Studio cooking- what do you use??

[Tink&PirateMama]

We'll be staying in a studio for the first time for part of our stay in January. I'd prefer not to eat out the whole time... so I've been making notes on recipes and what to cook, and what supplies I may need. My questions for you are, if you cook in a studio- what do you bring along extra to use? Do you stick with just the microwave (and grills provided outdoors on the grounds), or do you bring a hot plate or slow cooker, or electric grill, as I've seen so often on the boards mentioned? Is there something you wouldn't go without? What do you use for cooking utensils- disposable, or do you have a set of things to wash? And where do you store it all?

I hope I'm correct in assuming we'll already have: microwave, fridge, toaster, coffee pot, blender... and grill on the grounds. But only cups for dishes, the rest are just a few disposable?

Thank you for any advice!

 

[Dusted]

I think it all depends on how many people are in the room, and who you are cooking for.

We just got back from a wonderful stay at BCV with my DH and 2 kiddos 6, and 1 1/2...there's no way I would be able to cook a meal in there with my little one under foot and all our stuff and really nowhere to sit together.

I guess if the choices were eat in the room or starve, I'd figure it out.

I even got tense trying to eat sandwiches in the room. Just not big enough or comfy enough for a meal, IMHO.

2 adults could easily make it work. Especially if you were going to bring a crock pot, or cook on the grills. Probably wouldn't be all that gormet, but you'd be fueled for the parks.

Good luck!

 

[wdwiala]

We brought along an electric griddle. It could lie flat at the bottom of my suitcase. So, it took up very little suitcase room. We kept it simple with grilled cheese, pancakes and bacon. Only issue is that there isn't exactly an exhaust pan when you are cooking.

Crockpot would be great if suitcase room isn't an issue.

 

[Disneypirate85]

We used the microwave for several things. But made some great omletts, and we LOVE that Arnold bread we buy in BWV store.....saves us $$ on breakfast...Shawn

 

[pditullio]

We just got back from staying in a studio at BLT.

We mostly only had snacks and drinks, but we did have breakfast every day in the room. This time I brought one of those microwave egg cookers (here is a link to what I mean) and made egg sandwiches so that we'd have a little protein to hold us until lunch (rather than just cereal or something).

When we grocery shopped, we bought big croissants and bagels, along with some sliced cheese and ham, to make the sandwiches. My son loved it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Just don't plan on doing any barbequeing on your balcony or at the entrance to your villa. It's not permitted. You can only barbeque using the grills provided at the resort.

 

[Brancaneve]

Let's just say, I burnt some toast in a studio at AKV and I had two CM's lickety split in my room wondering if everything was ok. Since there isn't an exhaust fan or an open space(the front door is right by the kitchen), your neighbors will get a whif of your meal.

We ate out only once a day which was great! We ate breakfast and lunch or dinner in our room. We feasted on sandwhiches, canned soup, fruit, etc. and it was just fine.

I have heard people talk about bringing their George Foreman grill. But keep it simple!

 

[disneydawn6]

We spent 14 days in a studio at BWV with 4 adults. It really wasn't that bad. Kept everything organized and put away. Did laundry twice by the gym and went swimming while it was going. We brought a small George Foreman and used it daily. We brought lunch meat, bread, milk, cheese and brought along that already cooked bacon from Costco. Think it had 55 slices in it. So had BLT's. Bacon and Toaster Hash Browns along with cereal, fruit. Lots of grilled cheese sandwiches, bacon and cheese, ham and cheese, turkey and cheese... We usually ate out once a day. Did the Hoop de Doo and Luau. So we really weren't that hungry the next day. Sometimes had leftover for lunch the next day.... We then went on a 7 day Disney Cruise so we didn't worry about cooking for the third week...

 

[Disney_Mama]

When in a Studio we stick to making breakfast and snacks. Microwave oatmeal with fresh fruit, cereal, veggies and dip.
Sandwiches would be easy to make.

 

[photobob]

We spent 14 days in a studio at BWV with 4 adults. It really wasn't that bad. Kept everything organized and put away. Did laundry twice by the gym and went swimming while it was going. We brought a small George Foreman and used it daily. We brought lunch meat, bread, milk, cheese and brought along that already cooked bacon from Costco. Think it had 55 slices in it. So had BLT's. Bacon and Toaster Hash Browns along with cereal, fruit. Lots of grilled cheese sandwiches, bacon and cheese, ham and cheese, turkey and cheese... We usually ate out once a day. Did the Hoop de Doo and Luau. So we really weren't that hungry the next day. Sometimes had leftover for lunch the next day.... We then went on a 7 day Disney Cruise so we didn't worry about cooking for the third week...

Sounds like some excellent studio food ideas! The four adults in a studio for two weeks though, not so much!!

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

Thanks everyone for your ideas! This was very helpful! I'll be sure to post in the TR how it works out!!

 

[disneydawn6]

Sounds like some excellent studio food ideas! The four adults in a studio for two weeks though, not so much!!

It was my parents and daugter.... So we've been close for a long time.... Been camping in even closer quarters... Besides me and my daughter usually took off early and went to the parks, meeting my parents in the afternoon. We were also with a group of 16 more so really had two more two bedrooms close by that we could have used their kitchen if we wanted. Needed to save some points for next year for our two bedroom stay with DH, parents, daughter, SIL and their new baby.

 

[dwelty]

An electric Skillet with a lid is the way to go. Walmart has one on sale for $19.00. We have one that is 11" and fits on the kitchenette counter quite nicely. I think this is the best way to go. It gives you the most flexibility since it has raised sides and a lid, it can be used as a griddle or a skillet. We use those all in one skillet meals they sell at grocery stores. We also do pancakes and eggs. Stay away from bacon. It's smokey and you will smell it in the villas for days afterward (Even in a one bedroom). Don't do fish or anything that smells or would affect your DVC neighbors. The best think about the skillet is it is very safe, and there is really no risk of fire.

It's funny that people say a studio is too small for more than two. The vast majority of families that go to WDW stay in rooms the same size or much smaller than a DVC studio.
We have stayed in a studio for a week with our two little girls and it works fine. A studio is much bigger and nicer than any RV you would stay in if you were camping, and it has a full bath as well. I say go for it, and let us know how it worked out.

 

[DonnaL]

We haven't done any major cooking in a studio, however, we have done breakfast sandwiches in the microwave and toaster......make an egg in the micro, melt cheese on it and some quick cook bacon or a slice of deli ham on an english muffin and you've got a great breakfast with a piece of fresh fruit or a yogurt. We've also made things like grilled chicken salad, using pregrilled packaged chicken (Perdue has some nice varieties). I've also used an insulated picnic bag as my carryon with a few freezer containers carrying homemade frozen meatballs (for meatball sandwiches) precooked frozen crumbled ground round (tacos, sloppy joes,). These items are very simple to cook in the microwave since the meat is already is precooked.....simply add whatever mixes or sauces needed to the meat and heat. When we stay in a one bedroom sometimes I also precook and freeze boneless chicken to use in quick recipes.......in 20 minutes or so I can have a homecooked meal on the table........chicken cacciatore served over rice in 20 minutes.......can't beat it!

 

[Anal Annie]

We always stay in studios but only really do breakfast in the room. Usually toasted bagels with cream cheese. Having the toaster is great... Personally, I think some of the kitchenette counters are bigger than others...some are pretty small. I manage to fill it up with the coffee pot & toaster out. I put our little dab of groceries on the shelf & in the frig. Remember that the studio frig. is pretty small too...ours usually full with milk, water & beer.

And as someone else pointed out - there's really no place to EAT. I mean, there's a table & 2 chairs...some studios have coffee tables but not all (I think I've heard that BWV does not). You can bring the chairs in off of the balcony I guess. We have done that b4 when we came inside with wet bathing suits for lunch. I usually end up standing & eating at the kitchenette counter. Anyway, with a toaster you can also make tuna salad on toast or BLT's (use that microwavable bacon). I hope you are driving 'cuz there's also no "real" utensils or sharp knives or containers or anything in a studio. A studio gets you 4 paper plates, 4 paper bowls & some plastic silverware.

IMHO think it's a stretch to do much more than reheat leftovers brought home from dinner the night before or make a light breakfast in a studio...

(Oh, and there is no blender in a studio...maybe you can ask for one??)

 

[Melani]

We did nachos, chili and mac & cheese. I also made scrambled eggs in the mic. Hot dogs, fruit cups, oatmeal & cereal.

It's like dorm living.

We never ate when or what I had planned, but it was really nice to have food on hand to fit our changing schedule. It gives you more flexibility.

 

[christianweecare]

We have brought along an electric skillet, as well. We have made eggs, bacon, pancakes. It has also come in handy for reheating things or making grilled cheese sandwiches.

 

[Melani]

It has also come in handy for making grilled cheese sandwiches.

Isn't that what the iron's for?

Just kidding! Saw it on a movie once. Never tried it though. I promise.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

Stouffer's has a decent lasagna that fits in the microwave.
We barbeque a ton of burgers, chicken, and salsiccia which we microwave for lunches.
Salads are also good.

As far as the room size, I think the studios are very comfortable. We have cruised a lot and after those staterooms, the villa is spacious!!!

 

[christianweecare]

I like your idea about the lasagna in the microwave! Good idea!