Would you give up a 2bdrm suite @ Res. Inn for a standard room at PPH?

[IFlossU]

We are a family of four, our kids are little 5 & 3. I currently have a penthouse suite booked at Residence Inn Maingate. However, I just saw that for the same price we could get a standard room at PPH. I'm really having a hard time deciding if we should switch to PPH. The main draw for me is early entry to the parks, especially DCA. We're going for 3 days, and all 3 days are early entry days so it would definitely be worth our while. However, being in 1 room with our kids does pose some inconveniences. They still need naps, and obviously with the suite we have much more room.

I know only I can decide what's best for my family, but was just hoping to hear some thoughts.

 

[bumbershoot]

At Disney, DS would just nap in the stroller; we never went back to a room for a nap except for once when DH wanted to sleep, too. Also, at Disney, DS was a great nighttime sleeper, and we could always hang out and stay up later if we wanted to. One time when one adult was sleepy and the other wasn't, we discovered the joy of sending the awake parent out for solo time at the parks, which caused us to discover how fun that can be! And then our other bit that made things easier is that we have had a family bed since forever, so sleeping in the same room is totally normal for us and doesn't keep anyone awake.

PPH has two beds and is a nice, fun place to be, and for the same cost it would be hard for us, at this point, to give it up even for a bigger room elsewhere.

 

[nikkislaght]

My son is older, (7) but have traveled every year with him.. staying in one room rooms, and it has always worked out. some soft music to lull him to sleep and cover up any noise we made and he would be out light a light.
If we had the chance to do the on site room , I would take it.
But thats because my son would not have been bothered by our noise. You know your kids and if they would be effected .. to me well rested children at Disney is better than an on site room any day.. IMO

 

[Malcon10t]

My kids would say no, they prefer the larger room, and the hot breakfast each morning. Also remember, free parking. (750sf compared to 350sf.)

But, we don't usually get up in time for EE.

 

[Aladora]

My kids would say no, they prefer the larger room, and the hot breakfast each morning. Also remember, free parking. (750sf compared to 350sf.)

But, we don't usually get up in time for EE.

Ditto. We've been to DL twice with our son so far and are planning another trip next year. Each time we have had a suite and I will not look at a hotel without a suite. DS is 7 and he needs some cool down time in the afternoon so having a separate room is crucial for us.

 

[squirrel]

I've taken my niece's to DL and WDW (seperately) and found that they sleep fine in the stroller when they are tired. It was not worth the walk/bus to get back to the room for nap time.

Most evenings they were tired so they fell asleep quick. The monorail would always get them to sleep if they were tired.

For me, staying onsite would be worth the smaller room since you only have 3 days and the EE would really help.

 

[IFlossU]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. DH and I talked it over last night and we're going to stick with the suite. I'm disappointed to miss the 2 extra early entry mornings, but I think at this point having the space is more important for all of our enjoyment. And sanity ; >

 

[Brian Noble]

As you say, different families do this differently, but you could not have paid me to stay in a single hotel room with my kids at that age.

 

[munchkinsmom]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. DH and I talked it over last night and we're going to stick with the suite. I'm disappointed to miss the 2 extra early entry mornings, but I think at this point having the space is more important for all of our enjoyment. And sanity ; >

Good decision.

I'd take a bigger suite any day over a standard room at the PPH with little ones your age even if they don't need naps during the day. We found having a bigger space was most appreciated around the evening/night time when trying to get everyone ready for bed/getting to sleep. A standard room will be sufficient once they're a little older and don't need naps...until you need that extra bathroom in the mornings, ha!

 

[allgrownup]

I see you've already decided, but I just wanted to toss out there that we went a few years back with a 5 month old, a 4yo, a 5yo and three adults all in one room. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

 

[Painted Purple]

Have fun! We stayed at the Res. Inn last year and it was a great place. When we called and asked for the bathroom tub to be cleaned out because it was a bit dirty, they sent someone right away to do it and also sent us a gift basket with an apology card. Excellent customer service, and the Penthouse Suite is very roomy and comfortable.