Living on the Cheap

Straight up, dearies: You'll be making little better than minimum wage while on the Disney College Program. The Housekeepers and the Food & Beverage people make a bit better than the rest, but it's still not much to live on, especially when Disney is taking weekly rent from your paychecks.

I do have a few tips for you for saving your pennies, though. Listen well, my young Mouskerhoes...I did learn a few things about money.

1. Buses.

I know, I know...the DCP buses are irritating. They come at inconvenient times, they are generally crowded (well, the Magic Kingdom bus, anyway), and the bus drivers hate you. But, they do go to all of the places you would need to go: the parks, Downtown Disney, the various resorts, and shopping centers. And the bus is free. Therefore, all that extra money you'd spend on gas? You can use it for other things, like...

2. Food.

As much as some people like to deny it, eating is necessary. And you have to buy your own food while on the College Program - it's not provided. Therefore, you need to eat on the cheap. But you also cannot neglect your nutrition - the vast majority of you will be doing physical labor, and many of you will be doing this outdoors in the Florida heat. Staying healthy is absolutely essential. Even for you lucky ducks who get to sit inside - you still need to feel healthy and energized so you can project positivity to the Guests.
Now then:
-Obviously, ramen noodles are cheap and awesome. Heck, most forms of pasta are.
-Frozen vegetables are also fairly cheap, and they are easy to cook.
-Drink tap/fountain water - believe it or not, it IS safe to drink.
-Compare prices. Should be a no brainer, but it bears repeating.
-BRING YOUR LUNCH TO WORK. There are microwaves and fridges provided at most locations. It's a helluva lot cheaper to bring lunch than to buy lunch from wherever.

3. Walking.

There are quite a few things within walking distance of the apartments. For Chatham and Patterson, there is a Publix (cheap groceries galore!), various restaurants, and an outlet mall nearby. For Vista, there are also restaurants. There's also a pharmacy right nearby. If you don't want to wait for the bus, this is the best thing.

4. Discounts.

Disney Cast Members get discounts at a lot of places. (Not the grocery stores, unforunately....) But the restaurants, stores, and especially the parks (not the quick service restaurants)? Yes. If you're not sure, ask. But if you can use it, then use it. Saving money is good, after all.

5. Free.

Take advantage of free stuff. For example, all of the welcome events that Disney holds at the complexes have free pizza, drinks, and chips. A lot of times, the DJ will throw free stuff into the crowd - t-shirts, towels, pens, you name it. They also have competitions at these events, like hula hooping, bean bag tossing, and Find Me Bring Me. I got a free pair of iPod speakers and a giant cup because of it. There are also all kinds of free events and tours and stuff going on for Cast Members and/or College Programers. Find out the information and always take advantage.

6. Budget Fun.

Always, always, plan fun into your budget. You're in Disney, you're going to want to do things that do cost money. Plan out some extra cash every week that isn't for groceries or gas or whatever, and use it exclusively for souvenirs or fun nights out. Just don't spend over that amount.

Good luck, CPs!

AGENT R IS OUT. PEACE.