Clint Dantinne.com
Vista Way Apartments houses both the Walt Disney World College Program and International Program students. College Program students could be assigned work at various locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. International Program students primarily worked at their country of origin at EPCOT Center's World Showcase
Vista Way Apartments
13501 Meadow Creek Drive
Orlando, FL, 32821
The facilities at Vista Way were independently contracted to EPOCH Management.
As part of the Fall 1990 Walt Disney World College Program, living with other students from across the United States and around the world was a tremendous multicultural experience.
Vista Way Apartments entrance Fall 1990
Taken from apartment #1107 looking across a pond at night
The clubhouse pool at night
Clint Dantinne's sleeping area
Apartment #1107 roommates: Jarle (Norway), Clint (Delaware), Dave (Pennsylvania), Aziz (Morocco), and Sash (Germany) - Not pictured: Giovanni (Italy)
At the Vista Way entrance Fall 1990 and again Fall 2010
Collage of pictures. Click for larger image.
Clint's primary work location was at EPCOT Center (Origin 60) at the Towers (Department 4ZA). He sometimes worked other locations for overtime. This picture looks toward the East Tower during the Character Carnival. Clint said, "I had the best work location on Disney property. The Towers were a bit inside and outside. Every day I saw the character parades and each night a fireworks and laser show called IllumiNations. The Disney entertainment was always spectacular. Interacting with the park guests each day was a special treat. Everyone was friendly. Although not everyone spoke English, at best we could always communicate with a smile. I even met some celebrities on their vacations."
He worked at both the Port of Entry (West Tower), Disney Traders (East Tower), and merchandise gift carts. Occasionally he would sell 'Glow' after sunset near the performance of IllumiNations.
The Disney supervisor gave Clint special permission to have another job outside of the Walt Disney World College Program. In fact, it was said Clint had been the only Cast Member on the program to have this exception. He worked an on-air shift each Saturday evening (6 p.m. until 1 a.m.) at WTLN 95.3 FM radio studios and transmitter site in Apopka, a 40-minute ride from Vista Way Apartments.
The Walt Disney World College Program was filled with friendship, learning, working, and having fun. These are a few highlights from Clint's journal.
March 19 - Disney Representatives present the program at Widener University
March 20 - Interviewed by WDW representative (Karen) on campus
April 12 - Received letter of acceptance
September 10 - Check in at Vista Way Apartments #1107
September 11-13 - Disney Traditions, orientation and training
September 14 - First day of work at World Showcase Towers; EPCOT Center Merchandise
September 15 - Cash handling class
September 22 - First day of work at WTLN radio station [PHOTO]
September 25 - Visited Universal Studios
October 4 - Seminars began: Studio Production Curriculum
October 5 - Visited Tampa and Clearwater
October 12-15 - Family visited WDW
October 31 - Halloween party at Church Street Station
November 2 - Visited Cocoa Beach and Space Center
November 16 - Norwegian Nerd Party
November 19 - Toured Haunted Mansion's backstage operation
November 22 - Thanksgiving at Dan's apartment with Joan and Walbert
November 23 - Magic Kingdom: Main Street Electrical Parade and Fireworks
November 26 - Toured Norwegian boat ride (The Malestrom) backstage operation
November 30 - Worked at Magic Kingdom (Emporium on Main Street)
December 1 - Visited Universal Studios
December 2 - Watched Space Shuttle launch approximately 2 a.m.; Cast Christmas party with visiting brother Matt [PHOTO]
December 10-12 - Visited Florida Mall, Xanadu Home of the Future, resorts
December 12 - Worked at Disney MGM Studios (Golden Age, Star Tours, Indy Cart)
December 16 - Worked at Pleasure Island (Avigator's)
December 20 - Toured Adventure's Club backstage operation; Grad Ball Dinner Dance at Lake Buena Vista Hilton [PHOTO]
December 21 - WTLN Christmas Party
December 31 - New Years Celebration at EPCOT featuring live bands and special IllumiNations
January 4, 1991 - Toured IllumiNations backstage operation at EPCOT Center
January 5, 1991 - Checked out at Vista Way Apartments
Later becoming a WDWCT, Clint Dantinne also worked during the summers of 1991 and 1992 and all Christmas holidays through 1996.
To view his final Walt Disney World pay stub from January 1997, click HERE.
"It was a pleasure and privilege to be a part of Walt's dream." - Clint Dantinne
Walt Disney World Letter (Susan Ralston, Supervisor)
WDWCP Evaluation
Awarded the Ducktorate (highest honor)