First Trip-considering HI Family Suites

[Sandy Feet]

I'm trying to decide whether we can afford to go or not. This site has offered tons of great info - in fact almost too much for this bear of very little brain! The Kid Suites at Holiday Inn seem like a good choice for us: two adults & 3 kids. I think we could spend each day at the park then return to the hotel for the evening, so it would be good to have somewhere the kids (and parents!) have space to unwind and prepare a snack without having to leave the room. Here are a few questions I'm hoping someone can answer...
Should we rent a car or are there shuttles between HI and WDW plus to Universal and Seaworld?
Does the WDW room cost equal the cheaper off-site accom plus car costs?
Should we take an umbrella stroller for the 6 yr old?
Do the kid suites have a balcony? It would be nice to have somewhere to sit outside.

 

[Sandy Feet]

What guidebook would you recommend?

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

I haven't stayed off-site in years ... I am one of those who enjoys staying onsite if at all possible. If you stay off-site I think you will want a car (heard the shuttles can be a pain) ... remember that you will have to pay $7 (I think that's the price now) per day to park at WDW and you won't get to take advantage of the early entry for WDW resort guests.

However, having said that, I see that you are also planning to go to Universal -- so you will probably be getting a car anyway.

Good luck in your planning!!!

p.s. I've always enjoyed "The Unofficial Guide to WDW".

 

[Sandy Feet]

Thanks for your reply.
Forgot to say I'm considering early Dec - either the first or second week. That shouldn't be TOO crowded right?
Am also considering Wilderness Lodge (correct name?).

 

[momofdbsdc]

Hi Sandy Feet,

We stayed at HIFS this past Sept. with 5 children. We had a fabulous time. The children loved the hotel and all of the activities at the hotel. They actually kept asking to go back to the hotel from Disney because they had so much fun. They don't have a balcony, but there is a common outdoor hallway outside the room. The hotel is about 5-10 min from the main entance gates to Disney, depending on which park you aregoing to. I would also probably bring an umbrella stroller for the 6 yo. Their little legs do get tired.

Also, if you are interested I have coupons for a free pizza party at the HIFS that expire 12-20-03. I believe that it is good for a free med. pizza, a 2 litre of soda, and 5 bread sticks. Feel free to email me if you would like the coupon or if you have any other questions.

Kimberly_Hunt@msn.com

Have fun planning!!!

 

[taylor1293]

HIFS is wonderful! We stayed there last summer and are staying there again this summer.

They have some terrific rates right now. I believe I've seen others post that they have gotten a kidsuite for as low as $73 a night!!!

My girls loved the zero entry pool, the hotel activities, and the themed suites! We loved having 3 seperate spaces, a little more room than a standard hotel room.

If you purchase an Annual Pass (for any member of your party) parking on-site is free. Even if you don't have an AP, the $7.00 a day it will cost you to park is more than made up by the free breakfast buffet they provide at HIFS.

HIFS is located just minutes outside of WDW property and is closer than some on-site hotels to certain parks!

No, they do not have balconies, this is the only thing about HIFS I don't like.

I haven't stayed at The Wilderness Lodge, but it looks like a beautiful resort, and I'm sure you'd love it there also! However, their rooms are considerably smaller. HIFS rooms are 485 square feet, and WL rooms are 340 sq feet.

As far as guide books, I like the "unofficial guide" and "passporter"

Have fun planning!

Teresa

 

[MrsMud]

You will love HIFS! We stayed there early Dec. '01. BTW, this is a great time to go! Crowds, what crowds? Anyway, we loved the hotel. We were 3 adults and 2 children, and there was plenty of room. Our only regret is that we did not schedule more "down time" at the resort. They have nightly activities for the kids which we never got back early enough for. The pool is wonderful for little (and bigger) kids. The only way I think you could stay onsite for the price of the hotel plus rental car is if you did the Allstars. Remember, you are getting free breafast daily, so if staying onsite you would have to add breakfast into your price comparison. Also, I don't know the age of your kids but would they all fit in one bed? You only get 2 beds in a standard hotel room, and you get 4 at HIFS, plus you could easily fit 2 kids on the sleeper sofa. You can get some good deals at HIFS, especially with the Entertainment rate, which I think should be available for your time; I would call and find out (I am the person who got the $74 rate ). There is a shuttle to WDW, we did not use it though, as we rented a car. I don't think there is a shuttle to Universal. We rented a double stroller each of our park days for our 3.5 and 5.5 year olds, and thought it was well worth the money. Would your 6 year old be comfortable in an umbrella stroller? Hope I answered all your questions, I'd be happy to answer any more!

 

[erikthewise]

I hate to give third-party info but I have seen numerous posts on these boards to the effect that shuttles from off-site properties in general and from HIFS in particular are substandard operations and can be a very bad experience. Plan on having a car if you stay off-site.

This says nothing about HIFS as a hotel; it gets pretty good to excellent reviews.

 

[alisbarc]

Hi,
Just sent you a PM (private message).
ttfn
david

 

[WDWKim]

We were there in September 2002, and had a great time. Actually wished we had more time to spend at the hotel, but had to remember we were down there to do Disney. It seems everything you asked about has been mentioned. The only thing I would tell you, is I would rent a car. The hotel is really close to Disney, but from what I understand the shuttles can be a real hassle. They don't seem to have a definate schedule. If you are like me, you don't want to be held by constrants. Not to mention we did some shopping, and there is some great stores for some bargains not far from HIFS.

I also have Pizza Hut party coupons for anyone who is interested, please email me at KMillar43@aol.com

 

[mtdewhead]

We stayed at HIFS 12/1-12/6/02 and we really enjoyed it. We have also stayed at All Sports which we also loved.

HIFS Pros: the kid's room has a bunk bed as well as a smaller bed that pulls out of the wall, my 9 year old slept on it and was very comfy; ninetendo in their room (ninetendo game rental was $5each) ; the pool was fantastic; the free breakfast buffet saved lots of money; we rented a car and it allowed us to go wherever and whenever we wanted.
Cons: Staying on site at Allsports was very convienent and we didn't have to get in a car all week, free transportation everywhere; price was right but we had to rent 2 rooms (6 of us); my kids liked the food court so they could have lots of choices and they loved the Mickey waffles;and it has that Disney feel 24 hours a day.

HIFS factor in: cost of room, rental car, parking, game rental or game room money, adults dinner
AllSports: factor in cost of room(s), food (we ate a big late breakfast and then an early dinner with snacks in between to cut the cost of one big meal)

Haven't helped much huh? It all depends on what is more important to you...freedom to come and go at whim, but you might pay more, or just kicking back and forgetting the real world (but you might pay more for food). You really can't make a wrong choice, both places make for a great vacation! Have fun!

The first two weeks of December are great as far as the lines go, compared to other times we've been; use fastpass and all the parks, resorts, Disney Marketplace are decorated for Christmas and it's beautiful. The Osbourne Family Lights at Disney Studios is a sight to see! Hope I helped a little!

 

[Sandy Feet]

You guys are so helpful, thanks!

Has anyone been to Mickey's Christmas Party?

Oh almost forgot, thanks for the Pizza Hut coupon offer, but if someone else wants it before we can confirm whether we really are going or not, let them have it. Our trip depends on how busy my husband is at work.

 

[staylor]

You can also check out www.biddingfortravel.com for
great hotel information.
Have fun!

 

[Vinnie The Pooh]

We are booked for October at the Entertainment rate of $86.00 per night. Also if you get the entertainment book you can use the coupons in it for your rental car. We are renting from National at the entertainment rate with a coupon and are paying $137.00 for a full size car for 7 days!

 

[lejaf]

Vinnie the Pooh
Do you mind if I ask whether the $137 rate for the full size car includes all the taxes and everything else that gets added. I've tried different combinations of discounts and coupons and whatnot and every time I feel like I've found a good rate then there is always another $50, $60, or $70 added in various fees. Is the $137 rate the total cost or is that before the taxes and surcharges?