The Disney College Program is an adventure that everyone should get the chance to experience at least once in their life. It is a life changing journey that will teach you to grow, learn, and explore all new things about yourself and others while working at the world’s most infamous theme park. While most college program participants, like myself, will indulge themselves in the magic of the parks on their days off, since we get in for free, there is a whole other world outside of Disney that can be explored on your days off!
1. The Beach.
Disney World is right in the heart of Florida, meaning that it’s closest beaches are about an hour away from the college program housing and parks. Take some time to go explore them! There are numerous beaches in which you can travel to and soak up some sun. The beaches have some really awesome coastal atmospheres, restaurants/bars, shops and even special sightings from some fun sea creatures like Dolphins and Turtles for you to enjoy! Siesta Key has an amazing turtle beach that specifically caters to them, which is extremely interesting and adorable. Miami is also not very far from Disney, so on your two days off, you should plan a trip down there and enjoy all there is to Florida.
2. International Drive.
This strip is filled with TONS of fun tourist activities for you to enjoy. There are a bunch of museums like Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe or Not, Aquariums and so much more, along with some really great bars that have an 18 to party and 21 to drink age limit so that everyone in the program can enjoy the fun. My favorite feature of international drive is the Orlando Eye. This extremely large ferris wheel travels at a slow pace so that visitors can get a breathtaking view of all of Florida, including Cinderella’s Castle. It is not a pricey attraction either, which makes it all the more enjoyable. I highly recommend going at night so you can see all of Orlando lit up in its illuminated glory!
3. Universal Studios.
I know that Universal has a bad rep of being considered one of Disney’s main competitors, but both parks thrive off of one anothers existence and their guests so do not feel guilty for enjoying your day off here instead of Disney. Universal Studios and Island of Adventure are great ways to enjoy your day off in a more adult atmosphere while still having fun on some great rides. I highly recommend getting a season pass. When you live in CP housing, you can get a temporary Florida residence letter and get a discount on the passes. For the price of three visits, it pays for itself and more when you go all the time, especially if you are going to be on your college program during the fall when they have Halloween horror nights, or spring when they have their Mardi Gras celebrations! Disney’s Halloween parties are a blast and absolutely adorable, but HHN at Universal are no joke. The Mardi Gras celebrations are so much fun too for those looking to enjoy some good times involving southern comfort food, drinks and vibrant, enthusiastic celebrations. Plus, did I mention, WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER?! It is an absolute must see, even for those who have never seen the movies or read the books. Universal also has Citywalk, which is similar to Disney Springs, but has a larger variety of bars and restaurants that you should definitely check out at least once! 
4. Shopping!
While there are malls everywhere in any state, Orlando has a nice selection of malls and shopping plazas in which you can get a lot of great designer and high end clothes and accessories from. It’s always fun to go to the mall and look at stuff, even if you are just window shopping. Mall of Millennia has several amazing stores, as well as the Orlando Premium Outlet shopping plaza, which is literally right next to the Commons, Chatham and Patterson. 
5. Concerts, Festivals and Sports Games.
Florida is one of the country’s biggest tourist spots, especially Orlando. Every year there are dozens of music concerts, festivals and major games are held in the Orlando and surrounding areas that you should definitely take advantage of. People from all over come to Ultra, EDC, Strawberry Festival and so much more to enjoy the great vibes and weather of Florida. There are so many sporting opportunities to enjoy while in Florida too such as the NBA with the Orlando Magic, the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning, golf, racing / NASCAR, and baseball for those interested in watching teams train during the spring.
People may say that the college program is not a vacation, it’s work, and while this is true, I say, why not make it both! the college program requires hard work and dedication when you’re working 30+ hours a week, and you may just want to sit at home and relax on your days off, but when you get the chance to go out and explore, you most definitely should. Disney World is always a fantastic place to enjoy your days off, but you're on your prorgam for 6 months. Take the chance to see what Florida has to offer you outside of Disney World!
