Disney International Program Packing List

Share post:

The idea of packing your life into a suitcase for a year long contract at Walt Disney World is a daunting task. When I went on my first contract to be a Cultural Representative through Disney International Programs, we had a Facebook Group that allowed folks to meet and greet…and also to share tips on what we needed to bring.
Some of the ideas were great….while others made me question life!

Here’s the packing list for new Cast Members who are on the Disney International Program.


Just as a reminder, it’s “comprehensive” to the level of my packing ability as a guy who knows how to use Amazon and Walmart.com!

DOCUMENTS

Keep all these in a single binder for easy access during travel.

  • Transportation voucher (Mears)
  • Passport (with the 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
  • 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

  • Laptop
  • Phone
  • Camera

CABLES

  • Laptop Charger
  • Camera Charger
  • Phone Charger

ODDS AND ENDS

  • Adapter to US Plugs (if required for those outside of North America)
  • Memory Cards
  • Padlock
  • Watch
  • Headphones

MONEY

  • Arrival Cash
  • USA Bank Account *
    • I’ll go into more details on a related article, but know that you’ll get paid with checks before Direct Deposit starts.

LINENS

Please note that Walmart.com and Amazon.com are available, so having things set up to arrive BEFORE your “arrival date” is the best option. Packing towels and other items in your suitcase takes up room that can be better used for items that will help with the impending home sickness in months 3 and 4.

  • Towels
  • Sheets (Single Bed)
  • Pillow
  • Pillow Case
  • Comforter

TOILETRIES

  • Travel Size:
    • Shampoo & Conditioner
    • Shower Gel
    • Toothpaste & Toothbrush
    • Face Wash, etc
  • Deodorant
  • Shaving stuff
  • Shaving stuff
  • Hair stuff (gel, clips, etc)

CLOTHES

When I went down for my contract, I left Vancouver in December and arrived in Florida in 75 degree heat. Remember to pack for your arrival and not your departure. It’s also important to know that the Orlando Premium Outlets are within walking distance of the residence, so getting cheaper clothing is easier than I realized.

Just bring enough for three days

  • Underwear
  • Socks / Tights
  • Swimwear
  • Shorts
  • Tops
  • PJs
  • Business Attire for Traditions (Check out the location of “Disney University” on Instagram for ideas)
  • Gym clothes
  • A Raincoat

SHOES

Personally, I like shoes (and hats)…but they do take up a lot of space in luggage. Wear runners on the plane, pack sandals and a pair of shoes for Traditions.

ACCESSORIES

  • Re-usable bag
  • Sunglasses
  • Backpack
  • Side-bag (satchel / laptop bag)

TIPS

  • Don’t be afraid to call the International Program office directly and ask for tips. They’ll know the up to date information and will be able to provide you with a timeframe of your first few days
  • Don’t take a ton of clothes. Most of the days, you’re in your costume anyway. What I learned early was that it all depended on your work schedule as to what you actually wore during your days.
  • Rain gear – don’t be TOO COOL for protecting yourself from rain. It’s going to rain and it’s important to act like a local! Sandals are great during rain, but you’ll want a good umbrella & jacket.
  • Pack stuff that you’ll want to remind you of home. I’m from Canada, so I brought a Team Canada hat and shirt, along with a care package of ketchup chips and random things that I knew that I wouldn’t find in Florida.

WHAT DID I BRING THAT I NEVER USED?

  • Black Dress Pants – Bring Kahki’s instead
  • Books – I brought the Walt Disney GIANT autobiography…and it was HEAVY! There’s a library for Cast Members, so don’t worry about books or movies
  • Bug Spray – It smelled weird and if we needed something, there was usually something at work that we could use as a community item.

WHAT DID I WISH THAT I BROUGHT?

  • More memories from home. Printed photos, dream-board items

That’s my list! Did I forget anything? Was there something that you think should get more weight when you’re packing? Let me know in the comments below!

Dustin Fuhshttps://www.stepstomagic.com
I’m Dustin Fuhs, a theme park fanatic that has created this platform to showcase my passion, tools and opinions to create a fun and interactive experience for everyone who visits. My goal is to help you and your family have the most magical experience at Walt Disney World. In reading my articles and ideas, I hope that you can find some fantastic ways to bring your dreams into reality!

Related articles

Things That Rainforest Cafe in Disney World Does Right

The Rainforest Cafe isn't a recommended stop, but what does the chain known for lacklustre food and out-of-date audio-animatronics do well that other restaurants at Disney World could learn from?

Disney World Vacation Lies

The goal will be to showcase all the un-truths that you can deal with while planning your vacation and to share what the statement is actually referring to.

Disney World Restaurants That We’ve Never Eaten At (And Why)

Disney World has hundreds of dining opportunities, but there are some restaurants that we've never actually got past the reservation stage.

Places You Don’t Want to be Caught in a Disney World Thunderstorm

Disney World is in Central Florida, which means that there's an inevitable rain shower that will come out of nowhere. You can be prepared with all the best rain gear, but there are times that you'll just need to find cover.

Things That Rainforest Cafe in Disney World Does Right

The Rainforest Cafe isn't a recommended stop, but what does the chain known for lacklustre food and out-of-date audio-animatronics do well that other restaurants at Disney World could learn from?

Disney World Vacation Lies

The goal will be to showcase all the un-truths that you can deal with while planning your vacation and to share what the statement is actually referring to.

Disney World Restaurants That We’ve Never Eaten At (And Why)

Disney World has hundreds of dining opportunities, but there are some restaurants that we've never actually got past the reservation stage.

Places You Don’t Want to be Caught in a Disney World Thunderstorm

Disney World is in Central Florida, which means that there's an inevitable rain shower that will come out of nowhere. You can be prepared with all the best rain gear, but there are times that you'll just need to find cover.
0 Shares
Pin
Share
Tweet