For those who stay in villas with full kitchens...

[Local_Girl]

I've got a question for those who stay in villas/resorts with full kitchens...I understand the kitchens are supposed to be fully equipped, but are there any item/items that you bring along because you have found the kitchens to be lacking in some way? Hope this question makes sense...the bottom line is I do plan on cooking in the villa and would like to be prepared.

Thanks!

 

[Robinrs]

Every place has it's own stuff so I would check to see what they do provide. I always bring paper cups and plates and condiments because I prefer not to use theirs if there is no maid service.

 

[DianeV]

You should definitely have enough plates, etc. and most villas with kitchens have dishwashers so you can wash them...I notice they dont seem to have any good "egg" pans and cookie type sheets...you may want to bring some extra dishwasher soap and laundry soap too. Also no condiments like salt pepper etc. are usually in the kitchens we have been to.

 

[Lisa P.]

I agree with Robin. If possible, find out ahead of time what specifically is provided. A suite hotel like Homewood Suites may provide only the basics (1 pot, 1 pan, 1 microwavable serving bowl, 1 basic place setting per person - plate, bowl, cup, utensils).

A nicer timeshare resort villa (5 Star or Gold Crown) usually includes a full set of cookware/bakeware & utensils for both stove and microwave, knife set, full dinner service per person (plates/saucers, bowls, several different glass sizes/types, coffee cups, place mats, etc.), juice pitcher, blender, mixer, toaster, coffee maker, tupperware, teapot, etc. It's more complete and most of them will bring odd items if you don't see them... just call the front desk or housekeeping and ask... things like extra cookie sheets, roasting pans, even a crockpot. We've never had a problem.

Whatever is needed to use & clean the pans is usually provided. If they have revereware, they'll give you metal cooking utensils and a scrubber pad. If it's nonstick, they'll give you the resin utensils and a kitchen sponge or extra washcloth.

The things I sometimes forget to bring are:
--- extra laundry detergent tablets and dryer sheets (they usually give you a tiny box of detergent for one load)
--- extra dishwasher powder in a ziploc (in case there aren't enough packets)
--- favorite coffee & filters (they usually have one complimentary)
--- cooking spray or extra butter (especially if they don't have a nonstick frypan)
--- salt/pepper/garlic & onion powders
--- tiny bottle of bubble bath for the jacuzzi.

Some people like to bring a nonstick pan or Foreman-type grill. We don't bother. But it's really helpful to know ahead what to expect. Everywhere is very different. If you will be renting a privately owned condo or villa, you may not have the option of calling a central number to request what you need. If it's a suite hotel or a timeshare resort, it's usually easier to get what you need or at least anticipate what the standard equipment will be, with a phone call. HTH.

 

[KProuty]

I have yet to go to one of these places that had a non-stick egg or frying pan!

Like Lisa, I bring:

Laundry Detergent, coffee filters, coffee, Splenda (non-sugar sweetener), salt & pepper. I also bring shoulder strap water bottles so I can fill them up 3/4 of the way, put them in the freezer, and take them out the next morning all ready for the parks.

Hope this helps!

Katherine

 

[Local_Girl]

Thanks, everyone for your advice. I will probably call to confirm our reservations next Monday or Tuesday and at that point will ask about the kitchen stuff. I will most likely bring our non-stick pan (even if they have them, they're probably in bad shape ), paper goods (I HATE doing dishes at home, it would not be a vacation if I have to do lots of dishes there), and definitely condiments.

Thanks for your suggestions...any others?

 

[Lisa P.]

You know, Katherine, I don't think I've seen the non-stick pans in the Orlando area resorts either, now that you've got me thinking about it. The last resort I saw one in was Fairfield Smoky Mountains in TN. Marriott Grande Ocean in SC has them too, if you call and ask. Quite a few resorts have them as extra items, in fact. But I don't think I've seen them in the Disney area. Hm.

 

[disneysteve]

I agree with all of the prior comments. Definitely find out what they do and don't provide both in dishes, cookware and cleaning supplies.

If you do a lot of cooking at home, like us, think about what items you use a lot and what items you can't stand cheap quality versions of. For us, its knives so we always pack our own. As everyone said, a non-stick pan is also a good idea.

Steve

 

[2minnies]

The only item I never find is a pizza cutter!!!!! They just work so much better than a knife.