1BR vs 2 studios

[rutgers1]

As I have been planning my first trip home, I have mainly been tinkering with whether I want a studio for my family of 4 or a 1BR.

Now, after reading the thread about the sleeper sofas, I am not as excited about either option anymore. To me, part of the allure of DVC was that it was an upgrade of accommodations over a typical Disney hotel room. To me, though, the sleeper sofa is a downgrade over having a second bed. With that said, I am wondering if getting two adjoining studios would be better than getting a 1BR. Aside from not having the larger kitchen, is there a downside to that plan?

 

[Hunclemarco]

I think a lot would depend on the other features of the room you would like. The studio does not have laundry facilities, and no jacuzzi tub. I'm told that there are complementary laundry facilities that can be used on site, so the question would be a matter of convenience. Proper sleep would be the biggest issue to me though. Actually, My wife and i are contemplating the same issues right now as well.

 

[ChelleinNC]

First you should know that there are no adjoining studios. Studios connect with 1 BRs to make 2 BRs. Rooms have to have at least one adult (over 18) in them, so you couldn't put the kids in one studio and you in another.

The sofa beds are actually very comfortable, and the room is an upgrade from most of the other rooms on property. If you really want to have 2 beds in a studio, then you can stay at OKW. They're the only DVC resort with 2 queen beds and no sofa in the studios.

I love the extra space of a 1BR over a studio. It gives my family of 4 room to spread out and have some private space. The 2nd TV also helps alot . The full kitchen is great for snacks and breakfasts (I hear some people even cook real meals not me, I'm on vacation). Having the laundry in the villa is much more convenient than taking everything to the laundry room by the quiet pools and sitting and waiting on it.

 

[KELLY]

I perfer the one bedroom. We have only stayed at ssr once. Last year for 2 weeks in a 1 bedroom. This year my Dh asked if we could buy more points so we could stay in a 1 bedroom from now on. So we added on more. We have never stayed in a studio.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We are a famiy of 4 and when we purchased we EXPECTED to only book 2 bedroom villas. We usually book a 2 bedroom and decide later who to ask to come with us. Our "kids" are adults, so sometimes it's DS and DDIL, sometimes it's the step grands, sometimes it's DD only. We find the sofa beds are fine, but we don't ask adults to sleep on them. The new foam mattress ones are very comfy!

 

[wdwnut]

Hi: For us, even when it's only DH and me, the 1 br is the way to go. We have had adults with us (our kids) who used the sofa beds over the years. No complaints. The extra room, the kitchen, and w/d really make it worthwhile.

 

[CarolMN]

Let the kids give the sofa sleepers a try - IMHO, it's really hard to judge a bed based on other people's reports, LOL. OKW studios have two queen beds rather than the one queen bed and sleep sofa, so that might be an option for you.

There are adjoining (next to each other, but no connecting door) at the BWV. However, getting two studios next to each other is only a request and I personally think it is a long shot to have it granted. Don't know if any of the other WDW DVC resorts have adjoining studios.

We strongly prefer the 1 bedroom units even though it's usually just the two of us. The washer & dryer in the unit is very convenient (don't need to bring so much stuff, fresh towels when you want them), there are two TVs & two remotes(this is VERY important at our house, LOL), a "real" kitchen with dining table and chairs, and a jacuzzi soaking tub.

 

[alldiz]

Stay in the studio....if you do the 1BR you'll be spoiled forever....before you know it you'll be adding on so you can stay in the 1BR all the time Kerri

 

[jdg345]

Stay in the studio....if you do the 1BR you'll be spoiled forever....before you know it you'll be adding on so you can stay in the 1BR all the time Kerri

Sounds *very* Familiar!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

...To me, part of the allure of DVC was that it was an upgrade of accommodations over a typical Disney hotel room. ...

That's why you stay in a one bedroom or larger and forget about the studios.

 

[hlyntunstl]

My best friend loves the sleeper sofas in SSR and hates the ones in VWL. It just depends on your preference...and back condition.

I always stayed in a studio but had some extra points at the end of my UY and booked a 2 BR for my last trip. Add me to the list of spoiled people. 3 or more and I want a 1BR.

 

[crisi]

My kids have been sleeping on the pullout for years - the new pullouts are quite comfy.

However, I do hope you aren't disappointed in your room. You don't sound like you did a lot of research and are looking for an "upgrade" to Disney hotels. I find the DVC rooms to be less well maintained or appointed than Disney deluxe hotels. You may want to lower your expectations.

 

[spiceycat]

there are adjoining studios in OKW and BWV (bwv only the dedicated studios)

think AKV has a few too.

these are not connecting studios - so unless you want your spouse in a different room. don't even consider it. one person in each room must be 18 or older.

plus most of the studio have a sofa bed too - it is a double (more love seat than sofa).

the only studio with 2 queen beds is OKW.

most have a queen bed and double sleeper sofa (so couples like it better)

 

[murcor]

Not sure what age your children are, but I vote for the 1 bedroom. It is a nice size space This way you will all be together. The washer/dryer comes in very handy. We toss a load in everymorning when we head out.

The sleeper sofa at SSR isnt bad

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Do the 1 bdrm. Kids will likely be fine on the sleeper. Also, full kitchen and laundry in unit. Keep in mind... booking two studios doesn't guarantee that they will be next or even close to each other, and it means one adult and one child sleeping in each unit.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

I find the DVC rooms to be less well maintained or appointed than Disney deluxe hotels. You may want to lower your expectations.

No kidding. After my last trip DVC trip to VWL, I found myself questioning my DVC purchase entirely. When we arrived, we found a cupboard full of dirty dishes ... 2 hours later that was remedied and I found myself trying to fall asleep on an UNCOMFORTABLE sofa sleeper (bar sticking in my back).

 

[ccw]

On a trip with my parents and son, I chose to book two studios instead of a one bedroom at OKW to save points, to have more real beds, and to have TWO BATHROOMS! It was a weekend trip so the points difference was pretty significant and the fact that it was a short trip meant that not having a real kitchen or laundry room did not matter. Plus my parents liked having a little privacy. Their studio was on the first floor to make coming and going easier for them. Our studio was just above them so very convenient.

In addition to studios, I have booked two bedroom villas and grand villas---all very nice. I am just miserly with my points since I have a small contract so I do not object to the studios at all.

 

[Corinne]

The 1BR is the way to go IMO. We love the king bed and the jacuzzi. We also like having laundry in the room. I NEVER did laundry on vacation until we joined DVC. It is so nice to go home and not have mounds of dirty clothes!

All that said, we are staying in a STUDIO next month! hahahaha! We were trying to save points and it is a relatively short trip (5 nights) so I think we can suffer through it! I am sure we will all be whining about it at one point or another!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Just wanted to add that you will not find connecting studios in very many instances at DVC. OKW has NONE, but there are a few in some of the other resorts. If you go with a studio at OKW, you will have two real queen sized beds rather than a sleep sofa. If you do the 1 bedroom you will have a king bed in the master and a queen sleep sofa in the living room plus a love seat. We have often had small children use the love seat as a bed and didn't even bother to pull out the sleeper.

 

[crisi]

Just wanted to add that you will not find connecting studios in very many instances at DVC. OKW has NONE, but there are a few in some of the other resorts. If you go with a studio at OKW, you will have two real queen sized beds rather than a sleep sofa. If you do the 1 bedroom you will have a king bed in the master and a queen sleep sofa in the living room plus a love seat. We have often had small children use the love seat as a bed and didn't even bother to pull out the sleeper.

You won't find connecting studios at any of the WDW DVC resorts. Either HH or VB (I can never remember which one - and someone will come along to say) has them.