The Great Studio Debate

[HayGan]

OK - first off let me say that I think that every one's situation is different and that what works for one certainly may not work for another. DVC is great because they offer different options to meet practically any one's tastes/needs and the flexibility to chose to select accommodations around those tastes/needs. With that said, I personally don't understand the shock and terror that many people express when others talk about plans or decision to utilize the studios. We are a family of 4 (DH, me and 2 wild and energetic boys, 6 & 8) and we do just fine in a studio. We travel to Disney World to spend time enjoying what the whole Disney World complex has to offer. Sure we like our breaks but we don't need hundreds of square feet to enjoy a little down time. Maybe it comes from the fact that we don't have a huge house (~1,500 sf and by choice not necessity) and are accustomed to actually sharing a great deal of our regular living space that contributes to the fact that studios don't bother us. We don't ever see ourselves as being a family who utilizes the kitchen aspect of the the non-studio units much as we have been pretty efficient in coming up with healthy and quick meals around just the appliances available in the studio (for those meals we don't eat out.) We will continue to most likely stay in studios with 1 BR mixed in here and there. We like to stretch our points and and sacrifice some sf to get more time overall in WDW. We think the studios overall give us more bang for our buck!


So, I am curious to hear others thoughts on The Great Studio Debate? Why do you think studios do or don't work for you?

[tjkraz]

Our kids are about the same age as yours. While a studio would work, I still view it as less than ideal.

The biggest factors that come to mind are:

1. I don't like being locked-into my kids' sleeping times. Even on vacation I'm usually up late checking emails, reading a book or just watching TV. That's usually not practical when you've got little ones in the same room.

Similarly, in the morning I don't necessarily want to bounce out of bed at the time of their choosing.

2. Having the laundry facilities in the room.

3. We probably do a little more meal prep in the room than you do. Rarely do we "cook" anything elaborate, but we keep sandwich and salad fixins in the room, frozen waffles, eggs, etc. Most of that CAN be done in a studio, but it's more difficult (small fridge, fewer utensils, limited dishware, etc.)

We enjoy bringing family and friends to come along, so we often go one step further and book a two bedroom villa.

[DisDaydreamer]

Yeah.... we'll see if you feel the same when those boys are 16 & 18. ;)

[Goofy's apprentice]

Our kids are teenagers and I definitely see the change from the pre-teen years. A studio was fine then.
However, the 1-bed is much preferable...
1. - love the laundry - we pack less, it's easy to do some every day
2. - love the kitchen - we don't do a lot of cooking, but last vacation the teenagers took on the responsbility of breakfast for a few mornings. We had pancakes, french toast, eggs. It was wonderful. We relaxed on the balcony and then shoved everything into the dish washer.
3. - love the separate bedroom - when your kids are older and you don't spend as much time running around with them, you are more relaxed....don't necessarily fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow.....need I say more
4. - love the choice of sleeping and waking times - when we stay at SSR they can be out at DTD and come home after we have already headed to bed

We do still book studios....but that is usually to conserve on points and for those times that it are 'adults only' trips. Another benefit of the time when the kids are older !!!

[xipetotec]

I didn't realise there is a "great debate". The way I see it, the studios are a "nice hotel room" ... basically what you'd get in most regular hotels, but with a kitchenette and that's plenty for 4 of us.

I mean we usually go with my mother and a bunch of family, she tends to get a 2-bedroom cause she wants a central place where people can do laundry and make breakfast and stuff and everyone else ( over thet 8 people ) can stay in studios. but honestly, we hardly go there. We eat in our room and we're happy with it.

[Doug7856]

We use both. The studios definitely give us more time at WDW in a nice hotel room, but meals are more expensive since there is no kitchen. In the 1 BR we love the extra space, not being tied to our 6 year old's sleeping schedule (as Tjkraz said so well), and the luxury of space! Overall, the studios are used for what remains of our "do it all" vacations and the 1 BR is for the "let's just enjoy our time" vacations. If we bring family, we go with the 2 BR's.

It's great that DVC is so flexible to accommodate so many vacation styles!

[ACDSNY]

Our trips are 7 nights or more so I've got to have the washer/dryer in my room. I don't want to pay for the extra towels we would need if using a studio and I'm not wasting time trying to get into the shared laudry facilities. We also do all breakfasts in our room too.

[Luv2trav]

Before we bought into DVC we rented and stayed in 2 bedrooms. Our last 2 trips were studios and to be honest we enjoyed it. Our children are only 7 and 5... I can imagine as they get older we will need more space but for now it's perfect for us. We could use a little more storage and room but honestly it's not worth the extra points for us. Plus we always do the dining plan so we don't need the kitchen. I will admit I miss the laundry facilities but my DH does the laundry and he enjoys the late night laundry breaks to the laundry room... :confused3 One of the things I love about him... ;)

[Deb & Bill]

No more wire hangers!!!!

Oops, see my signature block.

I could put a studio (non-OKW) into my bedroom at home. I have an older home and while we only have three bedrooms, they are very large.

[Simba's Mom]

The main reason that studios don't work for us is that we fight over the TV. I watch the "Disney propoganda" channels all the time, while DH is adicted to sports (when he's not playing golf). A 1 BR has 2 TVs. But that's just us. I say, if you want a studio, "Different strokes for different folks" (showing my age here).

[WaltEeyoreWorld]

We do not even have children and prefer one and two bedrooms. We see it more of a place to relax on vacation rather than a room to sleep in. If we are only going to commando the parks then a studio is probably fine for most short trips. But we prefer to take more time in the room in the mornings, evening, have good breakfasts, etc. You also get a little spoiled by other time shares. We have a few Marriotts where we get 2 bedrooms all of the time even when it is only my wife and I traveling.

[MBELSANTI]

I am a single parent, so there is just the 2 of us, but I would prefer a 1 bedroom over a studio any day. I will however stay in studios because of lack of points. My reasons for wanting the 1 bedroom are the whirlpool tub( love to soak with bath bomb from Basin after day at parks), the washer/dryer and the separate sleeping spaces. Plus DS likes to watch cartoon channels and rent movies, and I just want to watch the Weather Channel. :lmao:

[123Disney]

It really depends on what you need for that particular vacation. When we have both teenage boys we want a 1 or even 2 bedroom. If its just my DH and I we prefer a studio. Another thing to consider is how many points you have. If it was the difference between 1 trip or 2, or even not going, a studio works just fine. :cool1: That's the beauty of DVC. You're not locked into any particular system. You can change vacations as your family needs change. What ever you decide, have a great trip!:thumbsup2

[marynvince]

For us with 4 kids nothing less then a two bedroom will do, even with less kids I'd want a private bedroom:banana: The wife is usually relaxed on vaction and that means:woohoo: I enjoy the full size fridge, I like cooking, even on vacation..not all of the meals but especially breakfast and the occasional lunch or dinner. Did I mention :love2:

[dianeschlicht]

I hated it when we traveled with our kids and had to sleep in the same room as them. Our kids were grown by the time we purchased DVC, and we still will not do studios except for an occational last night of a weekend if we need to conserve points. When it's the 2 of us, we stay in 1 bedrooms and if we have even one guest, we get a 2 bedroom. That way we get more bathrooms too!

[artesian]

Although we prefer the 1BR in order to stretch our point out we do stay in the studio alot with a family of 4. It's cramped yes but you know what it's Disney afterall. Seems like every other or 3rd year we do the 1 BDR. I'm thinking when the kids do get a little older the studio will be tougher.

[Sully]

DW and I stay in studios all the time. We are both retired. We stay for a month at a time in Feb. SSR is better than OKW with one bed and a sofa. We do a lot of cooking in the studio. We bring along an electric frying pan and our own dishes for the month stay. Computers and a printer are brought along for DW part time job. It may seem like indoor camping, but we are at WDW, HHI, and VB. It is much better than a WI. winter. We do end up spending about 60 days a year in a DVC studio. We only bring all the cooking stuff when we drive down in Jan.-Feb.

[edk35]

Yeah.... we'll see if you feel the same when those boys are 16 & 18. ;)

:thumbsup2 I have to agree.

[edk35]

The main reason that studios don't work for us is that we fight over the TV. I watch the "Disney propoganda" channels all the time, while DH is adicted to sports (when he's not playing golf). A 1 BR has 2 TVs. But that's just us. I say, if you want a studio, "Different strokes for different folks" (showing my age here).

THAT TOO...........more TV's in a 1 or 2 bedroom. :thumbsup2

[edk35]

;) Well we are a family of 5 so no studio in our future any time soon. When our dd goes off to college next fall there will eventually come a time that she will not go (:scared: ) but we would still get a 2 br because we have two boys one that is a freshman in high school and the other 4th grade. They want their space too. So if it were me and dh ONE DAY :cloud9: sure I can see us staying in a studio or 1br. but as long as our kiddles are with us...2 br all the way baby.... even if it means 1 trip a year or not going one year. :scared1: We have gone a lot to Disney over the years....we have done those commando trips over and over. I am tired of staying up late and getting up early a week or more straight. I want a different type of Disney vacation and I feel DVC is perfect for that.

[Mom B]

Studios work great for just the 2 of us, now that the kids are grown. If we'd had DVC when our kids were the ages of yours, it would have been fine too. But since I reallly like having the couch to watch TV and our kids never minded sleeping on the floor, the hideabed might go totally unused even then. We've never been that fussy about sleeping accomodations, since usually when we traveled we were in tents sleeping on the ground. So ANYTHING at Disney would be a big step up from that! Of course when we expanded to 4 kids and had 2 teenagers and 2 grade schoolers, we needed more space...but we managed well with a Jr. Suite at Wilderness Lodge (2 queens and a pullout)...and 3 of the 4 kids slept on the floor anyway! We probably would have been LOST in a 2 bedroom. BUT we don't mind "splurging" on a 1 or 2 BR these days once in a while either!:goodvibes

[janni518]

OK - first off let me say that I think that every one's situation is different and that what works for one certainly may not work for another. DVC is great because they offer different options to meet practically any one's tastes/needs and the flexibility to chose to select accommodations around those tastes/needs. With that said, I personally don't understand the shock and terror that many people express when others talk about plans or decision to utilize the studios. We are a family of 4 (DH, me and 2 wild and energetic boys, 6 & 8) and we do just fine in a studio. We travel to Disney World to spend time enjoying what the whole Disney World complex has to offer. Sure we like our breaks but we don't need hundreds of square feet to enjoy a little down time. Maybe it comes from the fact that we don't have a huge house (~1,500 sf and by choice not necessity) and are accustomed to actually sharing a great deal of our regular living space that contributes to the fact that studios don't bother us. We don't ever see ourselves as being a family who utilizes the kitchen aspect of the the non-studio units much as we have been pretty efficient in coming up with healthy and quick meals around just the appliances available in the studio (for those meals we don't eat out.) We will continue to most likely stay in studios with 1 BR mixed in here and there. We like to stretch our points and and sacrifice some sf to get more time overall in WDW. We think the studios overall give us more bang for our buck!


So, I am curious to hear others thoughts on The Great Studio Debate? Why do you think studios do or don't work for you?



I was surprised when I first joined to read negative posts about the rooms. This April will be our first DVC trip and yeah, it'd be great to have extra room but it's not all that important at this time.

Our younger kids are the ones who come with us. My kids are teens! Our previous experience has been in a regular resort room so why wouldn't we be okay with a studio? Our kids don't mind sharing a bed if it means they get to go to Disney every year. (Luckily, my kids actually like each other and get along fine, maybe because the girl is older, lol)

We aren't looking to spend a lot of time in our room, but if we had to I think we'd be okay. We manage to go camping and on other trips without an problems.

Of course as we are able we'd like to add on but right now we are just happy to be DVC members.:dance3:


So, that's my situation, your results may vary.:thumbsup2

[alldiz]

The main reason that studios don't work for us is that we fight over the TV. I watch the "Disney propoganda" channels all the time, while DH is adicted to sports (when he's not playing golf). A 1 BR has 2 TVs. But that's just us. I say, if you want a studio, "Different strokes for different folks" (showing my age here).

:lmao: :lmao: :rotfl2:
All I watch is stacey and DVC channel:rotfl: :confused3

I think a studio is great....hey it's why I bought DVC...I personally just felt sooo spoiled in the 1BR that I use my points for that....and pay DVC discount in a studio for the weekend. DVC certainly did not save me any money because I would NEVER pay 1BR rates. But now it feels so good to be able to travel in that manner:goodvibes
Kerri

[Lexxiefern]

We mostly do one bedrooms, but we still do the occasional studio trip (and DH hates it!!). I like 1 bedrooms because of the washer/dryer, the 2 tv's - DH is always watching sports at night and I want to watch my shows. The tub is nice, but the DH and kids use it more than I do. I love having a full kitchen even if we don't use it too much. I usually bake cookies and we always keep lots of stuff in the fridge. I guess mostly it is a way of splurging to really make us feel like we are on vacation.

That said, I still enjoy my studio trips too. I have one booked for October. It was done mainly to conserve points, so I could get an extra weekend trip in. But the studios are nicer than regular hotel rooms, IMO, because you have the kitchenette area.

[daisyduck123]

Studios are fine for my family of 4 (DH, me, DD14, & DS10)...I don't know, maybe we're in the minority...but we don't mind being with our kids 24/7. That's what we're on vacation for!! To get away from home & just enjoy being together. Besides, we're NEVER in our room except for sleeping.

Sure our studio gets messy, but our rooms at home get messy too. We're just used to it!!:rotfl:

(and by staying in a studio, we get to go to WDW twice as often!:thumbsup2 )

[acejka]

I started in a studio, but with 2 weeks to go, I changed to a 1 bedroom. I like my sitting area to be seperate from my sleeping area, I wanted the washer/dryer in unit so I don't have to deal with going to the laundry rooms, I wanted the whirlpool tub and most of all I wanted the full kitchen.

I know a lot of people want to forget about cooking while on vacation, but I prefer it. We like coming back to the room in the evenings and making our own fresh healthy meals. We were going to do the dining plan and eat our selves crazy but I thought it would be better to stick to our normal routine.

We aren't opposed to staying in a studio by any means and we wanted to stretch our points, but we feel the one bedroom is a better fit for us.

[Monorail Purple&Gold]

Fresh off experience in both accomodations less than a week ago, here's my spin:

In the 1BR, my 1 yo went to sleep about 8, so we put him down in the master BR. Then 4 yo would go to sleep around 9, put her down in the master as well. Then DW and I would watch TV until about 10 or 11. In the studio, we all basically went to sleep at the same time (waking up as well at the same time). In the mornings, I'm the earliest riser, so in the 1BR I could get my morning going without disturbing the rest of the family. In the studio, I'd either have to leave the room or take my son out to let DW and DD rest. That was fine...but sooooo unneccesary in the 1BR.

In-room laundry is SOOOOO convenient!!! So easy on the packing and less time out of the trip with the machines in the room.

We do not use the full kitchen besides the fridge and microwave...but we actually can sit as a family at a table and have a meal without the crowdedness of a food court/fast food eatery just like at home. We did enjoy this.

In summary, we really like feeling like we are "at home" with WDW outside our door. The space and convenience the 1BR lends itself to over the studio works for us.

Whoever out there likes studios, enjoy them. Those of us that like 1BR's will enjoy them. Those 2BR folks (scared to convert just yet) and GV folks enjoy your homes as well.

All is in the eye of the beholder.

[Brian Noble]

With that said, I personally don't understand the shock and terror that many people express when others talk about plans or decision to utilize the studios.
My kids are just a year or two older. And, I love them, I really do. But, I would genuinely resent having to pretend to be asleep at 8:30 until they managed to nod off. If it came down to it, I'd rather (gasp!) stay offsite than spend a week in a studio with the four of us.

Then again, we normally booked multi-room suites with kitchens before we got into timeshare---you know, a Residence Inn or Homewood Suites, that sort of thing. Our first "family trip" was in such a place, when my oldest was a toddler and my wife pregnant with the other, and we've done it that way ever since. We've never been folks to stay in a single hotel room.

If it were just the two of us, without the kids, we could stay in studios, but I like the extra space and amenities.

[Granny]

With that said, I personally don't understand the shock and terror that many people express when others talk about plans or decision to utilize the studios.

We must not read the same threads. I've never seen anyone slammed for choosing to stay in a studio. I've seen people waxing eloquent about the benefits of a 1BR or larger, but I can't say I've seen anything resembling "shock & terror" when someone indicates they are staying in a studio.

For the record, we normally stay in a 2BR villa for the four of us. But I can't imagine anyone really expressing concern if someone else chooses to stay in a studio. That's just weird. :confused3

[robinb]

We are a family of 3 and a studio works just fine for us. OF COURSE we would rather have a 1BR but at twice the number of points we rarely spurge on it.

[HayGan]

We must not read the same threads. I've never seen anyone slammed for choosing to stay in a studio. I've seen people waxing eloquent about the benefits of a 1BR or larger, but I can't say I've seen anything resembling "shock & terror" when someone indicates they are staying in a studio.
For the record, we normally stay in a 2BR villa for the four of us. But I can't imagine anyone really expressing concern if someone else chooses to stay in a studio. That's just weird. :confused3

I never said anyone was slammed for using a studio. But we both have been around long enough to admit that there are plenty of people around here who are less than thrilled with studios irregardless of their party size and often point out the downfalls (in their opinion) of the studios.

Here is just one recent example of a thread with people's shock that on staying in a studio http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1941379 (note: I'm not talking about the discussion of the OPs difficulty rather the comments throughout referencing the studio and its occupancy.) Personally, I think that the :scared1: indicates shock.

[TDC Nala]

I don't have a debate. I don't need a one-bedroom and I never reserve one. The studio is more than enough.

I am cutting way down on WDW trips as of 2009 and if I get to the point where I need to use a lot of points or they will expire, I might go for a one-bedroom.

[PinkTink63]

OK - first off let me say that I think that every one's situation is different and that what works for one certainly may not work for another. DVC is great because they offer different options to meet practically any one's tastes/needs and the flexibility to chose to select accommodations around those tastes/needs. With that said, I personally don't understand the shock and terror that many people express when others talk about plans or decision to utilize the studios. We are a family of 4 (DH, me and 2 wild and energetic boys, 6 & 8) and we do just fine in a studio. We travel to Disney World to spend time enjoying what the whole Disney World complex has to offer. Sure we like our breaks but we don't need hundreds of square feet to enjoy a little down time. Maybe it comes from the fact that we don't have a huge house (~1,500 sf and by choice not necessity) and are accustomed to actually sharing a great deal of our regular living space that contributes to the fact that studios don't bother us. We don't ever see ourselves as being a family who utilizes the kitchen aspect of the the non-studio units much as we have been pretty efficient in coming up with healthy and quick meals around just the appliances available in the studio (for those meals we don't eat out.) We will continue to most likely stay in studios with 1 BR mixed in here and there. We like to stretch our points and and sacrifice some sf to get more time overall in WDW. We think the studios overall give us more bang for our buck!


So, I am curious to hear others thoughts on The Great Studio Debate? Why do you think studios do or don't work for you?

Wow! you have 1500 sq. ft.! We only have 1425!:laughing:

We're with you! The studios work fine for us. There is only 3 of us and we are all night owls! We have always been the ones closing the parks down, even when my son was 4 yrs. old! He never has been much of a napper! We all lay in bed and watch T.V. :happytv: It never has been a problem.

It comes down to...would we rather spend 14-19 days at a DVC or about 8. It was considered for about 30 sec., but everyone decided on more days as opposed to more space!:goodvibes

[Granny]

I never said anyone was slammed for using a studio. But we both have been around long enough to admit that there are plenty of people around here who are less than thrilled with studios irregardless of their party size and often point out the downfalls (in their opinion) of the studios.

Here is just one recent example of a thread with people's shock that on staying in a studio http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1941379 (note: I'm not talking about the discussion of the OPs difficulty rather the comments throughout referencing the studio and its occupancy.) Personally, I think that the :scared1: indicates shock.

Fair enough. I guess the words shock & terror just aren't what come to mind when I hear people giving opinions about studios..even negative ones. I guess it's the point of view. I've seen many comments from people saying that a 1BR is a "waste" of points compared to staying longer or more often in a studio.

To answer your original question, I have no idea why anyone would care if someone else books any type of villa. I mean really, what is there to get upset about? :confused3

[Pootle]

Here is just one recent example of a thread with people's shock that on staying in a studio http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1941379 (note: I'm not talking about the discussion of the OPs difficulty rather the comments throughout referencing the studio and its occupancy.) Personally, I think that the :scared1: indicates shock.

When you first mentioned this, my mind also went to the thread you highlighted and I agree with you totally.

Fair enough. I guess the words shock & terror just aren't what come to mind when I hear people giving opinions about studios..even negative ones. .........

To answer your original question, I have no idea why anyone would care if someone else books any type of villa. I mean really, what is there to get upset about? :confused3

As in 'real' life, it's often not what it said, but how it is said. Sometimes posters manage to convey the feeling that a studio is not good enough for their family ........ :snooty: and therefore your standards must be lower (as opposed to just different). Other posters manage to make the same points without it seeming like a put-down.

A (very) small point maybe, but I just wanted HayGan to know that someone else had a similar view.

[DisneydaveCT]

Our use of studio vs. something large depends upon who is traveling.

If the kids are with us, then we get a 1 or 2 BR over at OKW. But if it is just Lori and me, then we us we usually get a studio over at SSR. We like having the couch in the studio instead of the second bed. I know I saw a few posters make reference to having a second TV, but when we are at WDW we watch very little television.

[BWV Dreamin]

DW and I stay in studios all the time. We are both retired. We stay for a month at a time in Feb. SSR is better than OKW with one bed and a sofa. We do a lot of cooking in the studio. We bring along an electric frying pan and our own dishes for the month stay. Computers and a printer are brought along for DW part time job. It may seem like indoor camping, but we are at WDW, HHI, and VB. It is much better than a WI. winter. We do end up spending about 60 days a year in a DVC studio. We only bring all the cooking stuff when we drive down in Jan.-Feb.

We are the same way when we stay in studios!! I just bought an electric burner so I can cook in the studios! I have a small wire rack for dishes to dry. Special microwave plates, a small pan. Ha!:rotfl: My crock pot too! You would be surprised what kind of meals I can make in a studio!

[DVC Mike]

My DW and I prefer a 1-BR over a Studio. No big debate. Just a personal preference.

[WDWLVR]

DH and I have no kids and prefer a one bedroom to a studio. A number of reasons:

1) I love the separate bedroom and the king size bed. I tend to be a morning person while DH will stay up later and sleep longer. The separate bedroom gives us this option without disturbing the other and a king bed is what we have at home.

2) The washer/dryer in unit. I love going home with clean clothes.

3) The jetted tub. After a long day in the park I love a good soak.

We do stay at studios for very short trips (like the 2 days before our upcoming cruise) but to me it is worth the extra points for the one bedroom.

I agree that I think that is one of the best things about DVC - the ability for everyone to choose how they use their points.

[hakepb]

And it is a good thing that some prefer studios. If no one wanted to stay in a studio, they'd have to rent all 2BR lockoffs as 2BS's only, and could never rent out a 1BR only.

[crisi]

I thougt about the same thread - and while we are one bedroom folks for the four of us - I agree with you. People come off as spoiled when they can't imagine four people in a studio for a week - or even two. What always makes me chuckle is people who can't handle four people using a single bathroom for a week - I grew up in a house with five people and one bathroom - ten people when my cousins stayed for a week every summer and another bathroom didn't suddenly appear - six teenaged girls.....

I know I'm spoiled - I also know its possible to stick eight college students in a Motel Six for a week on Spring Break - filling the floors, closets and bathtubs. And while I done sleeping on the floor, I'm well aware it can be done.

[paulh]

were a famaly of 4, 2 adults and 2 childern 17 + 13 for us we only sleep in room,so a studio is adiquate for us.we never eat in room excet for coffe and a mufin in room or toast for breakfast.so again the facilitys are good enougth for us
Paulh

[robinb]

As in 'real' life, it's often not what it said, but how it is said. Sometimes posters manage to convey the feeling that a studio is not good enough for their family ........ :snooty: and therefore your standards must be lower (as opposed to just different). Other posters manage to make the same points without it seeming like a put-down.

A (very) small point maybe, but I just wanted HayGan to know that someone else had a similar view.
I also get that same vibe sometimes. The "Oh dear me! We could never stay in a studio :scared:! It's too much like a hotel room :scared1:!" sentiment. As if a studio (or a hotel room for that matter) is actually a gate to hell. Or the "Why in the world did you buy into DVC if you wanted to stay in a unit the size of a hotel room :confused3?" attitude.

It's a prevalent notion here on the DIS that bigger/more expensive is always better, whether we're talking about studios v/s 1BR or offsite v/s onsite or value v/s moderate v/s deluxe resorts. I call it "resort creep" over on the Resorts Board. Someone starts out asking if they should stay onsite or offsite because they got a great rate at a local hotel and then they are convinced that everyone stays onsite so they book into a value resort. Then, they stick around for a while and they are convinced that they need a pool slide, so they re-book at a moderate resort. Then, after a while longer they are convinced that a double bed just doesn't cut it and they re-book at a deluxe resort for their "trip of a lifetime". That trip of a lifetime probably would have been just as nice *horrors* offsite or *gasp* at POP.

As a veteren studio stayer it doesn't bother what choices other people make, but it is nice to know that I am not alone in my usual choice of accommodation.

[DVC Jen]

we are also a family of four who primarily stays in a studio. Our DDs are 15 and (yikes) nearly 20. The one and only issue we have ever encountered is that the pull-outs are not always comfortable for them - hopefully that situation will be taken care of soon.

For us - our daily lives keep us so busy and on the go so when we are in a studio it is nice to actually really reconnect with each other. The smaller space doesn't bother us at all.... unless our youngest starts grinding her teeth! :scared:

[HayGan]

When you first mentioned this, my mind also went to the thread you highlighted and I agree with you totally.

As in 'real' life, it's often not what it said, but how it is said. Sometimes posters manage to convey the feeling that a studio is not good enough for their family ........ :snooty: and therefore your standards must be lower (as opposed to just different). Other posters manage to make the same points without it seeming like a put-down.

A (very) small point maybe, but I just wanted HayGan to know that someone else had a similar view.

I thougt about the same thread - and while we are one bedroom folks for the four of us - I agree with you. People come off as spoiled when they can't imagine four people in a studio for a week - or even two. What always makes me chuckle is people who can't handle four people using a single bathroom for a week - I grew up in a house with five people and one bathroom - ten people when my cousins stayed for a week every summer and another bathroom didn't suddenly appear - six teenaged girls.....

I know I'm spoiled - I also know its possible to stick eight college students in a Motel Six for a week on Spring Break - filling the floors, closets and bathtubs. And while I done sleeping on the floor, I'm well aware it can be done.

I also get that same vibe sometimes. The "Oh dear me! We could never stay in a studio :scared:! It's too much like a hotel room :scared1:!" sentiment. As if a studio (or a hotel room for that matter) is actually a gate to hell. Or the "Why in the world did you buy into DVC if you wanted to stay in a unit the size of a hotel room :confused3?" attitude.

It's a prevalent notion here on the DIS that bigger/more expensive is always better, whether we're talking about studios v/s 1BR or offsite v/s onsite or value v/s moderate v/s deluxe resorts. I call it "resort creep" over on the Resorts Board. Someone starts out asking if they should stay onsite or offsite because they got a great rate at a local hotel and then they are convinced that everyone stays onsite so they book into a value resort. Then, they stick around for a while and they are convinced that they need a pool slide, so they re-book at a moderate resort. Then, after a while longer they are convinced that a double bed just doesn't cut it and they re-book at a deluxe resort for their "trip of a lifetime". That trip of a lifetime probably would have been just as nice *horrors* offsite or *gasp* at POP.

As a veteren studio stayer it doesn't bother what choices other people make, but it is nice to know that I am not alone in my usual choice of accommodation.

So it isn't just me ;) I figure to each their own. I guess I kind of look at DVC as a microcosm of American society to day. Bigger always seems to be better for so many people. We are perfectly fine in our little house. In fact we kind of like the smaller feel of our house. We know where everyone is and we spend a majority of time together. DH and I both agree that we don't want a bigger house. Along with a bigger mortgage, a bigger house would take away that closeness that we all seem to enjoy so much! We could easily afford a bigger house but we like the freedom that the lower payment affords us as well. I guess we look at DVC the same way. Using our points for studios most of the time will allow us to get more time together at WDW throughout the year. And we are all fine with that :)

I'm just glad that DVC does have the different options so that each family can have their own ideal vacations :thumbsup2

[Granny]

So it isn't just me ;) I figure to each their own. I guess I kind of look at DVC as a microcosm of American society to day. Bigger always seems to be better for so many people.

So now we're going to judge people who enjoy 1BR/2BR/GV's as being symptomatic of the decline of American values? Isn't that basically just the reverse of looking down one's nose at "studio dwellers"?

I agree that there are those who passionately subscribe to larger DVC accommodations. And some of their comments can be snarky. Shame on them. But there are plenty of such comments that we see every day on these boards that manage not to offend me....

1. "I can't believe people "waste points" on the high weekends. We stay offsite, get a cash reservation, etc"

2. "We don't do commando touring in the parks anymore. We hang out at the villa and relax. That's a key benefit to DVC."

3. "We would never stay at BWV because they don't have dedicated 2BR's. "

4. "The SAB pool is so much better than the other pools. We couldn't imagine staying anywhere else"

5. "VWL has the best theming of DVC resorts. That's an important part of the vacation and I can't believe everyone doesn't want to stay there"

6. "Boardwalk View/Illuminations View/DTD View/Trumbo Canal/Savanna View is the best view of all the DVC's. There is nothing better"

7. "We only stay at BWV/BCV because of the great location. That's the most important thing about DVC resort choices"

8. "If they build a DVC on the monorail we'll buy there. That would be the ultimate in DVC resorts".

9. "Low points and huge villas...why would anyone stay anywhere but OKW?"


At some time or another, I've seen many, many of these types of posts over the years here. Some are opinions, and yes some tend to denegrate those who think differently. I guess when people post something that I disagree with that is subjective rather than objective, I tend to listen to it and see if it has an impact on my opinion. If not, I dismiss it.

Now if someone says something personal to another poster, that's a whole different story. But with all the threads here, that is really a pretty rare thing.



Believe it or not, I've given this thread and my responses some thought the past couple of days. I think I could have worded things better, but in the end I was just trying to say exactly what you ended your post saying...


I'm just glad that DVC does have the different options so that each family can have their own ideal vacations :thumbsup2

[Deb & Bill]

Granny, you forgot the "OKW?? Only old people stay there." threads and posts.

[Granny]

Granny, you forgot the "OKW?? Only old people stay there." threads and posts.

Ah, the old resort war threads. Where is Richyams when we need him? :lmao:

I wasn't trying to divert the thread from it's original intent. Just trying to point out that there are a lot of people who are passionate about their choices in life (politics anyone? :rolleyes: ) and will vehemently argue their position. That naturally will rub those with other positions the wrong way.

The hope is that people can express opinions without seeming to put other people down. That was how I read the original comments. HayGan clarified the original comments and I think we actually agree. ::yes::

[katmittens]

We usually get a 2 bedroom, and at times a one bedroom. There are usually four of us. Myself, DH, DS 24 and DD 21. When we first bought DVC we stayed at our home resort of OKW for a few nites in a studio and hated it, and then the rest of the trip stayed at VWL in a 2 bedroom and loved it. Next trip was a 2 bedroom at OKW and loved loved loved it there, so I guess size does matter:rotfl2: Studios would be fine for DH and myself for a short trip, otherwise we love the large balcony for sitting and eating on, and just for the space. Plenty of tv's and separate bedrooms and the laundry room:laundy: is a plus. For some reason doing laundry in Disney is not like really doing laundry, I wonder why. But everyone has their likes and dislikes on rooms and resorts that is what makes DVC so great.

[crisi]

To me, there is a difference between "I wouldn't stay at SSR, its in the middle of nowhere!" and "no wonder you had such a lousy time, you stayed at SSR, its in the middle of nowhere."

"I'd love it if DVC built a resort on a monorail" vs. "I can't understand why anyone would buy DVC since there isn't a resort on the monorail."

"I own at BWV to get the best chance of the Boardwalk View - I think its the best view at Disney!" vs. "well, you don't want to bother staying at the Boardwalk if you can't get a Boardwalk View room."

There is also a big difference between giving advice pre-trip (or setting expectations - preferred view at the Boardwalk does not get you a Boardwalk View - Le Cellier is a pretty good steak, but it isn't Mortons, if I had kids your age, I'd consider staying at SSR because they have a zero entry pool and a kiddie slide, but you'll be able to watch the nine year old easier than you would at SAB) - and playing "well, duh!" after the trip ("everyone knows that bus service at _____________ is lousy, we always rent a car.")

(Not that I'm innocent of never making "well, duh!" posts. Or snobbery posts, but I'm pretty willing to admit where its simple snobbery on my part.)

[tomandrobin]

Not that I'm innocent of never making "well, duh!" posts. Or snobbery posts, but I'm pretty willing to admit where its simple snobbery on my part.

Snobbery or preference? There is nothing wrong with being pasionate about something you love. No appoligies are ever needed.

[Hunclemarco]

We are the same way when we stay in studios!! I just bought an electric burner so I can cook in the studios!

Sorry it's off topic, but i was wondering if we can do this. No ill intent to the person above.... I've stayed at many hotels that don't allow hot plates or burners because of insurance reasons/fire codes. Is DVC different? It'd be great if we can do this.:)

[crisi]

Snobbery or preference? There is nothing wrong with being pasionate about something you love. No appoligies are ever needed.

That isn't an apology - its a simple fact - I don't find snob to be a necessarily negative thing (to say I have 'discriminating taste' would be more positive, but its too much to type - and I'm not a good enough speller to spell discriminating correctly all the time). But its a fact worth mentioning when I say "well, I really like Deluxe hotels" or "Le Cellier is over hyped" or "B&C doesn't have very good ice cream" or some of the other opinions I hold.

[BWV Dreamin]

Sorry it's off topic, but i was wondering if we can do this. No ill intent to the person above.... I've stayed at many hotels that don't allow hot plates or burners because of insurance reasons/fire codes. Is DVC different? It'd be great if we can do this.:)

Yep, you can. They allow crockpots, toasters, etc. We're not talkin gas grill here, a single burner you plug in.

[BWV Dreamin]

I have read lot of opinions on the studio vs. 1 bdrm. I have put a great deal of thought into this, because it will affect how I add on in the future. We have purchased DVC later in life. While our adult children occasionally come along, it is mostly the hubby and myself. So far, I have purchased two contracts with different thoughts in mind. A larger BWV contract that I can ressie a 1 bdrm. every year, or 2 bdrm. everyother year (174 pt. contract). This purchase is with the family in mind, eventual grandchildren, friends, etc. I have purchase a VB contract (50 pt.) with the intention that it will most always just be the two of us. The OC INN is exactly 50-60 pts. for 5 days. This is perfect. If we want larger accomodations, I can bank and borrow. Now why am I saying all of this? I scrutinize how I will use these points for MF reasons. I don't want to pay extra for points I "might" use. Snobbery? No. The best of the best accomodations all the time? No. The best use of accomodations depending on the vacation? Absolutely. I have to laugh at these posts at times because some will say how they have to have the best accomodations, then will only eat at CS, or share this or that. Then others are more practical, and will spend on food or tours, etc. Well I've rambled enough!:3dglasses

[eyeheartgoofy]

We are staying in a studo this year and, if it goes well, I see studio stays for the next few visits. We are at the age (4 and 6) when the kids will actually fall asleep and stay asleep when we are all in the same room. When we had toddlers, I HATED having a single room b/c it seemed like the kids would not fall asleep if we were in the room with them.

I prefer the space of a one bedroom as well as the washer & dryer ... but we just don't have the points. If money were not an issue, we would buy about more points and always stay in one bedrooms. But, that just isn't an option for our family at this time.

[jodifla]

To us, the great thing about DVC was the choice of accommodations based on your wants/needs.

We've done them all, from studios to GVs. It just depends on what type of trip we plan.

Nowadays, we almost always travel with friends for at least part of the week, so we get a 2 bedroom unit. Before and after cruises, on weekends, etc. we often stay in studios.

And when we bring the whole family, we get a GV.

We really enjoy the resorts, so we spend a lot of time in the rooms normally. So having more space works more often for us than being jammed into a studo.

[Deb & Bill]

Yep, you can. They allow crockpots, toasters, etc. We're not talkin gas grill here, a single burner you plug in.

But no barbeque grills or hibachi permitted on the porches or balconies. You can use the DVC grills that are usually located near the pools.

[wii fit mama]

We started out in studios, but my daughter and I fell asleep too early and my husband didn't know what to do. Then we stayed at a one bedroom and next we started to invite friends and family so we got a two bedroom and had to go back to the studio to conserve points for us. Overall, we love the flexibility of the DVC experience.

[tomandrobin]

That isn't an apology - its a simple fact - I don't find snob to be a necessarily negative thing (to say I have 'discriminating taste' would be more positive, but its too much to type - and I'm not a good enough speller to spell discriminating correctly all the time). But its a fact worth mentioning when I say "well, I really like Deluxe hotels" or "Le Cellier is over hyped" or "B&C doesn't have very good ice cream" or some of the other opinions I hold.

My comment was meant in a complimentary fashion. I would not call you a "snob" in the negative sense, I was trying to agree with the passion you feel toward having a boardwalk view room.