But we don't really NEED the 1 Bedroom...

[Debi]

I'm a 1-bedroom snob also. I love the extra space, and having the full kitchen, washer/dryer, and jacuzzi tub is priceless. I'll admit to taking a solo trip in a 1-bedroom.....

 

[mom2rb]

A few years ago, we had to move to a studio for half of our trip. I was saving points for a second trip that year. DH said never again. We bought more points as soon as we got home.

 

[RLRDA]

We always have to get a 1BR or larger because of the kids - we have yet to take an adults only trip . OP, you're fortunate that you have the choice . Now you just have to decide if you want that extra trip (pick the studio) or if you don't think you'll get back to WDW within the year, indulge in the extra space! Since you've already experienced the 1BR....it's hard to go back.

 

[sweetdana]

1bed room lover... not snob.

I split 1/2 in a studio 1st 1/2 and split to a 1 -bedroom.
Saves points, go park crazy and don't stay much in the room 1st 4-6 nights and then relax more last 4-6 nights.

 

[crazybones27]

We just returned from our 1st DVC stay a week or so ago. We did a split stay in a 1bdrm at Kidani to a GV at Jambo. We have our next trip planned for April in a BWV Studio standard and I have no clue how I'm going to do. I kept telling my husband, but I NEED the washer and dryer lol. He said he wanted to go twice next year so a studio is all we could do. But seriously I know the hotel has laundry, but I like it being in my room so much more LOL. So I guess I'm a 1bdrm snob sort of lol.

 

[dgaston]

It's just DH and I and we are so not 1 br snobs. We are frugal with points to take extra trips, and even stay *gasp* off-site during peak holiday times to maximize our usage. Next spring you'll find us in an AKV value studio for 6 nights.

 

[sssteele]

My wife and I have stayed in both 1 and 2 bedroom villas when family is with us, but can't justify the points when it's just the two of us. We have plenty of points, but since we're retired, we can enjoy the luxury of multiple trips to WDW, HHI and VB. Studio stays allow us extended trips, as well as twice the number of stays - 30 or 40 days per year.

 

[eporter66]

We bought with the intention of going and staying in a studio, we have always stayed in standard hotel rooms when traveling. Our first DVC trip in May of 2004 was fine, we really liked the studio

But - we tried a one bedroom on our next trip and loved it, and have not looked back since. Once our loan is paid, I plan to add a small contract or two so we can get a one bedroom without borrowing.

We now have a DD (which we did not when we bought, but also bought knowing we wanted children), and having the one bedroom allows us to stay up as late as we want while she sleeps in the other room. We can watch TV, or whatever and not have to worry about waking her up.

We also use the kitchen a lot. I know some people wont cook while on vacation. But if you are factoring in what is economical, we have breakfast in the room every day which saves us $$$. Stopping at a store on the way in for a few things has been a lifesaver. We have food in the room, snacks, drinks, and this works very well for us and our DD. We also have food for lunch and a few things we can whip up for a quick dinner. I think it saves us a lot of money to do this. We also pack light and do laundry twice while we are there - I like that as well.

Lately - with the price of flying, we only do one trip a year, so we do ok with our points. If we made multiple trips, we would need more points or have to stay in a studio

Honestly - when I am on vacation I want to relax and be comfortable. The one bedroom provides that for us while in WDW. I will not go back to a studio.

 

[Granny]

My husband and I love the room in the one bedroom for just us. Having the luxury of the kitchen is great so we don't have to eat out for all our meals.
The washer and dryer in the room is also great and convenient. I would not trade for a studio.

This prety much sums us up too. The extra space allows me to use the living room for computer or reading without disturbing my wife late at night or early in the morning. And that washer/dryer in the room is a big deal to us.

Does someone really sleep in at Disney World? I always wondered this.

Absolutely. We haven't been in a park before 10:00 a.m. in our last 7 trips. And most days it is not until about noon. Sleeping in, hanging by the pool, lounging around the villa....those are all what make a DVC vacation much more relaxing than our old commando days.

 

[dzorn]

We don't really need DVC but it is nice. 2-3 nights in a studio is my limit. Bought DVC for a larger more relaxing vacation.

Denise in MI

 

[LSchrow]

My wife and I have stayed in both 1 and 2 bedroom villas when family is with us, but can't justify the points when it's just the two of us. We have plenty of points, but since we're retired, we can enjoy the luxury of multiple trips to WDW, HHI and VB. Studio stays allow us extended trips, as well as twice the number of stays - 30 or 40 days per year.

We are similar - we used to go once a year for a week, 3-4 ppl in a 1 bdrm. Now we (2 ppl) go twice a year for 10-11 nights each time, and a third ttrip with extended family every other year in a 2 bdrm.
We don't cook (it is VACATION!), but eat out a lot offsite for better food - we do have a TIW card, but rarely use it anymore.
So no need for a full kitchen, and don't care for jacuzzis (give me a real pool any day)
Using our 400 points in mostly studios give us more vacation nights - THAT is what matters to us

 

[toniosmom]

When I first toured DVC in April 2008, I was staying in a ASM studio -- cramped with 4 people, plus an ECV. When I saw the AK studio model, I about died and went to heaven. I was so thrilled. Then, I saw the 1BR with the large tub and I was ready to sign on the dotted line. I have since added on several times and so far we haven't stayed in anything smaller than a 1BR. We had extended family in a 2BR this past March and it was wonderful not stepping over each other.

Even though it's only my DS5 and I, I anticipate we will continue with 1BRs. Can't beat the in-room laundry and full kitchen. We eat a lot of meals in the room.

Next April, we are getting in to BCV around midnight, so I booked a studio for that one night, switching to a 1BR for the following 8 days. I couldn't see spending the extra points for the 1BR that first night.

Sorry to be so long winded -- In short, would I ever stay in a studio? Sure! I could probably get a 3rd annual trip in there by doing so. However, I have enough points right now to get us there 1-2 times per year in at least a 1BR which is just fine. With the price of airfare, I can't afford to go more often. Gotta pay those dues!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Usually we don't stay long enough as a couple to use the laundry, full kitchen. However when we go with the DGC, yes, we book 2 bedrooms. For me, I'm happy when I have a balcony or patio. Most hotel rooms do not give you a balcony or patio with the kitchenette, so I don't agree that a studio is like any ole hotel room!

Bobbi

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Our first few years I found myself borrowing, buying and working hard to get us into the 1 br and once with 7 people a 2 bedroom. Since then we have cut way back and stayed in the studios. I love the 1br at OKW but we like the studio location of BCV more.

So for the past two years it has been studio at BCV and the pool. This year, we are taking DSS so we have the 1 br at BCV and it will be our only trip for this year.

I am just point poor but happy to have a DVC.

 

[Greysword]

...Point wise, the studio is the way to go. It's the most economical and logical choice...

I would contest the theory that a studio is more economical or logical than a 1BR or larger.

Economical: Although this would take time to complete, I am willing to say a comparison of a studio for 7 days with the DDP would likely cost the same as a 1BR for 7 days without the DDP.

Factors that would need to be considered are: annual dues, price for points, DDP cost (with an annual increase), average grocery bill for a family of 4 (anticipating eating all meals in the 1BR), airline baggage fees (for 1 extra piece of luggage per person, assuming laundry will be done frequently in a 1BR and sparingly in a studio due to the additional time for using a central laundry facility).

Of course, this does not account for specific resorts, where a studio at one may equal the point cost of a 1BR in another.

Logical: I would need a specific definition of logical, as different parameters makes a 1BR (or larger) better for one family compared to another. As such, I would say in general a studio is not more or less logical than a 1BR. I would probably give you this argument if comparing a studio to a grand villa, in general .

As for our family, so far we have enjoyed staying in a1BR or larger, depending on friends/family in tow. I'm convinced that the full kitchen, washer/dryer and balcony IS what they are talking about when they say DVC is the best kept secret.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Anti-studio snob here too. I'll use a studio for a night on either end of a trip to extend it, but I NEED the king bed, and I like the Jacuzzi. Since I have both of those at home, and DVC is my vacation HOME, then I NEED those things there as well.

I'm not sure the whole timeshare experience is used to its fullest at Disney when so many book studios. I suspect DVC/Disney World is unique in that regard as far as timeshares are concerned. Far more people book the studios than do at other timeshares.

We feel that a 1 bedroom is for 2 people. If we have another person traveling with us, we get a 2 bedroom. I don't want anyone having to sleep on a pull out if I can help it.

 

[cseca]

When it was just the 2 of us, we go studio all the time. Plenty of space for 2A plus we can eat bfast in the room or make deli sandwiches for a light lunch/supper.

Now with DD, I just need a 1br... not necessarily for the full kitchen but for the w/d. If we have to stretch our points, I would still go with a studio. But my heart belongs in a 1br now.

 

[JLVermillion]

My wife and I have stayed in both 1 and 2 bedroom villas when family is with us, but can't justify the points when it's just the two of us. We have plenty of points, but since we're retired, we can enjoy the luxury of multiple trips to WDW, HHI and VB. Studio stays allow us extended trips, as well as twice the number of stays - 30 or 40 days per year.

Same here

 

[mac_tlc]

I'll buck the trend here .... Have been members since 1992 and 80-90% of our stays have been in studios -- usually with four of us. I also agree with a PP that a studio is not like any ole hotel room. An OKW studio is not like ASM or equivalent.

Don't get me wrong -- I love the 1 BDR space too, but I would rather spend 10 nights a year in WDW than 5 nights in WDW and 5 in CT.

When in the studio, we will do the laundry at the places provided -- while the kids are in the pool, throw in a load -- not a big inconvenience to me.

Now that the kids are older (23, 16), the DW and I have had an opportunity to go by ourselves a few times -- can't justify twice as many points per night for the 1bdr. We still usually only eat breakfast in --- so the lack of a full kitchen has not been an issue. BTW, in 18 years, I'm not sure I have seen most of the pots and pans they provide in the 1 bdr

mac_tlc

 

[NJMermaid]

Doing a split stay in November. 3 nights OKW followed by 4 nights in WL villas. Both will be in 1BR. Then we'll be slumming for 2 nights in the Dolphin. This is for me and DH. DS may join us for our 2 nights in the Dolphin, then he has 2 nights alone in a studio at SSR. Used up all my points for this trip. The Dolphin is for two days around Thanksgiving, DVC has no availability(at the time I booked)