Preparing for the Journey Pt I: What to Bring

One of the many things to decide includes what to bring. Disney's own College Program website gives its own list of recommended items to bring (as well as what not to bring.) While it does give a few good pointers, there's definitely a few I really need to bring along for the ride.


10. Clothing
This is one of those items that just goes with traveling. While it is a good idea to bring clothing, it's also probably a good idea to be picky about what to bring. One must keep in mind where you are moving: it will be warm. It maybe a little cool here and there, but bringing in an outfit for a ski resort wouldn't be one of the best ideas. There are also laundry services around, so you don't have to bring an outfit for everyday you are there. You do, however, have to make sure to bring at least one business outfit for those days Disney requires business attire. If you are going, make sure to check out the site to see what is and isn't appropriate.

9. Books
While Disney is a large corporation that will more then likely keep you working like no place you have ever known before, and classes you may take will take up some time - There will be some time that you just need for yourself. Reading a good book can take you from your stressful life for at least a moment and into someone else's.. While I don't think bringing your whole book collection is a good idea; just bringing a few books, both that you've read and a few new ones, is a good idea.

8. Laptop
In this era, where Facebook is king, computers have become a place to keep connected with everyone. Disney posted on their site that they do have a computer lab, it wouldn't be such a bad idea to bring a laptop along to keep yourself updated with family, friends, and the world around you. It sounds like all of the housing apartments Disney World places their CPs (College Program-ers) in have wireless access, so why wait for a computer in a whole different building when you can chat with friends from home in your own room?

7. Empty Scrapbook
One cannot come to Disney, even to work, without gaining memories that you don't want to forget. Just bringing an empty scrapbook can give someone motivation to add pictures and stories they never want to lose. It's more than likely there will be stores around to buy supplies like glue, scissors, pens, and other items to keep the scrapbook updated with the times - It wouldn't hurt to have the scrapbook in hand already. Plus, this way one would have more of a selection and more time to pick it out before they left.


6. Nintendo DS
Sometimes, after a bad day, you just need to run at supersonic speeds and destroy small robots to get rid of all of your worries. There's no better way of doing this than through the small, portable yet fun Nintendo DS. While the Wii is great, it isn't going to be lugged to Disney and back. The DS is small enough to be brought, and doesn't need to be connected to a television to play. It is also less costly, and isn't nearly as disastrous if broken or stolen.



5. Baking Supplies
Baking is something I can fit in. While Disney may have some cooking equipment in their complexes as well as ovens, they more then likely don't have a lot of baking supplies. Things like a rubber spatula, electric mixer, whisk, and pans are items to bring for those times when baking can be worked in. What better way is there to show the Mouse that I can bake as well?


4. Art Materials
Disney World is full of plenty of beautiful sites as well as memories in the making. It's the perfect opportunity to just sit down with a pencil or brush and put down what is going on in the world around you. I also plan on taking the creative course being taught while the college program is going, so why purchase costly supplies when I already have them here? There should be a lot to learn artistically from Disney, and I plan on taking this time to focus on it.

3. iPod
Where there's work, there's stress. Where there's stress, there's a need to just run. With running, there needs to be something going through my head or it's just not the same. At Disney World, I hope to get in quite a bit of running and so the iPod is a must. Just need to make sure to bring the little accessories, such as the charger... Or be left with a useless iPod for 6 months.
2. Home Comforts
Everyone has them. Even guys. I have always been around dogs, and while I have lived without them before, it still doesn't hurt to have something to keep you company. You don't even have to feed him, he's the most affordable pet I've ever had. He is also the best cuddler I've ever had too.


1. Coffee Maker
At the number one spot is... The coffee maker. Some may be able to go without this piece of equipment, but without it I am not complete. In fact, roommates may be scared away without the required 1-2 cups a day. It's not a large piece of equipment either, which makes it hard for anyone to give a good reason not to bring one. Don't worry Disney World, you won't have to deal with a coffee-less, angry woman.


Tip: For those fellow Disney CPs who are still trying to figure out what to bring.. Take a step back from your life and think of the things you repeatedly do. Whether it be sewing, playing a sport, or drawing, I recommend you bring something of that with you. While I don't recommend bringing every sewing needle you own with you, it wouldn't hurt to have at least some of the equipment with you so you can sew when/if you get the chance.