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INFORMATION SHEET FOR UNCG DIRECT TO
DISNEY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Academic Year 2008-2009
The
Direct to Disney program is a unique study abroad program that enables you to
work (i.e., undertake an Academic Training Program) while in the
The following information is accurate as of the time of its writing;
however, it is subject to change without notice. IPC will
make every effort to communicate any program changes.
1. Contact Information: Penelope Pynes, Ph.D.
Director, Study Abroad and Exchanges
Email: pjpynes@uncg.edu
Ajaya Francis
Study Abroad Coordinator
Email: atfranci@uncg.edu
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Office address: |
The International Programs Center (IPC) |
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Office telephone: |
336.334.5404 |
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Home telephone: |
336.279.8475 (Penelope Pynes; emergencies only) |
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Other Staff: |
Dr. Bud
Miles,
Faculty Director & Academic Advisor for |
2. Accepting/ Responding to your Disney Offer: Once you receive an offer letter from Disney, and you have been given approval by your home institution, you should go to the Disney Website and log in to accept your offer for the Disney College Program. Disney will then send you instructions for next steps (see below under #4).
3. When should
you arrive? Disney provides exact information about arrival
date. Be sure to read all information
received from Disney Theme Parks & Resorts and provide any information that
is requested. Instructions to notify
Disney about arrival will be sent in a packet once you “accept” Disney’s offer
and pay your accommodation deposit.
Your housing at Disney is expected to be available for the following dates:
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4. Getting to
All Disney College Program students may arrange to be picked up by the Disney
Magical Express bus system or by Mears Shuttle service provided you follow
directions from Disney and have notified Disney of your flight
information. Someone from the Disney
International recruiting or housing team will meet you at the airport and
accompany you to housing. If you arrive
on your own earlier than your scheduled arrival date, you will have to make
arrangements to get from the airport to the hotel where you will be
staying.
5. Orientation Program: The Orientation for Direct to Disney Students
takes place beginning the day after arrival.
Please try to arrive no later than the arrival day in
You will participate in Orientation Activities which will include Disney
traditions (training), trip to Social Security office and Wal-Mart, a session
with UNCG on visa compliance and the academic component of the program.
6. Housing
during the Direct to Disney Program: Direct to Disney Students will have
the opportunity to meet and live with people from all over the country, as well
as the world within Disney’s housing complexes. One- to four-bedroom apartments with 2
people to a room are available, and housing costs are determined when
participants check in on their arrival day. All apartment assignments are based
on availability. In assigning apartments, participants will be separated by
gender and age (over or under the age of 21).
Presently, Disney College Program participants have the opportunity to
sign up for a Roommate Notification process in which they complete a personal
profile and are matched to another participant. Once matched, the participants
will receive the name and e-mail address of one of their roommates. Candidates will receive more information
about this process once they have accepted their invitation to participate in
the
For a complete list of amenities
provided and to see sample rooms please click on the following link.
http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its/mimes/zh_wdwcp/students/housing/housing_amenities.html
Are cooking facilities provided?
Yes, all apartments include a kitchen
Are bed linens and blankets provided? No
Are towels provided? No
Are laundry facilities available? Yes
Is transportation provided to work and supermarkets?
8. Estimated Housing Costs (2008-09)
Housing costs vary depending on the size of the apartment and which complex
a participant is assigned to live in during his/her program.
Housing Cost Estimate (this includes all amenities.):
$75 to $97 per week.
These rates are based on the number of bedrooms and varying amenities among the
complexes. They do not include any applicable taxes. Participants
will also be responsible for a one-time approximately
$85.00 (PAID to Disney) Program Assessment and Activities Fee. The
non-refundable fee helps support the events and activities scheduled in the
housing complexes throughout the program. Be sure to follow the instructions
given by Disney.
NB: Housing costs are automatically deducted weekly from Cast Members'
paychecks.
9. Meals: The apartments are furnished with a full-size kitchen with
a stove, microwave and a fridge. Some utensils
are provided for the students to be able to cook. There are "cast member cafeterias"
at each theme park and water park where students can purchase meals at lower
prices than what guests pay in the parks.
Most students bring a bag lunch with them or (depending on shift) wait
until they get home to eat.
Cast members do get discounts at restaurants on property, but they can not take
their lunch break and eat at one of the restaurants while they are in costume.
10. Estimated personal
expenses: You should budget a
minimum of $150-$300 per month for miscellaneous costs such as local travel,
entertainment, supplies, etc. You will also be expected to purchase UNCG’s
mandatory insurance policy and you will be expected to pay upon arrival. (See
below under # 11.)
11. Insurance:
The insurance cost is determined by the
length of the program and is generally about $450 [approximately $65-$70 per month (or any
portion thereof)] for the duration of your program (Subject to Change).
NB: The only exception to this mandatory UNCG Insurance is if you have a documented
preexisting illness. Any documented, pre-existing condition should be reported
prior to arrival.
12. Medical
Requirement/Health Services: As a Direct to Disney student, you are not
required to fill out any “Student Medical Forms”. The state of
13. Transportation: Transportation service is available to Cast Members
who live at one of Disney’s apartment complexes (i.e.,
14. Employment: As academic
training is an essential component of this program, students are granted
Academic authorization which allows them to work at Disney World Theme parks and
Resorts while studying. UNCG Staff will
provide letters and documents necessary for authorization to work at
orientation.
15. Visa Documents: UNCG serves as the Visa Sponsor for this program,
and is responsible for providing information for maintaining status. You will receive your DS-2019 in your UNCG
acceptance packet.
For more general information about UNCG and
Direct to Disney IIS 2008-2009 (yellow) last updated: 19 February 2008