Housing Complexes on the DCP

While on the Walt Disney World Disney College Program you have five options for housing. In my opinion each has its pros and cons and suite different lifestyles. While you usually have no real choice on where you live it is still nice to know what you are getting into with each complex.

Patterson Court: This complex is often stated to be "the old peoples complex", meaning it is just very chill and laid back. Not many parties go on at this complex and there isn't a lot of movement around. It had the nicest and largest pool out of the four complexes. The buses do not come to this complex so you will be doing a lot more walking if you don't have a car. You will need to walk to the other complexes to catch the bus. This is the newest and nicest furnished apartments, but it is also the most expensive of the complexes. The Laundry facilities are located within each apartment building, they are shared laundry.

I would recommend this housing complex for the more introverted Cast Member that has a car.

Chatham Square: This is the third housing complex to be added to the DCP housing. It hosts many of the classes and housing events. Its location is right in the center of the the housing complexes and all of the buses come here. This place is the central hub for many people and events. Lots of people live here and it is often said to be a more upbeat atmosphere since it has a Volleyball Court, Tennis Court and a very fun Mickey shaped pool. This complex is also located right next to Mickey's Retreat, which can be used by all cast members. Apartments are more average priced out of all the housing complexes. The interiors are all a bit outdated and need updating. The laundry facilities are only located in 4 of the 30 buildings, so that is a small con. Party buses often park out front of this complex during the night.

I would recommend this housing complex for anyone who doesn't have a car or wants to be in the center of all the action.

The Commons: This was the housing complex I lived in during my program and I really enjoyed it. The interiors of the apartments are a bit outdated and things break fairly often, our air conditioning broke 3 times and are dishwasher never worked properly. This is a 10 minute walk from Chatham Square where many of the events and classes are held. Most of the buses stop here but not all of them, you can request a bus to stop or drop you off here at certain hours of the day and night if they normally do not. It has an okay pool and a nice connivence store inside the offices that is open pretty late. Pricing is pretty average here as well. Laundry is included in each apartment unit.

I would recommend this housing complex for the more relaxed DCPer or the DCPer that really doesn't want to pay for laundry.

Vista Way: This is the oldest housing complex and definitely the most outdated, but is also the cheapest of the housing complexes. I had many friends that lived here and it actually seemed just as nice as the other complexes. It is located quite a bit farther from the other complexes so it is nice to have a car if you stay here. There is two pools and an education complex here that is pretty nice to have. It is often known as the party complex and the liveliest of the complexes by far. They have many outdoor activities and at night party buses sit out front of the complex. Many people also through parties inside there apartments at this complex as well. It is in walking distance to many restaurants and you often get to skip the DCP traffic from the other complexes sine it is located farther away. Laundry is located on the first floor of each complex.

I recommend this complex for anyone who wants to save some money or the more outgoing and extroverted DCPer.

Off Site Housing: You always have the option to find your own apartment or your own place to stay. A lot of the apartment complexes around have leases that last the duration of the program and are often cheaper the the housing complexes. With this option you must have a car and it is sometimes harder to make friends or hangout with people from work.

I recommend this option for older or more seasoned DCPers who have experience renting apartments before and want to save some money.