Disney College Program Housing Complexes: Pros and Cons
Before arriving in Orlando, you'll be asked to submit your housing preferences for one of four apartment complexes. It is compulsory for those participating in an International Disney College Program to stay in one of these and pay rent for the duration of your program. It is optional, but typical, to stay in one as an American on a Disney College Program.
There are many blogs, vlogs and even quizzes all over the internet talking about the pros and cons of each of these, and I'm guessing if you're reading this that it's not the first time you've thought about where you want to live!
Before I start talking about each one individually, a couple points to note:
- I did not get my first choice of housing complex - and many people don't, so try not to get too set on one of them. After all, it's the people who make the place, and I wouldn't change my time at Patterson.
- People often discuss the "reputation" of a housing complex as the party place (Vista Way) or the retirement home (Patterson). In my experience, they all seemed to be equally quiet (at least during the day) and this more depends on the people you're living with and those around you than anything else.
- All the complexes have decent sized pools and gyms which are appropriately sized for the people using them - the Patterson pool is the smallest, but I never struggled to get a space down there and it never felt crowded
Now let's get onto comparing them - I hope this helps you make your choices!
Vista Way
- The oldest complex so some of the apartments are pretty run down. However they're in the process of renovating them, so you may get an updated one
- Location of the service centre where CPs complete immigration and join alumni association
- Often the pick-up location for day trips e.g. to Coco Beach, Clearwater Beach
- All buses stop here as it is the Transportation Hub
- Often buses will wait here at the end of their route, so you'll have a shorter journey time to work. This also means that CPs from the other complexes get on first though, so you'll rarely get a seat at peak times
- Largest complex and a bit of a disorganized maze to get around
- Near some restaurants (Applebee's, Chick-fil-a) and a grocery store
- Very far from the other complexes (10 minute bus journey)
- Cheapest complex
- No bunk beds
The other 3 complexes are located in the Little Lake Bryan area.
Chatham Square
- All the buses stop here out front
- Most housing events take place here e.g. graduation, welcome events
- Variety of apartment sizes, sharing with 2-8 people
- 20 minute walk to Publix and Orlando Premium Outlets
- Located right by Mickey's Retreat
- Pricing comparable with Patterson for same room types
Patterson Court
- Newest and so cleanest complex
- Only the leisure/convenience store bus stops here. However it is only a 5 minute walk to Chatham's bus stop
- Occasionally housing events are held here (4th of July pool party) but rarely
- 15 minute walk to Publix and Orlando Premium Outlets
- 5-10 minute walk to Mickey's Retreat
- Pricing comparable with Chatham for same room types
The Commons
- The most expensive complex
- Washers and dryers located in each apartment (only complex with this facility)
- Across the street from Orlando Premium Outlets
- 15 minute walk to Publix
- The main park buses (except for Magic Kingdom) stop here but no others. However the bus stop is located inside the complex so it is very easy to get to.
- Some housing events take place here including grocery bingo and movie nights
- Many welcome events take place here e.g. housing registration, safety talk
- Has a small but overpriced grocery store for essentials called The Grid
- Mainly international students here such as those on the year-long Cultural Representative Program working in Epcot
- Very long complex – 15 minutes to walk from front to back
In terms of rent, the prices are going to change year-on-year, but for 2018 this is what you're looking at:
I hope this was helpful in making your decision, but just remember to not get too set on any one complex to avoid disappointment!
See my Patterson 3 bedroom 6 person apartment here:
