Lock off and dedicated

[kmermaid]

Is there any major difference between the two? Is one perferred over the other? I just booked a 2bd for 5 nights, what was available was first 2 nights are a lock off, third night a dedicated, last two nights lockoff again. I waitlisted the 3rd night for a lock off because I don't want to move. I went into this thinking I wanted a dedicated 2 bdr, but now I'm not so sure.

 

[bobbiwoz]

If you have children that are inclined to leave the room, you may want to get the dedicated because there is no outside entrance into the second bedroom. I was surprised over the weekend to find that our DGC were able to open our door, including the dead bolt, in our room in Boston this weekend. If the children are old enough to understand that they shouldn't be leaving, well that's a different story. This is just the first time that I realized a "problem" with the lock offs. We've only just begun to go to WDW with DGC and we did have a dedicated 2 bedroom in August.

Dedicated doesn't have the kitchenette, at least not at VWL.

Bobbi

 

[Sammie]

a lock off is a studio unit with outside door and kitchenette with an interior connecting door to a one bedroom unit.

So as bobbiwoz stated you have 2 outside doors. Also it will affect your beds in the second unit unless you are staying at OKW. At all other resorts, a lock off will have a queen bed and sofa bed in the studio section of a lock off.

You have more closest space in a dedicated because where the kitchenette is in the lock off, a closest is there in a dedicated.

 

[mtmona]

I had this same dilema with our Tgiving stay at SSR. I had requested dedicated and got lock-off. I waitlisted for dedicated, but never did get it. The lock-off was perfectly fine for us. I have an 11 yr. old and 14 yr. old. They either used the couch bed or just ended up in the queen. I personally still like the 2 bd. option, but it really wasn't a problem.

 

[OKW Lover]

Some advantages to having a lock off include:
Having a separate temperature control for the 2nd bedroom - no dueling thermostats!
Having an extra coffee pot and toaster so getting going in the morning is faster. The coffee thing is so that some can have flavored coffee and some the real thing.
A little more privacy for the 2nd bedroom occupants.

 

[Disney Doll]

Really, the only drawback I can see to a lock-off vs. a dedicated is if you have children who might "sneak" out of the second bedroom's outside door, then don't get a lock-off.

If you have another couple who might want to stay out late and would be worried about disturbing you coming in...although the way DH & I sleep, that is not an issue! ...then get a lock-off so they can use the other door.

 

[kmermaid]

Really, the only drawback I can see to a lock-off vs. a dedicated is if you have children who might "sneak" out of the second bedroom's outside door, then don't get a lock-off.

I wonder if I can get the front desk not to activate the door to the studio. Only have the keys work the door to the 1 bedroom? My girls will be staying in that room so it would be one less thing to worry about. They are already excited about having their own balcony. Gonna have to lay some laws down about that, I guess.

 

[Caskbill]

I wonder if I can get the front desk not to activate the door to the studio. Only have the keys work the door to the 1 bedroom? My girls will be staying in that room so it would be one less thing to worry about. They are already excited about having their own balcony. Gonna have to lay some laws down about that, I guess.

But that wouldn't keep anyone from opening the door from the inside. You don't need a key to exit the room, just turn the doorknob. The key only works from the outside.

And if kids are old enough to try to sneak out, they're old enough to figure out they only have to slightly block the door so it doesn't close all the way behind them, so they can get back in without a key.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I wonder if I can get the front desk not to activate the door to the studio. Only have the keys work the door to the 1 bedroom? My girls will be staying in that room so it would be one less thing to worry about.

Even if they could do that, it wouldn't help you because the door could still be opened from the inside.

We had "lock-offs" when my kids were little and they were fine. There is a safety lock on each door that may help. The kids may be more nervous about going out into the hall alone than you are about them doing it.

Have a great trip.

HBC

 

[Granny]

kmermaid...you haven't indicated how old your children are, but many have suggested that they put a piece of furniture in front of the second bedroom door in a lock-off and that keeps the little ones from easily getting out.

But I have to be honest. If people are worried about kids sneaking out, they probably should reserve a studio. That's the only way the parents will be in the same room as the exit door. Even with a dedicated 2BR, kids who want to sneak out just have to go through the main family room and entry way and would most likely be unnoticed by parents in the master bedroom.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree, Granny. Kids who want to sneak out will. Those who would never think of it wont.