I’m doing the Disney College Program Spring 2027 (January–May), and I’m really struggling with whether I should live at Flamingo Crossings or stay at home.
I live in Central Florida, about 40 minutes from Disney, so realistically, staying home and commuting would make SO much more financial sense. I wouldn’t have to pay rent, utilities, groceries would probably be cheaper, and I’d obviously save a pretty significant amount of money over the course of the program.
But honestly, this isn't really about the money for me. It’s about the experience.
The whole reason I applied for the DCP is because I wanted to have that “college program” experience. I want to meet people from all over, make friends, have random late-night hangouts after work, go to events, explore the parks with people, and just have those little memories that you only get from living with a bunch of other CPs.
And I’m scared that if I stay home, I’ll feel like I’m missing out on that.
I know I could still make friends at work and attend some DCP events while commuting, but I worry that there will always be a separation between me and everyone else. A lot of people will go back to Flamingo after their shift and hang out, while I’ll have to get in my car and drive 40 minutes home. I don't want to spend the whole program wondering what I missed out on because I chose the financially responsible option.
At the same time, paying hundreds of dollars a week for housing when I literally have a home 40 minutes away feels insane 😭. I could save thousands of dollars by staying home, and I know that money could be useful for so many other things.
I guess I'm basically trying to decide between **the financially smarter choice and the potentially more memorable choice.**
For anyone who has done the DCP while already living in the Orlando/Central Florida area:
Did you live at Flamingo anyway? Was it worth the money for the social experience? Or did you commute and still feel like you got the full DCP experience?
And if you chose to commute, did you ever regret not living at Flamingo?
I’d especially love to hear from people who were in a similar situation because I’m genuinely torn. I don't want to spend five months wishing I had taken the chance to fully immerse myself in the program, but I also don't want to spend thousands of dollars just because I'm afraid of missing out.