"We're following the leader, wherever he may go."

Before we continue discussing training, a lot of people have talked to me about the stress of the first couple of days on your program. Even describing it now reminds me of how exhausting and fast paced Check Ins and moving in and the beginning of training was. BUT let me assure you that Disney has this down to a science. They don’t do anything that’s not basically perfect. So while there is a ton to do and you feel like you are being thrown so much information, they do a wonderful job of walking you through every step. They know you’ve never done this before. And most people are multiple hours away from home. For some people, this was their first time away. And no matter how many jobs you have had before or how many times you might have lived away from home, there is nothing like working for Disney. They get that. So as long as you are there and willing to strap in for the ride, you’ll be fine. Just be prepared for your first few days to be incriminated into almost seconds. But they will tell you where to be and when to be there and what to wear. Just follow the leader. On your day of Check In you will given something called a Program Guide. This little book is packed full of useful information you might need while you are on your program. It has every number you could possibly want, addresses for everything from parks to grocery stores, maintenance information for you apartment, and so much more. Read it, live by it, it’s a life saver.

Also, I mentioned my mother helping me move in. Let’s talk about the apartment complex rules specifically. You CANNOT at ANY POINT allow people to stay with you within you College Program apartments. Ever. Under any circumstances. So before you invite your best friend and grandma to come visit you, understand that they will have to stay in a hotel. Now, you are given sizable discounts on said hotel stays (which we will discuss later) but know that no overnight guests are allowed in the apartments. When friends come to see you in your apartment you must sign them in at the gate. You have to come meet them there to let them in, show your own personal apartment ID, they must show their ID, and then you have to sign them in. When it is time for them to leave, you also must go and sign them out. You are given an ID for your specific apartment complex the day of Check Ins. This is separate from your cast member ID. This ID is required for your entry into the apartment complex and your ability to ride the bus, so DON’T LOSE IT OR FORGET IT. Most people buy lanyards in which they kept both. I learned that was the easiest way to ensure I had both on me at all times.
Feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions about the Check In process or apartments or the first few crazy days of Disney!! We will pick up next week with Traditions training.
See ya real soon!!