Help!!! ASMovies or HIFS I can't decide

[mom of five]

I really can't decide what to do and need some advice...
There are 7 of us:2adults, 5 children

I have a ressie rate of $127.00/night at HIFS for 11 nights in early Oct.
Mind, that this rate comes with frig./free breakfast/kids eat free all day.

I also have ressies at ASMo for same trip. Two guarenteed joining rooms at rate of $220/night. No frig. No free breakfast, of course.

I have an AP and waiting for those Oct. discounts like everyone else.
I figure if I can get a rate of anything less then $60per room/120nightly at ASM then it is worth it to stay there $$wise.

But what would I enjoy more??
My husband said flat out that "I'm on vacation! I don't want to eat out of a cooler!"
I just don't want to pay $110 extra dollars for a frig. I'm already past $6,000 for this trip as it is.

But I do want to be in the magic.
But then I start thinking that maybe (for the kids anyway) HIFS will have magic of its own. I know my 10year old will think free hot buffet breakfast (even if it is equivelent to McDs) is pretty magical as opposed to cereal in our room at ASM. We never go to resturants.

I'm sorry that this ran so long, but I really can't decide what to do??? All this will be moot however if codes don't come out for less than $60 for APers.

Perhaps you should know that we will be arriving Oct. 3 around 3pm and we will be doing MNSSHP that evening.

Maybe I should split it and d0 4nights ASM and rest HIFS, but then I'm worried that I'll like one or the other soo much I won't want to switch when the time comes. OOOOH LORDIE! Help!

Please! What would you do???

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

My vote (not knowing your financial situation) would be to stay in the parks. We used to stay offiste, and in the last 5 years have been staying onsite. I don't think we'll ever stay offsite again. We can't afford the expensive resorts, but can the value ones. For us, there's just something about not ever having to leave the magic that makes the trip that much more special. There's a McDonalds just outside the entrance to the AllStars that was a little bit more expensive than normal, but not much. If the breakfasts in the food court are too much, try that. My vote is go with the Disney magic as much as possible!

God bless
Mark

 

[NancyK]

Do you have a vehicle? If you do, I would stay at HIFS. We stayed there last October and it was a breeze to get to the parks. No traffic at all. The hotel even had instructions on the back of the parking pass to get to and from each Disney theme park. The breakfast was very good IMO. The pools were nice and there seemed to be activities for the kids (we didn't have any this trip). You can probably get more reviews of HIFS on the Orlando Hotel & Attractions Board. I love staying onsite, but I would rather stay at HIFS than the All Stars. The only negative thing about HIFS I can think of is that you'll only have one bathroom for seven people. If that's a problem, you might be better off with the two adjoining rooms at ASMo. If you don't have a vehicle, you're also better off to stay onsite as I've heard that the shuttle service from HIFS isn't that good. Hope that helps.

 

[jel0511]

One thing you've said concerns me....

We never go to resturants.

How is that going to be possible when being away from nome for 11 nights? Especially staying on WDW property. You won't have any cooking facilities, a small dorm sized refrigerator at best. You'll be constantly running to the grocery store to buy perishibles, since it really only holds minimal stuff. Even staying at HIFS it's going to be hard. What do you plan on doing in the parks? Are you going to bring your lunch? It just seems such a daunting task to go on vacation, and then not go out at all. If you truly don't plan on eating in ANY restaurants while in WDW, then stay at HIFS. At least then, you'll have more space to store things.

 

[mom of five]

Yes, we will have our van as we are driving down as money is an issue with us.
Just can't afford airfare for 7roundtrip from NY!
Anyway you cut it driving is cheaper even with added hotel and meals and gas/tolls.

Also, I went to Deb's and looked at Breakfast at ASM and figured that it will cost us an extra $450 just for breakfast if we stay at ASM.
Here is our tentative budget, my goal is to come home with no lingering vacation bill. I'm doing pretty good so far as I have (paid) for alot.

Budget:
2 adults, 5 kids,
depart 10/1/04
home 10/16//04

Planning: passporter 39.99(paid)
ebook 15.00(paid)

Transortation: fuel roundtrip 350.00(paid)
tolls 38.00(paid)
parking at WDW free w/APs

Lodging: enroute hotel rountrip 150.00
HIFS 10days/11nights 1,565.00(600.00paid)

Admission: APs 3adults/4kids 2582.64(paid)
DQ tickets 139.00(paid)
MNSSHP 215.65(paid)

Food: Day1-20.00(paid)
Day2-100.00(paid)
Day3-130.00(paid)
Day4-250.00(paid)
Day5-215.00(paid)
Day6-200.00(paid)
Day7-200.00(paid)
Day8-150.00(paid)
Day9-300.00(paid)
Day10-150.00(paid)
Day11-150.00
Day12-150.00
Day13-150.00
Day14-75.00(paid)
Day15-75.00(paid)
Day 16-50.00(paid)
Total:
This food budget is considering we stay at HIFS and get free breakfast. I will need about $40 more dollars each day if I stay onsite.

Extras: spending money 200.00(paid-DisReward$)
Xmas shopping 200.00
Laundry 10.00 in quarters(paid)
Pressed Pennies 10.50(paid)

Kids have their own spending money

Critter Sitter-big? at this time

 

[mom of five]

Originally posted by jel0511
One thing you've said concerns me.... How is that going to be possible when being away from nome for 11 nights? Especially staying on WDW property. You won't have any cooking facilities, a small dorm sized refrigerator at best. You'll be constantly running to the grocery store to buy perishibles, since it really only holds minimal stuff. Even staying at HIFS it's going to be hard. What do you plan on doing in the parks? Are you going to bring your lunch? It just seems such a daunting task to go on vacation, and then not go out at all. If you truly don't plan on eating in ANY restaurants while in WDW, then stay at HIFS. At least then, you'll have more space to store things.

What I meant was, it will be magic just going out to eat so much on vacation! We are eating EVERY meal out--we're on VACATION!!
We never go to resturants AT HOME. When we do, it's a big deal. Even McDs is a huge treat in our house.

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by mom of five
Yes, we will have our van as we are driving down as money is an issue with us.
Just can't afford airfare for 7roundtrip from NY!
Anyway you cut it driving is cheaper even with added hotel and meals and gas/tolls.

Also, I went to Deb's and looked at Breakfast at ASM and figured that it will cost us an extra $450 just for breakfast if we stay at ASM.

Can't you pack breakfast foods and eat at the food court only a couple of the days? We always pack breafast items (nutrigrain muffins, cereal, etc.) and just eat in the room. I know it's not "ideal" to eat in the room, but it works for us since DS eats while I'm getting ready. I think that getting food and sitting down in the food court just takes entirely too long, so I prefer to eat in the room on the way out. We do eat in the food court a couple of times for breakfast though, but mainly just for dinner.

My son doesn't mind the Parlamat milk (the shelf stable) so this year instead of renting a fride for $70 for the stay, I'll just use the ice bucket to get it cold overnight and use that for cereal. Same with OJ, but that I will buy in the resort gift shop the night before and keep it in the ice bucket.

 

[hockey mom]

We did a split between those exact 2 hotels and my kids liked HIFS better. The free activities for them, like kareoke and bingo, were a big hit. I will add though that you might find it a bit cramped with 7 of you in one suite as opposed to 2 rooms at ASM.

 

[mom of five]

Thanks for all the help everybody!
I guess when it comes down to it, I'll really have to see if codes come out for Oct.
Kids will be fine with cereal and milk most days.
Can you bring your own coffee pot to ASM?
Do safes cost anything? And they aren't in the rooms, correct?

 

[lyncruiser]

I too would stay at HIFS since you have your van. HIFS is very convenient to the parks. It's near POP and just as convenient IMO as the values. Also, the kids really enjoyed it. They have a cute train that goes around the parking lot, nice pools and various other entertainment for kids.

The suite we had was equipped with playstation and bunk beds in the kids' room. The fridge and microwave are convenient. But, perhaps best of all was the breakfast every morning. Although the buffet was a bit of a scene, the breakfast was hot and good and you could find quiet places by the lake to eat it. And, if the kids fill up at the morning buffet, that will last them alot longer in the parks than cold cereal.

We recently stayed at the Contemporary. We brought cereal, muffins, parmalat milk, snacks, etc. and I was glad we did. We requested a coffee maker for the room but were told on arrival that Disney doesn't do that any more (although I think some resorts have them.) So, I went to the food and fun center in the morning for two coffees and four milks and the bill came to $10. I about fell over (and I live in NYC where everything is expensive). It seemed to me that breakfast for four each morning at the food and fun center would cost at least $50 for what is basically fast food. Gees. I bought two small pizzas and a sandwich to eat in our room later during Hirricane Charley and it came to $25!

You could certainly bring a coffee maker if you choose All Stars. I would if I were driving. Since you're driving, I'd also bring a small microwave. Definitely bring an ice chest that you can keep filled with ice for your milk and perishables. I know some people make fun of this, but I can tell you if I were driving I would. I live in one of the most expensive cities in the world and when we go we nearly always stay deluxe and I just couldn't believe the price of breakfast at the food and fun center. Breakfast for 7 at a food court would really add up fast I would think.

Although the cereal in the room worked okay, it couldn't compare with HIFS's breakfast. We really enjoyed the Contemporary for the convenience to MK, but at the All Stars you won't even have the convenience.

The only caveat to HIFS is one mentioned before -- one bathroom. If you can manage with that, I think the nice big hot breakfast will more than make up for the bathroom inconvenience.

Although I haven't stayed at a value resort, I can tell you we really enjoyed HIFS.

 

[suerob]

I have stayed at both ASMo and HIFS. Both are nice and both have their advantages. For me, my only complaint about HIFS was that it didn't have that "Disney feel". When I go to WDW I like to be surrounded by Disney and I kind of felt away from the magic when I stayed offsite. That may not be important to you though. If that's the case I would recommend HIFS and if you have your own car too because the shuttle service is not good. With five kids you can't beat the price and the room you get. The free breakfast alone is a huge plus.

 

[Del]

You are putting yourself through much stress right now and this is supposed to be fun. With 7 people, it seems to make sense to stay in the suites, use your van, enjoy the free food and use that extra $ to enjoy yourselves.

We have stayed offsite(Staybridge Suites ---right next to CrossKeys shopping Center--near DTD). We got a 2 bed/2 bath suite last Nov. for I think like $109 a night! It did take at least 20 min. to get TTC with traffic and lights and yes it didn't have the Dis feel--but we did have fun and it was within our means. We had cont. breakfast daily--plenty of lounging room for playing, naps, 2 tvs--one for kids, one for us. Pool and laundry area were fine. We had fun. It was what worked for us at the time.

This past March we took a wonderful trip to the CR. It was great to be onsite and we got lucky with codes and this was within our means at the time. But you do sacrifice the ease of having extra space and the food issues.

Good luck in your choice. It is Disney--you will have fun...

del

 

[Molly Meow]

I REALLY wouldn't try to cram 7 people into the rooms at ASMo...DH and I just got back a couple weeks ago, and I must say, the rooms are TINY! Our room had 2 double beds in it, and absolutely no room for a rollaway.

My SIL had her husband and 3 kids with her in one room (they didn't know how small they were when they booked it) and cut her trip short because she couldn't stand it. Not to mention all the cracked tile in the bathroom teeming with mold skeeved her out.

The safes are in the room - they're tiny and look rather flimsy. They have a key lock, not a combination. Be careful, though...if you lose the key, it's $30 to replace it.

I agree with another reply - the cost of the food court for 7 kids would give you a heart attack. A very tiny breakfast for DH and I was almost $15.

Another thing - we had to wait almost 45 minutes to get on a bus to DTD, it was just so crammed with people, and while there's a queueing area, everyone just rushes the bus when it arrives.

Please don't think bad of me! I'm seriously not trying to be a downer, I'm just trying to be honest. We knew it was going to be expensive, but we didn't expect to have to sleep in seperate beds (my FIL booked the rooms). We're not staying there again.

 

[Debbie]

We have done both, and my kiddos prefer HIFS. I think that this is a good fit for you.

First, your kids are little and they will love HIFS. The food and the pool are wonderful when you are young. (and as a mom of five, I know what you mean that restaurants and ANY hotel make the vacation!

Second, BECAUSE they are smaller, the bathroom won't be too much of an issue. (Can you say, "Go for a swim, now you are clean?"

Third, getting back and forth is easy-even for napping in the afternoon if need be. Been there, done that.

Fourth, they are practically paying to have you stay there when you figure in your food. And, if need be for time, DH and DS can go down and bring back food to the rest.

Fifth, the safe is a whole lot bigger than the one at AS, so if you have a camera or laptop, it will be. . .safe.

Sixth, the lockable KING BED adult room.

Seventh, the fridge and microwave. When we went, the fridge held the milk, juice etc, as well as froze the water bottles for the parks. Believe me, the frozen water, melting cold during the day was worth the fridge all by itself. THEN, when we got back, the kids ate Mr. Noodles (ramen noodles?) and to be honest, even I liked that after chicken strips and fries in the parks. (Don't forget the microwave popcorn!) and finally

Eighth, my KIDS prefer the HIFS to the All Stars, now. For the space, the toys (Nintendo), the Bingo and Karaoke at night, the pool and the pool games in the afternoon, the mini-golf. . . .

The KIDS will be thrilled with whatever you choose, so don't worry about the "magic". YOUR magic will be enjoying this time with the family. Have a wonderful time!

 

[tinawv]

Originally posted by Debbie

Second, BECAUSE they are smaller, the bathroom won't be too much of an issue. (Can you say, "Go for a swim, now you are clean?"

Sixth, the lockable KING BED adult room.

 

[graygables]

We stayed at HIFS last Dec (orig booked 7 nights, but only stayed 2 b/c we won a trip and were transferred to GF!!!)

We had 3DDs along (15, 7, and 5). We liked it well enough, but I am now a stay on site person (I would do 2 value rooms, personally). We had a rental car, so we could get back to the hotel easily enough, but it just seemed to take sooo much longer since I was driving! The pool was closed most of the time we were there ("accidents"), so we only got to use it once, at night, in 60 degrees. My DDs weren't into any of the activities at the hotel. The one bathroom just about did us in, since we have 2 1/2 at home, but it's all in what you're used to.

That said, if you do stay HIFS, make sure you are a member of their Priority Club! We got 1000 point bonuses for each night of our stay, which was nice! Those points add up, and DH and I are using some in Nov to get a free night and a free week's worth of near-airport parking for our next trip!

 

[disneywithkids]

Last year we split our 10 day stay between HIFS and CBR and I can't imagine staying in one place ever again!

It was so much fun to go someplace completely new half way through the holiday. We started off at HIFS and took advantage of the great pool and activities and only spent one day at the parks during the 4 days there. The last 6 days we spent on property and could barely fit in 3 park days! We really enjoy a lot of the non-park activities that they have going on like the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party, etc.

My dds were 4 and 6 at the time.

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by Molly Meow
I REALLY wouldn't try to cram 7 people into the rooms at ASMo...DH and I just got back a couple weeks ago, and I must say, the rooms are TINY! Our room had 2 double beds in it, and absolutely no room for a rollaway.

My SIL had her husband and 3 kids with her in one room (they didn't know how small they were when they booked it) and cut her trip short because she couldn't stand it. Not to mention all the cracked tile in the bathroom teeming with mold skeeved her out.

The safes are in the room - they're tiny and look rather flimsy. They have a key lock, not a combination. Be careful, though...if you lose the key, it's $30 to replace it.

I agree with another reply - the cost of the food court for 7 kids would give you a heart attack. A very tiny breakfast for DH and I was almost $15.

Another thing - we had to wait almost 45 minutes to get on a bus to DTD, it was just so crammed with people, and while there's a queueing area, everyone just rushes the bus when it arrives.

Please don't think bad of me! I'm seriously not trying to be a downer, I'm just trying to be honest. We knew it was going to be expensive, but we didn't expect to have to sleep in seperate beds (my FIL booked the rooms). We're not staying there again.

The OP was going to "cram" seven people in TWO rooms, not one.

 

[mom of five]

March 2003 was our first family trip to WDW. We drove down in a 35ft motorhome from NY and camped in that at FW.

I think which ever hotel we do chose, we will be pretty happy with cause we will be thinking about our first trip when all 7 of us stayed in a motorhome for 14days with one bathroom. No matter how small any of these rooms are, they can't be smaller than that motorhome...where I had to wash dishes and constantly sweep the sand out!

We absolutely loved that trip, though.
It was pure magic..the five kids were great even in the cramped quarters. I know they'll love whatever hotel we end up at.

 

[meverett]

HIFS is undergoing renovations during October. They are completely redoing the hotel and it should be finished in the winter. Call and ask them what is being done during your trip (ask specifically re. pool)- that may make a difference to you.

LOL
melinda