Disney Cultural Exchange Program / International College Program CEP/ICP - Packing List

On my first program, I had no idea what to pack. There seemed to be tonnes of packing lists from college program cast members who were taking everything but the kitchen sink, but only a few from ICP/CEP cast members. 

So here's my packing list for my CEP 2014. If it's on the list, it's because I needed/used it last time, so no overpacking. Hope it helps!

Documents

(Good idea to photocopy all paperwork)

·      Mears voucher

·      Passport (with the J1S visa stamp inside)

·      The original and a copy of your DS 2019 form

·      Disney Offer Letter

·      Flight Information and tickets

·      Proof of medical insurance

·      Printed receipt of your payment of the Program Assessment Fee

·      Details for your arrival in Orlando

·      Photocopies of passport;

- Page with your name, photo and passport number

      - Page with your visa stamp

·      Proof of travel insurance

·      Social security card (if you’ve worked in the US before)

·      Onboarding paperwork

Electrical items

·      Camera

·      Kindle

·      Phone

·      Straighteners

·      Hairdryer

·      Laptop

·      iPad

Leads

·      Phone charger

·      Kindle charger

·      Camera charger

·      Laptop charger

·      Tablet charger

·      Ethernet cable

Extras

·      Memory cards

·      American plug adapters x2

·      Photos/things from home for your pin board

·      Drawing pins for your pinboard

·      Earphones

·      Padlock (for the locker in your room)

·      A few coat hangers

·      Laundry basket/bag

·      Watch

Money

·      Money for your arrival

·      Cash Card (I use FairFX)

·      Bank Card

Linens

·      Towel (body & hand)

·      Beach towel

·      Bed sheet

·      Duvet

·      Duvet cover

·      Pillow

·      Pillow covers

Toiletries

·      Sun cream & after sun

·      Shampoo & conditioner

·      Shower gel

·      Deodorant

·      Dry shampoo

·      Hair products

·      Hairbrush

·      Toothbrush/toothpaste

·      Wet wipes/Make up remover

·      Face wash

·      Moisturiser

·      Feminine hygiene products

·      Razor

·      Any medication

·      Insect repellant

·      Make up 

·      Hair Ties and hair clips

Clothes

·      Underwear

·      Socks/tights (for work)

·      Swimwear

·      Shorts

·      Tops

·      Dresses

·      Skirts

·      PJ's

·      Business attire for Traditions and non-costumed training

·      Light jackets and cardigans (the air con can get chilly)

·      Gym clothes (there’s a gym at every complex)

·      A raincoat (It rains, a lot!)

Shoes

·      Flip-flops

·      Sandals

·      Flats

·      Heels

·      Shoes for Traditions

·      Trainers

Accessories

·      Beach bag

·      Sunglasses

·      Daytime bag

·      Nighttime bag

·      Jewellery

Tips

- It’s completely up to you if you bring bedding and towels with you. I took a cheap square sleeping bag, which I unzipped to make into a duvet. I left it at the end of my programme to save room for all the clothes I’d bought! You can visit Wal-Mart on your first night to pick some up, however they often run low. I took the pillow off the plane just in case Wal-Mart ran out when I got there. Anything you do take, vac pack it!

- Don’t take loads of clothes. You’ll find you pretty much live in your costume and spend your days off in the mall/outlets where you’ll buy a bunch of new clothes anyway!  

- If you’re not comfortable carrying cash for the first few weeks consider getting a travel cash card, I used FairFX. They’re super easy to top up online before you go and you can top it up at any time from your bank account at home if you run out of money.

- Things like a raincoat and cardigans/jackets may seem silly but you’ll regret not taking them. It rains pretty much every day, so a raincoat will prevent you from getting absolutely soaked. You’ll be glad of a cardigan/jacket/hoodie around the apartment, especially if you live with someone who likes the apartment to have the same climate as the North Pole.

- You need a smart outfit for Traditions. You’ll be at Disney University for most of the day, but make sure you wear comfy shoes as you’ll be walking around too. Also, you’ll need an extra 1 or 2 smart outfit options for the few days training you’ll take part in before you get your costume. It might be worth packing one of these in your hand luggage, just in case you lose your luggage! You can see the requirements for Traditions here http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/onboarding/fl/working-here/disney-traditions/