ASMov or HIFS?

[christophfam]

I was just reading info on mousesavers and found an off-site hotel that looks promising - could it be true? I have res for ASMo in Dec. for 3 nights for my young family of four. Holiday Inn Family Suites it is SO much bigger!! It has a seperate room with a bunk bed for the kids, a little train, great pool. Would I be crazy to stay off-site? We are driving so a car isn't a problem and we aren't getting length of stay passes. Has anyone stayed at both the ASMov and HIFS? I would love to hear your opinions!
Thanks!!

 

[dtauer]

We've stayed at HIFS and the All Stars.

You're correct, at HIFS the rooms are much bigger. There is a free breakfast buffet and kids eat free at certain times during the day. There is mini golf, a train ride, and a pool that is fantastic for kids. With the KidSuites at HIFS, there is a separate living room, master bedroom, and kids room. The HIFS also includes 3 TVs and a fridge and microwave.

With all of those advantages at HIFS, where would we stay?

At the All Stars. A couple of years ago, HIFS had some $89/night specials that were a great deal. However, now, the best rates I've been seeing are $109 unless you have a special discount such as senior citizen. The All Stars have been advertised with codes the last few months at $59 and $69/night.

For around $40 less than HIFS (with a code) you can stay on Disney property. Yes, the rooms are small, but we decided that unless we were going to stay at the resort most of the time, the amenities at HIFS are great but not worth the extra money. Also, read the comments on this board about what people love about the Disney resorts.

We stayed off site for our first 4 trips. I was devoted to the off site hotels for their additional space and better price. Our first stay at the All Stars changed our mind. Unless Disney quits the discounted rooms, I would have a hard time staying off site, no matter how nice the hotel is.

There are people who won't stay at the All Stars, but there are also people who won't stay off site.

For a variety of reasons, there are some people who never feel the same "magic" that others do when staying on site. If you do try HIFS, you'll probably love it, at least my family did. However, someday try a Disney resort just so you know for yourself whether you should be looking at on or off site resorts for your future stays.

 

[christophfam]

Thank you for your post. I'm still not sure what I will do. The rate I got at HIFS is a seniors rate of $74 (my Mom is coming) and the AS Disney Club rate is $61 which may or may not go down with the Dec. codes. The $13 can easily be eaten up with the free breakfast so I call them about even.

Price being even, would you still stay at ASMov?

PS- I have stayed at the ASMus and loved it. BUT, that was BK-before kids! Now I am worried about the space and sleeping arrangements.

 

[dtauer]

Price being even, I would probably stay at the HIFS, especially if you have a car.

I consider the HIFS to be one of the better family friendly off site hotels in the area. I also consider the All Stars at the lower end of the Disney resorts. With that rate you are getting one of the better off site hotels at a comparable price to one of the lower end Disney resorts. As far as off site hotels are concerned, HIFS is one I will consider for the right price.

HIFS generally has a very liberal cancellation policy, usually up to 6:00pm on the day of arrival. It may not be a bad idea to make your reservations, checking on the cancellation policy. Then, if the new Disney codes come out in the next couple of weeks, and they are very good, you could always cancel HIFS and rebook at Disney if you decide to. Last year we stayed at the All Stars for $49/night and this August we are staying at CBR for $79/night. If the prices, with codes, at Disney resorts are comparable this December, my opinion would probably shift back to Disney, but price being the same as it is now, HIFS would seem to be the better bet.

Either way, if your experiences are the same as my family's, you'll love either the All Stars or HIFS, so you can't go wrong.

 

[lovmy2girls]

There was just a thread about these two resorts and do you lose the magic if you stay off site ?

Yes, HIFS is bigger, seperate rooms, more TV's and a whole lot more !!! If this is what you are looking for or need at a great price then go for it.

IMHO It's great to stay on site, you never get the feeling of the "real world"

You have to decide if you need or want that atmosphere all the time. For my family and myself, I do.

For space and sleeping, sounds like HIFS is the best, its just not Disney !!

 

[christophfam]

Thanks for the advice. I found the 'do you lose the magic' link and most feel you do. I'll keep both my ressies and see what happens with the winter codes for on-site.

Thanks Again!