Anyone take a rice cooker?

[maxiesmom]

Personally, I think all hotels in Florida, regardless of the room rate, should have a refrigerator. Between the bugs and the humidity, you need a place to stash the snacks. I always have some kind of snacks or breakfast food in the room - not to save money as much as to save time.

I have very few snacks that I would put in a fridge. Chips get icky, chocolate and caramel gets hard.

I'm glad Disney has a cheaper resort option without all the bells and whistles. The value resorts are great for me when I know I am going to be spending all of my time in the parks, and only going back to the room to sleep. If having a few less amenities means that resort is cheaper, then I'm all for it.

 

[goofyernmost]

All value resorts now have refrigerators.

I don't agree with the comment about how the value resorts were the ones who need them the most. Some people (like me) actually like the theming of the value resorts. People don't just stay at them to try and be cheap.

Come on...you didn't really think that I was stating that absolutely everyone that stayed in a value was poor as a church mouse did you?

However, those that you won't see at a luxury resorts are those that can only afford a value. THEY are the ones I was referring too. Those with big family's, sufficient income to make the trip, but still having to watch every nickel are the ones that need that perk. I, if I wanted, would or could stay on the top floor, facing MK in the Contemporary (the only way I would do it incidentally) but I won't throw away money like that since it isn't the view from the top floor that I came there for. Nor would I be able to sleep knowing how ripped off I was to spend that much money just to have a place to lay my head.

 

[MomtoGKC]

Ok - back to the rice balls. I think you have an idea here - you should bring your rice maker and a cardboard box - you could set up a quick rice ball stand at the F&WF!! Now you get to eat rice balls and make money to buy a regular meal, too!!

 

[kmb584]

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.

I have to say, I agree with you 100%!

Over the course of 46 trips in a 28 year time span I have stayed in every level of resort that WDW offers, I've stayed off-site numerous times as well. Where we book is dependent upon how many family members are traveling on that given trip with all preferences taken into consideration.

If it's just DD and myself I prefer on-site accommodations, either at a Mod or Deluxe depending on that trip's budget. The WDW Resorts absolutely provide the magic that Disney exudes, a feeling more so than something tangible, and I do look forward to that.

However, if family is going to be joining us on a particular trip we opt for WBC or Sheraton Vistana Villas. Staying off-site on those occasions is a no-brainer: 2-3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, living room, dining room, patio or balcony - all for often less per night than what a room at a Mod would cost and certainly less per night than we'd be paying for the 2 or 3 rooms we'd require due to maximum occupancy limitations. The parks are just a short drive, no rentals required as my aunt lives in Florida and we utilize her SUV. Tack on the free parking perk of being an AP holder as well as what we save on food with my TiW card and these off-site stays quickly become huge money savers!

In April 2011 my mom and I took DD to WDW for her 4th trip; we stayed Value and I lasted 1 night. I loved the theme (ASMu) and found the property to be lovely but the room size got the best of me, something that I never expected as we don't spend a heck of a lot of time at our resorts to begin with. I felt like I was tripping over someone or something every time I turned around, the fridge for DD's milk didn't fit comfortably anywhere, I shipped the pack 'n play back to the front desk after realizing it took up 1/4 of the room. On the morning of day 2 I was at the front desk upgrading to CSR!

 

[Paradise18]

Do you deliver?

 

[TxMickeyLover]

Supposedly all the value resorts were supposed to have them in by the end of April, but I haven't stayed in one personally since then to see if it's true. If you do a search on the web, there are even photos of them in place.

Pop Century had one in when we were there in May. I think technically, they call it a beverage cooler, and it was small, but it kept our waters cold.

 

[smidgy]

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 am so happy you enjoy Disney your way!!!


we like to stay onproperty for many reasons. we do NOT only sleep in the hotels anyway. we love to spend time at the resorts, and actually plan "resort only" days. while hubby likes the oversized icons at the value resorts more than I, it is still a fun trip, with a mid day break, and pol time, resort time. reasonably price dfood court.

now, the moderate resorts? love love love them!! last sept we apent a few nights a CBR without even going to a park!

yes, you can stay much cheaper off site. and we have spent a night or 2 on 192 in kissimmee (just anxious to get to fla. earlier and get to our disney resort as early in the AM as possible! ) we are lucky that it is just hubby and I.
families with more than 2 kids have a problem. the new wuites at AOA aren't much help for them, pricey.
when we drive, we Do bring bread, lunchmeat, mac salad, cottage cheese, donuts, snacks, etc in the room... every little bit helps!!

 

[Mickey Gator]

Who would cook in their room in the first place. Just enjoy life and spend a couple of $$$$ because you can't take it with you.

 

[smidgy]

oh yeah! we LOVe not having to touch a car or drive once we are ther (unless we want to).

 

[smidgy]

If they do have a fridge it is new since October of 2010. The value resorts offered a fridge at $10. per day. Hardly a bargain! The resorts where that perk is the most needed are the ones without it. Go figure!

all the vaue resorts now have fridges in the rooms.

I only stay on property, because one of the things I enjoy on my Disney vacations is some of the many delicious adult beverages at the resorts and at the parks (except MK of course). I therefore rely on Disney transportation.

bingo!!! we like to enjoy our vacation with a few adult beverages!!! why not have the disney bus driver be the designated driver, rather than one of us?

 

[goofyernmost]

all the vaue resorts now have fridges in the rooms.

we like to enjoy our vacation with a few adult beverages!!! why not have the disney bus driver be the designated driver, rather than one of us?

Well, all I can say is it is about time that Disney caught up with the rest of hotel businesses and put in a Fridge. How about a Microwave? Did they get that yet?

The adult beverage thing must be my problem. I don't drink (by choice, just not interested, not a moral or religious reason) so therefore I don't have that particular hook in me. I still think I would have a problem with making the on-site choice even if I did drink. They would have to be some very tasty beverages to justify spending that much money just to have access to a bus.

To each his own. Many people including members of my immediate family like to stay on-site. Again this is more of a thread attempting to show how there are more affordable ways of doing Disney and not really lose out on anything.

If you love staying on-site and can afford too...by all means do so. If you want to go to WDW but have a tight budget then there are alternatives that in my opinion have perks of their own. Less cost = less stress! If that can be done without really missing out on the vast majority of the magic, that option should be shown and encouraged. Disney World should be available to everyone, not just to those that have more disposable income and they shouldn't be made to feel that they are missing out on anything. In fact there are many things that I can think of that on-siters are missing out on.

 

[SDSorority]

I'm planning on saving a little dough by taking along my favorite food appliance -- a rice cooker -- to make a few in-room meals. And I figure with a few sheets of nori, a bottle of seasoned rice vinegar, and some bonito flakes, I can make rice balls to carry into the parks for a quick, nutritious afternoon snack.

Has anyone else taken a rice cooker, and if so, what were some of your favorite recipes for "Disney Resort Rice"?

We don't take a rice cooker, but we do take a small electric tea kettle and have done rice (and rice and beans), rice noodles (like spaghetti), Bob's Red Mill GF hot breakfast cereal, tea, soup, etc. in it. I almost ALWAYS travel with it. It's a necessity for us gluten-free folks (meaning myself and DH, not ALL GF folks).

 

[smidgy]

Well, all I can say is it is about time that Disney caught up with the rest of hotel businesses and put in a Fridge. How about a Microwave? Did they get that yet?

The adult beverage thing must be my problem. I don't drink (by choice, just not interested, not a moral or religious reason) so therefore I don't have that particular hook in me. I still think I would have a problem with making the on-site choice even if I did drink. They would have to be some very tasty beverages to justify spending that much money just to have access to a bus.

To each his own. Many people including members of my immediate family like to stay on-site. Again this is more of a thread attempting to show how there are more affordable ways of doing Disney and not really lose out on anything.

If you love staying on-site and can afford too...by all means do so. If you want to go to WDW but have a tight budget then there are alternatives that in my opinion have perks of their own. Less cost = less stress! If that can be done without really missing out on the vast majority of the magic, that option should be shown and encouraged. Disney World should be available to everyone, not just to those that have more disposable income and they shouldn't be made to feel that they are missing out on anything. In fact there are many things that I can think of that on-siters are missing out on.

ya know, I read somewhere that you can request a microwave. I think only at the moderate resorts.

I agree with you though. everyone has dif. needs and options. some dis frinds of ours are going soon and renting a 4 bedroom house!!! with a private pool.. (they have 4 kids).

there are also a lot of dining options off property sometimes we get the bug to leave a day early and stay in kissimmee one night. we spend the aft. by the pool, and love to eat at the Ponderosa!!! then we get to our disney resort bright and early the next morning!!

 

[maxiesmom]

Disney World should be available to everyone, not just to those that have more disposable income and they shouldn't be made to feel that they are missing out on anything. In fact there are many things that I can think of that on-siters are missing out on.

I do agree that staying off-site is not quite the purgatory some people make it out to be. I have stayed off-site many times, and know you can typically get a lot more space for the money

However, if I had to choose I would much rather stay in a smaller room on-site. I like feeling as if Disney has everything taken care of, from the wake up calls to the transportation, to delivering packages to my resort for me. And you do miss all of that staying off-site.

Now saying all of that has value, that is up to the individual.

 

[MrsLS]

Thanks, now I want some rice
I can't believe I read all 9 pages. Tears rolling down to the pp who posted about cooking the steak in the closet

But seriously, there are so many ways to save on a vacation, that bringing a rice cooker to cook in your hotel room is not one of them, to me anyway. If you really want to cook on vacation, stay at a DVC resort or rent a property with a kitchen offsite.

 

[suzimar57]

i'm sitting here crying, from laughing so hard...

read all 9 pages - rice cookers, rotisserie chickens, fruit dehydrator...

but that Coleman stove? - that brought back some memories

(of my father packing it in our luggage back in the 60s at a hotel in virginia beach, slipping the maid a $5 bill, and the FLAMES while he's heating up Campbells chicken noodle soup - yes, he was THAT cheap....)

anyway....

this thread just makes me wonder: when Martha was in the "big House", do you suppose she was cooking up boullibaise in the toilet like the inmates on "Lock Up"??!!

 

[Cyrano]

Just moving this to Resorts

 

[Poppergirl]

I am seriously in hysterics here. Can I tell you how much I needed a good laugh? The Epcot "rice maker" pic had me rolling! Had a rough day but after this good laugh I'm feeling all better. Thanks all

 

[Ninja Mom]

Speaking of food (And not resort choice) does Disney (Or off property) have squirrels running around? Where I come from them squirrels are GOOD EATIN! On the plus side there are no rules that I know of for "catch and release" of squirrels unlike the fish on property and a chubby little squirrel can fit in a microwave (skinny ones in the coffee pots!) nicely.

Occasionally we get the hairy eyeball when we whip out out squirrel snacks in the park, but we just start talking loudly about how yummy our "Turkey Legs" are and that seems to satisfy most folks curiosity.

Hopefully we can hook up with the folks pulling the smoker down to the World and try Squirrel ala Smoke to get that vintage Piney flavor... just like home!

I suppose being in Florida we should branch out and try something exotic like Gator. There was one hanging out at the Yacht Club awhile back. After watching all of the Swamp people shows all you need is a treble hook and a few missing teeth to get the job done.

Jambalaya, gumbo, Etouffee anyone?.... but then we would need the rice cooker, so we are back to the original post. It all works out in the end, doesn't it?

 

[GeneralTso]

This is the funnist damn thread I've read on here.
I mean honestly, A RICE COOKER? That's just nuts--TO ME!
And I'm Japanese so no hate from me about rice cookers. One permanently resides on my counter. But on vacation? Sorry, still just

This usurped my previous favorite thread along the lines of "do you know how much tax is on a pretzel because I'm trying to budget?" That slayed me. If money is that tight, not sure Disney is the way to go. Ka-CHING. I'm all for saving money where you can, but this was over the top to me.

This one though, it's awesome.