We're DVC members, so my kids are now used to having a fridge on vacation. On a trip last Easter, we did not stay at a DVC unit because we were able to snag a really good room rate on-property without using our points. I purchased the Coleman thermo-electric cooler right before that trip, and I was pleased with it. Because we were able to plug it up in the van on the drive down and use it like we would a regular cooler, I did not feel it was just "sucking up space". When we arrived at WDW, we checked it at bell services, and requested they keep it plugged into an outlet for us until our room was ready. In my opinion, there are pros and cons to purchasing this type of cooler over a small fridge. The biggest con would be that it is smaller, and does not keep things as cold as the fridge. On the plus side, though, it does not weigh as much as a small fridge, so getting it to your room is easier. I like being able to use it in my car(we just bought a new Suburban!!)to go places like the park, and plan to use it on a camping trip next June with the Boy Scouts. I keep mine plugged in all the time at home, with Gatorade, bottled water,Capri suns, etc. in it for my kids to grab on the way out the door, and I have to say it is pretty nifty. I do agree that it does a better job keeping things cool that are chilled before you put them in, though. I usually purchase 6-packs of bottled water, put them in the back of the cooler, and bring the ones in the back to the front for my kids to use. It usually takes about 24 hours to cool the new waters. When debating whether to go with the thermo-electric or the regular small fridge, I was concerned that once I arrived at WDW with the fridge, it would take a while to get it cold enough to put food into it after we plugged it up. At least with the Coleman, if you use it in the car for the drive down, it is cold when you arrive. I hope this helps a little.
