This first section looks like a repeat of the Florida DCP options, but the answers are different so please reads if you are considering Disneyland over Walt Disney World.
DORMS (Disney Onsite Residents Management System) aka their housing site that participants need to fill out prior to their start date.
What is in DORMS?
For Disneyland applicants you only have one apartment complex to choose from, so you do not have a choice on that. The only thing DORMS has you fill out is individual’s you would like to live with.
How are roommates and apartments assigned?
Well all participants who request to line in the same apartment together have to meet certain requirements, and they are the following.
Same departure date
Same gender
All occupants over /under 21+*
How come I cannot indicate size preference like WDW?
This is because Disneyland participants have to face the problem of limited inventory, so your rooms are assigned when you arrive at check-in. They do their best to accommodate preference, but there Is no guarantee you will get what you want.
Do I have to live on property in Disneyland?
No, you do not if you are over the age of 21+ and have your own vehicle. However, there is an exception to this rule if you are a summer alumni you have to live on property.
What is the program fee?
The program fee is around $850-$900 for California it covers the first two weeks of rent, and other misc. things as well. If you noticed is much higher then the Walt Disney World program fee of around $350-$400 –Welcome to California living.
How is rent paid for?
I want to make this 100% clear at Disneyland you sign a lease therefore if you leave your program early for whatever reason you are still responsible for paying your rent. Moving on weekly rent from California is an option, but you are encouraged to pay the entire lease upfront via credit card (in 2015 it was around $4,300).
Why is California’s fee more expensive then Florida?
Honestly, this one just has to do with two main factors the first would be housing pricing, and availability of it. Housing prices it is no shock to anyone that California is a more expensive state to live in then Florida, so it is not a shock that the fee would be higher as well. Now of course there is availability of housing as well in Florida there are four major apartment complexes with one leftover for overflow, but in California there is only one option available since they take less candidates.
Apartment options:
Studio
One bedroom
Two bedroom
(participants may have up to five roommates per apartment –so a bit cramped!)
Carnegie Plaza
Pros:
Only housing complex (DCP’s are together)
Cable ready
High speed internet access in all apartments
Located close to the Anaheim Duck practice rink
A museum located on ground floor showcasing various exhibits on loan from the Smithsonian Institute
Located near Pearson Park
Washer and dryer in every apartment
Located near local grocery stores
Within driving distance to: Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Doheny Beach, and Newport Beach
Located about 2 miles from Disneyland Resort
Cons:
There is no transportation to Disneyland available, so you must use public transit (bus passes are given free by Disney) or have your own vehicle
You sign a lease so if you self-term you are still responsible for paying your weekly rent
Unlike Florida there are no swimming pools (although there is one at Pearson Park)
More expensive option overall for housing
Classes are required for Disneyland
Same as Florida I will show you some of the insides of the apartments
I want to have a small section here about the Disneyland program:
It is a smaller program overall, it is more expensive, and on a smaller property –however just hear me out for a minute. Disneyland is the house that Walt built Disney World is the house that Roy built. That feeling you get in Disneyland I’m sorry Walt Disney World will just never have no matter how much it tries. You walk through Main Street down the same road Walt walked, and walk past his apartment where the light forever sits on in the window. You will have the opportunity to network which even though Florida does as well –all the executives are in California from Iger to Kalogridis. You will have the opportunity to do studio tours, behind the scenes, and be apart of the magic.
*Again the same policy as the DCP in Florida: Apartments with roommates under 21 are called wellness which are alcohol prohibited apartments (no alcohol at all at any time once so ever), and this is important due to an over 21 roommate can choose to live in wellness –this rule applies to them as well no exceptions. Over 21+ apartments are called non-wellness and are allowed alcohol within the apartment.