As previously mentioned, I have recently returned from a five month internship program at Walt Disney World. For the Spring 2017 semester I had the chance to work and live at the happiest place on Earth. These are five of the most important things I needed during the DCP.

1. Backpack

A backpack is essential at the DCP. Luckily I brought a backpack down with me, however, it was a Vera Bradley backpack that ultimately got dirty and destroyed. From bringing it to the parks on your day off to bringing it to work, almost all Cast Member's carried a backpack. I recommend buying a cheaper yet durable backpack because it will get a lot of use!

2. Credit card holder

Although I mostly brought a backpack to carry all my things at the parks, I wish I would've had a phone case with a built in credit card holder. It's no secret that it gets very hot in Florida and the last thing you want is to be carrying a stifling backpack. When taking a quick trip to the parks you will usually only need to bring your phone, maingate, blue ID, housing ID, and a debit card. Condensing these all into one would've made my life a lot easier on the DCP.

3. Memory foam mattress topper

While this may seem like something random, a mattress topper is absolutely essential for the beds in Disney housing. The beds are hard and uncomfortable and the last thing you want to do after a hard day at work is try to sleep on an uncomfortable bed. A mattress topper will change your sleeping habits and help you get an adequate amount of sleep.

4. Earplugs

Going along with my theme of essentials if you are staying in Disney housing, I definitely suggest buying earplugs. Earplugs are lifesavers when your roommates are hanging out when you need to wake up early and you need peace and quiet. Also, because my apartment was on the first floor there were a plethora of loud noises and people that would wake my roommates and I up in the middle of the night.

5. Magic band

When guests stay at a Walt Disney World resort they receive a free magicband with their stay. For all other guests (including Cast Members), they need to buy a magicband if they want one. Having a magicband made my life so much easier when my friends and I were taking a quick trip to the parks. Instead of having to pull out my maingate pass every time we used a FastPass or tried to enter the park, we could use our magicband after it was linked to our maingate. Buying a magicband is 100% worth the money because of how frequently you will be using it during the DCP.