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Hello and welcome to the DisneyYAC blog, whoever you are!
Perhaps you are looking around online for information on the job before applying, or maybe you've just been hired and are trying to find out more about what you're going to do! Or, perhaps you're a current or former Youth Activities Counselor reminiscing and reliving the job - or even a family member trying to find out what your loved one does at work. Or you're one of our managers trying to find out who has a blog so you can fire us for being honest.

Whatever the case, welcome! I have written about different aspects of the job, from the pay to the perks, the hours to the horrors, and to getting started and hired up to quitting or getting fired. Read away, and ask questions as much as you want!

And the best place to start is right here:


Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Example Packing List

Example Packing List


So many people about to embark on their adventure working on the high seas always worry about packing. No matter who you are, this is always one of those weird stresses that always get me each time I come back out for a contract. Rest assured by this point I have it down to a science in my suitcase...but maybe you're currently looking at all of your stuff at a loss for what's actually necessary for your 4-5 months at sea.

But no matter if you're a boy or girl, old or young, rich or poor, I have one very important piece of advice.
Always Remember: You WILL end up buying a lot of Disney merchandise and memorabilia before you go home.

This is almost a given. Everybody does it, and is the cause for much last-minute consternation when things just don't fit. So you could budget room in your suitcase for it now or leave that for Future-You to deal with. Anyway.... to the list!



PACKING LIST

  • Underwear  (good for at least 2 weeks...you do change your undies every day right?)
  • Socks 7 pairs (white)- good for a week, feel free to reuse. Plenty available to buy on board.
  • Socks/Stockings 1-2  pairs (black)- for when you do Welcome line or the odd fancy night out
  • Tennis/Running Shoes/Trainers 1 pair -(all white, no other colors or big markings. No canvas like Converse. Must be leather, no scuff, white soles, white laces. Some managers are very strict on your shoes! They aren't really available to buy on board, stores in various ports will have some. Most counselors buy REALLY cheap ones and toss them at the end of their contract.)
  • Beach sandals 1 pair-  (black, Teva-style) used if you're going to Castaway Cay during your contract. If you're on a ship that doesn't go there more than 5 times, don't waste your money - you can always just wear white shoes and socks.
  • Formal shoes/ nice heels 1 pair (black)- Useful for welcome line and also for formal nights on deck.
  • Flipflops/thongs/slippers 1 pair (any color)- Handy to be worn in your cabin or when swimming up on deck. Can only be worn during your time off.
  • Comfortable walking shoes 1 pair - plan ahead to see where you will be going to decide the best kinds of shoes you want to wear while in port or on excursions. You don't want to be wearing your work shoes all the time.
  • Sensible shirts/blouses 2-4 - for when you're spending time in guest areas, must be Disney-Look
  • Skirts/Shorts 2-4 -again for guest areas
  • Pants 2 -also for guest areas if you like wearing pants
  • Jeans 1-2 - for throwing on the go to the crew bar or out in Port
  • Pajamas 1 - to sleep in, silly!
  • Nice dresses - for fancier parties and nights out at the bar, this will happen about 3-4 times during your contract
  • Nice shirts/blouses - Maybe a bit sexier or cuter, or things you couldn't pull off in guest areas
  • Comfortable sweater 1-2 - In case you want to do some stargazing to be up on deck, it can get very cool and windy
  • Hair ties/ribbons, headbands and clips like, 10-20- must be under an inch wide. Trust me, you'll be wearing your hair up a lot of the time.

 Extra useful things:
  • Water-resistant watch
  • Curling iron or straightener
  • Glasses or Contact Lens case
  • Contact Lens solution for 1-2 months
  • Makeup to last at least 1-2 months
  • Sanitary products
  • Toothbrush
  • Toiletries for the first 1-2 weeks... after that you can pretty much just buy stuff on board
  • Snacks from home. Loads to take the edge off of the sudden change in your food and help make friends.
  • Laptop or ipad or Device - so that you can access internet. The crew lounge with computers is always full of creepers. 
  • Headphones
  • Alarm Clock
  • Pillow covers or comfy throw blanket from home
  • Favorite stuffed toy mementos
  • A good camera!

 Stuff you'll probably end up buying while in Port anyway:
  • Sunglasses
  • A hat
  • Beach towel
  • Goggles 
  • Scarf
  • Replacement flipflops for the ones you lost after that drunken party night
  • Bracelets/necklaces you can never wear while at work/in guest areas anyway
  • Bottle opener or Wine corkscrew


That should be the essential things, let me know if there's anything I forgot!

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