Saving $$- 'Cooking' in the hotel room

[ArielsMommy]

I agree with the posts that said to bring pre-prepared items. We like to bring a box of fried chicken for lunch with some carrot and celery sticks, I didn't see that one mentioned. We have also used the food court microwave and toaster for things like poptarts.

 

[Kay1]

Our Publix sells: Sushi and summer rolls, shrimp cocktail, fruit and vegetable platters, Caesar and Greek salads, deviled eggs, subs, fried and roasted chicken, pasta and more traditional salads, and their bakery has lots of choices for breakfasts.

Have fun.

 

[herewego1]

Maybe the OP meant s/he'd like to hear ideas about meals that can be stored in the room fridge, not necessarily cooked there. We have an electric ice chest that plugs into the car and an outlet in our room and we're bringing:

cold cuts/cheese
green salad
boiled eggs
milk
grilled chicken strips
bread for the kids' pb&j sandwiches
salsa & chips
sausage & egg muffins (scrambled eggs baked in muffin tin)
pepperoni slices
cream cheese
jelly

The food courts have a microwave for guest use, so we're also bringing mac & cheese and noodle cups, and microwave popcorn for snacks. We might use the toaster at breakfast for toaster waffles or poptarts. We'll also bring a ton of fresh fruits/veggies and snack items like crackers, jerky, nuts, cereal bars, nut butters and chocolate bars. We plan to bring about 90% of our food for the week. If we need to replenish, there's a Wal-Mart pretty nearby.

Somewhere online I saw a video of a guy cooking a really yummy-looking burrito using a hotel room iron. I have used the irons at POP to make quesadillas with two tortillas and cheese between a sheet of foil. They turned out awesome and saved us at least $5 at a restaurant.

I like to believe in the good of mankind, so I am trying my hardest to hysterically laugh at this being a JOKE. However, if this really is true, YOU are the person who gives people that stay at POP a bad name!

There is such a divide on these boards from some people about the "levels" of resorts and those that turn their noses up at values, have a perception of the people that stay at a value. YOU are that perception...iron in one hand, melted cheese quesadilla with a scorched iron mark on it in the other.

And for what it is worth, I always look at the bottom of an iron (even my own at home!) before I use it. Just added, check for melted cheese in the holes on my to do list.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't know if you are aware of this, but hotel room irons are meant for clothes. I personally do not appreciate it when I've tried to use the iron to find that a previous guest had managed to get something all over the bottom which subsequently got on my clothes.

Creativity and financial smarts is finding a place that actually allows you to cook in the room. and fits into the budget.

Okay, it seems almost nobody here subscribe to Alton Brown's theory of multi-tasking devices (his only unitasker is his fire extinguisher). The first time I ever saw this done - well, with a grilled cheese sandwich - was on an episode of My Three Sons, waaaaaay back in the sixties. One of the kids made grilled cheese using an iron, ironing board, and (just like the poster you're all criticizing) aluminum foil to protect the iron.

 

[wtccheermom]

Okay, it seems almost nobody here subscribe to Alton Brown's theory of multi-tasking devices (his only unitasker is his fire extinguisher). The first time I ever saw this done - well, with a grilled cheese sandwich - was on an episode of My Three Sons, waaaaaay back in the sixties. One of the kids made grilled cheese using an iron, ironing board, and (just like the poster you're all criticizing) aluminum foil to protect the iron.

I think the issue is that they are using irons and coffee pots that are intended for use by lots of other guest. What you do with YOUR appliances at home is your business.

 

[lilaggie2002]

We are big on bringing prepared items and snacks....sammies prepared at local grocer, bread, peanut butter, etc..ya know basics.

 

[Alexander]

If you need to warm anything or toast anything, the value resorts have microwaves and toasters available for guest use in the food courts. I guess, my take on this is, if you can't afford to eat your meals out for dinner, then don't have TS lunches. I would suggest that the money you spend on one WDW TS meal could be divided into 2 counter service or off property meals.

Breakfast and snacks in the room I get, but trying to do dinner for that many nights--

 

[SDSorority]

WOW! Thanks everyone for your replies. They have certainly been entertaining!!!

Sooooo to set some things straight

I'm not going to be cooking with the iron or coffee pot, though I have seen it done on youtube before.

We have food allergies. We don't eat meat (personal preference), gluten, nuts, vegetable oil, or soy, per doctor's orders. So, eating offsite or on-property can be a little bit challenging. I did get some great tips. I think we'll stock up on some yogurt and cheese, fresh fruits, gluten-free crackers or rice snacks, bag of spinach, baby carrots, gluten free oats, and rice noodles. Maybe some salt, pepper, and garlic powder, too. Oh and water-- lots of big jugs of water.

What do you all think about bringing a hot water pot that you plug in? It's easy to travel with and it boils water using an enclosed hot-pot? I used to use it in my dorm room in college (I think it still works... that was only 5 years ago) to make hot water for oatmeal and tea. I'd never leave it alone- would that be prohibited? The heating unit is not exposed.

THANKS everybody!!!

 

[wvjules]

Okay, I LOVE the quesadilla idea. I will be doing that on our next trip. And I really, really like saurekraut...can you post your dad's recipe? I won't be making that in the room, because I'm lazy, but I'd like to try it at home. I don't get some of the snotty comments either. I think cooking/eating in the room shows creativity and financial smarts. I'd be tempted to do the same if we didn't have free dining. But we don't use free dining for breakfast, hence the quesadillas. I'll have salsa and guacamole in the fridge...it will be great.

I think financial smarts would be not going to an expensive vacation destination before you can afford to NOT cook a quesidilla on the room's ironing board.

 

[herewego1]

I think financial smarts would be not going to an expensive vacation destination before you can afford to NOT cook a quesidilla on the room's ironing board.

 

[disneyfan67]

I think financial smarts would be not going to an expensive vacation destination before you can afford to NOT cook a quesidilla on the room's ironing board.

I understand you reasoning, but my main concern is, is bringing a crock pot full of cabbage rolls in the car with you, on vacation, still acceptable? I would think bringing a crock pot full of homemade goodness such as cabbage rolls, would show you have financial smarts and work within a budget guideline. You could have two or 3 days worth of dinner there and who amoung us doesn't love a good, spicy cabbage roll? You got garlic, paprika, and sweet sauerkraut. Healthy eats on the cheap and that's what we're all about.

FYI, no hair dyer or iron was used or harmed in the making of aforementioned cabbage rolls.

 

[bear_mom]

WOW! Thanks everyone for your replies. They have certainly been entertaining!!!

Sooooo to set some things straight

I'm not going to be cooking with the iron or coffee pot, though I have seen it done on youtube before.

We have food allergies. We don't eat meat (personal preference), gluten, nuts, vegetable oil, or soy, per doctor's orders. So, eating offsite or on-property can be a little bit challenging. I did get some great tips. I think we'll stock up on some yogurt and cheese, fresh fruits, gluten-free crackers or rice snacks, bag of spinach, baby carrots, gluten free oats, and rice noodles. Maybe some salt, pepper, and garlic powder, too. Oh and water-- lots of big jugs of water.

What do you all think about bringing a hot water pot that you plug in? It's easy to travel with and it boils water using an enclosed hot-pot? I used to use it in my dorm room in college (I think it still works... that was only 5 years ago) to make hot water for oatmeal and tea. I'd never leave it alone- would that be prohibited? The heating unit is not exposed.

THANKS everybody!!!

We bring one with us for coffee (french press) and use it in the morning and then unplug it when we are done. We have never heard we couldn't from any mousekeeping....

Emily

 

[kla]

I think financial smarts would be not going to an expensive vacation destination before you can afford to NOT cook a quesidilla on the room's ironing board.

For us, it's not that we can't afford the vacation, it's just that we hate being overcharged for things, which Disney is great at doing. I have paid $17 for a child's meal in the parks that I could've made in my room (with or without the iron) for about $1. That thought drives me crazy. Will I put out a little more effort to avoid feeling ripped off? Yes, every time! For the same reason, we stay at a Value -- if I'm going to spend $5K on a vacation, I better need a passport to get there.

As for eating off site, it is more economical than eating in the parks or at the food courts, but the two adults in our party do have dietary considerations, so eating our own food gives us much more control. The thought of all that icky vegetable oil and corn syrup in all the food also makes me crazy.

If Disney were to offer real healthy choices -- organic veggies, free-range meats and pastured dairy cooked in good, rich animal fats -- I would gladly pay any price for their meal plan. Otherwise, I'll continue making my own junk food for pennies in my room.

 

[Disneyliscious]

I understand you reasoning, but my main concern is, is bringing a crock pot full of cabbage rolls in the car with you, on vacation, still acceptable? I would think bringing a crock pot full of homemade goodness such as cabbage rolls, would show you have financial smarts and work within a budget guideline. You could have two or 3 days worth of dinner there and who amoung us doesn't love a good, spicy cabbage roll? You got garlic, paprika, and sweet sauerkraut. Healthy eats on the cheap and that's what we're all about.

FYI, no hair dyer or iron was used or harmed in the making of aforementioned cabbage rolls.

For some people, if you want to cook then you must be dirt poor, taking out 2nd mortgages on your home to afford Disney, and taking your kids allowance money to make ends meet. God forbid someone be "financially smart" by looking for alternative ways to not spend un-necessary money. It just doesn't happen on the DIS. You either afford to eat out all the time or you are a lower class sub-standard of human who shouldn't vacation anywhere outside the free city park.

Im sure your post brought out a few faces. MY GOD! Its the Curse of the Cabbage Rolls! She must be BROKE!

You know how it is.

Enjoy those cabbage rolls....they sound yummy.

 

[kla]

Enjoy those cabbage rolls....they sound yummy.

Agreed! I may bring some & warm them up on the light fixtures...

(kidding)

 

[ccgirl]

Please...please...please....do not bring any cooking appliances from home to plug in. They are a fire hazard. They have cooking appliances in the food courts for all to use. Hot pots are considered a fire hazard; even if mousekeeping doesn't tell you. I forget the thread but someone emailed Disney and they said they were considered fire hazards. Maybe stay in a studio or the family suites where "cooking" is allowed.

 

[wvjules]

For some people, if you want to cook then you must be dirt poor, taking out 2nd mortgages on your home to afford Disney, and taking your kids allowance money to make ends meet. God forbid someone be "financially smart" by looking for alternative ways to not spend un-necessary money. It just doesn't happen on the DIS. You either afford to eat out all the time or you are a lower class sub-standard of human who shouldn't vacation anywhere outside the free city park.

Im sure your post brought out a few faces. MY GOD! Its the Curse of the Cabbage Rolls! She must be BROKE!

You know how it is.

Enjoy those cabbage rolls....they sound yummy.

Saving a few bucks by bringing poptarts, PB&J, carrot sticks, granola bars, etc. is one thing. Saving a buck or two by making an iron-quesidilla is completely another. Someone that goes through that much trouble to save money probably can't really afford a disney vacation. and doing those things isn't simply "financially smart", its plain ol' cheap. I NEVER want to have to go on vacation make coffee pot hotdogs, ironed quesidillas or ironed cheese sandwiches. I'll save a little while longer so I can not do those things.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I understand you reasoning, but my main concern is, is bringing a crock pot full of cabbage rolls in the car with you, on vacation, still acceptable? I would think bringing a crock pot full of homemade goodness such as cabbage rolls, would show you have financial smarts and work within a budget guideline. You could have two or 3 days worth of dinner there and who amoung us doesn't love a good, spicy cabbage roll? You got garlic, paprika, and sweet sauerkraut. Healthy eats on the cheap and that's what we're all about.

FYI, no hair dyer or iron was used or harmed in the making of aforementioned cabbage rolls.

Hello stranger!

Do you have extras to share? I love a good cabbage roll and can even make dessert! I'm sure I have a lighter around here somewhere and we could roast marshmallows on it to make smores. Sit out on the balcony with the family and the lighter smores after great meal of cabbage rolls are what vacations are made of!

 

[sweet maxine]

Please...please...please....do not bring any cooking appliances from home to plug in. They are a fire hazard. They have cooking appliances in the food courts for all to use. Hot pots are considered a fire hazard; even if mousekeeping doesn't tell you. I forget the thread but someone emailed Disney and they said they were considered fire hazards. Maybe stay in a studio or the family suites where "cooking" is allowed.

I'm confused with the logic here. What makes using a small wattage appliance such as a hot pot any more of a fire hazard at the value resorts than it would be in a studio at one of the other resorts? This does not make sense to me. I can't see how the wattage used would be any more than what is required to run a hair dryer or curling iron, and I'm sure those are used in all hotels.

FWIW, I do use a hot pot when I travel. (Mine is an older Regal Poly Pot.) It boils water in ~ 2 minutes, and holds up to 4 cups. I can make instant coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider or other beverages. What I've discovered lately are the instant mashed potatoes that require only hot water. You could always add some Butter Buds if you wanted for extra flavor. Idahoan makes a box of single-serve mashed potatoes in four different flavors. They are great! I use an insulated foam cup (found at Dollar Tree). Pour the contents of the pkg. into the cup, add the boiling water, stir, then put the lid on for a minute or two. Great tasting mashed potatoes! Dehydrated refried beans are great prepared the same way. I like to have a tortilla wrap with cheese to go along with the refried beans, or you could just make a bean and cheese wrap with the beans, tortilla and cheese. The brand of refried beans is Mexicali Rose. They are very good!

 

[disneyfan67]

For some people, if you want to cook then you must be dirt poor, taking out 2nd mortgages on your home to afford Disney, and taking your kids allowance money to make ends meet. God forbid someone be "financially smart" by looking for alternative ways to not spend un-necessary money. It just doesn't happen on the DIS. You either afford to eat out all the time or you are a lower class sub-standard of human who shouldn't vacation anywhere outside the free city park.

Im sure your post brought out a few faces. MY GOD! Its the Curse of the Cabbage Rolls! She must be BROKE!
You know how it is.

Enjoy those cabbage rolls....they sound yummy.

No curse eating cabbage rolls, more like blessed.

I'm not dirt poor just a family guy who enjoys a good cabbage roll every now and then. It's not about the money so much, more like you want to enjoy the comforts of home. It's gets old just eating chicken strips and fries and guzzling soda from my refillable mugg. I just think that after a while eating that expensive stuff, having comfort foods waiting in my room, cooking slowly, letting the delicious aroma of sweet cabbage, garlic, and sauerkraut flow freely throughout the room, makes me smile. Talk about having the feeling of home with you on vacation and staying within a budget too!

I'm sure my neighbors in the rooms next to me, will over time understand and grow to appreciate my resourcefulness and thriftiness, plus if they're nice I may share.