The Great Studio Debate

[crisi]

I thougt about the same thread - and while we are one bedroom folks for the four of us - I agree with you. People come off as spoiled when they can't imagine four people in a studio for a week - or even two. What always makes me chuckle is people who can't handle four people using a single bathroom for a week - I grew up in a house with five people and one bathroom - ten people when my cousins stayed for a week every summer and another bathroom didn't suddenly appear - six teenaged girls.....

I know I'm spoiled - I also know its possible to stick eight college students in a Motel Six for a week on Spring Break - filling the floors, closets and bathtubs. And while I done sleeping on the floor, I'm well aware it can be done.

 

[paulh]

were a famaly of 4, 2 adults and 2 childern 17 + 13 for us we only sleep in room,so a studio is adiquate for us.we never eat in room excet for coffe and a mufin in room or toast for breakfast.so again the facilitys are good enougth for us
Paulh

 

[robinb]

As in 'real' life, it's often not what it said, but how it is said. Sometimes posters manage to convey the feeling that a studio is not good enough for their family ........ and therefore your standards must be lower (as opposed to just different). Other posters manage to make the same points without it seeming like a put-down.

A (very) small point maybe, but I just wanted HayGan to know that someone else had a similar view.

I also get that same vibe sometimes. The "Oh dear me! We could never stay in a studio ! It's too much like a hotel room !" sentiment. As if a studio (or a hotel room for that matter) is actually a gate to hell. Or the "Why in the world did you buy into DVC if you wanted to stay in a unit the size of a hotel room ?" attitude.

It's a prevalent notion here on the DIS that bigger/more expensive is always better, whether we're talking about studios v/s 1BR or offsite v/s onsite or value v/s moderate v/s deluxe resorts. I call it "resort creep" over on the Resorts Board. Someone starts out asking if they should stay onsite or offsite because they got a great rate at a local hotel and then they are convinced that everyone stays onsite so they book into a value resort. Then, they stick around for a while and they are convinced that they need a pool slide, so they re-book at a moderate resort. Then, after a while longer they are convinced that a double bed just doesn't cut it and they re-book at a deluxe resort for their "trip of a lifetime". That trip of a lifetime probably would have been just as nice *horrors* offsite or *gasp* at POP.

As a veteren studio stayer it doesn't bother what choices other people make, but it is nice to know that I am not alone in my usual choice of accommodation.

 

[DVC Jen]

we are also a family of four who primarily stays in a studio. Our DDs are 15 and (yikes) nearly 20. The one and only issue we have ever encountered is that the pull-outs are not always comfortable for them - hopefully that situation will be taken care of soon.

For us - our daily lives keep us so busy and on the go so when we are in a studio it is nice to actually really reconnect with each other. The smaller space doesn't bother us at all.... unless our youngest starts grinding her teeth!

 

[HayGan]

When you first mentioned this, my mind also went to the thread you highlighted and I agree with you totally.

As in 'real' life, it's often not what it said, but how it is said. Sometimes posters manage to convey the feeling that a studio is not good enough for their family ........ and therefore your standards must be lower (as opposed to just different). Other posters manage to make the same points without it seeming like a put-down.

A (very) small point maybe, but I just wanted HayGan to know that someone else had a similar view.

I thougt about the same thread - and while we are one bedroom folks for the four of us - I agree with you. People come off as spoiled when they can't imagine four people in a studio for a week - or even two. What always makes me chuckle is people who can't handle four people using a single bathroom for a week - I grew up in a house with five people and one bathroom - ten people when my cousins stayed for a week every summer and another bathroom didn't suddenly appear - six teenaged girls.....

I know I'm spoiled - I also know its possible to stick eight college students in a Motel Six for a week on Spring Break - filling the floors, closets and bathtubs. And while I done sleeping on the floor, I'm well aware it can be done.

I also get that same vibe sometimes. The "Oh dear me! We could never stay in a studio ! It's too much like a hotel room !" sentiment. As if a studio (or a hotel room for that matter) is actually a gate to hell. Or the "Why in the world did you buy into DVC if you wanted to stay in a unit the size of a hotel room ?" attitude.

It's a prevalent notion here on the DIS that bigger/more expensive is always better, whether we're talking about studios v/s 1BR or offsite v/s onsite or value v/s moderate v/s deluxe resorts. I call it "resort creep" over on the Resorts Board. Someone starts out asking if they should stay onsite or offsite because they got a great rate at a local hotel and then they are convinced that everyone stays onsite so they book into a value resort. Then, they stick around for a while and they are convinced that they need a pool slide, so they re-book at a moderate resort. Then, after a while longer they are convinced that a double bed just doesn't cut it and they re-book at a deluxe resort for their "trip of a lifetime". That trip of a lifetime probably would have been just as nice *horrors* offsite or *gasp* at POP.

As a veteren studio stayer it doesn't bother what choices other people make, but it is nice to know that I am not alone in my usual choice of accommodation.

So it isn't just me I figure to each their own. I guess I kind of look at DVC as a microcosm of American society to day. Bigger always seems to be better for so many people. We are perfectly fine in our little house. In fact we kind of like the smaller feel of our house. We know where everyone is and we spend a majority of time together. DH and I both agree that we don't want a bigger house. Along with a bigger mortgage, a bigger house would take away that closeness that we all seem to enjoy so much! We could easily afford a bigger house but we like the freedom that the lower payment affords us as well. I guess we look at DVC the same way. Using our points for studios most of the time will allow us to get more time together at WDW throughout the year. And we are all fine with that

I'm just glad that DVC does have the different options so that each family can have their own ideal vacations

 

[Granny]

So it isn't just me I figure to each their own. I guess I kind of look at DVC as a microcosm of American society to day. Bigger always seems to be better for so many people.

So now we're going to judge people who enjoy 1BR/2BR/GV's as being symptomatic of the decline of American values? Isn't that basically just the reverse of looking down one's nose at "studio dwellers"?

I agree that there are those who passionately subscribe to larger DVC accommodations. And some of their comments can be snarky. Shame on them. But there are plenty of such comments that we see every day on these boards that manage not to offend me....

1. "I can't believe people "waste points" on the high weekends. We stay offsite, get a cash reservation, etc"

2. "We don't do commando touring in the parks anymore. We hang out at the villa and relax. That's a key benefit to DVC."

3. "We would never stay at BWV because they don't have dedicated 2BR's. "

4. "The SAB pool is so much better than the other pools. We couldn't imagine staying anywhere else"

5. "VWL has the best theming of DVC resorts. That's an important part of the vacation and I can't believe everyone doesn't want to stay there"

6. "Boardwalk View/Illuminations View/DTD View/Trumbo Canal/Savanna View is the best view of all the DVC's. There is nothing better"

7. "We only stay at BWV/BCV because of the great location. That's the most important thing about DVC resort choices"

8. "If they build a DVC on the monorail we'll buy there. That would be the ultimate in DVC resorts".

9. "Low points and huge villas...why would anyone stay anywhere but OKW?"


At some time or another, I've seen many, many of these types of posts over the years here. Some are opinions, and yes some tend to denegrate those who think differently. I guess when people post something that I disagree with that is subjective rather than objective, I tend to listen to it and see if it has an impact on my opinion. If not, I dismiss it.

Now if someone says something personal to another poster, that's a whole different story. But with all the threads here, that is really a pretty rare thing.



Believe it or not, I've given this thread and my responses some thought the past couple of days. I think I could have worded things better, but in the end I was just trying to say exactly what you ended your post saying...

I'm just glad that DVC does have the different options so that each family can have their own ideal vacations

 

[Deb & Bill]

Granny, you forgot the "OKW?? Only old people stay there." threads and posts.

 

[Granny]

Granny, you forgot the "OKW?? Only old people stay there." threads and posts.

Ah, the old resort war threads. Where is Richyams when we need him?

I wasn't trying to divert the thread from it's original intent. Just trying to point out that there are a lot of people who are passionate about their choices in life (politics anyone? ) and will vehemently argue their position. That naturally will rub those with other positions the wrong way.

The hope is that people can express opinions without seeming to put other people down. That was how I read the original comments. HayGan clarified the original comments and I think we actually agree.

 

[katmittens]

We usually get a 2 bedroom, and at times a one bedroom. There are usually four of us. Myself, DH, DS 24 and DD 21. When we first bought DVC we stayed at our home resort of OKW for a few nites in a studio and hated it, and then the rest of the trip stayed at VWL in a 2 bedroom and loved it. Next trip was a 2 bedroom at OKW and loved loved loved it there, so I guess size does matter Studios would be fine for DH and myself for a short trip, otherwise we love the large balcony for sitting and eating on, and just for the space. Plenty of tv's and separate bedrooms and the laundry room is a plus. For some reason doing laundry in Disney is not like really doing laundry, I wonder why. But everyone has their likes and dislikes on rooms and resorts that is what makes DVC so great.

 

[crisi]

To me, there is a difference between "I wouldn't stay at SSR, its in the middle of nowhere!" and "no wonder you had such a lousy time, you stayed at SSR, its in the middle of nowhere."

"I'd love it if DVC built a resort on a monorail" vs. "I can't understand why anyone would buy DVC since there isn't a resort on the monorail."

"I own at BWV to get the best chance of the Boardwalk View - I think its the best view at Disney!" vs. "well, you don't want to bother staying at the Boardwalk if you can't get a Boardwalk View room."

There is also a big difference between giving advice pre-trip (or setting expectations - preferred view at the Boardwalk does not get you a Boardwalk View - Le Cellier is a pretty good steak, but it isn't Mortons, if I had kids your age, I'd consider staying at SSR because they have a zero entry pool and a kiddie slide, but you'll be able to watch the nine year old easier than you would at SAB) - and playing "well, duh!" after the trip ("everyone knows that bus service at _____________ is lousy, we always rent a car.")

(Not that I'm innocent of never making "well, duh!" posts. Or snobbery posts, but I'm pretty willing to admit where its simple snobbery on my part.)

 

[tomandrobin]

Not that I'm innocent of never making "well, duh!" posts. Or snobbery posts, but I'm pretty willing to admit where its simple snobbery on my part.

Snobbery or preference? There is nothing wrong with being pasionate about something you love. No appoligies are ever needed.

 

[Hunclemarco]

We are the same way when we stay in studios!! I just bought an electric burner so I can cook in the studios!

Sorry it's off topic, but i was wondering if we can do this. No ill intent to the person above.... I've stayed at many hotels that don't allow hot plates or burners because of insurance reasons/fire codes. Is DVC different? It'd be great if we can do this.

 

[crisi]

Snobbery or preference? There is nothing wrong with being pasionate about something you love. No appoligies are ever needed.

That isn't an apology - its a simple fact - I don't find snob to be a necessarily negative thing (to say I have 'discriminating taste' would be more positive, but its too much to type - and I'm not a good enough speller to spell discriminating correctly all the time). But its a fact worth mentioning when I say "well, I really like Deluxe hotels" or "Le Cellier is over hyped" or "B&C doesn't have very good ice cream" or some of the other opinions I hold.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Sorry it's off topic, but i was wondering if we can do this. No ill intent to the person above.... I've stayed at many hotels that don't allow hot plates or burners because of insurance reasons/fire codes. Is DVC different? It'd be great if we can do this.

Yep, you can. They allow crockpots, toasters, etc. We're not talkin gas grill here, a single burner you plug in.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I have read lot of opinions on the studio vs. 1 bdrm. I have put a great deal of thought into this, because it will affect how I add on in the future. We have purchased DVC later in life. While our adult children occasionally come along, it is mostly the hubby and myself. So far, I have purchased two contracts with different thoughts in mind. A larger BWV contract that I can ressie a 1 bdrm. every year, or 2 bdrm. everyother year (174 pt. contract). This purchase is with the family in mind, eventual grandchildren, friends, etc. I have purchase a VB contract (50 pt.) with the intention that it will most always just be the two of us. The OC INN is exactly 50-60 pts. for 5 days. This is perfect. If we want larger accomodations, I can bank and borrow. Now why am I saying all of this? I scrutinize how I will use these points for MF reasons. I don't want to pay extra for points I "might" use. Snobbery? No. The best of the best accomodations all the time? No. The best use of accomodations depending on the vacation? Absolutely. I have to laugh at these posts at times because some will say how they have to have the best accomodations, then will only eat at CS, or share this or that. Then others are more practical, and will spend on food or tours, etc. Well I've rambled enough!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

We are staying in a studo this year and, if it goes well, I see studio stays for the next few visits. We are at the age (4 and 6) when the kids will actually fall asleep and stay asleep when we are all in the same room. When we had toddlers, I HATED having a single room b/c it seemed like the kids would not fall asleep if we were in the room with them.

I prefer the space of a one bedroom as well as the washer & dryer ... but we just don't have the points. If money were not an issue, we would buy about more points and always stay in one bedrooms. But, that just isn't an option for our family at this time.

 

[jodifla]

To us, the great thing about DVC was the choice of accommodations based on your wants/needs.

We've done them all, from studios to GVs. It just depends on what type of trip we plan.

Nowadays, we almost always travel with friends for at least part of the week, so we get a 2 bedroom unit. Before and after cruises, on weekends, etc. we often stay in studios.

And when we bring the whole family, we get a GV.

We really enjoy the resorts, so we spend a lot of time in the rooms normally. So having more space works more often for us than being jammed into a studo.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Yep, you can. They allow crockpots, toasters, etc. We're not talkin gas grill here, a single burner you plug in.

But no barbeque grills or hibachi permitted on the porches or balconies. You can use the DVC grills that are usually located near the pools.

 

[wii fit mama]

We started out in studios, but my daughter and I fell asleep too early and my husband didn't know what to do. Then we stayed at a one bedroom and next we started to invite friends and family so we got a two bedroom and had to go back to the studio to conserve points for us. Overall, we love the flexibility of the DVC experience.

 

[tomandrobin]

That isn't an apology - its a simple fact - I don't find snob to be a necessarily negative thing (to say I have 'discriminating taste' would be more positive, but its too much to type - and I'm not a good enough speller to spell discriminating correctly all the time). But its a fact worth mentioning when I say "well, I really like Deluxe hotels" or "Le Cellier is over hyped" or "B&C doesn't have very good ice cream" or some of the other opinions I hold.

My comment was meant in a complimentary fashion. I would not call you a "snob" in the negative sense, I was trying to agree with the passion you feel toward having a boardwalk view room.