The beginning of your Disney College Program is such an exciting and wonderful time! It’s the beginning of a new chapter where you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. During the first week of your Disney College Program you’ll move in to Flamingo Crossings Village, learn about making the most of your program, participate in Traditions, and potentially begin role specific training! In addition to these scheduled events, there are so many fun activities you can participate in during your free time this first week. For ideas and inspiration, Pink and Pixie Dust is here to help with 5 fun activities for the first week of your Disney College Program!
1. Attend Welcome Week Events
During each move in week for new participants of the DCP, Disney Programs hosts welcome week events! This will include events such as a themed welcome celebration event. For each week with arrivals, there is a different theme, such as monsters Inc., Zootopia, and Frozen! At this event you’ll find delicious food, Disney characters, a DJ with fun music, photo booths, themed crafts, and more! This is a great opportunity to be able to spend time with your new roommates and meet other new participants of the DCP!
2. Take a Tour of Flamingo Crossings Village
Also offered for each arrival week for new DCP participants is a tour of Flamingo Crossings Village, the housing complex for Disney Programs. During the tour, you’ll learn to navigate Flamingo Crossings, learn about all of the amenities offered, and hear about the backstory behind the beautiful design details! For example, did you know you can check out items such as folding wagons, swifter mops, basketballs, and more? We highly recommend taking part in this tour during your move in week! This is once again a great opportunity to be able to meet other participants and begin forming those lifelong friendships!
3. Go Resort Hopping
Resort hopping is when you visit and walk around different Walt Disney World resorts! At each resort you’ll find beautiful theming, delicious food offerings, charming shopping experiences, and more! This is a super fun activity to be able to check out some of Walt Disney World during the beginning of your DCP. It is also the perfect activity to partake in with your new roommates and friends you meet!
There are a couple of resorts that are very easy to visit in an afternoon, being in close proximity to one another. For each of these paths, you can easily walk between these resorts or utilize Disney transportation to get from one resort to another.
Resort Hopping Groups of Resorts:
Magic Kingdom Area Resorts:
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Epcot Area Resorts:
Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
The Swan and Dolphin Resort
Skyliner Resorts:
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
4. Visit Disney Springs
During the first week of your DCP, grab a group of friends and go walk around Disney Springs! This charming Walt Disney World entertainment district is free to visit, not requiring a park ticket. There is so much to do at Disney Springs! Here you can check out a variety of shops, enjoy entertainment offerings, eat at a variety of delicious restaurants, and more!
Make sure to stop by World of Disney, the largest store at Walt Disney World! We also recommend trying the Dole Whip Flight at Swirls on the Water. This delicious treat allows you to try three unique flavors of the beloved Disney treat, Dole Whip! With each served in its own cup, this is the perfect treat to share with others. Throughout the year, the three Dole Whip flavors you’ll receive rotate seasonally, such as with special fall inspired flavors!
5. Watch the Fireworks
One very fun and magical activity you can do during your first week is watching the fireworks! You can view the Magic Kingdom fireworks, Happily Ever After, from multiple locations outside the parks. The best places to view this fireworks show include the Beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the balcony terrace at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Both of these locations offer great views of the fireworks, as well as the music for this fireworks show is brought in and played in these areas each night.
You are also able to view the Epcot fireworks show, currently Epcot Forever, from outside the parks. These fireworks can be seen from the Epcot resorts area just outside of Epcot. You can see some of the fireworks from resorts in this area such as the Boardwalk and the Yacht and Beach Club. Although you won’t be able to see the entirety of the shows, such as the castle projections, it is still wonderful to enjoy the fireworks! For an even more magical experience, grab a Dole Whip, Mickey Premium Bar, or other delicious treat to enjoy as you watch the fireworks!
Will you be participating in the Disney College Program soon? Check out our blog posts What to Pack for the Disney College Program and Disney College Program Roommate Gift Ideas!
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