$99 rate at HIFS or $109 Rate - Which One?

[DisneyTJ]

Okay, we have ressies Oct 5-12. We have the $109 Fla Lottery rate. Just saw the $99 rate just posted on Mousesavers. My question is - would it be better to get the $99 rate. According to our planning we were planning on eating in the hotel at night probably only two nights. Would it be more cost efficient to get the $99 rate and the two nights we were gonna eat buffet - eat like at the Pizza Hut or something. Or just grab something off site.

Decisions decisions.

Thanks for all your help.

DisneyTJ

 

[taylor1293]

The 109 rate is better IMO.

The extra 10 pays for the 2 adult buffets, the children buffets, drinks, and tax. The only thing you are responsible for is the tip.

If you are there for 7 nights, the cost would only be an extra $70. If you were paying directly to eat at the buffet, it would cost $70 for 2 nights. Using the $109 rate you would still have the option of eating at the buffet any of the other 5 nights if you changed your mind. Also, the buffet is open until 10, you can go in for a late night "snack" for free if you decide later in the evening that you are still hungry after eating dinner elsewhere.

We were only there for 4 nights and weren't planning on eating at the buffet every night, but we did because it was already paid for and a great bargin.

Have a great trip!

Teresa

 

[drgnfly30]

DisneyTJ- We will be at HIFS at nearly the same time (10/6-10/13)I originally booked the Mousesavers $99 rate then rebooked w/ the $109 rate.. even though we as a family probably won't eat at the buffet every night, DH is a notorious night time snacker.. so the buffet will save $ either way... also by the time we get back from the parks we are so pooped-it'll be a convenient option as well..

 

[DisneyTJ]

Ya'll may be correct. A late night snack or just too tired to go anywhere else may make the $10 a night worth it. My son loves crab legs and I know Friday night they have a seafood buffet. May be worth it right there.

 

[busy mom]

We went the other way...I had originally booked the $109 rate and changed to the $99 rate. We figured we would be sick of this restaurant if we eat there for both breakfast and dinner. We have PS for one of the nights at Chef Mickeys, and figure we would grab some take-out and bring it back from the parks on the other nights. This should allow us a little more variety. We also plan to keep some munchies in the room for late night snacking. Have fun!!!

 

[Shannon D]

throwing in my 2 cents...

If it were me, I'd book the $109 rate for the first two nights and make a separate ressie of $99 for the following nights.

Have a great time.

 

[WDWKim]

I'm going for the 109 rate, like one of the poster's said before, for $10.00 extra you know you already have a meal included. From what I understand I believe they change the night time menu's pretty regularly too, so this should give you a variety. I like you figure there will be a night or two that we won't use the buffet, but IMHO it's still worth it. Didn't realize that it stays open till 10:00, so to me this makes it even more worth it.

Have a great time.

 

[Tluvs2talk]

WE originally booked with the "Play Fla Usa" for $109. We re-booked yesterday for the $99. You only get 2 free buffet dinner coupons for adults with the $109 rate it's not for your entire stay. We are staying 5 night.$10.00 x 5 nights = $50.00. We can eat anywhere for $50.00. You still get free breakfast and kids eat free with the $99.00 deal.

 

[drgnfly30]

I'm not sure why this keeps popping up but I explictly remember re-verifying the free buffet w/ the lottery special & it is 2 vouchers per night not per stay.

The lottery page http://www.flalottery.com/lottery/games/instant/playfla/central.shtml says "Family values package. $109 suite/night includes breakfast buffet, two adult dinner buffets/night; kids 12 and under eat free. Scheduled Disney shuttle and a themed three-room kidsuite."
According to HIFS
http://www.hifamilysuites.com/specials.html includes, in part, "The "Family Values Package" includes:
Free All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet for all guests served daily
Two (2) Adult Dinner Buffets each evening (approximate value $32.00)
Additional adults & children age 13 and over will receive 20% off in The Club Car Restaurant
Kids Eat Free Program (ages 12 and under)"

 

[ksmomoftwins]

I have been reading that all of you are getting a $99 rate at Holiday Inn Family suites and when I called them and told them about the mouseasavers rate they say that it is not in their system. The cheapest rate I have been able to obtain is $125. What do I need to say to get the $99 rate?
thanks
rhonda

 

[busy mom]

I did not use the mousesavers rate. I booked through the Holiday Inn web site. Let me know if need the link. I am traveling in early November.

 

[DisneyTJ]

Rhonda: Call them again and ask for the Mousesavers rate. I called last night and changed our reservation to the Mousesavers rate. If this does not work ask for the "great rate" - its around $99 too.

Like I said we changed our ressies to the $99 rate. I figure if we are out and about we may not be at the hotel to eat. And we had only planned on eating their (if any) two nights. I can purchase the buffets and still have money left over with the rate change. To that end, I have some "Play FLA USA tickets" if anyone needs them. Just let me know. I will check back later.

DisneyTJ

 

[taylor1293]

Tluvs2talk,

We were just at HIFS and had the Florida Lottery $109 rate. I can promise you that it is 2 adult vouchers EVERY night. Not 2 for the entire stay. Plus children eat free.

All we did when our bill came for the four of us (myself, DH, and two DD's) was hand them our 2 vouchers and money for the tip. It was so easy, and cheap!

Teresa

 

[Tluvs2talk]

drgnfly30,
When we called we were told it was for 2 Dinner buffet coupons not for the entire stay. My hubby is a picky eater, so it would only be me and the kids eating there anyway.

 

[Tluvs2talk]

taylor1293,
Thanks for clearing that up. Is the voucher's only good for buffet? or can you order off the menu? are the drinks included or are they a seperate price? We stayed at HIFS in June and ate 1 night at the buffet when they had crablegs/seafood, it was pretty good. Does the buffet menu change each night? Any info appreciated.

 

[taylor1293]

Tluvs2talk,

It's only good for the buffet and includes drinks (sodas, ice tea ect) and tax.

The buffet varies slightly each night. It reminded me of a Ponderosa, but on a smaller scale. The food was good, but not exceptional.

There were carved meats, a pasta dish, potatoes, veggies, salads, fruits, and a soup. Plus the kids had their own section, I think that had corn dogs, hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets. Typical buffet selection.

We did eat there each of the 4 nights we stayed, but on the last night we were ready for a change. However, we were too tired to go out, so it definitely came in handy!

Hope that helps

Teresa

 

[Tluvs2talk]

Teresa,
Thanks for all of the information.

 

[margo12]

If anyone is still having difficulty finding/getting a $99 rate, we found one good for the nights we were staying (over a weekend in Nov.) at www.orbitz.com. Also at www.cheaptickets.com they had $109 and $99 for the nights we were going to be there. Hope this helps someone!