Chris Saribay

In the second part of this two part series, I’ll be focusing on one of the most discussed housing topics: differences between housing complexes.

It’s certainly a topic worthy of discussion. You’ve just arrived in Central Florida, and now you’ve got to choose where you’ll be living for the next couple of months. No easy task! I’ve had the benefit of living at the two key complexes that are currently open- Vista Way and Chatham Square, and they are definitely two distinct environments.

We’ll start here with a detailed look at these two complexes.

Vista Way - Supplanting the venerated Snow White Village Trailer Park down in Kissimmee at some point in the late 1980s, Vista Way is the keystone College, CareerStart and International Programs housing complex. This is where everyone checks in, and where about half of the events take place. This complex is by far the most talked about housing community for program interns, and in some respects it earns this designation.

If there’s one way to describe Vista Way, it’s a people-oriented environment. People living in this complex tend to be more outgoing, and it’s not uncommon for everyone in an entire building to know each other. While I disagree with the notion that it’s a constant party place (I think it’s more mellow than some people make it out to be), there are a lot of great parties and events that happen at Vista Way- and everyone seems to lend themselves to being open and communicative. 

The apartments themselves have been maintained well over the years, recently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to add laminate flooring to living spaces, replacing carpet and appliances and other general improvements. The apartments are good in size, but are smaller than those found at Chatham Square. About half of the domestic program participants stay at Vista Way, which has around 450 units.

Chatham Square - With the programs cast rapidly expanding in recent years, it was felt that additional housing would be needed. Thus, Chatham Square joined existing housing complexes Vista Way and The Commons (a complex built exclusively for International Cast some years earlier) was brought on board in late 2000 with about 480 units. Located close to The Commons in the Disney designed subdivision of Little Lake Bryan, Chatham Square was literally across the street from Disney’s cast recreation area, “Mickey’s Retreat”.

The best way for me to describe Chatham Square is that it’s a more intimate complex. Participants who live at Chatham Square tend to be a little more private and perhaps a bit more reserved, but by no means anti-social. Participants have events and parties every once in a while like their Vista Way cohorts, but it’s less prevalent here than it is there.
The apartments benefit greatly from their later design and construction however. Apartments at Chatham Square tend to be larger than their counterparts at Vista Way, and this complex features the elusive one-bedroom and four-bedroom apartments not found at Vista Way. Like Vista Way, Chatham Square is professionally managed and maintained by a third party partner, Price Management.

Now for some direct comparisons:

What they share - All Disney housing complexes share fully furnished environments, which includes kitchen appliances and related service wear, seats/couches, a formal dining table, beds, nightstands, dressers and more. All complexes also share an identical basic-cable lineup and high speed internet access. They’re all professionally managed and maintained by Price Management. The apartment complexes are also exclusive in the sense that they can only be accessed by their residents and invited guests (housing has a security gate and team from Price Management that enforces this ideal). All complexes also feature a pool and gym facilities.

What they differ in - Far and away the largest difference between the two complexes is the different feeling each embodies. Participants living at Vista Way tend to be more outgoing and definitely enjoy large social gatherings. They’re a fun crowd. Chatham Square participants tend to be a little more reserved and composed, but still have a lot of fun. One way to think of it is that participants who live at Chatham Square tend to have a smaller group of really close friends, while those living at Vista Way tend to have a much larger network of friends. Another key difference is space and ‘newness’- while apartments at Vista Way are by no means small, their counterparts at Chatham Square are larger and have less wear, simply due to their age. Finally, Vista Way exclusively offers a hot-tub, basketball and racquetball courts, something you won’t find at other complexes.

...and on the subject of size - Occasionally I am asked to compare the size of individual apartments at each complex, and I’ve drawn up a quick layout guide comparing two-bedrooms at each complex. Note that while the scale isn’t perfect, it is roughly correct in terms of size between both complexes.

Both of these housing complexes are great living environments to experience while on your program, and I can personally recommend both. What’s important to mention is that while housing attempts to have both complexes open and available in even amounts for each arrival date, sometimes this isn’t possible, and they may only have a certain complex or size of apartment available. If given a choice, just go with what you feel will work best for you- you’ll have a great time either way!

Later this summer, Disney will be opening a brand new apartment complex next to Chatham Square named ‘Patterson Court’. This development will have 288 units and house just over 1300 participants. Time will tell what atmosphere this complex will take on, and I’ll cover it later this summer.

Coming up next week: Inside the Roles, Part II

Labels: College and CareerStart Programs • Housing •