busses to parks from HIFS

[DisneyVa.]

We stayed at HIFS last summer and loved the resort. After 12 other stays on property we really prefer the suites at HIFS. Here's my problem. We have reservation again this summer for 4 suites and 15 people. Last year it was just 4 of us and we had a rental car. This year the best rate I can get is for $650 for a 15 passenger van. (Which is cheaper than 2 mini-vans). Please? Has anyone used the bus service at HIFS? I have asked this question three times over the past several months and received no respose. Surely someone has used the bus service at HIFS. I even called the resort and they could not answer my questions. With bringing a large group I want to make sure all goes well. If the resort transportation is not that bad, we will give it a try. If I hear really bad reports we may need to move on property. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[BrerMama]

I've never used the shuttle bus so I'm not much help. Here's a link to the bus schedule, which may help you decide whether it will work for you or not: http://www.hifamilysuites.com/shuttle.html

It does state at the top that if you have a group of more than 10, you need to make reservations 48 hours prior. So you couldn't be too flexible. Hope this helps you make a decision.

 

[spiceycat]

most off site bus system come twice in the morning and twice in the evening that is it - they also have a tendency to leave in the evening before the night shows start.

so if seeing the fireworks at the MK - or Specto Magic - or Illiuninations is important - than I would stay on-site.

also some of the resort buses - go to other resorts before they go to WDW - this might be happening if your resort can not tell you about the buses. Some guest have complainted about the transportation taken hours (not I am not kidding - it was on this board - so hopefully they will reply) - they left their resort at 8:30am but it made so many stops that it was 10:30am (?) before it arrived at the park.

the early you start in the parks the better - you can see more in less time.

if you stay on-site you also get the surprise morning - which can be great to get a start on the parks.

 

[DisneyVa.]

Thank you both so much for your response and hints.
The bus schedule for HIFS was very helpful. I guess we will either rent a van or move on property. The bus service seems very limited with some restrictions as well. Thanks again for the help!!

 

[maggiew]

You could try a Cabin at Ft. Wilderness. Those hold 6 each.

You could try Downtown Disney. There is a Doubletree Guest suites there. Plus other hotels. I hear their shuttles are better than most offsite places. They run every half hour from one hour before park opening to one hour after closing. (Check on this before you book, however).

http://www.downtowndisneyresorts.com/

Maggie

 

[bbharke]

On our trip in 2001 our family of 6 used the shuttle buses from HIFS. The shuttle buses are alright for the trip to the parks but are far to crowded for the return trip. We used a taxi (van) for the return trip to HIFS that way we didn't have to worry about a bus schedule and could return from the parks when we wanted. With HIFS being so close to the parks a taxi was reasonable.

 

[sweet tooth]

BBHARK -
Is it cheaper to take a cab back to HIFS than to pay the $6.00 to park? We will have a car, but it seems easier to take the bus to and maybe a cab home to HIFS??

 

[bbharke]

If I remember right it was about $7.50 fo rthe taxi.

 

[westjones]

Do you have to call for a taxi or are they waiting at the gate areas? We have never used a taxe from the parks before, but that sounds like a good idea if you are staying offsite.

Thanks!
DJ

 

[Lisa P.]

DisneyVa., how many adults over age 25 who can drive? The drive in from HIFS is so easy. Maybe it would be cheaper to get 3 midsize cars for 15 people? BTW, codes for car rental discounts are often posted on the transportation forum. If you don't rent a van/cars, you'll have to pay for shuttle or limo service to get those 15 people to your hotel, regardless of where you are staying!

 

[DisneyVa.]

Hey Lisa
Thanks for the suggestion. We have three adults. But to rent three cars at even a super rate I figure would be about $500 at least. Then we would have to pay parking fee of $7 or $8 per car per day, so that would be another $150 added to the cost. I just hate to give up our rate of $102.50 at HIFS. Oh well, I guess I can hope for a rate code at a value resort on property. Then we could get a couple of extra rooms.

 

[zaxmom]

We used the bus one time. We had a car, so we had options. I hated the shuttle and would never do it again. Like another poster said, the ride there was not bad. The ride home was terrible. We had to wait until the crammed every last person on there. We had our kids on our laps, and there were even adults sitting on laps. The aisle was packed with people standing. We had to wait at least 20 mins until the squeezed every one on. Driver said he would not leave until everyone was on and kept yelling push back, push back. I felt it was very unsafe. He could have made 2 trips in the time we were waiting.

 

[kessieann]

HIFS has a message board of their own and almost all the posters their have said to get a rental because the buses is so limited and have to be reserved.

I know my original rate for a rental car was quite high but the closer we are I have reduced it by searching the internet by $75.00. I am not sure if this will be the same for summer but it does seem to keep going down the closer we get.

 

[westjones]

Just curious, where is the HIFS message board? (link?) I am considering it for our trip next December if my sister joins us (and we need room for 5 people). We have stayed there once, it was nice, but I do prefer staying onsite if possible. It is just when you have more than 4 in your party the onsite rooms aren't an economical option.

Thanks!
DJ

 

[bbharke]

westjones: The taxis (or vans) are all waiting at the tat gate we were told to use yellow cab because they were the most trusted.

 

[mal0808]

I don't know if this will help but, I too am staying at HIFS Jan. 31-Feb. 4. I bought an entertainment book and got the hotel rate of $76.00 and I have rented a car through Payless for $12.50/day.

Have fun!!