Welcome to your new home!
One of the three infamous Disney-owned housing complexes: Vista
Way, The Commons, or Chatham
Square will be your new address for the next year or so. Arguably
the most important and exciting part of the program is the opportunity
to interact with people like you from around the world. Participants
in the various programs are spread out through the three complexes,
although primarily in The Commons and Chatham Square.
- Vista Way is the largest and oldest complex, and is home to
the College Program participants from American Colleges and Universities,
while the IP participants are in the two newer and smaller properties
across the road.
- The Commons complex is home to mostly Cultural Representative
Program participants. The complex, built in 1998, covers several
acres and features one, two, three, and four bedroom units built
in clusters around the clubhouse facility. The clubhouse offers
a pool, weight room, and many services you will find very useful.
In total, the complex provides housing for about 1000 participants.
- Chatham Square is the newest addition to the housing lineup.
Completed in late 2000, the property is located just past The
Commons, beside the Mickey's Retreat recreation complex. Currently,
the location houses participants from various smaller programs
and the College Program.
The Living Situation
The buildings are co-ed, although individual units are not.
Each apartment features a washer and dryer, fully-stocked kitchen,
private telephone line, full-cable TV, and one bathroom for every
two or three residents. The bedrooms are each shared by two
people. There are four configurations of units: one bedroom/one
bathroom, two bedroom/two bathroom, three bedroom/two bath, and four
bedroom/three bath. Weekly costs vary by unit size, and the
recruiters are hesitant to even mention the existence of the one bedroom/two
person units. You are assigned to a unit based on space availability,
although preferences might be noted. The smaller units are more
appealing to many, but be careful not to forget that more flatmates
means more friends, parties, connections, and lifelong relationships.
Living with a group of people from around the world is the most interesting
and exciting experience, however many people find it difficult.
Remember that you must be willing to share a room with someone who
may fancy some exotic cuisine, or is foreign
to the concept of taking the garbage out before the 'roaches appear
to do the job for you. You must be accommodative and understanding
to the needs of all the residents in the unit.
Security
Security is provided 24 hours, and residents must show ID to enter
after 9:00 pm. Guests are only permitted when signed in by
a resident, and can never remain on the property past 1:00 am -
this is VERY strictly enforced! The overbearing behavior of
security has been an issue in the past, however the service exists
solely for the protection of residents. It is simply better
to have it and deal with the nuisances which can pop up, than not
have it and lose the secure environment within the complex.
Transportation
Transportation is available to work, the theme parks, and Wal-Mart,
of course. These vans haul residents around the area in relative
comfort (relative to walking, that is). But they have been
known to be convenient, and even reliable on occasion! If
you have a car it would be a HUGE asset to bring. Plenty
of parking is available at your doorstep
Each country is represented by around 100 participants, and apartments
are intentionally mixed so you are roomed with someone from another
country. Lifelong relationships can develop from this grouping,
and by the completion of your contract, you will have friends around
the world. On the flipside, though, you must learn to deal
with the cultural differences which will undoubtedly arise.
But that is a major component of the Learning Experience at The
Commons and Chatham Square.
Partying is a full-time activity here. Whether with roommates,
countrymates, or just about anyone else, the Commons environment
is never without a party. Of course, those who want to rest
are seldom disturbed, but why rest - this only lasts one year!
Rent is deducted from your paycheck on a weekly basis. Currently,
there are two levels of rent, a rate for one and two-bedroom units,
and a rate of all other units (all rates are weekly per-person).
in January 2005, weekly housing-payment rates, which have remained
the same for the last four years, were increased.
Because Cast Members raised concerns about varying amenities among
the complexes, the rate structure was altered to reflect the differences
at each complex. This amount covers unit rent, utilities, phone
service, cable TV (see full list of channels in the FAQ),
transportation, recreation, and many other services provided.
This amount is automatically deducted weekly, regardless of whether
you live at the complex or at your new local boyfriend's house in
Kissimmee. Weekly housing rates are now as follows:
- Vista Way, $69 or $81 a week.
- Chatham Square, $71 or $83 a week.
- The Commons, $75 or $87 a week.
These rates are as of 2005.
Other Questions?
If you still have questions about the Living Experience that were
not covered here, check the Common Questions FAQ,
or post it to the VLB
Discussion Forums!
Living In Florida
You know that your year at Disney will not be spent entirely at
work or in the housing complexes, so get to know the local area
that surrounds you - visit the Living In Florida
page to find out more!
Photo Albums
Commons Photo Album
Chatham Square Photo Album
Updated 2005-01
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