Holiday Inn Family Suites Resort

[dahess]

Has anyone ever stayed here? Thanks!

[lmmmdtmlem]

Do a search - either hifs or holiday inn family suites - and you'll find TONS of people who have stayed there - some love it, some don't. We stayed in November and loved it. Good luck! If you have any specific questions, let me know.

[dahess]

Thanks, I tried a search but it wouldn't work. I will try later!

DAHESS

[mark & sandra]

We stayed there last year, Memorial day weekend. We were quoted a price of 146.00 per night and booked it. We continued our search ( Yahoo, Holiday Inn, etc.), and found a site with code called, V-TRIP. We called back and got a new rate on our existing ressie for 116.00. We then saw an offer for AAA members @ 99.00, and finally one for 89.00. They were very willing to change our ressie each time. From that point of view, their reservation dept. is great. Breakfast buffet was great. Get there early so that you don't have a huge crowd. We ate lunch and dinner there a couple of times, ( kids eat free with adult). Pool is great, open till midnight, then they close and monitor the pool. We loved it there and would stay again. Hope you have a great time.

[supercarrie]

Stayed there first week in January in a kids suite. Really enjoyed it, and highly recommend it. Everything was wonderful, great deal, clean suite, lots of activities, and the breakfast buffet was great compared to a lot of other hotels which just give you juice and a bagel or muffin - this was a real buffet, with eggs, etc.

[goofiesgirlies]

If you scroll up or down you may still see my post regarding our stay at (HIFS) Holiday Inn Family Suites March 2-6. We really enjoyed our stay there. I'm sure you will have a great time. Any questions, let us know.

--Jn

[BUZZ'SMOM]

Great comments on this hotel, just what I was looking for. As our family of 5 will be there 5/22-27. Our first time!

How early can you check-in? We will arrive in orlando at 10:30 am on Wed. and have read that check-in isn't til 4pm.

How early is breakfast? With 2 teens and a 6 yr old, we really want to leave early for the parks each day.

I like that the pool is opened to allow a late night swim. Was wondering about that too. I suppose the crowds are down at that time as well?

Is it really that close to everything? I'm getting excited way too early...

[goofiesgirlies]

According to their website the buffet breakfast is from 7-11 each day. As for being close to WDW - I'd say their website states it right about a mile (from the gate) means another 2 or 3 miles to the attractions. Very easy to get to.

Our flight arrived at 10:00 a.m. on a Saturday and we were able to check in at 12:30 p.m. I don't know if that is typical or not but it sure was nice after an early 6:00 a.m. flight.

Hope you have a great vacation! Anything else let us know!

--Jn

:)

[Robinrs]

The HIFS is a great suites hotel that's very close to WDW. I stayed there in January 2001 and truly enjoyed my stay.

We also arrived early and were able to check in at about noon. It was great because the shuttle was leaving at 1pm and we wanted to go to MGM that night! My sister went with us and loved the fact that she had her own TV! It was rather cold that week and we spent alot of time in the room so it came in handy!

Have a great trip!

[mark & sandra]

To Buzz'mom-
I'm sure you'll like the hotel. We were a party of 6, Me and DH in separate room (king sized bed, t.v., closet, vanity with mirror, ceiling fan ), My sister in Living room ( couch bed ), 2 kids in bunk beds, 1 "small" 5 year old in a pull out bed in room with bunk beds. I think all kidsuites have them.
As for check in, if your desired room type is ready, they'll let you check in before 4:00p.m. Breakfast is 7-11am, get there early and avoid the rush. It seems that every guest in the hotel eats there.
The pool was great for late night swims. All the kids loved the pool. There are many built in toys and spraying water areas to keep the kids busy. They also had pool toys (floating whales, etc. ) for the kids to use. Best of all, 2 great hot tubs.
We couldn't believe how close this hotel is to disney. We were at the gate to MK in under 5 minutes. It seemed the wait to make the left out of the hotel took longer. We also used the hotel across the street as our landmark. It's so tall that if you get lost coming from the parks, just look for it and you'll find your way back.
I think you'll be there during memorial day weekend, usually a very busy time of year. Crowds can get quite large, hit the parks early. We'll be there too, 5/23-5/28, but we got a great rate at AKL, next year we're going back to HIFS. Have a great trip.

[BUZZ'SMOM]

Sounds like a lot of fun. I am trying not to be disappointed that we're not staying on-site. (maximum of 4) I originally posted a thread on Disney Resorts and asked for suggestions and people's 2 cents about this. Well, I got 25 cents. Some replies just weren't very nice. I do believe the threads are continuing without me.

I will definitely post when I get back, if I ever get to leave. Still a long time go. It's been an experience planning though.

Can someone explain how to get to Magic Kingdom? Can I drive and park at the monorail, then take the monorail the rest of the way? Is that how it works. Or use the ferry, is there a cost for that? Mark & Sandra, how did you get to the MK gate in 5 minutes? Is it really that close.

The hours are different on all sites. I am trying to plan a day at MK and MGM when they will have fireworks and a parade. Looks like the weekend has them and the parks are open later, but also come the crowds, I assume.

Anyway, thanks for the comments. I have been reassured!

:D

[Claudine]

We have stayed there twice in the past year. last march and again in november. We will go again. Getting to the parks is a breeze you make a left go under I4 and you are entering the gates. The tricky part is finding your way back. There were not alot of signs for route 536??? the road the hotel is on. If you don't see a sign just follow the signs toward downtown disney are you will see one. You are very close to it and it was how we got out of the parks each time.
There were 5 of us in a kidsuite. two kids and one crib in kids room we had our own king room - a very nice feature I might add. We ate breakfast there every morning except one day when we had breakfast at cinderella's castle. Not fancy but good I would recommend eating early the lines can be long during peak times even thought there are 4 or 5 buffets set up. Two of the mornings I walked down and brought a big tray back to the room for us. The kids were beat after several days in the park and you can have a lazy morning in your room that way.

I would recommend you ask for a room close to the main building we were in building 11 and it was a VERY long walk to and from the lobby/restaurant. You should also ask for a room near the family pool.


As far as MK goes you follow the signs pay $6 ?? for parking and take the monorail to the park. Keep your parking ticket if youwish to change parks you only need to pay once per day for all the parks just show the ticket at the parking lot tol booth.
I believe you can take the ferry - free from the same spot but we never did I am not 100%positive. I'm someone else can verify that for you.
If you want to visit any of the onsite hotels or eat at the restaurants we jsut told the guards at the gate where we were visiting/eating and they let us park no charge.

Hope this helps have a great trip!!

[mark & sandra]

As claudine said you just turn left outside the hotel, that road leads right into disney. You don't actually go to the gates at MK. You must first park at TTC ( ticket / transportation center ) You can either take the monorail to MK or Epcot, and can go to the hotels that are on the monorail line. ( Contemporary, Poly, or Grand Floridian ) You can also take the ferry from the TTC to MK , there is no charge for either choice. If you chose to go to the AK or MGM, you can park at their parking lot. ( keep your parking receipt, they only charge once and then let you park free at other parks during the same day ) If you choose to not use your car all day, a little trick is to park at your days final destination and use disney buses and monorail to park hop. This way you have a car to go back to the hotel rather than first going back to your last park to get your car. We preferred to drive to the other parks whenever we park hopped. All parks have afternoon parades ( around 3:00 pm ) and most have fireworks at night. ( AK has no fireworks )
Hopes this helps a little, and have a great trip.

[Debbie]

Hi again, Buzz's Mom ;)

You will love HIFS. The driving is easy, everything is well marked, and even if you get lost-it's a new adventure, right? You can practically see the Welcome to Walt Disney World sign from HIFS. I think MGM is the closest park, but I could easily drive to AK within 15 minutes.

When you enter MK, you will be at the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center). After a quick tram ride to the gates, you will either choose a monorail (express to MK) or to go on the ferry. Both take you to the ticket booths of the park.

I know that you will have a delightful time.

[MOM POPPINS]

Does anyone know what time the kids free lunch is ? We were there last december and going back in October but cannot seem to remember the times. We just got back from staying at the Hilton and Contemoporary. The Hilton was nice but did seem to have a convention type setting. The Contemporary was great the view of the castle awesome but very expensive!

[from Canada]

Im pretty sure the free lunch is 11 til 5.
As far as getting back from MK....you need to follow the signs for "epcot" and "downtown Disney". It is confusing because you come out of MK on a different road than you went in on. My suggestion would be to go to the "activities" desk in the lobby of the hotel. They can show you on a map how to get around, and it really makes more sense this way. There are 2 exits out of the hotel grounds, and depending on which park you're going to, one way may be quicker than the other. No matter which road you take to Disney, once you're on the grounds, you will find your way to any park. The disney property is VERY well marked, and easy to navigate. Also at the desk they can tell you haw to get to the "crossroads" area...lots of restaurants around here. (we liked pizzaria uno, and chilis). Also they can show you how to get to I drive...lots of shopping and restaurants here too. We asked for directions to the walmart superstor in kissimmee and went there for great deals on souvineers, a few groceries...bottles water, (I also brought a lot of snacks from home). Also, at the activites desk there are a bunch of coupon books, and brouchers to take with you. I found them helpful, and only got one person asking me if I wanted to see a time share presentation, I said no, and that was the end of that.
Have fun...Karen

[kimandtom9396]

hELLO THERE

Just came across this thread.
We are also staying at HIFS from April 15th-20th.We have never been there either.
Is the hotel close enough that you can go back to the hotel in the afternoon for a break or a quick swim.

looking forward to it.

What times are the free lunch and supper for the kids????

kim

[Debbie]

We had our own vehicle, and yes, we sometimes did the afternoon break. That's when they had the pool games that the kids enjoyed. Sorry, I can't help with the meals times.

[mark & sandra]

Hello kimandtom9396-
The hotel is close enough to run back to for a swim, but you might get lost at first. We used the hotel across the street, a Marriot I think, to help us navigate. It's the tallest bldg. in the area and you can see it from miles away. I believe the lunch menu is from just after breakfast (11:00) until just before dinner (5:00). The foodland court is open from 11:30-midnight, I think. Dinner is buffet style from 5-10. The kids eat free with paying adult. After staying there it will be hard to stay at other hotels that don't offer such good deals on meals. I can't remember how many times we paid dearly for our kids meals just to hear them complain that they weren't hungry or didn't like the taste. At HIFS we got to eat and let them pick any foods at the buffet they wanted, and there were many they liked. Next to purchasing annual passes, staying at HIFS with their free breakfast and kids eat free plan was our biggest money saver. Have a great time on your vacation and let us know if you enjoyed the hotel.

[Tluvs2talk]

We normally stay at Disney resorts but are taking our Niece and Nephew with us and wanted our own room. I read where the Kidsuites have Nintendo games in them. Are the games free or do you pay?? I also like the Jungle theme, and requested it when we called. Do they normally give you the theme you like??

[coachv]

You can bring your own N64 games or rent them at the hotel. We brought our own last year. You can ask for a specific room
theme and also ask for it when you check in. This is the absolute best off-site hotel there is for kids and closeness to parks.
You will love this hotel!!!

[Tluvs2talk]

Thanks!!! CoachV,
Do you remember how much it cost to rent the tapes??

[Cherlynn25]

We just went in Feb and it was great!! Will def be going again! It was very close to Disney! Perfect location. Free breakfast buffet was nice, best to go early, they have cartoons on in the kid area. Was a hike for us since we were in building 12 but wasnt too bad. Kids eat free with adult meal for lunch until 4 (i think) at the sit down buffet or at a&w or pizza hut. Kids eat free with adult meal at dinner in buffet room only. We ate a few times there. The pools are great! Free floats and rafts for anyone to use. Cant wait to go back again!
Cheryl
Email me if you have any more ????
Cherlynn25@cs.com

[from Canada]

The N64 games were $5 for 24 hours.

[minivanmomof2]

I'm so glad someone suggested this site......
I JUST started doing some research for a possible Disney family vacation next year(July 2003) and I happen to find HIFS then came here and saw all of the wonderful posts!
I'm sold on the KidSuites. Perfect for our boys who will be 5 1/2 and 9 when we take our vacation. Seems like you get a lot for your $$
Very good advice..like requesting a room near the family pool/main bldg.
I e-mailed the hotel for additional info.....
Where would one find discount(promotional) codes?
Do they offer discounts to the parks, area attractions,etc?
I can't wait to keep checking back.........
Thanks in advance!
:D :D :D

[mark & sandra]

Hello minivanmomof2- We've stayed there a couple of times, and found the hotel great for our family and a great money saver on meals. I always search the web for HIFS to get better rates, and HIFS is great with changing your ressie price when you find a better deal. I've found some great deals from ( www.valuetrips.com ) I got a rate of 99.00 a day for a kids suite last year. The code was called ( V-TRIP ) I just called HIFS and mentioned that code and they reduced my rate from 146.00 to 99.00. It was that easy. They do have an area for reduced tickets prices, but I think it entalls a time share presentation for a reduced fee. If you're looking to go that route for tickets to the park there are other companys that will give you free tickets to the parks if you go to their time share presentations, a much better deal.
Hope you have a great vacation.

[minivanmomof2]

Originally posted by mark & sandra
Hello minivanmomof2- We've stayed there a couple of times, and found the hotel great for our family and a great money saver on meals. I always search the web for HIFS to get better rates, and HIFS is great with changing your ressie price when you find a better deal. I've found some great deals from ( www.valuetrips.com ) I got a rate of 99.00 a day for a kids suite last year. The code was called ( V-TRIP ) I just called HIFS and mentioned that code and they reduced my rate from 146.00 to 99.00. It was that easy. They do have an area for reduced tickets prices, but I think it entalls a time share presentation for a reduced fee. If you're looking to go that route for tickets to the park there are other companys that will give you free tickets to the parks if you go to their time share presentations, a much better deal.
Hope you have a great vacation.
Sincerest thanks for your help!!!!! I already and went ahead and bookmarked Valuetrips(cool site).
I agree.... seems as though we could save quite a bit of $$$ on meals(with the kids eating free, free breakfast).
This will truly be a dream vacation for us. My husband and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary next June(and we always said even before we were married) that for our 10th wedding anniversary we would go to Disney World............
Thanks again for everything! :D

[mark & sandra]

It seems that my prices were a little off. ( my DH reminded me ) Valuetrips got us down to 116.00, and AAA got us to 99.00. There was one site that offered rooms for 89.00, but it seems to be down ,at least for now. It was magiccarpet vacations.com . They seem to be a vacation wholesaler. I guess you'd need to book through a travel agent. Last year they were offering 3 nights @ 270, and 5 nights @ 450 and then additional night add ons were priced accordingly.

[MK Familystone]

Look up Publix.com or their website. Grocery store, prices match
Walmart and are located all over Florida. ei, 1/4 mile down the road from Seaworld Entrance.

[MK Familystone]

Does the HIFS have free refillable travel mugs for the kids like the Disney Resorts? :pinkbounc

[from Canada]

Yes they do have the mugs. The kids were $2.99 and I think the adults were $5.99 or $6.99 (I could be wrong on the adult price). You get them in the convenience store/food court area.

[mark & sandra]

Hello MK Familystone-
Although HIFS has a similar program with refillable cups, we found that we didn't really need them. The buffet meals had unlimited drinks available so that the cups didn't serve our needs. We usually left for the parks after the buffet and the kids were sleeping when we returned at night. Also HIFS does have orange juice, and milk available at the buffet at no additional charge. Now if only the bar had those refillable mugs( pay once, drink free for the rest of your stay), that would give them the off-site edge once and for all.

[New York]

Have any of you used the complimentary busses to the parks from HIFS? I called them today to see how many hotels their busses serviced. They couldn't tell me - only to say "its ALOT". That seems to say that the bus route to the park might be quite long. We will have our car - but wanted to know if the bus system from there was worth it or not... Thanks in advance.

[MK Familystone]

Wake-up Disney !!!!!!!!!
HIFS has "IT" , like the NFL Championship New England Patriots.

THANK YOU TO ALL !!!! onall discusion boards !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From travel mugs, train rides around the resort , swift check-in, kids gift bags, FOOOOOOD, excellant service,
veiws of Swan, DDT, pooool, FOOOOOOOOD till 10pm , bus to parks, ETC.
I want to thank
the person who said to take International Drive. a Major Accident on RTE. 4
at RTE.536 backed traffic for hours so we took International dr. near Seaworld.

The best was when I got the $ 109 per night for a kid suit with a KING SIZE BED for the
Parents. and 3 TVs in the suite.
I suggest going to fllottery.com and click scratch tickets "play FLA USA. and call HIFS
I could not believe that buying a $2 dollar NON WINNING Ticket we got a Suite, breakfast,and Dinner.
My kids love it, My better half loved it and I Just watched.
If any on has questions I will try to accomodate!!!
I could go on but won't.
If Walt Disney was alive to day he would feel embarrassed with what Disney Resorts offer
for FAMILIES,(in his wordds at the "100 Walt Disney attraction ).
EISNOR HASN'T GOT A CLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Tluvs2talk]

MK Familystone,
Can you buy the "Play FLA USA" tickets online?? Also thanks for all of the information on the HIFS. We have stayed on property over 30 times but wanted more room since we are taking my Niece and Nephew with us in October. We already bookeda Kidsuite for the $109 with lottery ticket, we just need to buy the ticket now. Were the kidsuites pretty big? Is there enough room for 4 people to sit in the living room area and watch tv and be comfortable ? are there tv's in adult room, kidsroom and living room?

[New York]

So please tell me how to get a TICKET to get this discount! I already have a reservation through Expedia for $145/night in mid Aug. - and this discount would cetainly make it worth my while to cancel and rebook. (FYI - we are in Virginia.) Should I just beg a friend in FL to send us a ticket? Will one ticket do it to get the $109 rate for our entire stay??? Thanks so much for your input!!!!

[MOM POPPINS]

I need a ticket as well! We love HIFS went in December and are going back in October!

[New York]

So do you have to have the ticket to make the reservation at the discount? I was wondering if we could just buy the ticket when we go down in Aug.????? And make the discount reservation now????

[Tluvs2talk]

NewYork,
We called and made reservations without the lottery ticket. We plan on buying a "PLAY FLA USA" on the way down there. Our original rate was only $119.00 found on www.mousesavers.com. But this new deal saves us $10.00 a night and gives us 2 coupons for Dinner.

[MK Familystone]

Great Family MOVIE!!!!

I suggest going to fllottery.com for purchase and expiration
dates of Tix. click instant tixs "play FLA USA.

Purchasing a tix in Fla. is possible at HESS gasoline stations ,
Publix , and maybe at the airport termnal.

If any of your friends, business ***. , airline personnel are going any
where in Florida ask them to pick-up on for you and they might win
a prize like my friends did .

Only down side of the HIFS is the general store is expensive, one can of
beer $2.00 and wine $16.00.

Suggest going to the Publix 1/4 mile southon Intr'l Dr., they have
specials on wine and beer but no hard liquor.

The rooms: Kid's Suit is as wide as a twin bed and longer than a kingsize
bed. Livingroom/kitchenete has a round table with 4 folding leafs and three
chairs, queen sleeper couch and chusioned arm chair, 25 in tv in all three rooms.
Got to go my anti virus is detecting something SEEEYA!!!

[Tluvs2talk]

MK Familystone,
Thanks for all of the information.

[tink2dw]

At HIFS in the Kidsuite the livingroom/kitchen area has a sofa,rocking arm chair,and nested end tables under the phone table[to eat on]and the kitchen chairs but the kidsuite also has a small table and 2 chairs.

The bathroom is large with tub/shower and sink area w/a hairdryer and 3 build-in storage shelfs,behind the door.

We loved the HIFS!! Especially the WDW themed kidsuite!! We would recommend it and would stay there again!!
ps.eat breakfast out on the porch!!It's the best!!