Applications
One reason I preferred the process for Loews was the Interview. The Disney process involves an application, a pre-screen interview and a face-to-face interview. The Loews program only involves an application and a group interview and so the process was a lot quicker and less stressful. The Loews program is also a lot less competitive. Less people are aware of the Loews program so half of the applicants made it on to the program. The year I applied there was roughly 70 applicants and about 35 made it. The Disney program has about 1600 applicants and it's cut down to 500 at the first stage.
Winner! - Loews
Fees
Now here's the big kick when it comes to money. The Disney program charges you for:
Criminal Background check
Program assessment fee
First 2 weeks rent
Embassy appointment
SEVIS Fee
medical insurance
passport return fee
This works out at roughly $700 without your return flights which is a relatively good price. The Loews program has slightly different charges:
Criminal Background check
Program fee
Embassy appointment
passport return fee
First 2 weeks rent
Last 2 weeks rent
SEVIS fee
Support
These charges totalled to $1050 not including flights! We got a weeks notice right before christmas that we had to pay £700 in fees so be prepared!
Winner! - Disney
Park access
One of the perks of doing a program is Orlando is the access to parks! On the Disney program there are endless perks:
Theme Park admission to:
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
Free park access for 4 family/friends
Discount water park admission
Discount on select Disney World and Disneyland Resort dining & merchandise
Discount on select resort hotels
Discount on Disney Cruise Line
sneak previews of new attractions, parks and resorts
Access to Mickey's Retreat, a cast recreation area
+ many more!
These perks mean you only need to purchase tickets for other parks like Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Seaworld, Busch Gardens. These other parks have cheaper prices as well. The Loews program gives you perks swell although not as many:
Theme Park admission to:
Universal Studios
Islands of Adventure
Seaworld
Busch Gardens
Discount access to Water Parks
Discount on select dining & merchandise
Discount on resort hotels
This means if you want access to the Disney Parks all summer you have to purchase an annual pass which is roughly $500.
Winner! - Disney
Housing
On the Loews program you get to stay in the same complex as everyone on the program at an Extended Stay America Hotel close to Universal Studios. This was absolutely ideal as there is always somebody available on your days off to go to the parks or shopping with. Everyone was friends with everyone as we were a smaller program. You share an apartment with 2 other participants, each room has 2 double beds and a sofa bed along with a tv and kitchen. On this program there is no security, no rules, you are basically left to your own devices.
After researching the Disney housing, there are a wide range of complexes available. Chatham Square, Patterson Court, Vista Way and The Commons. As I haven't taken part in a Disney program I cannot give my personal opinions on these complexes. However one of my friends on the Loews program has been lucky enough to do a Disney program and gave her opinion.
The Disney program is a lot stricter with security, every time you enter the complexes you need to go through the security office and show ID. There are certain items you are not aloud in your room such as toy guns from the parks and receive regular inspections. If you are over 21 you are not aloud alcohol in the apartment if there is someone under 21. This differs from the Loews one as we were allowed alcohol in our rooms and had no inspections just weekly visits from the maid as it is a hotel.
However the apartments are considerably nicer at Disney and have larger pools so thats a big bonus!
Winner! - Draw
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