Is cooking in a studio ok?

Beezle2 · Jun 3, 2015

17 days is a long time OP

I'm jealous! I can see why you are looking for ways to cut down on eating out. I get tired of it after a while and always like the 1 beds for the kitchen! We are only staying 10 days this time, but it is our first time in a studio for that amount of time also. I looked at the little kitchenette and decided No Way for me. I had been thinking of bringing an electric skillet, but then got to thinking how am I going to wash it?! The sink is too tiny and I am not washing it in the bathroom. So we are looking at the biggest food bill we have ever had at Disney. We will still do breakfasts in room and some snacks but the rest will be out. Hope it works out for you! You should let us know how you managed or what you decided

Have a wonderful trip!

spiceycat · Jun 3, 2015

I cook all the time in the studios that I have stayed in - so not a problem at all.

the reason that only OKW has outside plugs has nothing to do with cooking - that was to stop some of the excess (not my definition at all) for the Christmas stuff.

BLT is told no Christmas decorations at all on the balcony (and we all know that has not worked)

studios have a kitchenette because that is what a studio generally has - in a hotel or condo building.

the electrical skillet you can wash outside the sink - just put soap in it then use a glass to carefully put hot water in it - most are very, very easy to clean. If yours is not time to get a new one.

also remember all DVC resorts have outside grills - which are great for hamburgers, steaks, etc. you just need to buy the charcoal

MinnieMouse100 · Jun 5, 2015

We typically stay in a 1BR but this coming trip we are staying in a studio, we drive so I can bring food with. We also avoid processed foods, so buying microwave meals is ot a good option for us. Here are some of the things I'm doing/ bringing for food so I can make some meals (mostly breakfasts) and a few lunch dinner just using the toaster & microwave in the studio.

*Yogurt/ fruit & granola for parfaits
*Boiling 1 dz eggs to use for breakfast or egg salad sandwichwes (you can also scramble eggs in the microwave inn a coffee cup- but I hate transporting raw eggs)
*Cooking 2lb of bacon (you can reheat in microwave wrapped ion a paper towel)
*Bagels/ bread for toasing or blt sandwiches or garlic bread
*Salad Fixins
*Cereal and Milk
*Noodles (can easily be cooked in microwave) and spaghetti sauce
*Pre cooked taco meat (too reheat in microwave) & taco fixin's
*snacking fruit/ veggies
*Popcorn, tortilla chips, other snacks
*coffee, juice etc
With theese items I can get 3 lunch/ dinners & 6 breakfasts and numerous snacks for our 7 day trip. Hope this helps give you some ideas!

deedisneydream97 · Jun 5, 2015

MinnieMouse100 said:
We typically stay in a 1BR but this coming trip we are staying in a studio, we drive so I can bring food with. We also avoid processed foods, so buying microwave meals is ot a good option for us. Here are some of the things I'm doing/ bringing for food so I can make some meals (mostly breakfasts) and a few lunch dinner just using the toaster & microwave in the studio.

*Yogurt/ fruit & granola for parfaits
*Boiling 1 dz eggs to use for breakfast or egg salad sandwichwes (you can also scramble eggs in the microwave inn a coffee cup- but I hate transporting raw eggs)
*Cooking 2lb of bacon (you can reheat in microwave wrapped ion a paper towel)
*Bagels/ bread for toasing or blt sandwiches or garlic bread
*Salad Fixins
*Cereal and Milk
*Noodles (can easily be cooked in microwave) and spaghetti sauce
*Pre cooked taco meat (too reheat in microwave) & taco fixin's
*snacking fruit/ veggies
*Popcorn, tortilla chips, other snacks
*coffee, juice etc
With theese items I can get 3 lunch/ dinners & 6 breakfasts and numerous snacks for our 7 day trip. Hope this helps give you some ideas!

Good ideas. Also, don't know if the OP is driving or renting a car, but getting a cooler to put more items in since the fridge is so small can help too. Just make sure it is sturdy...otherwise, keep it in the bathtub. There is a reason why there are no outlets on the balconies....they don't want people plugging in things out there where they can be exposed to the elements and cause a short circuit. Extension cords are never a good idea because of tripping and because some things should not be used with an extension cord. OKW was built before more strict codes.

Also, in this case I would probably be okay with "convenience foods" for the microwave. Restaurants put a lot of salt and butter in to their foods.

There are also those "quick to cool" magnetic hot plates. They automatically shut off.

twinklebug · Jun 5, 2015

I am so glad we're not hearing folk recommend re-purposing the coffee pot for soups and a mini griddle. Or the iron for grilled cheese. :rotfl2:

smcabee · Jun 5, 2015

The ole iron grilled cheese. Now that takes me back to my college days many moons ago.

CaoilinnsMom · Jun 6, 2015

I asked a similar question a couple of years ago and had people jump all over me too. I am sure the OP is asking because they would like to know the answer, not be bashed for it. Disneynutz, really, how could using appliances that are not already in room be a fire hazard. She is not talking about using a heat gun. By that definition, you also could not use a hairdryer from home. A crock pot is a lot safer than that-not a fire hazard in my opinion.

spiceycat · Jun 6, 2015

CaoilinnsMom said:
I asked a similar question a couple of years ago and had people jump all over me too. I am sure the OP is asking because they would like to know the answer, not be bashed for it.

hey at least they are not saying that cooking is not allowed in DVC resorts at all - which they did years ago. think I asked what the kitchen and kitchenette were for if not to cook - got told ornaments or to hold the beer....

it is silly to say you can't cook in a kitchenette.

OP believe me you can - I have taken several things to cook in - so be sure you are completely legal.

twinklebug · Jun 6, 2015

Healthy food choices when on vacation in Disney are very very limited unless we have the option of eating in. If you have the tolerance to eat a salad all the time it gets a bit better, but try digging up a plain piece of cooked chicken that does not have sodium or a coating for under $6. It's not happening (please point out where we can get this if I'm wrong, I'd love to know). The outdoor grilling areas are great, if it's not pouring or freezing out, but some still need work. VWL as I mentioned earlier only has one run down one. Even if one has a car, the grocery stores don't offer pre-cooked food that is very healthy. IMHO - the kitchenettes should come stocked with a George Foreman grill. (Though I have to admit I've never used one, and would be a little baffled at first, hehe.)

My opinion only.

spiceycat · Jun 7, 2015

twinklebug said:
IMHO - the kitchenettes should come stocked with a George Foreman grill. (Though I have to admit I've never used one, and would be a little baffled at first, hehe.)

My opinion only.

love it! yes they should but I have a little one so bring it. Don't be surprised if in the next update we get them. Disney/DVC looks at this site.

disneynutz · Jun 7, 2015

CaoilinnsMom said:
I asked a similar question a couple of years ago and had people jump all over me too. I am sure the OP is asking because they would like to know the answer, not be bashed for it. Disneynutz, really, how could using appliances that are not already in room be a fire hazard. She is not talking about using a heat gun. By that definition, you also could not use a hairdryer from home. A crock pot is a lot safer than that-not a fire hazard in my opinion.

I don't know what the fire code is, I posted that it may be an issue. When Disney builds the units they submit construction plans of the units and their intended use. A kitchen has certain requirements, electrical, ventilation, space, and fire sprinklers. A kitchenette may have different code requirements in a hotel room.

Some guests may only use the Disney provided microwave, others may bring from home a crock pot, rice cooker, electric frying pan, who knows what. Until and if Disney states their policy, I am just bringing up the fact that it may be an issue.

:earsboy:

Bill

Beezle2 · Jun 7, 2015

spiceycat said:
I cook all the time in the studios that I have stayed in - so not a problem at all.

the reason that only OKW has outside plugs has nothing to do with cooking - that was to stop some of the excess (not my definition at all) for the Christmas stuff.

BLT is told no Christmas decorations at all on the balcony (and we all know that has not worked)

studios have a kitchenette because that is what a studio generally has - in a hotel or condo building.

the electrical skillet you can wash outside the sink - just put soap in it then use a glass to carefully put hot water in it - most are very, very easy to clean. If yours is not time to get a new one.

also remember all DVC resorts have outside grills - which are great for hamburgers, steaks, etc. you just need to buy the charcoal

>>

I didn't say it couldn't be done and the pan is fine. I am just choosing not to deal with it on this vacation. I understand why some would want to and the OP is staying 17 days so I totally get why she would be looking for ideas. I'm ok with crockpots and electric skillets if other folks choose to use them on their trips. I have gotten a few good ideas from this thread for the things we will be doing, breakfasts and snacks.

twinklebug · Jun 7, 2015

disneynutz said:
I don't know what the fire code is, I posted that it may be an issue. When Disney builds the units they submit construction plans of the units and their intended intended use. A kitchen has certain requirements, electrical, ventilation, space, and fire sprinklers. A kitchenette may have different code requirements in a hotel room.

Some guests may only use the Disney provided microwave, others may bring from home a crock pot, rice cooker, electric frying pan, who knows what. Until and if Disney states their policy, I am just bringing up the fact that it may be an issue.

Bill

Good point Bill! I know nothing about fire codes either, and this in fact may be why Disney has not provided or will endorse use of anything beyond what is provided.

spiceycat · Jun 7, 2015

well it seems I call maintenance a lot - nothing ever big - so if there was a problem - don't you think they would say something. I don't hide anything everything is out on the counter to see - and except at BLT or OKW - they definitely have to see it to get in the room.

that say had some plumbing issues with OKW when it first opened - even asked the CM that was send. was told this is your HOME!!!

you are allowed to cook at your home - well at least I am.

Maybe some of you don't cook - sorry, some of us are not even close to being that rich.

besides I have allergies - big time allergies - if I could not cook - would be very, very sick most of the time.

sorry if the idea of cooking in a DVC resort bothers some of you - but DVC was designed to be used - why do you think I brought it in the first place. before I brought DVC when we went to WDW I would at least once if not many times have an allergic reaction to something I ate. Now Disney does try - but one of my worst allergies is pepper - do you have any idea how hard it is for a chef not to use pepper. So even with Disney doing it best - it would take hours (no I am kidding) for me to get food. Sorry not taking hours out of my parks schedule to get food - when I can do it in less than 30 minutes.

there are many reasons DVC members cook in their rooms - studios or villas - to save money, allergies, time, to get away from the madness that the parks can be, it does not matter. It is our right. Don't think your judgement can make us stop - because it can't.

twinklebug · Feb 3, 2018

I'm curious if the daily safety inspections that have started recently have had any impact on anyone cooking in their kitchenette. Any reports of scoldings?

Matty B13 · Feb 4, 2018

The reason for limiting the number of appliances in a studio is that hot plates and other high heat appliances draw a lot of wattage through the wiring causing heat to build up in wiring. This can lead to fires, hence when leaving a crockpot unattended and on all day it can cause a fire. If several appliances are all running at the same time this can draw more wattage through the wiring than they are designed for, but might not trip a circuit breaker, thus cause the wiring to over heat and cause a fire.

Kitchen wiring is designed to take these higher loads from appliances. Same thing with bathrooms allowing hairdryers.

I would caution anyone cooking in the studios with outside appliances to at least limit the use and always be attentive. This is why most colleges don’t allow hot plates or other appliances in dormitories.

quandrea · Feb 4, 2018

Go Picnic is s good brand of on the go meals that require no refrigerator. I think looking to do lots of cooking in a studio is a bit messy/risky. You can still build lovely picnic type meals with a variety of fruits, breads/crackers, cheeses and meats.

pineapplepalms · Feb 4, 2018

twinklebug said:
Healthy food choices when on vacation in Disney are very very limited unless we have the option of eating in. If you have the tolerance to eat a salad all the time it gets a bit better, but try digging up a plain piece of cooked chicken that does not have sodium or a coating for under $6. It's not happening (please point out where we can get this if I'm wrong, I'd love to know). The outdoor grilling areas are great, if it's not pouring or freezing out, but some still need work. VWL as I mentioned earlier only has one run down one. Even if one has a car, the grocery stores don't offer pre-cooked food that is very healthy. IMHO - the kitchenettes should come stocked with a George Foreman grill. (Though I have to admit I've never used one, and would be a little baffled at first, hehe.)

My opinion only.

There are some healthy food options around! Have you tried the bowls at Satu'li Canteen? So delicious and pretty healthy, especially if you ask for sauce on the side. When ordering salads I typically ask for dressing on the side. A lot of times you can also get away with ordering a kids meal, which is often more simply seasoned and affordable (they don't always care if you have a kid with you). Of course, cooking in your room is typically going to cost less, but not always. I remember paying only a few bucks for a giant portion of grilled fajita veggies as a side dish at Rancho del Zocalo at DLR and being amazed they didn't charge more for it (I don't think it was on the menu - I had to ask for it so maybe it's not commonly ordered). I feel like it would have cost the same or more if I had a bought a package of pre-cut veggies at the supermarket and cooked it myself. I would imagine some restaurants at WDW could do something similar if you ordered a side of veggies even if it's not on the menu.

Though unlikely, it would be amazing if the kitchens came stocked with an Instant Pot (or if you could rent one during your stay). So versatile and makes it easy to cook healthy meals.

Mickeysduck · Feb 5, 2018

We (2 of us) are staying 18 days at SSR in a studio. Never cook in the room. We feel that getting away from washing dishes, cooking, and cleaning up is part of the vacation.

We rent a car and many times we eat outside Disney. There are so many choices within 15 minutes. Sweet Tomatoes has a healthy, long all you can eat salad bar, Celebration has Panera, Chipotle, Pei Wei, Applebee's, and more.

We always eat breakfast in the room. Mostly cereal. From Publix, We pick up lots of fruits and veggies. Rotisserie chicken and other pre cooked meals are also an option.

Enjoy. You can't beat long Disney stays!

hakepb · Feb 5, 2018

Matty B13 said:
The reason for limiting the number of appliances in a studio is that hot plates and other high heat appliances draw a lot of wattage through the wiring causing heat to build up in wiring. This can lead to fires, hence when leaving a crockpot unattended and on all day it can cause a fire. If several appliances are all running at the same time this can draw more wattage through the wiring than they are designed for, but might not trip a circuit breaker, thus cause the wiring to over heat and cause a fire.

Kitchen wiring is designed to take these higher loads from appliances. Same thing with bathrooms allowing hairdryers.

I would caution anyone cooking in the studios with outside appliances to at least limit the use and always be attentive. This is why most colleges don’t allow hot plates or other appliances in dormitories.

I get why overheating is a problem in old houses, especially with knob and tube wiring.

But I also cannot imagine any modern commercial construction having any problem close to what you are describing. Especially in a DVC studio kitchenette where the outlets were designed for toaster and coffee pot kitchen uses.

I would highly question plugging in a kitchen appliance into any other outlet, but the kitchenette outlets and wiring were designed for kitchen use.

Is cooking in a studio ok?

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