Help me decide! POR vs. HIFS

[BrerMama]

We stayed at HIFS on our trip in 12/2000 and swore we would always stay there when we returned. Our kids loved the hotel and you can't beat the space in the rooms. I reread my trip report last night and I just gushed about how much we loved the hotel and knew we'd be back.

That said, we've never stayed on site. When the Kids Stay/Play free deal came up, I plugged in Port Orleans and came up with an amount comparable to staying at HIFS. We are planning on going June 3-11.

Our main plus for staying onsite is that we can use the Extra Magic Hour -- our last trip we were at the front gates at least 45 minutes before the gates opened every morning. We're very much early risers and want to get a start on the day. On the other hand, our kids are older now and I've become a bit slower in my ways (when I'm not teaching, I actually sleep until 7:30... the horror!). I'm also a bit afraid that if we stay at POR, I may turn into a commando. We'll have Ultimate Hoppers and I'll want to make sure we get our money's worth. In my tentative planning, I don't have any time built in to just sit by the pool and relax. It's just go, go, go. If we stay at HIFS, it will be easier for me to relax simply because Disney isn't right there, beckoning.

And then there's the budget. Even with the kids play free package, POR is about $300 more. We can afford it, but there's also the built-in cost of needing to eat onsite (we'll use a town car service to get to/from the airport). HIFS not only has free breakfast, but kids eat free and we'll have a car so we can go out to eat at Applebee's, etc.

So I'm into a huge indecision here. The kids are thrilled with the idea of staying at HIFS but don't mind if we don't. DH is as wishy-washy as I am. This may be our only chance to stay onsite because as our kids get older, we'd have to stay in deluxe rooms and those are definitely out of our price range. I've actually got reservations for both and don't have to make a decision until April, when the final payment is due on our package. I'd appreciate any opinions anyone can offer. Thanks so much!

 

[Julia M]

Do you have 2 or 3 kids? The reason I ask, is we stayed there with 3 kids. It was really, really crowded. I loved the theming and the resort, but it was crowded. It worked out okay for us, since it was just three nights (then we checked into our timeshare), but it would have been awful for any longer. I know some people say that if you're busy at the parks, it doesn't matter being crowded, but it did to me. And then, because we had been at the parks, and were hot and tired, being crowded in the room made me cranky!

Anyway, not much help, I know. With 2 kids, I'd say either place. WIth three kids, stay at HIFS!

I just booked two nights at HIFS for this summer, rather than POR. It's basically before we start our vacation/family reunion. I got a good deal; $102, and we will use the free meals, because we won't be at the parks. But I was also thinking like you, if we're staying on property, we should try to get to the parks, and since we're onsite, get up early.....next thing you know, the benefit of arriving early to relax and adapt to the time change would be gone!

 

[BrerMama]

I have 3 kids, but have pretty much decided that we'll be cozy in a PO-R room rather than try to stay at HIFS. We just learned that HIFS will be remodeling this year to change to a Nickelodeon themed resort. When we called, the staff was unable to tell us how this will affect our vacation other than that one of the pools will probably be closed. This is not acceptable to us because I know how crowded the 2 pools can get and having one closed will just be a mess during the summer season. At least PO-R has plenty of quiet pools and we'll have the benefits of being onsite. I think we're going to compromise and rent a car but stay onsite. Then I can escape to off property grocery stores and entertainment if needed.

 

[coachYO & my 3 girls]

I just read you're post. We too are going early June. Staying 1st night in town at HIFS then 9 nights at PO starting 6/3 and then 2 nights at HIFS. Did they say 1 pool will be closed for sure or that it may be closed? I'm hoping they are just being cautious about when it will be done. When is construction starting? Any idea? I'm a teacher too. I thought it was great to see somone else planning like I am too, in the same field. We've never been so I was glad to see I'm planning like a seasoned pro.
Thanks,
YO

 

[stacy6552]

IM all about Disney's service. So I'd totally say, POR all the way. Dont worry about the go-go-go feeling. Just stop. Chill. The best part about staying on property is beind able to take an afternoon breather easily.

Not that you want more options, but you have a few more. Look into a FT Wilderness cabin. You can put the kids in the bedroom, taking turns on the bunkbed, close the door, and be cozy with your husband on the murphy bed in the living room. Theres a full kitchen, too to save on dining out.

Or take a look over at the DVC rent board. You could rent points and stay at a vacation club resort.