DVC resorts vs Holiday Inn Family Suites

[luckytso]

Hi,

We are going to WDW in Feb. for a week right before President's Day. I just stumbled on Holiday Inn Family Suites via the Dis Orlando Hotel Board. It seems that everyone who stayed there only have good things to say about that hotel.

For the Friday (Valentine's Day) and Saturday, HIFS's rate is $125 (senior rate since my mother is coming with us).

It provides free shuttles to WDW, plus a free buffet breakfast. Even if I stay in the BCV studio, it will cost 29 points a night (I value it at $290).

Since we have nevered stayed at any DVC properties or HIFS, we cannot really compare the two.

Has anyone stayed at HIFS and DVC and tell me why we should stay on site with this type of price discrepancy? My hubby cannot justify the difference. It is not our first time going to WDW and we don't need to do the cammando style to do everything. I have 2 little kids, 4 and 1. HIFS seems has everything - a room that can sleet 6 with kids' serapate sleeping area, nice pools, kids' activities, free breakfast, frequent shuttles, and great service, of course, the price is SO DIFFERENT.

Has anyone been to HIFS and can tell me the pros and cons? Thanks so much.

[TnRobin]

My number one reason is that the Holiday Inn would cost $$$ out of my pocket. My DVC points are already paid for.

Number two, I have stayed at the HIFS, while very nice, they are not Disney and especially not DVC. The atmosphere is not the same. Not as customer orientated. (Nice but not quite the level of WDW.)

Number three - If you have heard horror stories about transportation from OKW, you do not even want to go to trying to catch the "Complimentary" shuttle to WDW. If you stay there, plan on driving your family to the parks. The Free shuttle runs on thier schedule - not yours (DVC is ever 15 minutes). I seem to remember that it ran about once ever 2 hours. If you miss one, well you have to wait another 2 hours.

Number four - with 2 small kids and not wanting to "commando" it. You will need to go back to the room for an afternoon nap. This is a royal pain if you are staying off site (See transportation issue above).

All in all - I would (and have) stayed in the All Stars before I stay in HIFS again. Nothing wrong with the hotel, but it isn't Disney. Sorry to sound like a Disney Snob, but the reasons I bought DVC are the same reasons I would not stay at HIFS

[Caskbill]

A lot depends on how you value points. Your Holiday Inn will run you $138.75 when you include the tax.

If you figure just the dues you pay (out of pocket expenses) for those 29 points, that's $109.33 (assuming BCV is your home resort).

The $10.00/point used for renting points is actually higher than your true cost as owners. I've seen figures in the $6 - $7 range when you figure in the original purchase and dues. So if you use $7 then your BCV would 'cost' you about $203.

You can figure it several different ways. I'm not familiar with the Holiday Inn accommodations but it sounds like the suite is a little different than a standard BCV studio, and the included breakfast is a plus.

If you do go to the HI, at least doing that one time would give you a good comparison for alternatives to using those weekend points. Of course this does mean you'll have to move after 2-days so you might want to consider that factor also.

Like Robin, I would go to the All Stars myself, just to stay on Disney property for the same reasons she gave. Of course there's only two of us and that definitely makes a difference.

If you do the HIFS be sure to report back how you like it.

[luckytso]

This is a friend of luckytso posting this reply [see bracketed item below].


My number one reason is that the Holiday Inn would cost $$$ out of my pocket. My DVC points are already paid for.

[But what about the ability to rent out the DVC points at much higher dollar value? This works particularly well for busy weeks at Disney.]


Number two, I have stayed at the HIFS, while very nice, they are not Disney and especially not DVC. The atmosphere is not the same. Not as customer orientated. (Nice but not quite the level of WDW.)

[This may well be true. But is the dollar difference that important ($290/night vs. $89/night) after you have visited Disney World more than 10 times?]

Number three - If you have heard horror stories about transportation from OKW, you do not even want to go to trying to catch the "Complimentary" shuttle to WDW. If you stay there, plan on driving your family to the parks. The Free shuttle runs on thier schedule - not yours (DVC is ever 15 minutes). I seem to remember that it ran about once ever 2 hours. If you miss one, well you have to wait another 2 hours.

[Again true for those who need to fit in tight schedules. But for those who have been at Disney World more than 10 times, there should no longer be a need to move around at a very tight schedule.]

Number four - with 2 small kids and not wanting to "commando" it. You will need to go back to the room for an afternoon nap. This is a royal pain if you are staying off site (See transportation issue above).

[See prior point. By the way, any one with 2 small kids who plan on visiting Disney World in "commando" style needs to seek assistance in other areas.]

All in all - I would (and have) stayed in the All Stars before I stay in HIFS again. Nothing wrong with the hotel, but it isn't Disney. Sorry to sound like a Disney Snob, but the reasons I bought DVC are the same reasons I would not stay at HIFS

[I have stayed at All Star. That left a lot to be desired. However, I do remember the bus schedule as being quite good.]

[Cruelladeville]

Since your husband can't justify the price difference, your decision seems to already have been made. For those of us who have stayed on-property, we have all kinds of reasons that justify why we stay there. However, if your husband has already been to Disney, and still makes that comment, then I would say that you're going to stay at the Holiday Inn this year, and Robin's comments(and I agee with her) won't make any difference--but may I suggest that if you stay at AKL for $119 per night, or at All Stars for $58 per night you won't need to go off-property. Those are the newest advertised prices that I have seen in the paper, and if you are a Disney Club or Annual Passport member, you might even get better rates than that. Trying to do the off-property shuttle is a nightmare with little kids--do you really think it's worth a few bucks to spend an hour or two sitting in the middle of a parking lot with small kids, waiting for the shuttle? While Robin may not be a Disney snob, I guess I am--I stayed off-property once with my small children, and after one experience I never did it again.

[chris1gill]

This is regarding Luckytso's second post... I agree with the other poster, your decision is already made. From my perspective, please don't try to justify it by putting down the DVC resorts as it pertains to cost, accomodation or what you perceive to be your bussing needs... If you want to rent the points out to make a profit, please go ahead and do so...

I've seen the DVC resorts financially compared to All Stars, now I'm seeing the actual RESORT compared to HIFS.... It's a sorry day when the HIFS rates higher than the DVC resorts

[luckytso]

I am sorry if my hubby's posting is upsetting anyone.

I guess we have not stayed off-property except maybe almost 17 years ago when we were much much younger.

I was just shocked to see the price difference and the amenities HIFS offers at the price. You are right. I think we are going to stay at HIFS for our last 2 nights to just see how they compare. I will let you know afterwards.

The original post was just to see if other DVC members have stayed there, especially during weekends.

Thanks

[lampy]

I have stayed at HIFS for two nights and I own at BWV. You are comparing apples to oranges.

HIFS has no jacuzzi
HIFS no balcony
HIFS no inside corridors for safety
HIFS no Disney transportation via bus or boat at a moments notice
HIFS rude employees with little service
HIFS no view of the fireworks and happenings on the Boardwalk.

but we did enjoy our two days stay there......

It was a good solution for a Friday night late arrival to stretch points. The kids enjoyed their bunks and the free breakfast was slightly edible, but the loud noises, overcrowded pool, and lack of friendly staff was cause not to use it for an extended stay.

We like to experience variety but now keep that variety to DVC quality resorts.

[WDWCRAZY32]

luckytso, My whole family is going to WDW in Dec. my DD is staying at the HIFS for 2 nights before OKW, during her stay there she plans on going to US and SW. Once we get to WDW property we don't leave. There are lots of other things to see and do since your not a WDW commando this trip, take advantage of that and see the other side of the world.

[luckytso]

Pete,

Thanks. I think it is much better to go to HIFS before checking into DVC resorts. However, my dates are already set so I have to do it the other way. I think it is worthwhile to check it out, after all others' rave reviews (also, maybe to stop my hubby's nagging). At least, I will know later if this is something that I would consider doing again.

We decided to rent a car once we check out of BCV. This will be the first trip that we get to drive around WDW. It is not something we normally would do. Maybe this way we will check out other resorts while having a rental car.

Zack is really adorable. I love the look on his face. That is exactly why I bought into DVC, knowing that no other place will provide this type of excitement for kids for years to come. What a wonderful experience it is to grow up in WDW (sort of)!!!

Christine

;) ;)

[WDWCRAZY32]

luckytso
I'll let you know what my DD thinks after our trip in Dec. she has the Jungle room for Zach in Dec.

[#1Mouse]

We stayed at the HIFS a few years ago. Yes, the accomadations were nice - the kids loved the bunk area. Note: the bunk beds seemed kind of small, my then 9th grade son felt cramped in the bunk. Also, you mentioned your mother going. Our room had a king size bed and 2 sets of bunk beds. I can't imagine myself sleeping in one of the bunk beds let alone my mother. The pool was very nice. They also had a kiddie pool for the little ones. When we asked regarding the complimentary shuttle to the parks we were told it left early in the morning and that we had to attend a "quick" presentation - a timeshare sell. We opted for driving. We have stayed on site since. It is possible that they have changed this procedure since we were there. Definately can't compare the HIFS with DVC.

[luckytso]

#1Mouse,

The room does have a full pull-out sofa in the living room. I THINK my mother is going, but she is the last minute type and things can change very easily. So there is a good chance that it will just be 2 adults and 2 little kids. That is also why I don't want to reserve a 2-br at BCV.

I posted this thread was because I was just so shocked in the price of off-site hotels and I looked into Marriott's time-share in Orlando, they even offered very good rates for a 1 or 2 br units.

I think I may even call to try to find those promo packages for Marriott or Hilton Grand Vacation Club and see what they offer. Once we decide to stay off-site for the 2 nights and get a rental car, the choices just seem to be endless. Maybe we will even go to SeaWorld for a day or 2. (We stayed at Marriott Fairway Villa, a timeshare in NJ, around Labor Day and the accomodations were really nice)

Of course, I will see if there are any codes for AKL, especially the Concierge level. I don't have my hope high because those 2 nights are right before President's Day.

Thanks

[eva]

We stayed at HIFS about a little over a year ago for one night. My MIL went with us and slept on the sofa bed. I guess that it was ok for one night. But we were sure glad to get the heck out of there. The room was extremely cramped compared to a 1 or 2-bedroom. I hated sharing a bathroom with 5 people in the room! And the place was like a madhouse to us. Nothing seemed very organized and the staff was less than kind.

If you are looking to save points on the weekend I would check out the other timeshares in the area. Since you will have a car the transportaion issue is solved. We stayed at a lovely timeshare this past May for 2 nights and really enjoyed just kicking back. There are two Vistana resorts both owned by Starwood that are really nice. We have stayed at both. The one called Vistana Villages is brand new and we stayed there this past May. The 2-bedroom was beautiful and it only costs us $99 a night. We got that rate through Expedia.com. We didn't go to WDW at all during the 2 days. We hit IOA one day and just swam and relaxed the other. There are a lot of other great timeshares in the area. I would be careful of the Kissimee area though. We stayed there once and hated it.

[chris1gill]

I'd forgotten about Vistana Villages, those are VERY nice... If you reserve one, make sure you ask for the "large" one bedroom in your room requests... (there are different size one bedroom units)...

You can book it for less through www.hotelkingdom.com I'd go with this myself if I was looking for off-site accomodations

[dianeschlicht]

Before reading this thread, I thought the title must be a joke! Comparing HIFS to DVC is like comparing WDW to the carny rides at the local zoo!

[chris1gill]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
Before reading this thread, I thought the title must be a joke! Comparing HIFS to DVC is like comparing WDW to the carny rides at the local zoo!

ROFL... Very good Dianne... Next time I post my irritation about the DVC resorts being compared to the All Stars (price wise at least), please remember this post, I'll be noting it for some time to come.... I think it set me back in my recuperation :teeth:

[luckytso]

I looked at the thread yesterday and realized people may have the same reactions like what you had. I guess I should really change it. But I was afraid Doc would move it to the Orlando Hotels Board if I didn't mention DVC.

Thanks for all the tips. I am not sure what we eventually would do yet. But I will look into Vistiana.

Not being offsite before makes it difficult for us to compare. Every time when I read any threads about the roads or driving directions around WDW, they don't mean anything to me.

I plan to keep my weekend ressie at BCV for a while. I did not realize HIFS could be a mad house like that. But I can see it happening.

Thanks again.

p.s. what is ROFL?

I don't mean to offend people, but personally I would not want to stay at AS except maybe for 1 night before check-in somewhere else. Last time when we were there, I feel the place is like a motel with thousands of people. You cannot really have the shades open in the room because people walk by your window all the time. The room was small and dark. People were rude in the food court and the beverage area was disgusting with how people pour their drinks and just the whole mentality. When I was there, I really wished we were back at BC or YC. Never again. Things may have been improved.

When I posted this thread, I was just really surprised with how many rave reviews this place received and the price it charges. IN NO WAY I am trying to compare the 2 on a extended period stay, but for 1 or 2 nights, I was just curious if people here liked it or not.

[WDWCRAZY32]

Christine

ROFL= Roll on floor laughing

Pete

[Johnnie Fedora]

We have stayed at HIFS and found it to be very nice. It doesn't have the Disney feel, but we got a sale rate of 80.00/night and it was well worth it. They were installing hot tubs when we were there. I also liked the kids pool, it was fenced all the way around. You could kind of lock the kids in and sit down while the kids played. I didn't feel I had to keep chasing the kids down to keep them from jumping in the deep water like I do at the Disney resorts. I would definetly stay at HIFS before a DVC stay. Especially, If you come in on Friday.

The breakfast is included, but it is the cattle call trough-o-food style. Go early when it's not as busy and the tables aren't so sticky.;)

[nezy]

It looks good on paper when you compare the dollars. Although I have never stayed ther, HIFS I am sure does not have the "Magic" of a DVC resort. Isn't that Magic why we all joined DVC?

All I know is that anytime that I have stayed off property, I always long for the time I go "home" again to My DVC home.

Stay a couple of nights off site and I am sure it will refresh DH's memory of why you originally bought at DVC. I know it did for my husband when the last time we stayed off site he said, :WE ARE GOING TO ADD ON POINTS, AREN'T WE?"
Have a great time.

[margo12]

We are DVC members, but every time we go to WDW we have stayed on-site for our time at WDW and off-site for our time at "other places"--most usually Universal Studios. The last time we went, we stayed in a Grand Villa for a week (we had friends who stayed with us and paid us the cost of what a room would have cost, and we used it to buy more points), and then stayed at HIFS with a rental car to get us to Universal. We felt so cramped in the HIFS. The room(s) were all total maybe the equivalent of a room and a half in a regular two-queen-bed hotel room. The living room was tiny, the "kitchenette" consisted of a tiny fridge and a tiny microwave, the kids' room was tiny although fun, and the only place I had any room to breathe was in the master bedroom. Also I felt very nervous walking along the outside corridor on one of the high floors (I can't remember which floor our room was on), and there was only 1 elevator to service a multiple-story hotel building.

But, we very much enjoyed the pool (it is one of the best pools I've ever seen), we enjoyed the free breakfast (we've stayed at other places that have offered free breakfast, at one place it was a danish and orange juice, at another it was cold cereal or oatmeal, donuts and orange juice), and the little kids enjoyed riding around the hotel perimeter in the little train. It was nice having the little store and pizza hut and A&W right downstairs too.

We have a large family (5 children) and our options for fitting in one hotel room are limited. Overall, we felt like HIFS was enjoyable enough that we are going to stay there again for the beginning of our trip this time, then go to our 2-bedroom Beach Club Villa for the rest of the time. We figure that way we won't notice the smallness of the room at HIFS as much. :)

I'm glad you decided to try out both. I think that once you've experience both you can make a better decision as to which one is worth it, and maybe even decide to do something similar to us for when you want to go off-site. Hope this helps.

[luckytso]

Pete, thanks for the clarification. You have been really kind.

Thanks for everyone's input. I thought it over and decided to stay on-site. I will always be assured of what to expect :D

[montessori]

Luckytso,
I'm glad you received some pertinent information that will be helpful to you.
I am sorry that there are some people don't know one of the basic rules of common courtesy. "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
Best of luck with your planning!