The Holiday Inn Family Suites-a good deal!

[goofy4wdw59]

Because of postings I read here last year (THANK YOU), we stayed off-site at HIFS last year for a few days so that we could extend our stay. It was a great setup for families--a separate bedroom, a TV & sitting area with microwave & refrig. Also, breakfast buffet is included, and I believe there are free shuttles to WDW?. It is very close to WDW--no real hardship to stay there! So, this year, I reserved 1/2 our stay at the HIFS again. The reservation was so easy to make. For Sept 2001, I received a rate of $104 ($115.44 w/tax) per night for a kidsuite--JUST ONE PHONE CALL. And, I think you can cancel up to 6 hours before your arrival time. Just thought I'd pass on my experience... :D :D :D

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September 2001 - HIFS & Wilderness Lodge

[HenryMom]

Thanks for the info! I have one question (since I am new here, I apologize if this has come up a lot, but I can't recall seeing it...)

Is there a way to get a *deal* at the HIFS? Any discounts? Sounds like you have a great rate, but I am just wondering.... :)

~HenryMom

[goofy4wdw59]

When I asked the reservationist about a "AAA" rate or Orlandomagicard, etc., she told me that the kidsuites weren't discounted (at least in Sept?--you can call and find out if they are available at other times).
She also said that I was getting a very good rate at $104 as the room goes for rates up to $159 per night, depending on time of year.
I think that they do discount other rooms, but not the suites. Good luck to you!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/goofy4wdw59/goofysmellingflower.jpg
September 2001 - HIFS & Wilderness Lodge

[Mom-to-3]

HIFS really is a very good deal when you consider everyone in the room can have a huge unlimited breakfast.

"I'll have orange juice, coffee, chocolate milk (I'm really thirsty this morning), bacon, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and a bagel (apparently I'm hungry too."

How much would that cost (don't forget tax and tip) at a restaurant?????

OK, Child #1 wants apple juice, cereal, waffles, and a banana.

#2.... well, you get my point.

We had big breakfasts at HIFS and late lunch PS's at the parks. It was much less crowded at the late PS. Worked beautifully.

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Mary

[Lucky'sMom]

From about mid-Nov. thru mid Feb. every year Holiday Inn offers coupons for buy one night, get one free. We used this offer last Feb (2000) at HIFS, and saved a BUNDLE! This discount is off of regular rates.

[realpatt]

Valuetrips offers HIFS for 98.00 August-Sept. Don't know if it's worth it for you to make two more phone calls, one to reserve and one to cancel.

I have used them in the past and they have been great. Actually I think you call the hotel directly if you don't do it over the internet and give them the discount code.

http://www.valuetrips.com/FL/ORL/HIFSR/HolidayInnFSR.htm

[goofy4wdw59]

I told the reservationist we were "priority club" members of Holiday Inn. I read about this last fall too and joined. Not sure if it makes a difference? anyone interested can search info on priority club...
Thanks for that info on the $98 rate! I'm going to call and see if I can change my ressie to get the lower rate. Will advise what happens.
Making extra phone calls usually doesn't bother me but I lost out on the statecode thing and the fun was taken out of it for me--temporarily, HA!
This board is the best for sharing saving tips. Thanks again! :)

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/goofy4wdw59/goofysmellingflower.jpg
September 2001 - HIFS & Wilderness Lodge

[goofy4wdw59]

my posting. Thanks realpatt--I went to valuetrips (see link above) and was able to get a kidsuite for 6 nights in Sept for $98 per night "plus tax" my confirmation says. I'm assuming it's 11% or a total per night of $108.78. I wasn't able to use the valuetrip code over the phone--had to make the ressie on the internet. I did need to enter a credit card number to complete. It appears the card won't be charged until arrival and I can cancel before 6pm on day of arrival with no charges to my card (same as ressie made on the phone). I didn't need to enter any membership / codes or anything. I received an e-mail confirmation a day later. Just wanted to pass this on to anyone interested. :)

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/goofy4wdw59/goofysmellingflower.jpg
September 2001 - HIFS & Wilderness Lodge