HIFS and Universal

[curlyjbs]

Hi all-
Planning a trip to Universal this june. The kids love HIFS and want to stay their again. It was great for Disney but will it be inconvenient for Universal? Also, what's this I've been reading about refurbishing going on at HIFS. (search is disabled) I've tried looking at different posts but cant find the right info. Anyone know anything?

Appreciate the help! (again)

Curly

 

[Lewisc]

Not very convenient for Universal BUT if you have a rental car and don't plan a mid-day break I wouldn't sweat it.

edited because I see you got the rest of your information directly from the hotel.

Originally posted by curlyjbs
Hi all-
Planning a trip to Universal this june. The kids love HIFS and want to stay their again. It was great for Disney but will it be inconvenient for Universal? Also, what's this I've been reading about refurbishing going on at HIFS. (search is disabled) I've tried looking at different posts but cant find the right info. Anyone know anything?

Appreciate the help! (again)

Curly

 

[curlyjbs]

hey lewis

Thanks for the reply. We don't do breaks....just take our time and enjoy. I bought the UA/IOA tickets already (buy four 5day tickets get one free) so I think we have plenty of time to dawdle.

curly

 

[spiceycat]

there are much cheaper and closer hotels to US/IOA - I would probably go with one of them -

there are some suites nearer too.

 

[curlyjbs]

spiceycat:

cheaper? closer? Fill me in! But, like I said the kids love HIFS and we love the free breakfast....it carries us to dinner.

curly


What's the driving time between HIFS & UA/IOA?

 

[lejaf]

We've stayed at HIFS three times and during two of those trips we went to IOA/Universal. The drive is 20 minutes or so. I don't remember exactly, but it's an easy ride. We never take afternoon breaks either. When we get tired, we find a show to go sit and watch or a quick snack and we are off running again. My kids love HIFS too and the breakfast is our main meal with snacks during the day until dinner. Each year I have tried to convince everyone that it would be fun to try another hotel, but they really love it there and if they are happy, chances are I'll be happy, so looks like we are going back again this year.

 

[curlyjbs]

thanks lejaf!

I'm a disney lover at heart but this time DH wants some "COOL" rides! So IOA it is. Never been but I'm sure we will all love it.

20 minute ride huh? Wonder if there are any compareable (sp) hotels closer. ie; room for a family of 5, full hot breakfast, kid friendly: all for under $105/night.

Anyone know of any?

curly

 

[Lewisc]

If you can swing a stay at one of the Universal on site hotels you get "front of the line access" Basically you walk right on the fast pass line by just showing your room key. Great when the parks are crowded BUT you'll have to change your budget. The best deals are for the Royal Pacific (sometimes around $100 Entertainment rate). But food isn't cheap and parking isn't free. There is a very kid friendly McDonalds about a mile away.

Sometimes the Universal hotels show up on hotwire. Betterbidding.com will give some help in identifying the hotels.

Since you're so happy with HIFS you might just stay there.

 

[mainewmn]

Stayed at HIFS December 12-19 and did one day at Studios and one day at IOA. We took a midday break both days, for a quick swim at the hotel. We went back both days and found PLANTY of time to finish both parks each time. I don’t remember the exact time it took us to drive but I can honestly say it was NOT long and the drive is VERY easy.

 

[curlyjbs]

Thanks everyone!

curly