HIFS...1st trip...is this my best choice?

[MMARCAVA]

HELP! 1st trip ever 3/26-4/1, with DH, 5yr DS, and turning 3 DD. I've been really struggling with where to stay. We want somewhere nice, comfortable and convenient ...but hate to spend a fortune to do it. The moderates on site have a $119 rate running at that time but my Entertainment book gets me $99.50 at the Buena Vista HIFS...people say we should really stay on site to get the "experience" but I have a hard time spending more for 1 room with 2 beds vs. a 3 room suite especially with the kids eat free and adult breakfast plan! We're doing a regular 5 day Park Hopper, I felt the kids would really enjoy the time at the theme parks the most. Does anyone have any strong thought/recommendations one way or another???? I'd appreciate input from some experienced WDW visitors!!!

 

[coachv]

This is by far the best deal on hotels in WDW area for kids. The rooms are great for kids and pool area and other activities are great. The breakfast is ok and you can find something for everyone. The parks are less than 5 mins away--turn left out of the parking lot, under the highway and you are on disney property. It is close enough to come back to room when the kids get tired. Did you find the entertainment book coupon in the 2003 book and is there an expiration date or limited time on it. I am going in June and want to stay at HIFS. I am looking at buying the entertainment book. Hope this helps.

 

[pstepka]

You and the kids will LOVE HIFS -- we were there a few years ago and they still talk about it. IMO, the breakfast buffet is GREAT! The zero depth entry pool is fantastic for little ones, also.

 

[MMARCAVA]

You just need your Entertainment book card to show when you check in. I found this rate by dumb luck, I originally booked using my Holiday Inn Priority Club membership at $149 assuming that would be how I would get my best rate...for some reason I thought to call back and ask if there was a better rate if I had an E card and there was the 99.50...YEAH! If you belong to Disney Club that might work too because I see the Entertainment book logo on the back of it, but I would ask at HIFS reservations to make sure.

Thanks for the feedback, it makes me feel more confident in my choice! This has to be the most difficult vacation I've ever planned...too many choices! One more question though, did you rent a car or use their shuttle, I'm thinking a rental might be best if we want to go to some character breakfasts and stay for fireworks.

 

[MMKC2222]

Hi,

I too am planning our family's first trip to Disney and was thinking of the HIFS. Would we need to rent a car or is the shuttle service to and from the parks sufficient?

Thanks,
Michelle

 

[lejaf]

We've stayed at HIFS twice and both times rented a car so I can't really comment on the shuttle service since I've never used it...although I think it is limited. You could call the resort to see what the schedule is like, but personally I like having a car and being able to come and go as I please. We drove to the grocery store to buy some snacks (although there is a little store on property) and ate at nearby restaurants on a couple of occaisions. We drove to Downtwon Disney when we felt like it...having a car gives you more freedom, but if you don't mind schedules, then you might not mind the shuttle...I would make sure you find out how often they run though.

 

[taylor1293]

We stayed at HIFS last summer and LOVED it!!! It's a great place for families, especially those with small children.

We definitely plan to return .

I would rent a car, it's so much nicer being in control of when you come and go to a park. We even used our car when we stayed on-site. I could never stand to wait 20 minutes for a bus.

Teresa

 

[dtauer]

I agree, the HIFS is great. We've been there twice and loved it both times. I wouldn't hesitate to send anyone there.

However, on the Orlando Hotels boards you will get a lot of replies from people who enjoy staying off site. The original poster was looking for opinions on a Disney moderate vs. HIFS.

There is no doubt that HIFS offers a better value. We like the free breakfast, the separate bedrooms, the great pool area.

However, we split our last stay between a Disney moderate and HIFS and we will be going back to a Disney moderate in two months.

I'm not trying to contradict anyones opinion, HIFS is great, we love it. But if you truly want a comparison, read the Disney resorts board to get some more opinions. There are things about the Disney resorts that to our family outweigh the value of the HIFS.

 

[marli]

hi,

My family is also booked at HIFS for our upcoming trip. Last time we went to disney we stayed onsite at POR (dixie Landings) and we absolutely loved it. It was such a special resort that I would LOVE to go back there- but I can say also that the BIG disadvantage is that everyone is in the same small, cramped room. When you have little kids (we have 3) who need to get to bed at 8:30 or 9:30, it is nice for the parents to have the optiojn of not having to also go to bed . We decided on the HIFS so that we could also have the option of staying up later and watching TV or reading or even having our own dinner once the kids go to sleep. There is also the benefit of having your own kithcen so you can save some extra money there. All in all, I have to say that I adored being onsite at Disney but practicality has won me over this time. Whatever you decide, have fun!

 

[cottontail]

Hi Everyone:

Our children are grown, but still wondering if two adults would enjoy the HIFS, it looks very close to wdw.

Thanks,

Deb.

 

[coachv]

Check out the sweetheart suites on their website if they are still available!!!! :~)

 

[dtauer]

In response to Cottontails question.

Yes, I think 2 adults would enjoy this hotel, they have several other suite styles more suited to adults and we found the buildings around the "quiet" pool to have much less kid's traffic, especially on the upper floors.

You're comment about being close to WDW is correct, it is probably under a mile to the closest DisneyWorld entrance.

However, keep in mind the name of the hotel. You will be surrounded by LOTS of kids in the lobby area, the kids pool area, the mini golf and especially the breakfast buffet.

If you don't mind the kids, just want to know if 2 adults can enjoy it here I would say yes without a doubt.

However, if you are looking for a quiet, romantic hotel, I think there are better places.

 

[Figmentforever]

We had a wonderful time staying there almost two years ago. We are two adults, had no kids along on this trip and stayed in a suite on the 5th floor of the Chatanooga building overlooking the long pool. We loved it and hope to get back there some time soon. You are under a mile from the parks and so close to everything. Know you'll enjoy the place.

 

[cottontail]

Thanks everyone,

We would use the hifs while we were visiting wdw and any other parks in florida and at the end spend a couple of days as resort only in one of disneys moderate or maybe a deluxe resort depending upon cost.

Deb.

 

[Debbie]

Deb, that's the same compromise that we made~twice! You'll have a great time! Wish I were going. . . .