10 Days in a Studio when used to 1bdr

[MulanMom]

Last time we stayed in a studio was 4 nights at OKW with just DH and I back in 1996. Since then, we've always been in 1 or 2bdrs. Due to economizing on points and spending seemingly less time in our room while on vacation, we have a 10 day stay coming up in an OKW studio. As the trip nears, I find myself questioning the wisdom of 4 of us, DH, DD5, DS3 and myself, staying in a studio. We're a close family and don't mind spending time with each other, but I wonder if we'll be at each other's throats by the end of the trip! Has anyone gone from being spoiled by a 1 bdr back to a studio? What was your experience?

I'd appreciate any reassurance you can provide!

 

[PamOKW]

Well, you miss the luxuries like the w/d, jacuzzi and full kitchen but it is a lot better than 99.9% of the regular hotel rooms. I've gone back to a studio to spend a week or more at Christmastime. It's not the same but it is still a great vacation.

I'm not sure whether you are staying in an OKW studio or trying one of the other resorts. The others have a bit of "hotel" feel to begin with so I don't miss the one-bedroom as much as at OKW. But I do like the 2 "real" beds in the OKW studio.

 

[lizziepooh]

We got spoiled by the one bedroom on our very first trip to OKW. My personal opinion is that 10 days is quite a long time to spend in a studio for 4 people at OKW. I think the set up of 2 queen beds makes it seem more like just a hotel room than the studios at the other resorts which also have a sofa for more comfortable seating.

We are going to spend 7 nights in a studio at BCV next trip, but it will just be DH and myself. It is definitely hard to try to balance stretching our points with being comfortable. Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

[jcodespoti]

Has anyone gone from being spoiled by a 1 bdr back to a studio?

Yup.


Joe in CT

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Watch the kids and those OKW studio bedframes. It took several bumps and crying episodes for our kids to learn not to slide down the sides of the beds w/o injuring their tail bones or shins.

We have always done a 1BR and we missed it, but if your an active family, you'll be fine as you won't be in the room that much. We missed the kitchen, but did use a hotplate to do some light cooking in the OKW studio. The kitchenette counter space in the OKW studio appears to be less (shorter) than what I remember at either the BCV or VWL studios.

I would do a studio again, to save points or squeeze an extra few day on to a trip. We don't mind moving during a vacation, so we would stay in a studio first, then move to a 1 BR.

Have fun!!

 

[joepoe]

we stayed in a studio at OKW for four nights during a quick getaway last May. With two adults, two kids and an little one, it is close. I am a little claustrophobic as it is, and the time spent in the room was not relaxing at all. I guess I am spoiled by one and two BR's...

 

[lampy]

Our family rule is two nights or less - A studio is ok

More than three nights - Must have a 2BR. Of course, we get on each others nerves and need a quiet corner (read hot tub) to get away for peace.

Through "optimizing points" it has worked out well.

 

[colleen costello]

We stay in a studio whenever we take an "extra" trip with leftover points. Have stayed at both OKW and BCV. I felt a bit crowded but it was OK -- better than not going at all! When my husband and the kids needed "down time" and wanted to just hang out in the room, I would do laundry. I did so much that Zamgwar from over at Deb Wills' site, accused me of not really having a room but living in the laundry room! Really, all that washing was like occupational therapy for me because sitting in that room listening to Toon Disney would've driven me nuts.
At OKW you can sit on your verandah if you need some peace. We hung out at the pool a lot there -- also good for me as the laundry rooms are adjacent to the pools.

Try to figure out some time where you can send dh off with the kids and you can have the room to yourself. Then you can reciprocate if HE needs a little "alone time." This plan worked for my family so no one committed murder OR suicide! The point difference is SO great between a 1-bedroom and a studio that I say again, I would rather be in a studio at WDW than AT HOME!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I couldn't do it. Especially with more than 2 people! DH and I did a studio for the two of us on a quick 5 night trip once. We hated it! This year we did 10 nights in a 1 bedroom for the two of us. We have vowed NEVER to do studio again, unless it is just for a quick trip. I am reasonably certain 10 nights in a studio would have me leaving early!!

 

[sgtdisney]

I think it depends on your own personal preference. Before DVC, would you have considered spending 10 nights in a regular hotel room? I know the DVC studios are a little nicer than most hotel rooms but size-wize they are similar.. If you are 'used' to a 1 bedroom it may be difficult going back... Going from 1000+ sq feet to around 400 is a big difference with 4 people. However if you look at it that you will be at WDW and out of your room a lot, it may not be as big an issue for you. I, personally, in 10 years have yet to stay in a Studio..... Someday I keep telling myself.

 

[MAC3]

Originally posted by colleen costello
leftover points.

Hey Colleen,
What are these???? I'm jealous! I knew I still didn't have enough! lol

Lisa

 

[MaryJ]

I'll find out soon enough. DH, DD, her friend, and I will be staying in a studio at VWL for 4 nights. Because we are going to WDW again in July, (2BR on that trip ) we wanted to save points for this quick trip. I figure if I need to escape I'll either go to the laundry room like Colleen, or take a book down to the Iron Spike Room and read for a while.

 

[Disney Doll]

 

[tinkerbee]

You are spending 10 wonderful days at Disney World, 2 bdr, 1bdr, studio? Who cares!!! I'd sleep in my car in the parking lot if I had to. Feel lucky you have the pleasure of spending 10 days with the ones you love at the happiest place on earth no matter where you stay. Have a wonderful time.

 

[mikesmom]

If you need to do laundry to "get away" from a vacation, you need a bigger room!!!!

 

[J&J]

You may find it too tight for 10 days in a suite.

 

[MulanMom]

LOL...Thanks for some fun responses. Guess you all confirmed what I already knew! I'll just have to figure out some creative ways for everyone to have their own space.

We had originally planned some time off-property with a 5day stay in a 1bdr VWL. However, during the length of our trip, it would've translated to a room change of at least 4X (visiting relatives in beginning of trip). So the 10 day studio was also a trade-off for not having to move so often. In a short period of time, I'll be finding out if it was worth it!!!!

 

[eva]

I guess that it all comes down to personal choice, but I would go bonkers. The reason that we bought DVC was so that the four of us would never have to stay in a hotel room together again. I can never relax when the room is a mess. Before buying DVC we stayed 7 nights at CBR and it looked like suitcases had exploded all over the room. It was really tough keeping everything picked up because there really wasn't enough room to put everything away. And sharing one bathroom with two girls and DH was a nightmare. I guess that we are spoiled, when we take the girls we always get a 2-bedroom. Even when it is just the two of us we get a 1-bedroom. We've been members since 96 and have never stayed in a studio. I wish you the best of luck. Be sure to plan to be out of the room a lot.

 

[nealpads]

I guess my family is different than most. We are a family of 4 with the kids being 16 and 10. We've gone to WDW since they were 11 and 5 and usually stay about 15 days in a studio. We really enjoy spending time so close together and play games in the room (like Disney trivia). We don't spend too much time in the room and my DD and I spend quiet time on the patio or find outdoor rocking chairs when we want to relax outside of the room.

 

[dtheboys]

We alway's get a studio....I won't say how many of us is in a room.....That opens up a can of worms!!
We enjoy the studio....Don't get me wrong...We would love a one bedroom, or two, but I only have so many points to use.

It reminds me of the days growing up....The FAMILY all piled in the car, people sleeping in the back window, on the floor, etc. Then all piling into a hotel room, all cramped in....Then go to the POOL, and it was just a little square pool, but WOW!! it was a POOL!!

The good old days....

We enjoy are vacation, and we don't get on each others nerves....