Studios??

[S. C.]

I've always wondered why purchase DVC if you are only going to stay in studios?
I'm really not trying to start anything I've always been curious. I've only seen pics of studios but to me they look the same as a moderate other than the microwave. What would the benefit be to buying in and paying dues over getting a moderate? Is it a starting point with plans of adding on later?


A few years ago we stayed in a 1 bedroom at SSR using a special rate for AP holders. We loved everything about the one bedroom, especialy having the inroom washer/dryer. We drive to disney when we go and stay in florida about 2 weeks so I always have to do laundry at least twice while there. I loved not having to go to a laundry room and waiting for washers and dryers to free up. Loved thowing a load of wash in on way out of door and drying when coming back to room.

[Disney Princess]

For us, the studios are a great way to save points and go more often. If we used 1-bedrooms, we'd have to go less. We are only two (husband and myself) so the studio is perfect size wise. We enjoy the deluxe amenities at the DVC properties - that is why it is different than a moderate to us. We like the location and all that offered at a deluxe property in general. We don't do laundry as we don't stay that long, so it is okay that our studio doesn't have it. We enjoy that we have a couch in the room so we have a place to sit during the day instead of on another bed. We don't cook much on vacation, so the kitchenette is perfect for quick breakfasts, snacks, and keeping beverages cool in the mini fridge. When we have kids, we'll reevaluate our points usage and add on if necessary. But this works great for us for the time being. :goodvibes

[kimberh]

DVC Studios have queen beds with comfortable matresses. Moderates have double beds that hurt my back. We stayed in a moderate 2 years ago during free dining, we actually left early. My husband said "enough"... for those that love Moderates, that's them, it's not us. There are the amenities of the Deluxe properties also. Huge difference. Better Pools, Restaurants, Counter Service, transportation options. WL has the boat and bus, same at Epcot resorts.
When I bring my married children, we book a 2 bedroom, so there is the flexibility of using whatever option we what. We are not locked into a studio. If I am running short of points, I have the option of borrowing or excepting a transfer. It is much cheaper than booking through Central Resveration.
When staying in the 2 bedroom we have a king bed. Huge bathroom. Whole different room, which I am sure you know.

[Dean]

IMO, the studios and 2 BR units are by far the best value of DVC, esp the studio. Essentially you get a deluxe room with minikitchen for around the price of a moderate regular room, give or take depending on specifics. That's esp true if you don't intend to do much or any real cooking.

[bobbiwoz]

The balcony, queen bed, and little kitchenette make all of the difference to us. It's not the same as moderates, we enjoy our studio stay, and the DVC resorts.

Bobbi:goodvibes

[suzycute]

Studios also have private balconies where we can sit and have a glass of wine after a day in the parks which the moderates and values don't have! :thumbsup2

[TDC Nala]

I'm single. I don't need a one-bedroom, and I don't need a kitchen or a washer and dryer (and if I want those, I can use free ones.) Studios also cost less points, which means more visits.

As a frequent WDW visitor I have no doubt saved a lot over booking resort rooms (especially moderate rooms) already.

[Anal Annie]

First of all, the DVC studios are larger and better accomodations (queen bed not double) and you have the kitchenette with the microwave, frig, sink & toaster. Second, it's still "prepaid" accomodations which is part of the point of buying into any timeshare. Not wanting to stay in moderates was one of our chief reasons for buying DVC.

I could just as easily turn this around to say WHY should I use my valuable points to pay for a full bedroom unit if I am not going to cook, clean or do laundry on my vacation.:confused3 I have ZERO interest in cooking and ZERO interest in doing laundry (other than rinsing out our bathing suits). For our purposes, we want to be able to have a pot of coffee & toast a bagel in the morning and store some wine & a case of beer in the frig. I am a chronic overpacker and even if I had a washer & dryer that sorted & folded my clothes I still wouldn't use it on my vacation!!!

I gots me some rides to ride and pools to swim in, beer & wine to drink and restaurants to cook for me!!! What else do I need besides a bed to sleep in?:goodvibes

[Anal Annie]

IMO, the studios and 2 BR units are by far the best value of DVC, esp the studio. Essentially you get a deluxe room with minikitchen for around the price of a moderate regular room, give or take depending on specifics. That's esp true if you don't intend to do much or any real cooking.

:thumbsup2 I have always thought the same thing about the point values. Why stop at a one bedroom when a 2 bedroom is just a tad more. The biggest jump in points is from a studio to the one bedroom. Cash wise, studios are an awesome bargain compared to what they charge for the moderates!

[kristenrice]

We chose DVC with the full intention of staying in 1BR's or maybe 2BR's. We are a family of 4 with 2 young daughters. DH and I stayed in an OKW 2BR with my parents in 2001. Then, we took our DD's and stayed in a 1BR at OKW last year. I loved the laundry room, but the kitchen really didn't get used that much.

When I took the kids in October (with a friend of mine instead of DH), we stayed in a savanna studio at AKV. I must say, it really made me rethink studio stays. I was able to cook the same food that I cooked in the 1BR, since we only used the toaster and microwave anyways. I was able to walk down to the laundry room and I did about 4 loads of laundry over 6 nights without any difficulty. The bedding is almost the same except it was a queen bed instead of a king and there was no jacuzzi tub. I found the studio to be quite adequate and it now makes me feel like I am "wasting" points on a 1BR. We only own 100 points so I really have to stretch them.

So, I've decided to compromise. We're going to try splitting our stays between studios and 1BR's. When we fly, we usually don't get in until after 4pm so we'll do a studio for the first 1-2 nights. Then, we'll switch to a 1BR and do our laundry:laughing: . When we drive, we get in around 1 so we will probably stick to 1BR's for those trips.

I really liked the studios. Since DH isn't as big a fan of WDW as I am, I plan on doing studio stays when DH decides to stay home.

[DebbieB]

I originally bought DVC for my mom and I and wanted a 1 bedroom. She liked to go to bed early, so she could go in the bedroom and I could watch TV and play on the internet in the living room. We liked having the full kitchen, washer/dryer, huge bathroom. I would have never bought it for a studio, I would have just stuck with regular WDW rooms. She passed away in 2005 and I've been getting studios for solo trips and either a studio or 1 bedroom if I go with friends. I've also been using points for Disneyland.

[starbox]

I've always wondered why purchase DVC if you are only going to stay in studios?


Oh, that's such an easy question. My 275 points got me 24 nights in studios last year. I would never have paid 300$ a night for that many nights (or even the moderate 200$ a night).

We stayed in a 2 bedroom once and felt like it was HUGE waste of points. At the end of the week, I reflected hat I had never once sat at the kitchen table, used any kitchen appliance other than the coffee maker, or turned on the TV in the bedroom. :confused3

Vacation is my chance to escape "real life" with all the cooking, laundry, and cleaning. A messy 1 or 2-bedroom would drive me nuts. I'm one of those people that has to make the beds, wipe counters every day and a studio is so very easy to keep tidy.

[Lynne M]

Oh, my goodness, no. Nothing like a 'moderate-with-a-microwave' at all. I've got a queen bed, I've got a balcony, it doesn't have those concrete motel-style walkways right outside my window, so I can actually open my curtains.

I mostly stay in studios because I often travel alone, though I've had 1 and 2 bedroom villas on occasion when I've travelled with friends.

I bought DVC because I wanted a better resort experience than the moderates offered. Motels are fine for some, but I can afford better and I wanted better. I stay at deluxe resorts and get to take advantage of all their amenities. My last stay was at BCV. I had access to SAB. Room service. A lovely balcony with a view of the pool. My villa was a 5-minute walk from Epcot. Ain't no moderate gonna give me that. ;)

And here's the kicker.....my cost per night is much less than a moderate would be. I've long since broken even on my original investment, so for about $700 in dues a year, I get TEN NIGHTS at a deluxe resort. Even if you include the original purchase cost and spread it out over the life of the membership, it's still well under $100 a night.

And for that price, I'm gonna be staying in a savannah-view studio at AKV in 3 weeks. Which, the last I checked, costs a bit more than $70-100 a night. :)

[S. C.]

Thank You everyone. :)


I'm single. I don't need a one-bedroom, and I don't need a kitchen or a washer and dryer (and if I want those, I can use free ones.) Studios also cost less points, which means more visits.

As a frequent WDW visitor I have no doubt saved a lot over booking resort rooms (especially moderate rooms) already.

Do they have free laundry areas for the studios if you need them? That is a serious question please don't take it wrong. I think it's great if they do.

We are not commando types so really enjoyed the 1 bedroom villa. Our 2 grandsons were with us 8 & 12 at the time. I didn't do a lot of cooking but it was nice to have breakfast eggs, sausage, toast, oatmeal etc in the room. We are late night people not early morning. only cooking I did was breakfast some of the days. It was nice to have sandwich and snack foods while there. We've never done the dining plan at disney. We go in July and no way could we eat that much in the heat.
We have stayed in values, mods, and deluxe. Just the one time in the 1 bedroom and that was our favorite of them all. WL is our favorite deluxe, would love to stay in DVC room WL.

[Dean]

Thank You everyone. :)




Do they have free laundry areas for the studios if you need them? That is a serious question please don't take it wrong. I think it's great if they do.

We are not commando types so really enjoyed the 1 bedroom villa. Our 2 grandsons were with us 8 & 12 at the time. I didn't do a lot of cooking but it was nice to have breakfast eggs, sausage, toast, oatmeal etc in the room. We are late night people not early morning.
We have stayed in values, mods, and deluxe. Just the one time in the 1 bedroom and that was our favorite of them all. WL is our favorite deluxe, would love to stay in DVC there.All DVC resorts have free laundry areas that those in the studios can use.

[DVC Grammy]

There are free laundry areas for each DVC resort. :thumbsup2

Since I have never cooked (or wanted to) at WDW, the studios have been enough, both when my late DH was with me, and now with either a friend or my grown DD. For me, it's always been about stretching those points to get me as many days there within a calendar year (with an AP, of course). :cool1:

[starbox]

Thank You everyone. :)

Do they have free laundry areas for the studios if you need them? That is a serious question please don't take it wrong. I think it's great if they do.


Yes, all resorts have free laundry for DVC owners. We usually do laundry either at Vero or on the last day of the trip, so I don't take home dirty laundry.

It's never been a problem. :thumbsup2

We are not commando either, but we spend our resort time at the pool, doing resort activities, or reading on the balcony - not in the room w/television on. I actually have a "no TV or video games at Disney" rule. It's our chance to be together in a way that's different from our routine at home.
Studios do not = commando.:thumbsup2

My favorite thing is just being able to sit outside and read. I'm already debating my vacation reading list! :goodvibes DS loves playing cards with his sister or dad in rocking chairs on the quiet savanna overlooks & we encourage the kids to participate in the resort recreation activities: whether it involves crafts or bonfires or movies on the beach. We typically spend at least half the day at the resort - just not in the room with gameboys, laptops, tv or videos on! We try to "unplug" at Disney. It's just one of those things that's really important to me. DVC is my investment in spending time interacting and being a family. We're so busy during the school year - the chance to focus on being together on vacation is very precious to us.

[Disneypirate85]

We love our Studio's, we get more time at Disney and we don't commando either. We spend time in the resort and even cook in our room, tho its microwaved but we still have Omlets and toast for breakfast and pizza. We are on vacation so we cook very little, other then breakfast, I suppose, in time, we may use a 1 bedroom but so far the Studio's have been fine for us.pirate:

[SuzanneSLO]

I like the moderates, but you can't beat the location of the BWV. With an annual pass, we head into Epcot on most nights, even if it is just to get a quick bite to eat and catch Illuminations. Between the kitchenette, which makes breakfast in the room a breeze, and the location, we feel like we have the best DVC has to offer. Plus, we get a 10 night trip every year with only 175 points.

Of course, it helps that it is just DH and I. -- Suzanne

[Nikisha421]

I stay in a studio bc its the most economical for my 5yoDD. its the only way for us to get a chance to come for up to fifteen days a year...we can open our curtain step onto the balcony and looking a giraffes right outside or studio. I brought into DVC with the intention of always staying in a studio and I had no intention of doing anything better...whenever my mom or one of my sisters says they want to come along I have always thought about getting an additional studio and never a one bedroom to share.

[MinnieLee]

Most of the time it's only my DH and myself and we don't need more than what a studio has to offer. Love the balcony. The Kitchenette is fine with us. If has all the essentails we need - coffee maker, refrig, microwave, toaster! I don't need a full kitchen - I am not cooking for two on vacation! Using a studio also uses less points - less points equals more trips. We don't spend alot of time in the room anyway. Rarely do I do laundry but when I do, we can spend time at the pool while the laundry is going.

[cdmickey]

Empty Nesters here, so the studio works out great for us (with still the option of upgrading when we bring family/guests). Money wise it is probably a wash between the maintenance and what we would spend at a moderate, but the studio is definitely a more upscale accommodation (as others have already mentioned).

[december14disney]

Its just me and the hubby to be. The studios are great and if we go during DVC "value" seasons we can get a good amount of nights for our little 160 points. For our honeymoon we are splurging and doing a 1 bedroom concierge but the studios are great. The "kitchen" the studios have is really all we need. Toast a bagel in the morning and a fridge to keep the OJ! :thumbsup2

[Nikisha421]

All DVC resorts have free laundry areas that those in the studios can use.

Where is the free laundry area @ akv?

[WolfpackFan]

Strange question. The concept of vacation ownership applies to studios just as much as it does to other sized units. I didn't join DVC just so I could stay in a larger more luxurious accommodation. I joined to pay for future vacations ahead of time. We're retired now and if we had not purchased our three contracts when we did, we would never be able to afford to take the vacations we are taking now. When at WDW and it's just DW and myself we always stay in studios to extend our points. When at HHI we like 1BR's because of the kitchen, since we do cooking when there. The DVC studios should never be compared to moderate rooms. Not even close.

[realfam]

We love our studio stays. We find it is more than enough space for us and it maximizes our DVC stays.

[kristenrice]

Where is the free laundry area @ akv?

http://www.parkinfo2go.com/dvc-akv/floor5-large.html

Fifth floor, first room on the right as you walk down the Zebra Trail. It is right next to room 5408. It is not found on any map.

[IggyLans]

IMO, the studios and 2 BR units are by far the best value of DVC, esp the studio. Essentially you get a deluxe room with minikitchen for around the price of a moderate regular room, give or take depending on specifics. That's esp true if you don't intend to do much or any real cooking.

Agree. With a studion we can take longer vacations. And we have no problem staying in a studio, for now. Our kids are still young, and we don't need a huge amount of room. And after all, I'm on vaction, I don't cook on vacation!:rotfl:

[realfam]

I wish I would have known that 2 weeks ago. We went down to the first level and paid to do our laundry.. At least I know now for our August trip

http://www.parkinfo2go.com/dvc-akv/floor5-large.html

Fifth floor, first room on the right as you walk down the Zebra Trail. It is right next to room 5408. It is not found on any map.

[jpeka65844]

Because we chose to stay in a studio, our first trip "home" to VWL was a 9 night trip! There's no way we could've done 9 nights in a regular room at WL!

We splurged for 2 BDRM villas for family this summer and, yes, they were nice. Having the kitchenette and laundry was nice. BUT, we're just as content with a studio and the short walk down the hall to the laundry room, b/c we know we are saving points to splurge somewhere else later.

[HallsInTheKingdom]

We do both a 1 bedroom and the studio. We take 2 trips a year one is a long weekend in which we stay in a studio. Then a week long trip in which we stay in a 1 bedroom. We have 2 young DD and can handle a studio for a couple of nights, but anything more than 3 nights we like the 1 bedroom.

We stayed in a 1 bedroom once for a week and used the kitchen once to make dinner. After that trip we decided that studios give us more value and we can stretch 2 trips a year instead of only 1. And everyone knows it is better to go to dinsey 2 times a year than only once :rotfl: .

We love the fact that you can "test drive" some of the other resorts by using minimal points to stay in a studio. If we like it, we then consider doing a week there.

[spiceycat]

love studios!!!

to me they are the best!

since these days travel alone. they are great. don't need the washer/dryer in the room - always use the free laundry mat. will always find the free laundry mat - but I am definitely accident prone.

will spill things.:upsidedow

so definitely need that thing.

the only thing that I miss in the 1-bedroom is the whirlpool tub - and that can use the resorts outside spa (or whatever you want to call it)

OKW and SSR - laundry mats are near the pools (all the pools)
BWV and VWL - first floor - close to the elevators (and kinda close to the pool)
bc - 4th floor
akv - 5th floor near the lobby and as said 5408. (one of my favorite studios - it actually feel private) - love this one - very nice.

will find the one at BLT and say.

beem too long - don't remember where VB and HH are located.:guilty:

[bobbiwoz]

http://www.parkinfo2go.com/dvc-akv/floor5-large.html

Fifth floor, first room on the right as you walk down the Zebra Trail. It is right next to room 5408. It is not found on any map.

It's not on any map, but if you look at the signs on the 5th floor, it is clearly marked and there are arrows pointing the way. I checked it out on my last 1 night stay, so when I go in June I'll be prepared.
I also called the desk one time, and they directed me to the pay laundry room, even though I mentioned DVC...and mentioned that it was free.
Bobbi:goodvibes

[Deb & Bill]

We don't do studios because there isn't a king bed in the studio and there isn't a separate shower in the bathroom, just the combined tub/shower.

[spiceycat]

also called the desk one time, and they directed me to the pay laundry room, even though I mentioned DVC...and mentioned that it was free.
Bobbi:goodvibes

the front desk doesn't seem to know it is there. expecting that problem at the other DVC resorts - especially since dvc has taken it off the map.

[BEASLYBOO]

To each his own! I can do a studio as long as it's no more than my son, his friend and I and it's for no more than 2 nights. More than two days I go crazy and feel couped up, I need at least a one bedroom and usually with family and friends it ends up being a 2 bedroom! But hooray :cheer2: for those who can, more stays at Disney! It's why DVC works for so many, just like me!:yay:

[TDC Nala]

There is OKW free laundry by the pool! Take the laundry out there, stick it in the machine and spend the afternoon in the Gurgling Suitcase - I find that much preferable to doing laundry in the room.

[Coach81]

Cheaper points :confused3

[Dean]

We don't do studios because there isn't a king bed in the studio and there isn't a separate shower in the bathroom, just the combined tub/shower.I wish DVC had taken a page from Marriott on studio. They have a King bed, real dishes, real cooking utensils; much better than DVC in that regard.

[spiceycat]

To each his own! I can do a studio as long as it's no more than my son, his friend and I and it's for no more than 2 nights. More than two days I go crazy and feel couped up, I need at least a one bedroom and usually with family and friends it ends up being a 2 bedroom! But hooray :cheer2: for those who can, more stays at Disney! It's why DVC works for so many, just like me!:yay:

hey when it gets to 3 or more - will go for a 2-bedroom - don't like to be crowded....

but a studio for solo person or even a couple is pretty wonderful.:lovestruc

[PEANUT1]

we bought with the intention of staying in studios only. We are a family of 4. I do love the studios, especially the beach club..it was HUGE. But...if I am being honest, after our trip to Animal Kingdom in a 1BR last month, I can't imagine staying in a studio again. But...I know I will because my darling husband wants to stay more days.

[ILuvMulan]

Thank You everyone. :)




Do they have free laundry areas for the studios if you need them? That is a serious question please don't take it wrong. I think it's great if they do.

.


Thank you for asking that because I had no idea!! That is great! I know we will need a 1BR until our family is older, but if DH and I take a couples trip knowing that there is free laundry for the studio would make a big difference.

[Nikisha421]

http://www.parkinfo2go.com/dvc-akv/floor5-large.html

Fifth floor, first room on the right as you walk down the Zebra Trail. It is right next to room 5408. It is not found on any map.

Thanks for the response...I called the lobby and they said that there was no such place for DVC members with comp washing and drying so would have to pay for it..so I did...since my DD had an accident...well funny enough is that I am staying on the 5th floor which means that I walked passed the room all 5 times that I went down to the first floor to do the laundry...Thanks I will probably wash a little more...

[LSchrow]

when we went with our 2 kids, we always got a 1 bdrm.
the first time just DH & i went, we tried a studio.......now, we always get a studio for 2 people. we fouund the 1bdrm too much for just two (too much room ~ fortunately, we still enjoy one another's company enough that we don't need that much space between us ;) , don't cook at home so am not starting while on vaca, & would rather swim than veg in a hot tub). the only thing i really like about the 1 bdrm is the extra storage, but i just pack lighter now (which is something i needed to do anyway :rolleyes1 ).
we prefer deluxes (which DVC is, definately not akin to a moderate, imho:confused3 ), love the kitchenette, love our BW view balcony, love the sofabed for relaxing (i dislike 2 beds in a room ~ the sofabed makes it feel more homey).
going 3 times a year for more than a week each time, and still having points left over is just icing on my delicious cake :thumbsup2

[CarolA]

IMHO a studio is probably equal to a room at a Disney resort except I am not paying those prices Disney wants. My avg cost per night using DVC is under $100 a night. Disney wants $300 a night for the basic same room at BC for example without the microwave etc. Heck for the savings I can pay for daily maid service.

It might be different if Disney pricing hadn't reached the "land of make believe" but those prices for that quality. SORRY but "RIP OFF"

[TDC Nala]

I wish DVC had taken a page from Marriott on studio. They have a King bed, real dishes, real cooking utensils; much better than DVC in that regard.

King bed in all studios would mean I can't have friends in to mooch anymore - I'll take what Disney has.

[Dean]

King bed in all studios would mean I can't have friends in to mooch anymore - I'll take what Disney has.That's not accurate, they have a King and pull out queen, both beds are larger than those of a DVC studio.