Park Vue vs Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate

[msr709]

Here's my dilemma, we (party of 4, 2 adults. 1 teenager, 1 Autistic 5yo) are coming from the east coast 7/6 to 7/12. I originally booked DLH but that had to be canceled due to finances. I then booked us into Park Vue hoping a room with 2 qns and a bunk would open. Teenager does not like to sleep with anyone, anyone with teenagers would understand. Today I found a great rate (more than PVI) at Residence Inn but, it is 1 bedroom suite 2 qns, sofa bed, full kitchen. Am I wrong to think that the extra $300 (entire stay) is worth it getting more room, but pool is open 24 hrs (important to us all, love the water), more room for us, a full kitchen, free hot breakfast, and more of what I am used to (WDW moderate hotel usually). I will also be in an ECV. Is the shorter walk from PVI worth giving up the rest? We have 5-day park hoppers. Would I be safe riding my ECV alone at night so the rest can take thr ART back? Can they ride the ART with a stroller? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Angie 2016]

I've stayed at both hotels. Park Vue is our go to. You can request a roll-away for your teen, just do it early because they run out. Park Vue is fine, for a motel. The breakfast is fine, with some hot items like waffles you make and eggs and meat of some sort every day, in addition to cold items. It's as close as you can get for a budget, and it works for us, but it is a tight fit in the room for 4 or 5.

The Residence Inn rooms have more space in general. They are nicer and the breakfast I remember as better. We walked and took shuttle both, it is a long walk. You have to fold up strollers for the shuttle, not something you want to do when the kid is asleep at the end of the day, so you may end up walking back late at night when tired.

Personally, I'd take the Park Vue and reserve a roll-away and delight in the proximity.

 

[kathy884]

Are you interested in more moderate properties with more room and more beds or at least pull out beds that are closer to the parks: Camelot Inn and Suites -- I booked a family suite there that has a king, two queens, and a sofa pull out. It has a kitchenette too. And it's right on Harbor Drive - very close. Desert Inn and Suites and Castle Inn and suites would have some roomy configurations also. None of these would be as nice as the Residence Inn, but they are all walking distance to the parks right near the PVI if that is more important to you.

 

[Malcon10t]

We prefer the Residence Inn. It is so much nicer to have the extra room. Also, in addition to the 24 hour swimming, they have a basketball area, and a children's play area. I love having a full sized refrigerator, even when I am not cooking! And they have a great breakfast, scrambled eggs, a breakfast meat (sausage/bacon/ham), pancakes or french toast, waffles, fruit, juices, muffins, and more. They will also grocery shop for you. Leave a list by 9 in the morning, and they will have it in your room mid day. They shop at Albertson's and there is no charge for this.

ETA - My kids walk it in about 15 mins. It is .75 miles to the front gate. You can also catch ART from the stops either at Building 6 or the one in the back of the hotel by Motel 6.

 

[avalon451]

You could get a parlor suite at Desert Inn for $169 a night. That gives you two queens plus a little separate parlor room with a sofa bed and a tv for the teenager. Right at the crosswalk. The pool's not fabulous, though, indoor and plain. Free simple continental breakfast. Literally backs on the Park Vue, so it's right there.

 

[Malcon10t]

Would I be safe riding my ECV alone at night so the rest can take thr ART back? Can they ride the ART with a stroller? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I missed this part. Yes, you would. You will go by the Garden Walk. I am on a scooter. I, a 56yo female, frequently do this. I haven't had an issue. Even on NYE at 230am!

 

[msr709]

Nice to hear, I'm not usually afraid at WDW but since I don't know the Anaheim area..., anyway its good to know it will be ok.

Thank you all for your replies, we're going with Residence Inn because we want more room and it seems nicer. We will not be going to the parks on the first day or last day, so we will be confined to the hotel so this one at least gives us a pool to hang out by and the space in the room is a deal breaker. Also the grocery thing is EXCELLENT! I know the Marriott brand hotels and they have never disappointed so I'm going with the one I know. I did look up some of the ones mentioned but they are all booked which doesn't surprise me at all. I usually book 10 to 12 months in advance, this time it didn't work for us. Thanks again for your responses!