Plastic Cutlery in Studios - Why?

[Chris and Pooh]

Hi,

Can somebody please explain why you are only given plastic cutlery if you stay in a studio as opposed to proper knives and forks etc if you stay in one or two bed accommodation or villa.
It is nearly impossible to open a pack of cheese with a plastic knife let alone slice the cheese.
I am aware there is no dishwasher in the studios but am perfectly capable of putting some hot water and washing up liquid in a bowl and cleaning them by hand with a scourer.

 

[Mich Mouse]

Though you would clean the silverware, I think many people would not.

Bring some of the heavy duty cutlery...Can be found at party stores and works much better than what is provided.

 

[Chuck S]

I just pack a paring knife in my suitcase, or if I forget, I buy one at Publix. Another option is simply calling housekeeping and asking for one.

 

[n2mm]

THis is why I have a small cutting board and small paring knife in my checked suitcase. I found out the first time we wanted cheese and crackers, so now it's always in my "checked" bag. It's mightly hard to cut those limes with a plastic knife.

 

[5forDiz]

iirc it was done in the name of saving $ or time for M-Keepers or both....

I don't see how it really made sense in either scenario.

 

[Cajun28]

Hi,

Can somebody please explain why you are only given plastic cutlery if you stay in a studio as opposed to proper knives and forks etc if you stay in one or two bed accommodation or villa.

I would assume Disney's thinking is since the studios do not have a full kitchen, most guests would not be doing major meals in their rooms and that plastic utensils would suffice.

 

[Chris and Pooh]

I would assume Disney's thinking is since the studios do not have a full kitchen, most guests would not be doing major meals in their rooms and that plastic utensils would suffice.

I have used one bed properties in the past but with no intention of doing major cooking, it just seems to me that the studios, either as a renter or as a DVC member are cheapened by Disney supplying paper plates and plastic cutlery, it is the only company I know of which does not supply proper cutlery, for similar accommodation

 

[jamstew]

IIRC, the reason they went to styrofoam coffee cups (however briefly) was because there are no dishwashers in the studios and thus the glass cups couldn't be sterilized. I guess they found a way around it, but it seems like flatware would be the same issue.

 

[Chuck S]

The flatware, as far as I can remember, has always been plastic with paper bowls & plates in studios, but I could be wrong. The mugs and glasses did change from glass/ceramic to foam and back after they supposedly installed commercial glassware cleaners. I really never expected anything else but plastic in a studio.

There is no way to properly sanitize the cutlery and plates/bowls, and now that they (supposedly) replace the glasses between guests with sterilized glassware, they would also need to replace the plates and cutlery. Even with high speed commercial cleaners, this takes employee time versus simply replacing the paper and plastic, and they would have to stock reserve supplies of flatware and plates/bowls not only swap out, but replacement for breakage.

I'm fine with the plastic and paper, but I really hated the styrofoam.

 

[Princess_Melanie]

IIRC, the reason they went to styrofoam coffee cups (however briefly) was because there are no dishwashers in the studios and thus the glass cups couldn't be sterilized. I guess they found a way around it, but it seems like flatware would be the same issue.

For our trip coming up in just over 5 weeks we intend to bring our own spare cups, glasses, plates, bowls and cutlery for our own use. Although we don't eat loads in a studio, it's nice to have breakfast off a proper plate or in a proper bowl. I hate a relaxing drink in the evening after a hard day to be in a plastc cup or glass too!!

We don't have a dishwasher at home, just a bowl of very hot soapy water, wash up brush and rubber gloves....I consider our things to be sterilised and clean enough to use again lol!!

 

[jamstew]

I bought some rigid plastic cereal bowls, plates & cups to put in my Owners Locker, and now that you mention it, I think I have a picnic set of flatware I can leave there as well.

 

[5forDiz]

The flatware, as far as I can remember, has always been plastic with paper bowls & plates in studios, but I could be wrong. The mugs and glasses did change from glass/ceramic to foam and back after they supposedly installed commercial glassware cleaners. I really never expected anything else but plastic in a studio.

There is no way to properly sanitize the cutlery and plates/bowls, and now that they (supposedly) replace the glasses between guests with sterilized glassware, they would also need to replace the plates and cutlery. Even with high speed commercial cleaners, this takes employee time versus simply replacing the paper and plastic, and they would have to stock reserve supplies of flatware and plates/bowls not only swap out, but replacement for breakage.

I'm fine with the plastic and paper, but I really hated the styrofoam.

Good point, I wasn't thinking about sterilization & breakage....

 

[LIFERBABE]

Im just happy to have the mugs and glasses back!

Really hate eating with a plastic fork unless Im at a picnic.

I have a real knife, and mickey flatware in my Ownerslocker for our studio stays which are becoming more infrequent.

 

[DenLo]

Being a newbie with the DVC, I find there are more things to be delighted about. We have stayed in many of hotels were there was a mini-fridge and microwave and all we have every been given is plastic forks and glasses and paper plates. Having actual mugs and glasses is fabulous.

Thanks for the tip about bring a paring knife and cutting board.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I can sometimes make very foolish mistakes, so just as a reminder...

make sure to put those knives in the checked luggage, and NOT in your carry-on.

 

[Claire L]

No matter where we go for vacation I always put a paring knife in the checked luggage, along with some plastic plates, bowls and some heavy duty picnic plastic cutlery, does us fine

Claire

 

[Anal Annie]

I packed bunch of spare paper plates, plasticware & a set of sharp knives in our Owners Locker. The knives I bought were just a cheap set of 3 from Target, but there's a paring knife, a trimming knife and a longer bladed sort of chef knife. I got the same set to put in our camping supplies as they will not be used THAT much - I just wanted SOMETHING "real" to have available. The bigger knife came in handy when we went in May as we had ordered a cake for DS's birthday - I couldn't have cut it w/o that big knife!! Also used it to slice bagels that weren't sliced all the way... Gotta love my Owners Locker...I also packed a set of plastic bowls with lids (similar to gladware) that we could re-use and microwave. I usually re-wash the plastic silverware that they provide while we are there then dispose of it when we leave...but sometimes they break if you're trying to cut something as simple as butter that's straight out of the frig. Seems we always need spares!!

 

[d-r]

I think it would be kind of gross if you didn't have a dishwasher to have real cutlery.

 

[TDC Nala]

Because there is no dishwasher in a studio. They need to be certain that the cutlery can be sterilized if it is going to be reused.

 

[buckysgirl]

I would check with housekeeping prior to your trip to see if you can have cheese board with knife brought to the room. We asked for wine glasses when we stayed at WLV studio and they brought them right up and we had them for the week. You never know until you ask!