Saving $$- 'Cooking' in the hotel room

[disneyfan67]

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!

Hi Tina, it's great seeing you again! You bet I would share with you anytime and we will enjoy the curse of the cabbage rolls together.

 

[sweet maxine]

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.

Yes, this is exactly what I was describing. You can find some of the older ones on E-bay. Mine only holds up to 4 cups. They are great for travel.

 

[SunnyP4Disney]

If I am staying in a hotel room that has a kitchenette, I expect to smell someone cooking sometimes. However, if I am staying somewhere like Pop and someone decides to assault my senses with the disgusting smell of stinky cabbage rolls, I'm going to be ticked. That smell would never go away. And where would you dump the rest of the leftover liquid/food? Down the sink?

 

[tlbwriter]

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.

A studio would presumably have GFCI outlets in the kitchen (where one would presumably use the hot pot), which would reduce the risk of fire that comes when you combine water and electricity. Of course, a regular room should have these outlets in the bathroom, so I guess you could use your hot pot there and it should be as safe as a hair dryer.

Also, I really want some cabbage rolls now.

 

[Disneyliscious]

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.

Couldn't agree with you more, however it has nothing to do with my previous comment.

Im talking about someone bringing cabbage rolls in a crock pot, not ironing out food with a clothing iron.

As far as the coffee pot hot dogs, Im not sure I really see the problem in that. Sure, a coffee pot isnt meant for hot dogs, but whether its water with strained coffee in it or hot dogs doesn't really affect anything as far as fire hazards, there is no smell, and it can be easily washed out. You could also heat the water in the coffee pot and then pour it over hot dogs in a bowl. No biggie either way to me really.

I mean, all this fuss over silly stuff but have you ever thought about who has had sex on the hotel room table that you are eating off of? You're dealing with a lot more than hot dog residue right there. If you aren't checking your coffee pot to see if its dirty before you use it, then its doubtful you are wiping off the table before you use it as well.

Its up to YOU to protect yourself and make sure things are clean. People are human. They make mistakes and do some pretty crazy things.

 

[eliza61]

Couldn't agree with you more, however it has nothing to do with my previous comment.

Im talking about someone bringing cabbage rolls in a crock pot, not ironing out food with a clothing iron.

As far as the coffee pot hot dogs, Im not sure I really see the problem in that. Sure, a coffee pot isnt meant for hot dogs, but whether its water with strained coffee in it or hot dogs doesn't really affect anything as far as fire hazards, there is no smell, and it can be easily washed out. You could also heat the water in the coffee pot and then pour it over hot dogs in a bowl. No biggie either way to me really.

I mean, all this fuss over silly stuff but have you ever thought about who has had sex on the hotel room table that you are eating off of? You're dealing with a lot more than hot dog residue right there. If you aren't checking your coffee pot to see if its dirty before you use it, then its doubtful you are wiping off the table before you use it as well. Its up to YOU to protect yourself and make sure things are clean. People are human. They make mistakes and do some pretty crazy things.

,

Sorry but thats the craziets analogy I've read. First generally we don't eat right off of the table. We use these new fangle things called plates. Next most folks know there is a lot of leadway with tables. People actually expect you use to table for bags, mail, etc, etc. We generally expect the table to see lots more wear and tear. WE do not EXPECT an iron full of grilled cheese.

We're talking normal usage and yes I don't know tons of people who hanky panky on the kitchen table when there is a perfectly good bed nearby.

Maybe at home they may but the people I know have a lot more manners and know how to act in a hotel. We're not talking Charlie sheen.

 

[arminnie]

Sorry totally and respectfully disagree. The natural & inherent assumption is generally that adults will use appliances for their intended job.

But normal use of an iron quite often results in crud on the bottom (especially with Florida water in the steam part). I would never put an iron on a light colored item without checking the bottom even in my own home much less in a hotel. I'm not really worried about cheese just the normal iron junk can ruin clothing.

 

[Disneyliscious]

,

Sorry but thats the most idiotic analogy I've read. First generally we don't eat right off of the table. We use these new fangle things called plates. Next most folks know there is a lot of leadway with tables. People actually expect you use to table for bags, mail, etc, etc. We generally expect the table to see lots more wear and tear. WE do not EXPECT an iron full of grilled cheese.

We're talking normal usage and yes I don't know tons of people who hanky panky on the kitchen table when there is a perfectly good bed nearby.

Maybe at home they may but the people I know have a lot more manners and know how to act in a hotel. We're not talking Charlie sheen.

So now we have went from cheese residue on the iron to an "iron full of grilled cheese".

And you keep referring to the "people you know". Well what good does that do you in a public hotel room that is used by people from all over the world? You're friends may not be the Charlie Sheen type but plenty of others are (and there is nothing wrong with it).

I'll say it one last time....

It is YOUR responsibility to check the cleanliness of items when you are in a facility that is used and shared by the public. Mousekeeping doesn't matter. People make mistakes. There is no guarantee that another human being can clean items to your specifications....therefore it is up to you.

I don't condone others doing this. I wouldn't do it. But at the same time, its not really like its the end of the world if someone throws a hot dog in a freakin coffee pot. I mean, can that REALLY ruin your vacation? It is 911'able? Unless the previous guests told you they had done it, you would have no way of knowing. As far as cheese on the iron, as someone else said...Im sure they cover the iron with foil first. And if some cheese gets on it, its still up to you to check before using the iron.

Fact is, I bet every one of us use *something* on vacation that is not for its intended use and we never even think about it because it "suits us". Its easy to find reason in things when its about "us" and not "them".

Excuse me while I prepare for the barrage of perfect people who have never done anything wrong to respond.

 

[eliza61]

But normal use of an iron quite often results in crud on the bottom (especially with Florida water in the steam part). I would never put an iron on a light colored item without checking the bottom even in my own home much less in a hotel. I'm not really worried about cheese just the normal iron junk can ruin clothing.

I can assure you the irons at most hotels (at least most 5 star hotels) are checked waaay more than the average house iron that collects crud. Most establishments actually CHANGE the irons after a certain amount of time so as to not have to replace garments.

 

[eliza61]

So now we have went from cheese residue on the iron to an "iron full of grilled cheese".

And you keep referring to the "people you know". Well what good does that do you in a public hotel room that is used by people from all over the world? You're friends may not be the Charlie Sheen type but plenty of others are (and there is nothing wrong with it).

I'll say it one last time....

It is YOUR responsibility to check the cleanliness of items when you are in a facility that is used and shared by the public. Mousekeeping doesn't matter. People make mistakes. There is no guarantee that another human being can clean items to your specifications....therefore it is up to you.

I don't condone others doing this. I wouldn't do it. But at the same time, its not really like its the end of the world if someone throws a hot dog in a freakin coffee pot. I mean, can that REALLY ruin your vacation? It is 911'able? Unless the previous guests told you they had done it, you would have no way of knowing. As far as cheese on the iron, as someone else said...Im sure they cover the iron with foil first. And if some cheese gets on it, its still up to you to check before using the iron.


Excuse me while I prepare for the barrage of perfect people who have never done anything wrong to respond.

I don't think I'm perfect, not at all but you keep posting of these people who make food with irons and have nookie on kitchen tables. So yes I'm going to go out on a limb and say the average traveler thinks of simply ironing their clothes with an iron.

I totally admit, I don't cook in my room. I'm very much like a previous poster who stated that when I travel I factor in the cost of food. If I have to go that far to save a few bucks I stay home.

So I'll also admit, I'm a snob, I'm glad I stay at resorts where the probability of running into iron grilled cheese sandwiches and coffee pot cabbage is low.

and I don't think I mentioned it ruining my vacation. It would take a lot for my vacation to be ruined. I did mention having to be moved from a room where the previous occupant tried to fry chicken in the room and the smell was embedded into the rugs and upholstery.

 

[torinsmom]

Excuse me while I prepare for the barrage of perfect people who have never done anything wrong to respond.

 

[L107ANGEL]

best thread ever!

 

[disneyfan67]

If I am staying in a hotel room that has a kitchenette, I expect to smell someone cooking sometimes. However, if I am staying somewhere like Pop and someone decides to assault my senses with the disgusting smell of stinky cabbage rolls, I'm going to be ticked. That smell would never go away. And where would you dump the rest of the leftover liquid/food? Down the sink?

If you're a true cabbage roll aficionado, there wont be much juice or left over saurkraut. You're supposed to eat the little bundles of sweet joy with french bread, but this being the budget board, I think slices white bread like wonder, Bimbo, Roman meal, would be just fine. If there's any residue left in the crock pot, which it should be in your belly anyway, I recommend dumping it in the toilet. Doing so to not to plug up any drains and all your worries are power flushed away. Wash the crock pot in the bath tub and it's ready to go for another budget filled holiday at WDW. I think maybe a crock pot swap could work, maybe we should do this along with swapping of cabbage roll recipes!

I'm game, any takers?

 

[undertheradar]

Didn't Disney offer the home away from home and the timeshare units for those who want to cook? There is no reasonable excuse for someone needing to use a crockpot in a standard room. There are the "frugal gourmets" who will attempt to save money by cooking in a standard room, not caring who they offend with food odors. If Disney didn't offer units with kitchens the frugal types might stand a better chance of supporting the iron/coffepot/crockpot arguement. Since kitchen units are offered onsite, cooking in a standard room should be grounds for eviction. As others have stated, there are microwaves in the food courts.

 

[disneyfan67]

Didn't Disney offer the home away from home and the timeshare units for those who want to cook? There is no reasonable excuse for someone needing to use a crockpot in a standard room. There are the "frugal gourmets" who will attempt to save money by cooking in a standard room, not caring who they offend with food odors. If Disney didn't offer units with kitchens the frugal types might stand a better chance of supporting the iron/coffepot/crockpot arguement. Since kitchen units are offered onsite, cooking in a standard room should be grounds for eviction. As others have stated, there are microwaves in the food courts.

So I guess your a no on the cabbage rolls then?

Maybe if I served you a few, would you change your mind? We would have to figure out a system though because after eating a few, you might be hooked and I'll end up showing how to cook in your value room and be a fellow "frugal gourmet" like the rest of us here. I look forward to one day staying in the Grand Floridan and trying my cabbage roll delight there. Just because you're staying deluxe, doesn't mean you can't enjoy a good cabbage roll in your room. Why pay all that money for sub standard Disney food when there's better alternatives available?

I don't understand the prejudice against cabbage rolls, but to each their own

 

[Disneyliscious]

Didn't Disney offer the home away from home and the timeshare units for those who want to cook? There is no reasonable excuse for someone needing to use a crockpot in a standard room. There are the "frugal gourmets" who will attempt to save money by cooking in a standard room, not caring who they offend with food odors. If Disney didn't offer units with kitchens the frugal types might stand a better chance of supporting the iron/coffepot/crockpot arguement. Since kitchen units are offered onsite, cooking in a standard room should be grounds for eviction. As others have stated, there are microwaves in the food courts.

There may not be reasonable excuses for using a crock pot, or even the inappropriate use of irons and coffee pots for food. With that said, I smell food odors all day at Disney. Some I like, some I don't. If Im so allergic or offended to a food smell that it will make me sick, then Im sure smelling something in a hotel room is the least of my worries, since our everyday lives are filled with scents. Also, I just can't see a crockpot smelling up other rooms to a degree that its uninhabitable. Not saying you wont get a whiff......but I mean really.

On a side note, I just now called Pop and spoke with Dexter who told me it was "perfectly fine to bring a crock pot into the room".

 

[SDSorority]

There may not be reasonable excuses for using a crock pot, or even the inappropriate use of irons and coffee pots for food. With that said, I smell food odors all day at Disney. Some I like, some I don't. If Im so allergic or offended to a food smell that it will make me sick, then Im sure smelling something in a hotel room is the least of my worries, since our everyday lives are filled with scents. Also, I just can't see a crockpot smelling up other rooms to a degree that its uninhabitable. Not saying you wont get a whiff......but I mean really.

On a side note, I just now called Pop and spoke with Dexter who told me it was "perfectly fine to bring a crock pot into the room".

...well, cabbage rolls for all, then!

How did my thread turn into a thread about cabbage rolls again?

 

[disneyfan67]

...well, cabbage rolls for all, then!

How did my thread turn into a thread about cabbage rolls again?

Now that's the spirt! If Dexter at Pop says it's ok, then who are to argue?

 

[Mouse House Mama]

If you're a true cabbage roll aficionado, there wont be much juice or left over saurkraut. You're supposed to eat the little bundles of sweet joy with french bread, but this being the budget board, I think slices white bread like wonder, Bimbo, Roman meal, would be just fine. If there's any residue left in the crock pot, which it should be in your belly anyway, I recommend dumping it in the toilet. Doing so to not to plug up any drains and all your worries are power flushed away. Wash the crock pot in the bath tub and it's ready to go for another budget filled holiday at WDW. I think maybe a crock pot swap could work, maybe we should do this along with swapping of cabbage roll recipes!

I'm game, any takers?

You forgot bread in a can.

 

[book_junkie]

On a side note, I just now called Pop and spoke with Dexter who told me it was "perfectly fine to bring a crock pot into the room".

Wait, this Dexter?

BTW, aside from college, and not that I recommend it, there was a Top Chef All Star who won a massive challenge with Iron Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup:

That being said, when I'm on vacation, I don't cook. If we need food in the room, it's cold stuff from the fridge or pre-packaged cereal/ granola/ etc. Now at home, I'm trying to master the crock-pot and toaster/convection oven so as not to turn on our actual oven and raise the electric bill any more than it already is with our 30+ days of temps over 100+....