Students, Educators, Parents and Alumni
Sign up for the CareerStart newsletter and keep up on the latest program news and updates

Select a Topic:

▫ Student FAQs

▫ Application Process

▫ Notification Process

▫ Education

▫ Working

▫ Travel to Disney

Student FAQs

If my parents or friends visit, where can they stay?

Overnight Guests are not permitted in our housing complexes. Walt Disney World® Cast Members are eligible to receive discounts on hotel accommodations at Disney resorts.

Note: You will be eligible for these discounts after you complete your Traditions class.

What is the non-refundable Program Assessment and Activities Fee, and when is it due?

The non-refundable Program Assessment Fee is a $73 cost (plus a $2.50 processing fee) applied to all participants in the Disney CareerStart Program. Once the payment is received, we will reserve your place on the program officially and send you your Disney CareerStart Program confirmation information.

What will my address and phone number be?

You will receive your address and phone number upon your arrival.

In which housing complex will I live?

The name of your housing complex will be communicated to you upon your arrival.

Can I receive U.S.P.S., UPS and FedEx packages?

Yes. Packages can be sent to your apartment once you receive your address at arrival. However, the front desk will only receive and sign for packages sent to you through the U.S. Post Office.

Are there elevators in my apartment complex?

No. However, there are disabled-accessible apartments.

Are there laundry facilities at the apartment complexes?

Yes. Card-operated facilities are available in each complex. Laundry cards are available for purchase at each apartment complex.

Will I get the one-bedroom or the four-bedroom apartment?

We have one to four bedroom apartments, with two participants per bedroom. We will try to place you in your preferred choice. However, if there aren't any apartments of that size available, you will be placed in the one that is. You can indicate your apartment preferences when you check in on your arrival day.

Can I pick my roommates?

Roommates are selected based on a variety of topics, including your arrival and departure dates. If you share the same arrival and departure dates as your friends, you will have a greater chance of living near each other. Please keep in mind that there is no guarantee that you will be able to reside with your friends.

Your arrival and departure dates will not be changed to make this accommodation.

If I do not like my roommates, can I change?

Yes. You may apply to transfer to a different apartment. There is a $50 relocation fee.

Do the complexes have Resident Assistants?

No, but each complex has a front desk that’s open daily, and the Disney Housing Operations Program Office is open daily on the second floor of The Commons Clubhouse. Both areas are staffed with people who can assist you with any questions or concerns during your program.

Will meals be provided?

Meals will not be provided in the housing complex or in your work location. Full-service employee cafeterias, which provide meals at reasonable prices, are located at your work location. Each apartment has a kitchen equipped with cooking and eating utensils in which meals can be prepared. And remember, shuttles from your housing complex can take you to the local grocery store.

Can I bring a computer?

Yes, high-speed Internet access is available in all apartments. Computer labs are available in the housing complexes and Disney Learning Centers locations across Walt Disney World property.

Will I have access to the Internet from my room?

Yes, each apartment has high-speed internet access. Please note that the connection point may be in the common area of the apartment, not in each bedroom.

What type of Internet connections are available?

High-speed Internet access is available in each apartment. To use the modems in the apartment, we require the following:

Anti-virus software that runs constantly and automatically updates its virus definition
Ethernet card and cable
A firewall program

How many phone lines are in the apartment?

One phone line is provided in each apartment.

What should I bring/leave at home?

Please remember that you will have one to seven other roommates in your apartment. Please be courteous.

Pets are not allowed.
Bikes are not allowed due to lack of storage.
Rollerblades are not allowed within your company-sponsored housing complex.
Candles are not allowed, as our fire code prohibits burning them.

Look in the Items to Bring section for a complete listing of suggested items to bring.

Are there nurses or medical facilities in the housing complexes?

No, but there are many walk-in clinics close to the Walt Disney World Resort if a doctor or nurse is ever needed. Pharmacies also are located within walking distance to our apartment complexes.

When can I start getting into the Walt Disney World Theme Parks for free?

You will have complimentary admittance to the Disney theme parks once you attend Traditions and obtain your Walt Disney World ID.

How far is the housing from my Walt Disney World work location?

Depending on your specific housing complex and work location, it could take anywhere from 10-20 minutes to travel to work in a personal vehicle. However, if you’re using our transportation system, it is not unreasonable to spend more than one hour in travel time. Remember, the Walt Disney World Resort is about 43 square miles in size!

Should I bring my own car?

Bus transportation is provided to and from your work location, as well as the grocery store, bank, shopping mall and post office. Many participants will tell you that it is very convenient to have access to your own transportation. If you decide to bring a vehicle, parking at your apartment complex and within the Walt Disney World Resort is free of charge to Walt Disney World Cast Members and is patrolled by security.

Can I have Overnight Guests?

For the security and safety of everyone living in our housing complexes, only Cast Members who live in our housing complexes are allowed to be in that complex after 1 a.m. Cast Members from other housing complexes are considered guests and subject to the same rules and conditions as other Cast Members who don't live in one of our housing complexes. For example, if you live at Vista Way and wish to host a Cast Member who lives at Chatham Square, you must submit a Visitor Authorization Form PRIOR to the guest's arrival. That guest must vacate property by 1 a.m. If guests are found in your apartment after 1 a.m., disciplinary action, including possible termination, will follow.

What should I bring?

While many amenities are supplied for you, you may want to bring additional items for recreation, decoration or because they are an everyday necessity. The following are recommended:

Set of linens and bedding (twin-size sheets, pillow, blanket, towels, etc.)
TV/VCR/DVD player and a coaxial cable
Stereo (small)
Phone card
Answering machine
Cordless phone (The phone provided in the apartment has a cord.)
Cell phone (Check with your current provider for coverage information.)
Alarm clock
Beach towel, suntan lotion and/or sunscreen
Camera and film
Casual and professional clothing (Please refer to the Disney Look Guidelines for assistance.)
Sweater or jacket
Dress shoes
Combination lock for your in-room locker
Computer with an Ethernet card
An anti-virus program that runs constantly and updates its virus definitions
A firewall program
A wireless router
Small computer desk/stand and lamp
Copies and/or originals of important documents (You must present your original Social Security card during your arrival process.)
Cosmetics/toiletries
Credit card and traveler's checks (if available)
Health insurance information
Personal medications, including prescription drugs if needed
Walt Disney World phone numbers and contact information
Writing paper, envelopes and pens

Because they are not allowed, please don't bring:

Candles (Our fire codes prohibit you from burning them.)
Bicycles (Our facilities don't have bike paths or storage facilities for them.)
Pets of any type

What is the weather like in central Florida?

Central Florida is a mix of warm breezes and sunshine. Our weather can go from hot and humid in the summers to near freezing temperatures in the winter. During the span of your program, you probably will experience both the warm and cool temperatures.

Average temperatures for the Central Florida area are listed below:

January - 70° F High, 48° F Low
February - 72° F High, 49° F Low
March - 76° F High, 55° F Low
April - 82° F High, 59° F Low
May - 87° F High, 65° F Low
June - 89° F High, 71° F Low
July - 90° F High, 73° F Low
August - 90° F High, 73° F Low
September - 88° F High, 72° F Low
October - 82° F High, 65° F Low
November - 76° F High, 57° F Low
December - 72° F High, 51° F Low

Will I have insurance while on the program?

The Disney CareerStart Program does not provide insurance. You are responsible for securing your own medical insurance for the duration of your Program.