update to my previous questions and to fill in gaps others might be questioning (things I wondered myself!):
My DS 22 was accepted into the Fall advantage program (June 4-Jan 3, 2018). He just finished his sophomore year in college (he spent two years playing jr hockey in canada so his college start was delayed).
- He met roommates on facebook, and one was a CP return so he arranged everything which was very convenient. They got a 4 person (two bedroom) apartment in Vista Way (over 21 area). Vista Way is not the newest of residence offered, but most have been redone. Nicer than his college dorm room! The facility has a guard at the gate, pool, gym, tennis courts, laundry and a computer center. It is not the most expensive of apartments but seemed nice and simple.
- I drove down with him, we arrived a couple days early, enjoyed the parks and I helped him move in. I was the only parent who was there of his roommates (he was fine with it, appreciated the help up three floors of steps with all of his junk).
- He was given a move in time. Once we moved him in we went and picked up food and some kitchen items needed (he then went later with roommates and got shared room essentials and stuff). I said goodbye, went to hang at my resort until ME picked me up for the plane ride home.
- Since then: he loves his job...Blizzard Beach. Two roommates left(self termed): one got a job offer back home he was waiting for, the other decided the hours (he was merchandise in one of the parks) were too crazy, he was unhappy, he literally left in one day. Now two new roommates will be moving in next week (regular fall program attendees) He is hoping they are going to fit in ok.....
- The hotel discounts have been a huge bonus for us and family. He saved my nephew approx. $2,000 on his honeymoon! We are going to Disney alot this year which is a bonus for us! Park tickets come in slow, they need to work a certain amount of hours to earn single day/park hopper tickets. I think 150 hours for 3 tickets? They get a list of restaurants that have discounts up to 40%, but some are only breakfast or lunch or all meals, they need to keep track of that. It was really great when we visited him last. As a CM they get alot of other discounts, again they need to keep track of that.
- He now wants to extend his time! I have read that some students wait until graduation to do the disney program...I sort of recommend that. My son is now looking at schools in florida, or going to an audition for Disneyland Tokyo and is all about Disney (more than he was before which is hard to believe). The funny thing is, his major is nursing.
So at this point I can say it has been a very positive experience for him. We also have been enjoying it, however it is sending him in a different path than we expected. He was an independent and responsible kid who had lived on his own for two years in a different country, so that was something he did not need to learn, however I would think it is a great learning experience for a kid out on their own for the first time.
If you have any other questions as a parent, fire away....I had so many as well.