Is bringing your own microwave crazy...?

Status
Not open for further replies.

momx2

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jun 16, 2001
Messages
1,891
Well, I just bought a $40 small microwave to take with us on our vacations, mostly to the World. Is this crazy. I just think we will save a bundle doing this.
 
Well ... now that you asked ;)

I would never pack a microwave in a suitcase to bring with me. I guess if you're driving, then you'll have more room for things like micowaves and electric coolers. As disneyjunkie pointed out, all Disney resorts with food courts or snack shops have microwaves. IMO, you'll want to go there to refill your mug, so the microwave is really not out of the way. I used the one at All Star Sports to reheat my daughter's mac-n-cheese, for instance.
 
Well....I'm shipping a hot pot for Ramen soups, hot cereals, etc...but might draw the line at bringing my own microwave....will just use the one at the food court....

You are right about saving $$ tho....if driving...bring it along!!
 

We most often drive down with our 4 children. I find bringing my little microwave a great convenience. I would say it depends on how long you are staying and how bad you need to save on food There are tons of food you can fix with a microwave that can be stored without refrigeration. It does seem only reasonable however if you are driving. On a side note, a extra microwave at home is great when heating several things at once. When we have left over a-la-cart night it's perfect. But then again I have 2 dryers and 2 ovens.(wish I had 2 dishwashers).LOL!
Blessing!:D
 
I understand trying to save money but the microwave could be considered a fire hazard-without the proper surface to place it on or outlets to plug it in. If you are staying at a Disney Resort they have microwaves in the food courts. Much safer and more convenient. Also you can go there to refill mugs.
 
I don't know where you're staying, but when we stayed at the Yacht club we requested a microwave and they don't charge for them. At least that's how it was in 2000. Had they not had them, I would have brought my own small one. It was wonderful being able to bring leftover's back to the room for a late nite snack. Also, depending on where you're staying there may not be microwaves readily available. I never checked at the YC, but even if they had one the long walk to the food areas would have been a real pain. I'd check where you're staying and see if they can furnish you one and if not bring your own! I really don't see the fire hazard with a microwave and Disney certainly wouldn't allow them in the rooms if there was a safety issue.
 
/
When we would go as a family group of 4-8 people, we always tooka small microwave oven and a toaster over... Never had any problem. We put them on the table in one room and ate in the other one...
 
Great idea to save money...Fortunately we already had one and a fridge in our room at Magic Castle. This time we are bringing a small George Foreman Grill...So no you are not crazy. You are the only one who knows your family and if you will use it or not.
 
I really don't see the fire hazard with a microwave and Disney certainly wouldn't allow them in the rooms if there was a safety issue.
peachgirl,
You are right, Disney could not have furnished a microwave to you if their electrical outlets were not rated for it (they have very stringent codes).

momx2,
I think a microwave could be handy-- I think a small microwave would probably draw less power (just a guess without looking on the appliance) and be less of a fire hazard than some of the other appliances suggested (maybe even less than a coffee maker)--but only the hotel where you are staying could say for certain whether they are rated for it or not--so, I think it is always best to ask (and like peachgirl suggested, maybe they would furnish a microwave so you wouldn't have to bother with bringing your own).

I marvel at the cost--$40.00 for a microwave! That is amazing. I can remember when an average microwave cost around $600!

-DC :)
 
We've been thinking about taking one on our next trip, so I don't think it's a crazy idea.:D We will probably have a child still on baby food when we go back and it would certainly give me peace of mind to know that, no matter where we stay or what room location we end up with, I have a convenient way to warm baby food and cereal. Not to mention how nice it will be to be able to warm up leftovers, pop popcorn, etc. without leaving the room. As for the microwave being a fire hazard, the ones I've been looking at have a lower wattage than your average hair dryer. Of course, I'm no electrician so I don't really know if I need to be looking at the wattage, volts or what. Maybe someone else can enlighten us.:)
 
We stayed at the YC in Sept and we had a microwave too. They provided it free of charge.
 
We were just talking about the prices of microwaves the other day at work. We were looking through the paper and saw microwaves on sale for $39.00 at Walmart or Kmart. They are obviously more of a disposable item at that price. Even if you just used it for your trip and then gave it away you would still be saving money.
 
Well kinda....

If I were you I would call the hotel you are staying at (or CRO if you are staying on site) and ask if you would be allowed to bring and use a small microwave.

I have heard of people bringing toasters, toaster ovens, crock pots etc.
 
I'm glad I posted this. We do drive and we go often. The only way we can go often (Dec. is our 3rd trip in 15 mons. and going again in April) is to cut back and only eat one meal out a day. Personally, I'm getting tired of sandwich meat for lunch every day. I know there are micros in the food courts, but after a long day sometimes I don't like tracking back there. Anyway, to each his own. I believe it will work for my family, so I'll bring it. It is only a .6 cu feet (low wattage), so I'm not concerned about the fire hazzard. Thanks for all the responses.
 
We bought a $39 microwave a few years ago just for our Disney trips. The first time I sort of hid it but since then I have set up a kitchen in the closet area. I put the microwave on the luggage cart and have a box with the food etc. on the floor. Not much room in the AS's but it works fine for us.

Nothing like a relaxing breakfast in the room before heading out to the parks and avoiding the crowds and hassle when returning. I really cannot eat more than one big meal a day anyway so it is not just for saving money. If it were more convenient to eat out we probably would.

Some of our in room meals include

Breakfast

Corned Beef Hash/Bagel and cream cheese/Fruit
Oatmeal/Milk and OJ


Dinners
Pasta Dinners/Breadsticks/Salad
D Moore microwave dinners
La Choy Chow Mein/Noodles
Beef Stew & Soups
Hot dogs/Buns/Chips
Canned Salisbury Steaks and gravy on bread


Lots of fresh fruits, yogurt and healthy snacks as well. We bring lots of drinks, soft and otherwise.

I am sure I am leaving some things out but this has been a long day and I am a bit tired. The microwave does not take up much space and you can store some things inside it to make it even more portable. When you get to the resort just ask for a luggage cart and haul it in. Have even been switched to another resort and they moved the microwave for me so it must not be forbidden or even unusual. If the small refrigerators were not so bulky I would haul one of those also but our cooler works just fine and we can store things in it on our way down and back up as well. I think the microwave is much safer than a lot of other small appliances but I do unplug it after each use. We have found a small extension cord (rated for the appliance) to make it much easier than hauling it back and forth to the plug.

Best wishes and keep on cooking!

SG/Linda
 
I think taking your own microwave is an excellent idea for saving money on food. Who wants to go down to the food court every time you want to pop a bag of popcorn? Some of the rooms are a long walk from the food court. I'd feel foolish going down there with my food, as I see those microwaves being for the convenience of food court patrons. I imagine they sell rolls and things that people might want heated. As for the fire hazzard issue - I don't agree they're a fire hazzard. Commercial buildings have strict codes, and they factor in that people are going to plug in stuff like that. Irons are one of the biggest fire hazzards among small appliances, and they aren't banned. Disney will let you get a frig at all of their resorts, so if that can be safely used, a microwave is no problem.
 
We are staying at BWV studio with a microwave. OK, I admit it I am not the greatest cook or menu planner, but I can not think of ANYTHING that I could prepare for my family to make it worthwhile? I would love to hear of some menus.
 
I'm sorry, but I'd hate to be the person hanging my clothes in the closet after you turned it into a diner. You can use all the excuses you want, but the room will still smell after you cook in the room. Would you want a microwave oven in your own closet at home?

Most appliances have short cords on them for safety reasons. Extension cords are a violation of the Electric Code (NFPA 70) in most occupancies.

Architects don't factor in the extra safety for nuts who want to bring their entire kitchen along. That is much too expensive. They want to design the building to be constructed at the least cost possible.

If Disney wanted you to have a microwave in your room, they would install a microwave in the room. Why not just get a room that already has all these items in the room?

And speaking of safety, microwaving baby food and baby bottles in a microwave isn't safe since you can get hot spots that can burn the baby's mouth. It's much safer to fill the sink with hot water and place the bottle or food into the hot water to warm it.
 
Hello Deb

You are entitled to your opinion IMHO. I bring my microwave and do my very best to leave the room in as good a condition as I found it. I do not smoke and sometimes have problems with rooms that people have been smoking in and then there are the rooms that have been liberally sprayed with alcohol and such. I cannot control the environment anywhere except in my own home and have limited control there LOL. I also take my own pillows and a clean sheet to cover the bedspread.

As far as the extension cord, it is one that is rated far beyond the capabilities of the job and as I stated I unplug it when I am done. I am even more careful with other people's property than my own and I am very careful there, as well.

Having great respect for the hard job that the mousekeepers have to do I am careful not to add to their burdens and have talked to some of ours (including one dear friend that we have made from there) and they have assured me that I keep a far cleaner room than many. BTW, the closet at AS is open. I would not reccomend warming a bottle up in the sink (might use the ice bucket with a liner) as you would not want to hear what some guests do in the sinks.

I am sorry you have been offended by our opinions and wish you well and hope that your future trip is all that you wish for.

Slightly (but not entirely) Goofy/Linda
 
Status
Not open for further replies.













Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE







New Posts







DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top