advance and give you a "Partners" bank account. Partners is the banking system that cast members often use. You will get a pay card on your first day of the program at the casting building. All of your earnings will go into the account they set up for you unless you provide the information at casting for automatic deposit. For some it's easier that way. Replacing a Partners card is a bit difficult requiring you to visit Celebration to sign for a new one. As for the advanced pay and wondering about what hours you'll be working Disney has your schedule worked out well enough to make sure you are able to pay the rent each week with enough to get by and save up.
Disney has 30 years of experience with CPs and they have primed their workers like well oiled machines for each new arrival and departure just like they do with the millions of guests coming to and fro. The thinking is done for you. It will not be boring I promise you so be prepared for the busy days ahead and remember that all of this (good times and bad) is all temporary so make it worth while.
See you real soon.
