Dining on The Disney College Program

So we all know of the Disney College Program money is tight, we are still college kids of course, but there are so many experiences and good food options that are expensive and difficult to pass up at Disney World. Eating out every day can add up fast and I do not recommend that at all. Pack your lunch and bring it to work with you, the cafeteria food isn't really that good and not worth the money. In my opinion, the right time to spend your money on food is when you are out at the parks or when you plan and reserve dining at a resort or park restaurant. Listed below are my favorite meals and snacks at Walt Disney World that I ate on my program.

Snacks

• Festival Food - anything from Food and Wine. My favorite is the Beer Cheese Soup from Canada. I am sure the other festival foods you can pick up in the booths around Epcot are just as delicious.
• Mickey Pretzels- As Far as snacks go this is my all time favorite and I feel as if I am getting more for my money then the other salty snack options
• Ice Cream Sandwich - If you want a frozen snack this is the way to go. Much easier to carry with you and eat than anything on a popsicle stick.
• Chocolate or Caramel Covered Fruit- These are located in any of the confectionaries or candy shops. Heres a little secret tip though, each location has a different recipe for their caramel. My favorite is at the Candy Cauldron. While these snacks are on the pricer side of my snack list they are still some of the cheaper things you can buy at the candy shops. Pro Tip: You get a discount at these shops as they are considered Merchandise!

Quick Service

• Be Our Guest - Breakfast is crazy expensive and not worth your money. Lunch, on the other hand, is amazing and a great price point. Although it is quick service you still need to make a reservation here. 
• The Friar's Nook - the menu here is frequently changing but usually always has hearty delicious homecooked food. Its got less seating then Pinocchios which is across the way but it also usually has a lot smaller line and cheaper meals as well. 
• Pizzafari - This is kind of an odd one, but if you are at Animal Kingdom and you want to pick something up fast this is a good cheap option for Cast Member. You get a discount here so don't forget to mention it. 
• Satu'li Canteen - Again in Animal Kingdom. The food here is very food and a welcome change from most of the fried and greasy food in the park. I suggest getting a kids meal, they are pretty big and a lot cheaper.
• Katsura Grill - Not many people actually know this is here. Its located in the Japan Pavillion in Epcot and is always empty (as far as Disney standards go). Great Japanese food like Ramen, Sushi, and Bento Boxes. An entire meal here is much cheaper than buying things from the Festival Booths and is a good alternative option. 

Full Service

• 50's Prime Time - As far as full service places this one is on the very cheap side yet the food is delicious and the atmosphere is so much fun, especially with a big group of DCPers. You also get a discount if you go before dinner time!
• Sci-Fi Dine in Theater - Another Hollywood Studios restaurant, its decent food but cheap and a really fun experience. Its also not too difficult to get reservations here and again you get a discount before 5pm. 
• Trail's End - If you are on the DCP you've probably been told about this one already. Cast members get amazing discounts here! You can get a big breakfast buffet for like 15$ which is amazing as far as Disney prices go. 

Buying a Universal Annual Pass on your DCP

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Things Nobody Will Tell You to Bring to your DCP

It can be a nightmare trying to pack what seems like your entire life into the trunk of your car (or even worse suitcases for a plane) for the long haul down to Orlando to start your Disney College program. Along with you everyday regular items there are definitely a few things you should bring that nobody tells you too, but you will most definitely use.

1. Space Bags

These will be your best friend when attempting to pack your life into just a few bags. Although to sue them on the way home you will need to rent (or bring) a vacuum. Sometimes the housing complexes have them to use, but not always.

2. Command Strips

This is not a new one for anyone who has ever lived in a dorm or temporary housing before. You can’t make holes in the walls so to hang decorations up opt for some command strips and hooks.

3. A winter Jacket

Contrary to popular belief it does get cold in Orlando (sometimes) in December in January. You will be thankful you have a heavier coat when it does.

4. A Lock

Every Apartment comes with a personal locker in the closet. If you have anything extremely valuable or are unsure about your roommate bring a lock to put on it.

5. An Umbrella and Raincoat

It rains -a lot- in Florida. So if you happen to be going to work or the parks, or maybe you just need to go grocery shopping you’ll be happy you have this. Besides being showing up to work soaking wet isn’t Disney Look.

6. External Phone Charger

Great to have for those days that you go straight from the park to work or vice versa.

7. Black Sunglasses

If you have an outdoor location having sunglasses is a very smart idea.

8. Black Socks

Again not always necessary, but technically Black Socks is Disney Look. if you don’t wear black socks with your costume though most people won’t notice.

9. Pasta Strainer

Okay Let's be real, we are all College Students and Live off of Carbs. This one very important thing they do not provide you with at the apartments.

10. Lunchbox, Tupperware, Reusable Water Bottle

You will be working very long shifts sometimes and will need food. Buying food adds up quickly so it's best to bring your lunch (or dinner).

11. Power Strips

Necessary to charge everything with the few outlets you’ll have to share a room.

12. Going Out Dress and heels (or flats)

You will likely use these items at least once on your Program (whether your 21 or not). Some bars and clubs let under 21s in. But otherwise, you will probably use it for Formal -in Fall- or for some other event like Dapper Day. Better to have it with you.

13. Coat Hanger

Storage Space is limited, especially drawer space. You’ll have a total of three drawers provided. But there's always lots of closet space!