Anyone take a rice cooker?

[pfalcioni]

We're driving on our next trip and were thinking of pulling our smoker.
Pig Roast in the parking lot at Pop!
You're all invited!

Oooh, tailgating at WDW, I think you should start a new trend!

 

[ModernArtist]

So long as you keep him in the "Blue Square" DSAs it'll be fine.

I have no idea what this means. LOL...

 

[chartle]

I have no idea what this means. LOL...

DSA = Designated Smoking Area

 

[ModernArtist]

DSA = Designated Smoking Area

Ahhhh.....many thanks!

 

[YankeePrincess]

I would just use the rice cooker they have at Epcot...

...she cooks more than just rice too.

(Blatantly stolen from www.disneyfoodblog. via Google Images )

 

[perdidochas]

If your driving do some engine cooking.

http://www.amazon.com/Manifold-Destiny-Guide-Cooking-Engine/dp/0375751408

Pick up road kill along the way fro free food.

Reminds me of the Car-B-Q on Wings.

http://wings.wikia.com/wiki/Car-B-Que

 

[Schmeck]

Golly, thanks mother. I am so glad you realized I was looking for advice even though I didn't ask for it, and so very happy that you posted outdated, non-pertinent, and repetitive information regarding "the rules".

Outdated? Just got it off their website. Non-pertinent? People are asking if they can bring cooking devices to WDW, the answer, officially (which some people need to see) is no. Repetitive? Did someone else post the official policy from Disney before me? If so, sorry.

And if I was really your mother, you'd be watching your fanny right now...

 

[mattsdragon]

We're driving on our next trip and were thinking of pulling our smoker.
Pig Roast in the parking lot at Pop!
You're all invited!

You beat me too it. I was gonna offer to bring my Big Green Egg and smoke a haddock.

 

[ModernArtist]

You beat me too it. I was gonna offer to bring my Big Green Egg and smoke a haddock.

Yes!
Join us at our Pop / pig roast / tailgate party!

 

[Grog]

I'm not saying this as a put down, but just projecting my experiences. When I first started to go to Disney World, I was working within a budget that was ridiculously small.

I solved the problem by not staying on site. Disney with all it's magic is a for profit business and they have arranged the rules to maximize that profit. The resort rates, with or without free dining, is so much higher then comparable outside accommodations that it is almost criminal. They have convinced everyone that if you don't stay on site, totally immersed in the "experience" that you will have missed out on an amazing magical time.

In the meantime your wallet is being sucked dry or you have to "break" the rules in order to be there. After 30 trips and only one of those staying on site, I'm here to tell you that it is a much better experience off-site. The hotels are affordable (your only sleeping in them anyway), they have equal if not more amenities and the dining choices are huge and affordable.

The outside hotels are as Disneyfied as Disney itself. After all their livelihood depends on keeping people in the mood and they have to try harder. You do need a car or a rental but the difference in hotel rates alone more than pay for it plus parking fees. The parking lot at MK with the tram ride and the following Monorail or Ferry ride to the entrance of MK are as much a part of the overall experience as any other part of it.

I know this stance comes as a surprise to those that have laughingly considered me a Disney apologist, but I prefer to think of myself as a realist. I calls um as I sees um! I would never have been able to afford 30 trips to WDW if I hadn't used the offsite method and frankly I don't feel that I have missed anything. Heck I get to drive on site every single day passing under the "WELCOME TO WALT DISNEY WORLD" sign. What could be more exciting than that?

My one and only experience on-site was a major disappointment. Albeit a value resort the rooms at POP were ridiculously small, didn't even have a single chair to sit on, when I rented a fridge, it was to small to even hold a gallon jug of water (the door wouldn't close). Speaking of doors, the only place that the fridge would fit was right by the door and when in place the room door would not open fully. The food court had the coldest, greasy and awful food I had ever experienced and still at Disneys "premium" rate. And the TV were set up to only show channels with some "connection" to Disney Co. About 3 times more choice off site. Oh, and for those Stacy addicts...it is shown at all off site hotels as well.

I love the parks, I love the Disney entertainment concept, but that is were I get my magic. A 30 foot plastic model of Tramp is not what does it for me.

Run and hide right now. DISers everywhere are tracking you through your IP address and will be arriving at your house shortly bearing torches and pitchforks for even suggesting that someone stay offsite. I tried suggesting staying offsite once to a first timer who was low on funds and I got the internet beatdown I deserved. Remember, it's all about TheMagic™.

 

[perdidochas]

I'm not saying this as a put down, but just projecting my experiences. When I first started to go to Disney World, I was working within a budget that was ridiculously small.

I solved the problem by not staying on site. Disney with all it's magic is a for profit business and they have arranged the rules to maximize that profit. The resort rates, with or without free dining, is so much higher then comparable outside accommodations that it is almost criminal. They have convinced everyone that if you don't stay on site, totally immersed in the "experience" that you will have missed out on an amazing magical time.

In the meantime your wallet is being sucked dry or you have to "break" the rules in order to be there. After 30 trips and only one of those staying on site, I'm here to tell you that it is a much better experience off-site. The hotels are affordable (your only sleeping in them anyway), they have equal if not more amenities and the dining choices are huge and affordable.

The outside hotels are as Disneyfied as Disney itself. After all their livelihood depends on keeping people in the mood and they have to try harder. You do need a car or a rental but the difference in hotel rates alone more than pay for it plus parking fees. The parking lot at MK with the tram ride and the following Monorail or Ferry ride to the entrance of MK are as much a part of the overall experience as any other part of it.

I know this stance comes as a surprise to those that have laughingly considered me a Disney apologist, but I prefer to think of myself as a realist. I calls um as I sees um! I would never have been able to afford 30 trips to WDW if I hadn't used the offsite method and frankly I don't feel that I have missed anything. Heck I get to drive on site every single day passing under the "WELCOME TO WALT DISNEY WORLD" sign. What could be more exciting than that?

My one and only experience on-site was a major disappointment. Albeit a value resort the rooms at POP were ridiculously small, didn't even have a single chair to sit on, when I rented a fridge, it was to small to even hold a gallon jug of water (the door wouldn't close). Speaking of doors, the only place that the fridge would fit was right by the door and when in place the room door would not open fully. The food court had the coldest, greasy and awful food I had ever experienced and still at Disneys "premium" rate. And the TV were set up to only show channels with some "connection" to Disney Co. About 3 times more choice off site. Oh, and for those Stacy addicts...it is shown at all off site hotels as well.

I love the parks, I love the Disney entertainment concept, but that is were I get my magic. A 30 foot plastic model of Tramp is not what does it for me.

I'm pretty much in agreement with you. Most of our trips, we've stayed offsite, and the drive in doesn't bother me, in fact, it gives me time to drink the Dunkin' Donuts coffee I buy on the way to the parks (usually finish it while waiting for rope drop). We are such commando tourers that we are rarely in the room much longer than the time to change clothes, shower and sleep. Back in the early 2000s, we used to stay at a place gotten from priceline for $25 a night--now it's Ramada Lakeside, then it was La Quinta Lakeside on Irmo Bronson Hwy in Kissimmee.

Have stayed in Coronado Springs for one night. Loved the pool and surroundings, but not sure it's worth the extra money.

 

[goofyernmost]

Have stayed in Coronado Springs for one night. Loved the pool and surroundings, but not sure it's worth the extra money.

I'm sure...and it isn't!

 

[ajpa]

I am the family rice cooker, and luckily they bring me along every time. But I don't cook while on vacation. It's The Law: Mom is not allowed to cook during vacation.

 

[luvmyguyz]

I'm not saying this as a put down, but just projecting my experiences. When I first started to go to Disney World, I was working within a budget that was ridiculously small.

I solved the problem by not staying on site. Disney with all it's magic is a for profit business and they have arranged the rules to maximize that profit. The resort rates, with or without free dining, is so much higher then comparable outside accommodations that it is almost criminal. They have convinced everyone that if you don't stay on site, totally immersed in the "experience" that you will have missed out on an amazing magical time.

In the meantime your wallet is being sucked dry or you have to "break" the rules in order to be there. After 30 trips and only one of those staying on site, I'm here to tell you that it is a much better experience off-site. The hotels are affordable (your only sleeping in them anyway), they have equal if not more amenities and the dining choices are huge and affordable.

The outside hotels are as Disneyfied as Disney itself. After all their livelihood depends on keeping people in the mood and they have to try harder. You do need a car or a rental but the difference in hotel rates alone more than pay for it plus parking fees. The parking lot at MK with the tram ride and the following Monorail or Ferry ride to the entrance of MK are as much a part of the overall experience as any other part of it.

I know this stance comes as a surprise to those that have laughingly considered me a Disney apologist, but I prefer to think of myself as a realist. I calls um as I sees um! I would never have been able to afford 30 trips to WDW if I hadn't used the offsite method and frankly I don't feel that I have missed anything. Heck I get to drive on site every single day passing under the "WELCOME TO WALT DISNEY WORLD" sign. What could be more exciting than that?

My one and only experience on-site was a major disappointment. Albeit a value resort the rooms at POP were ridiculously small, didn't even have a single chair to sit on, when I rented a fridge, it was to small to even hold a gallon jug of water (the door wouldn't close). Speaking of doors, the only place that the fridge would fit was right by the door and when in place the room door would not open fully. The food court had the coldest, greasy and awful food I had ever experienced and still at Disneys "premium" rate. And the TV were set up to only show channels with some "connection" to Disney Co. About 3 times more choice off site. Oh, and for those Stacy addicts...it is shown at all off site hotels as well.

I love the parks, I love the Disney entertainment concept, but that is were I get my magic. A 30 foot plastic model of Tramp is not what does it for me.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion. My family wouldn't dream of staying off property and we always stay at the value resorts. To each his own.

 

[luvmyguyz]

I would just use the rice cooker they have at Epcot...

...she cooks more than just rice too.

(Blatantly stolen from www.disneyfoodblog. via Google Images )

OMG - I am hysterical right now!!

 

[goofyernmost]

You are certainly entitled to your opinion. My family wouldn't dream of staying off property and we always stay at the value resorts. To each his own.

As I stated, my post was not meant to put down anyone that felt that it was worth the stay on site. It was more of a sharing of my experiences. I love WDW and it breaks my heart when I hear people say that they priced a Disney Vacation and they just cannot afford it.

When I suggest off site, I hear that everyone told them that in order to really enjoy WDW they just HAVE to stay on site. In my opinion, that just isn't true. To have made the trip 28 times from Vermont, it would be pretty difficult to say that a great, fun time cannot be had without the on site experience. In fact, I have a sister and one of my daughters that insist that being on site is the only way to go. The last trip my daughter took for about 5 days, at a moderate resort, family of 4, was over $6000.00. (w/free dining)

A couple of years previous to that I had bankrolled a family trip where I had purchased tickets for 9 people, 7 days non-expirational, airfare from Vermont, rented a beautiful 6 bedroom villa just 2 miles from the Rte 192 entrance to WDW, private enclosed pool and hot tub, two rental cars and a number of meals, not all. That cost me a total of $7400.00. We had a great time.

I understand those that love staying on site, well, I at least understand that they want to stay on site and I don't mean to put anyone down for their choices...but if things are really tight, there are alternatives and the experience can and will be great.

 

[luvmyguyz]

As I stated, my post was not meant to put down anyone that felt that it was worth the stay on site. It was more of a sharing of my experiences. I love WDW and it breaks my heart when I hear people say that they priced a Disney Vacation and they just cannot afford it.

When I suggest off site, I hear that everyone told them that in order to really enjoy WDW they just HAVE to stay on site. In my opinion, that just isn't true. To have made the trip 28 times from Vermont, it would be pretty difficult to say that a great, fun time cannot be had without the on site experience. In fact, I have a sister and one of my daughters that insist that being on site is the only way to go. The last trip my daughter took for about 5 days, at a moderate resort, family of 4, was over $6000.00. (w/free dining)

A couple of years previous to that I had bankrolled a family trip where I had purchased tickets for 9 people, 7 days non-expirational, airfare from Vermont, rented a beautiful 6 bedroom villa just 2 miles from the Rte 192 entrance to WDW, private enclosed pool and hot tub, two rental cars and a number of meals, not all. That cost me a total of $7400.00. We had a great time.

I understand those that love staying on site, well, I at least understand that they want to stay on site and I don't mean to put anyone down for their choices...but if things are really tight, there are alternatives and the experience can and will be great.

"I'm here to tell you that it is a much better experience off-site." Your words. I'm sorry, but that reads a little like a put down. I apologize if I read it wrong.

I'm here to tell you that I disagree with your opinion regarding the value of staying onsite. I have priced offsite resorts, and that's including the family discounts we can get at Sheratons and Hiltons. When I added in the cost of renting a car vs Disney transportation and, of course, the free dining we always get (we plan our trips around them), for us, there is no question which is the better deal. We don't find the value rooms to be too small, and a huge Tramp statue DOES do it for us - we are ridiculously excited about going to AoA in November and seeing the larger than life Nemo statues and Cars area. I am sure that you can find gorgeous accommodations that would rival Disney's "deluxe" resorts, and for less money at that. We prefer less expensive hotels, and I have found that Disney does value accommodations best. $7400 is FAR more than I would ever be able to afford for a vacation for my family. We are going to WDW for 10 days and spending half that staying onsite with free dining, including our airfare from NJ and 9 days of tix (just basic MYW). There are plenty of ways to save money when planning a Disney vacation, and if staying onsite is important to a family, corners can be cut in other areas.

I do think that people who stay offsite can have just as magical a time as those who stay onsite. But for our family, staying onsite is best.

As I said, to each his own.

 

[KellyNY]

As I stated, my post was not meant to put down anyone that felt that it was worth the stay on site. It was more of a sharing of my experiences. I love WDW and it breaks my heart when I hear people say that they priced a Disney Vacation and they just cannot afford it.

When I suggest off site, I hear that everyone told them that in order to really enjoy WDW they just HAVE to stay on site. In my opinion, that just isn't true. To have made the trip 28 times from Vermont, it would be pretty difficult to say that a great, fun time cannot be had without the on site experience. In fact, I have a sister and one of my daughters that insist that being on site is the only way to go. The last trip my daughter took for about 5 days, at a moderate resort, family of 4, was over $6000.00. (w/free dining)

A couple of years previous to that I had bankrolled a family trip where I had purchased tickets for 9 people, 7 days non-expirational, airfare from Vermont, rented a beautiful 6 bedroom villa just 2 miles from the Rte 192 entrance to WDW, private enclosed pool and hot tub, two rental cars and a number of meals, not all. That cost me a total of $7400.00. We had a great time.

I understand those that love staying on site, well, I at least understand that they want to stay on site and I don't mean to put anyone down for their choices...but if things are really tight, there are alternatives and the experience can and will be great.

I understand what you say and interesting enough the bigger your family the more reasonable offsite is. However for someone like us with 3 adults(my mom, my DD(19) and me) house while cheap per bedroom simply makes no sense.
I am going in 3 weeks. I got flight tickets and I donot know what to do with resort. Prices are crazy, yet if I stay offsite, I most likely will have to pay resort fee and I will have to pay for transportation to/from airport. Those two "tiny" costs will add another $25-$30 per day. When I calculate those, I do not see resort that is better then value and saves me money.I will not stay at $30 a day hotel, simply safety issue. And anything around $75-$80 a day breaks even with value after adding costs I mentioned, not better hotels, and limits transportation.
So you can see that it is not always that easy.
Moreover, what always kept us on site was service. While bad service happens everywhere Disney tends to solve it better.

 

[goofyernmost]

Once again...I didn't expect people to just jump up and say...wow...that's for me.

I am relaying my experiences and for the one that said they couldn't afford that much, well did you see how many people were involved in that expenditure. I have stayed off site many times for $35.00 to $50.00 per night. No villa, just large hotel rooms. My experiences with them were far superior and far cheaper then anything I priced with on site Disney.

What I was saying is, and you can argue this until the cows come home, but with a little research there are good alternatives to on-site. Cheaper, better selection and better amenities to Disney Value resorts because one thing you are not getting with a value, is luxury. One can easily get better off site for less. If the experience is what you enjoy then that's what you need to do. But you can bet your bottom dollar that I would sooner stay economically off site then contemplate bringing along a rice cooker.

 

[larryz]

You ought to be able to cook those up in your room as long as it still has the older coffee maker with the pot (not the new ones that only hold a cup).

I find that you can never really get the coffee oils out of those older coffee makers, and since I find the idea of coffee-flavored udon or ramen pretty nauseating, I'm gonna have to say that's not a good idea for me. But boiling water in a microwave is easy. Not the same as the nori-wrapped rice delicacies, tho'...

Of course they're not as portable as your balls, but might be handy in your room.

I think I prefer the term "delicacies."