How to go from a studio to a 1bdr?

[spiceycat]

trust me with a baby you will be happy to stay in the 1-bedroom. the big problem will be going back to studios.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

We own DVC for the nookie perk. Stay in an ordinary hotel room for a week with kids and you'll understand. Its worth every extra point.

ETA: Laundry in the room with kids is an added bonus too.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We own DVC for the nookie perk. Stay in an ordinary hotel room for a week with kids and you'll understand. Its worth every extra point.

ETA: Laundry in the room with kids is an added bonus too.

Hmm.... I can't seem to find that perk in the DVC members perk guide! Must be one of Disney's best kept secrets!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

You get at least double the space, why would you feel ripped off?

That was my thought, really in terms of space, the 1 bedroom is twice the size of a studio, it uses pretty much the same floor space as 2 studios. Sleeping capacity has no impact, it's floor space usage.

 

[ilovefh]

That was my thought, really in terms of space, the 1 bedroom is twice the size of a studio, it uses pretty much the same floor space as 2 studios. Sleeping capacity has no impact, it's floor space usage.

While I had never thought about the fact that it was double the space until someone pointed it out earlier in the thread, I think the value is in the eye of the person staying there. We were always the family of four that stayed in one room. We never got more than one room. In fact, for the last few years we've gone as a family Mom, Dad, Sister, Sister's boyfriend, myself and DH. Dh, Dsis, Dsis's boyfriend and I always share a studio.

This year my parents were feeling generous and we got a two bedroom at VWL. They totaled the points and divided by three (3 couples) so we actually paid a bit less than we would have for a studio, while they paid the other 2/3 for themselves and Dsis.

I have a hard time forking out more points for a space that doesn't sleep anymore people. In my mind (and where the value lies for me) if I am paying double the points I want to be able to sleep double the people, or at least 6.

At this point I tend to look at it and see that I can stay 5 nights in a one bedroom and almost 10 nights in a studio. I'd rather the extra nights, but like I said DH and I are looking into the possibility of a one bedroom, but DH is leaning towards just a studio, but Dsis and boyfriend will have to room somewhere else this year!

We're torn on so many things for this trip! We have to book the room before baby is born. If baby sleeps fine then a studio won't be a problem, but if not a one bedroom would be better, but we won't know until December and the trip is in February! Also, I work at a middle school and my sister at an elementary school. We always travel during February vacation week because of this. I might be staying home and if so we can travel in a slower and cheaper time, but do we want to travel without Dsis? And even though they are retired I am sure Mom and Dad won't travel without Dsis! Ahh the dilemmas!

 

[buzz5985]

We own DVC for the nookie perk. Stay in an ordinary hotel room for a week with kids and you'll understand. Its worth every extra point.

I thought that was what the shower was for?? LOL

Janis

 

[CdnKayDee]

Hmm.... I can't seem to find that perk in the DVC members perk guide! Must be one of Disney's best kept secrets!

And we just booked a studio had we known about this extra perk...

 

[bookwormde]

For many dining out all the time once you have a family is a lot more “work” not to mention once they get older more expensive, the full kitchen saves us way more money than the extra “points” are worth. For us the studios are a place we stay (if we are just at he resort for a couple of days), the 1br, 2br, and GVs are at places where we “at home” (for out longer stays).

bookwormde

 

[crisi]

Most newish babies will sleep fine without needing a seperate space - particularly if you've raised them that way (and its a good idea to do so - don't keep the space quiet while they nap or when they go to sleep - run the vacuum. Or you'll struggle with naps and sleeping forever). So since you seem to value frugality for this trip, I'd stay with a studio. Babies also don't care about the nookie. And babies are transportable, fall asleep in restuarants, don't need their special mac n cheese cooked in the room (because Disney has Stouffers and all discriminating pre-schoolers want Kraft). A studio has ample room for a pack n play and you can still sit on the couch. The balcony will make a good place to slip out for some quiet time.

Once your baby gets a little older, the lure of the bigger units gets stronger - but even there plenty of families stuff six people into an ordinary hotel room and make it work (of course no one on this board would ever do such a thing!) The thing about opinions is that they are not facts - I think a one bedroom is worth it, but you don't need to agree with me - you can even think I'm a little silly for spending points where I don't need to.

One of the things I've noticed from years on this board is that you can break Disney fans into two categories. I'm the type who will take fewer vacations - but they'll be more expensive ones - a one or two bedroom - signature dining - a trip to Cirque. There is the other type who wants to get the most possible days for their money - they stay in studios, cook in their unit, maximize their APs. Where I get one week out of a small contract every other year - and spend thousands over the unit in that one week - they'll get three weeks every year and spend the same amount of money. There isn't a right or wrong way - just the way that maximizes the enjoyment for YOU.

 

[Nicoal13]

DH refuses to go to WDW unless we get a one-bedroom also because of the nookie perk. :lol:

Enjoy the extra space, it will be nice to use the dishwasher to wash bottles and relax in the living room at night while baby is sleeping.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Most newish babies will sleep fine without needing a seperate space - particularly if you've raised them that way (and its a good idea to do so - don't keep the space quiet while they nap or when they go to sleep - run the vacuum. Or you'll struggle with naps and sleeping forever). So since you seem to value frugality for this trip, I'd stay with a studio. Babies also don't care about the nookie. And babies are transportable, fall asleep in restuarants, don't need their special mac n cheese cooked in the room (because Disney has Stouffers and all discriminating pre-schoolers want Kraft). A studio has ample room for a pack n play and you can still sit on the couch. The balcony will make a good place to slip out for some quiet time.

Once your baby gets a little older, the lure of the bigger units gets stronger - but even there plenty of families stuff six people into an ordinary hotel room and make it work (of course no one on this board would ever do such a thing!) The thing about opinions is that they are not facts - I think a one bedroom is worth it, but you don't need to agree with me - you can even think I'm a little silly for spending points where I don't need to.

One of the things I've noticed from years on this board is that you can break Disney fans into two categories. I'm the type who will take fewer vacations - but they'll be more expensive ones - a one or two bedroom - signature dining - a trip to Cirque. There is the other type who wants to get the most possible days for their money - they stay in studios, cook in their unit, maximize their APs. Where I get one week out of a small contract every other year - and spend thousands over the unit in that one week - they'll get three weeks every year and spend the same amount of money. There isn't a right or wrong way - just the way that maximizes the enjoyment for YOU.

That was VERY well said, Crisi.

We hate staying in a studio, but we will do it on occation to save points (like at AKV-CL over the weekend). We feel the true value of DVC is having a "home away from home" room, and a studio definitely is NOT that. We have never stayed in a studio with more than two people, and I doubt we ever would. When we have 3 people or more, we usually use the 2 bedrooms. I just don't feel I should force a guest or a grown family member to sleep on a pullout. We too have done a 1 bedroom for 5 of us for one night. A couple years ago we did that for one night at OKW because we didn't have enough points for a Saturday 2 bedroom unit on New Year's Eve.

The point is that whatever you feel is important for you is the way you will vacation with DVC. We are empty nesters, and are a bit set in our ways for staying in a studio for more than a night or two. I LOVE my kitchen, laundry etc. Even at AKV, we think the 1 bedroom units are really made only for 2 people. I don't mind having more at OKW so much, but all the others seem cramped in a 1 bedroom.

 

[blondietink]

We usually stay in a 1 br villa when we stay at our DVC. However , we have stayed in a studio both at VB and AKV. Both had adequate space for the 4 of us: 2 adults and two teenagers. I think you would still be fine in a studio for several years. We still manage to stay in one hotel room with two beds and although it's not ideal, it is manageable. A studio had plenty of room for a pack and play and when your child gets older, the sofa fols out to a very comfortable bed. You can save on points still or bank them when you relaly want a 1 br. Good luck!

 

[ilovefh]

Most newish babies will sleep fine without needing a seperate space - particularly if you've raised them that way (and its a good idea to do so - don't keep the space quiet while they nap or when they go to sleep - run the vacuum. Or you'll struggle with naps and sleeping forever). So since you seem to value frugality for this trip, I'd stay with a studio. Babies also don't care about the nookie. And babies are transportable, fall asleep in restuarants, don't need their special mac n cheese cooked in the room (because Disney has Stouffers and all discriminating pre-schoolers want Kraft). A studio has ample room for a pack n play and you can still sit on the couch. The balcony will make a good place to slip out for some quiet time.

Once your baby gets a little older, the lure of the bigger units gets stronger - but even there plenty of families stuff six people into an ordinary hotel room and make it work (of course no one on this board would ever do such a thing!) The thing about opinions is that they are not facts - I think a one bedroom is worth it, but you don't need to agree with me - you can even think I'm a little silly for spending points where I don't need to.

One of the things I've noticed from years on this board is that you can break Disney fans into two categories. I'm the type who will take fewer vacations - but they'll be more expensive ones - a one or two bedroom - signature dining - a trip to Cirque. There is the other type who wants to get the most possible days for their money - they stay in studios, cook in their unit, maximize their APs. Where I get one week out of a small contract every other year - and spend thousands over the unit in that one week - they'll get three weeks every year and spend the same amount of money. There isn't a right or wrong way - just the way that maximizes the enjoyment for YOU.

Thanks for the ideas! And BTW I don't think either way is right or wrong. If I did I wouldn't even be considering a one bedroom! The other thing we need to think about is if we will get time to even take another trip that year. If not why not spend the points on a one bedroom? I already have banked points from last year anyway!

 

[GrumpyBa*D]

I'm in the category. they more days the better. I don't really consider it home, I consider it a forced trip to disney so a hotel room is fine. I don't plan on cooking but with a toddler would love the washer and dryer, However I still can't justify the extra points for the one bedroom. this last trip Chase was usually so exhausted I got him ready for bed and after chasing him all day I was pretty much ready for bed he would go to sleep even with the tv on.
One thing in my favor is that I am a single parent so no nookie factor to consider. Chase went between sleeping with Mommy in the bed and Grammy on the pull out. I offered her the bed but she said the new pull outs were quite comfortable.

Right now I am lucky enough to go twice a year and I will start banking the points for when I really need the 1 bedroom or take a family trip with 2 bedrooms.

weird i guess

 

[jodifla]

With a small child, it can be hard to do WDW the same way you've always done it.

I had my child after owning DVC for 5 years and going to WDW for almost 30 years. We took a big step back from the theme parks and spent a lot more time enjoying the resort, including all the space of a one bedroom affords you. We always have annual passes, so we might hit a park just for dinner, or to stroll around Epcot for a couple of hours to do the flower show.

It makes all the difference in a vacation if you don't have to spend every night past 7 p.m. sitting on your bathroom floor reading while trying to get your worked up, over tired child to sleep in the bedroom.

Now, DS is 7, and we get 2 bedrooms for the 3 of us....although half the time, friends are with us, too.

The jacuzzi tub and the kitchen are worth every extra point that it costs to have a one bedroom IMO.

 

[OurDogCisco]

Thanks for the ideas! And BTW I don't think either way is right or wrong. If I did I wouldn't even be considering a one bedroom! The other thing we need to think about is if we will get time to even take another trip that year. If not why not spend the points on a one bedroom? I already have banked points from last year anyway!

With a newborn I'd probably stay in Studio... but I do think eventually, you have to decide if you want more vacations or more space. Personally, I want more space. My family hasn't stepped foot in a hotel room in years for week long stays. We'll do one or 2 nights in hotel room but beyond that we go crazy. I'm dreading that we'll be in a hotel room for 5 nights next year and then, on a cruise ship for 12 nights (no nookie for us---LOL). Our kids are 8 and 11 years old. You might decide later the one bedroom are valuable and you might not. I remember going on vacations with my toddler and having to spend the entire day at the resort in my room because she was just too cranky to go out or even sick. While my dh took our other dd around the parks. We do vacation alot so, we are looking for more of the home away from home environment. At Disney I do like making breakfast or Kraft Mac & Cheese. You may never get to that point and it doesn't matter that's whats so cool about Disney... There is so many options from a studio, one bedroom, two bedroom & Grand Villas. This is a great timesharing concept that is totally different from the other timeshares I own.

 

[ilovefh]

W There is so many options from a studio, one bedroom, two bedroom & Grand Villas. This is a great timesharing concept that is totally different from the other timeshares I own.

I have to agree and the ability to change room sizes every trip is definitely a reason we bought DVC!

 

[pickles]

Nookie is a DVC perk?
I thought it was a way to bribe dh to another trip to Disney?

He says he will only go if he gets nookie while there .
I need to contact member services and see if they can help out, now that i know its a perk they are offering.

Gotta love my DVC!!

 

[dcamdad]

I thought that was what the shower was for?? LOL

Janis

Nope, the jacuzzi tubs

 

[crisi]

Thanks for the ideas! And BTW I don't think either way is right or wrong. If I did I wouldn't even be considering a one bedroom! The other thing we need to think about is if we will get time to even take another trip that year. If not why not spend the points on a one bedroom? I already have banked points from last year anyway!

Oh, I wasn't insinuating you thought there was a right or wrong way. Around here we can just give the impression that our opinions are absolutes and that it is inevitable that you will stay in a one bedroom and never look back.... And you might, but then again, you might decide that you'd rather spend more days at Disney.