2 studios vs. 2BR (or 1BR)

[elissam]

Hi everyone,

We have 3 children (19,15, and 2). The two teens like to stay out late at Disney Quest and the like. It seems that it might make a lot more sense for us to reserve 2 studios (one for DH and the toddler) and a separate one for the teens, than to get the same sleepting accomodations and number of bathrooms with a 2BR. Two studios would a) ensure that the teens don't wake the toddler up when they come back at night and b)cost about as many points as a 1BR (which only sleeps 4 and has 1 bathroom.)

For basically the same reasons, I thought when I invite my sister and her 3 kids down, that it might be better to get 2 studios.... more privacy, fewer points than a 2BR and more sleeping options and bathrooms than a 1 BR.

I know the studios are supposedly less luxurious... but we have a luxury bath at home and don't care to do much cooking or laundry while we're on vacation (although it would be useful to know if there are ANY kitchen facilities in a studio... to store milk and re-heat the prior nights take home bag!)

What do ya think? Has anyone else done this and how did it work out?

It just seems that, given the independence of my older children, that this would be logistically better and more economical too.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Richyams]

It depends on you.

Three studios would offer a similar comparrison against a Grand Villa. We get a Grand Villa every year. We like the space, the living room, the kitchen, the huge balconies, the dining area, the bigger TV, the laundry, and the king size bed in the master.

There is no way in the world I would give up my GV for three studios. That is why we bought enough points to spend 10-12 nights in an OKW GV every year. I think the term "Home away from Home" was coined with the OKW Grand Villa in mind.

 

[elissam]

richyams... interesting and I'm glad that you are so excited about the Grand Villa... but my question was regarding 2 studios vs. the accomodations in a 2BR.

 

[dvcdudes]

<P><FONT color=#6a5acd><STRONG>I always thought this would be the way I would go when My kids get older.  Right now I get one studio and we go twice a year.</STRONG></FONT></P>
<P><FONT color=#6a5acd><STRONG>In the future I plan on getting either a one bedroom or two studios and go once a year.</STRONG></FONT></P>
<P><FONT color=#6a5acd><STRONG>I really think I will lean toward the two studios for all the same reasons you bring up (except the toddler).</STRONG></FONT></P>
<P><FONT color=darkmagenta><STRONG>As far as what the studios have in them...  They have a small dorm room type refridgerator, a small wet bar sink, and a microwave oven.  </STRONG></FONT></P>
<P><FONT color=#8b008b><STRONG>This is more than enough for us because we too do not like to cook or clean while on vacation.  We keep drinks, milk, juice, etc in the refridge and some cereal, poptarts, microwave popcorn, etc in the cupboard.  Thats about as much eating as we do in the room.</STRONG></FONT></P>

 

[Richyams]

I'm sorry, I thought it was a perfect analogy.

 

[elissam]

I think that what the studios have in the kitchen will be adequate for us... so I think we'll go for the two studios.

Thanks to both of you for your feedback. (didn't mean to snap at you richyams... I'm a little cranky this morning)

 

[SleepyatDVC]

elissam,

What you are suggesting is fine if your priority is the most economical use of your points. You would basically be getting 2 "hotel rooms" with a kitchenette.

If you don't mind the lack of washer/dryer, king bed, jacuzzi, and extra "living" space, go ahead and get the 2 studios.

Personally, I would opt for the 2 studios for shorter trips where we spend less time in the rooms. Also, more likely at BWV, since it's a hotel theme already.

I think OKW lends itself more towards longer trips and the 2 bedroom unit. Of course, longer trip = more points!

I wouldn't agree with your point about your toddler though. The teens wouldn't really disturb the toddler as the toddler will be in a separate room with the door closed. In fact, You are less likely to wake the toddler up since you could close the door and watch TV or talk, etc. In the studio you would have to dim the lights, mute the TV or sit out on the balconey all evening. Which is fine unless it's extremely hot outside or raining!

 

[PamOKW]

I agree that using studios is comparable to having two luxury hotel rooms. However, it does give you breathing room and saves on points especially at times such as Christmas. Sometimes it is also a good idea when you have two families (such as when you are bringing your sister) to have somewhere to unwind.


When it is all your own family I wouldn't worry about people being disturbed especially if you have the two bedroom lock-off. If the toddler is sleeping in the master bedroom with you I'm guessing no one will hear the other two come in! If you close the connecting door to their "studio" they would really have to slam around for you to hear them even from the living room. If you never use the jacuzzi or the kitchen you will still have so much more living space and the beauty of the large balcony etc, etc. and the living room to gather....it really is much more of a vacation home experience than just a place to sleep. I'd take advantage of having the family together since before long the 19 & 15 year olds may not be coming along at all.

 

[SharonS]

When you invite your sister and children, I would definitely go for 2 studios. I am taking my cousin and her husband. I considered a 1 bedroom, since it would only be 3, but decided on 2 studios. She sounded a little disappointed at first, but I think it will be better. 2 studios give you that private time away from the other party.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I would vote for the 2 bedroom over 2 studios. Especially with a toddler. In the studio, you will have to curtail your television and talking when the toddler sleeps, but in a 2 bedroom, you have the living room area to keep noise away from the sleeping child. Also, you could request a 2 bedroom lock off so the teens could have their own private entrance but still be a supervised part of the family unit. If you get 2 studios, your teens might be in another building! I would not feel comfortable with that if they were my children.

When another family is along, I think 2 studios is a good way to save points, but gives you less time together. We enjoy inviting people down with us and sharing the time with them. It is nice that they can have their own room and entrance, but still have the same general living space for time together. I guess I am not too fond of studio stays. We have done it twice and have vowed not to do it again unless we absolutel HAVE to.

 

[Richyams]

I agree with Diane completely. I get the large unit to spend time with people.

As far as quiet....don't think that you can be assured of that in a studio, the most complaints of any DVC resort we hear about is having a loud neighbor in the one-bedroom attached to your studio. Tou have to remember, you are only seperated by a double door that is over an inch above the floor. You can hear the activities of your neighbors very well in a studio.

I would also never stay in a studio unless it is just me and my daughter for a one or two night stay.