HIFS observations & awesome birthday surprise

[kessieann]

We just got back from Orlando yesterday-major bummer because it is below zero here. Dh now wants to move to FL.

Anyways we stayed at HIFS and really did enjoy it. We loved the suite with its individual rooms. Dd loved the bunk bed and though she only slept on the lower bed dh made it into a tent for her using the blanket and bunk above.

The breakfast buffet was just fine. It is way more then I would ever prepare at home and dd just told us one of her favorite things about our vacation was that she could have donuts almost every day (go figure). Besides it was FREE I thought it was perfect. We also did the Priority Club which gave us an upgrade to pool view for no extra charge, free local calls, a micro box of popcorn and two bottles of soda for free. We did the free pizza party one night so that was also great.

After a long wonderful day at the parks on my dd's 6th birthday we arrived back to the hotel to a most wonderful surprise. We opened the door and there was a big red package with balloons on it and a card to my dd. It was a box full of snacks. Not just a few but jam packed full of snacks. They even knew she was turning 6. The only thing I can think of is that she mentioned it at the kid check in when we first checked in. I couldn't believe that they remembered and made her day extra special.

We thought the big kids pool was absolutely freezing. I had expected it to be heated but I could barely stick a toe in it and I am from WI so I am used to the cold. There were always people swimming in it the whole time we were there though. Dh said the small kiddie pool was warmer.The evening entertainment though corny for grown ups was just what little ones love. Dd also got hand fulls of free tokens for participating which she loved.

We were in room 1352 and did not have any problems with the elevators or getting a washer at the laundry spot. I loved looking down on the pool and it was really awesome until we got rotten loud trashy neighbors the 3rd night we were there. They didn't have kids with them and were just so boorish and obnoxious. Not the hotels fault-just really annoying to have to deal with.

We got a rental car for $167.00 from Alamo and I would def. recommend this if you want to stay off property. We went when we wanted and it was great having our own transportation. Most everything is off I4 so getting around is pretty easy.

We also got a free 5x7 family photo which I was not expecting. They offer pics to buy but there is no pressure to do so. Overall the hotel was very responsive to our needs. As far as getting sick-I did but I still think it was something I ate. We would def. stay at this hotel again. Any questions?

 

[momofdbsdc]

Sounds like a wonderful time! We can't wait to go back!!! Send your dd happy belated birthday wishes from us!

 

[lovemypresley]

Originally posted by kessieann
We just got back from Orlando yesterday-major bummer because it is below zero here. Dh now wants to move to FL.

Anyways we stayed at HIFS and really did enjoy it. We loved the suite with its individual rooms. Dd loved the bunk bed and though she only slept on the lower bed dh made it into a tent for her using the blanket and bunk above.

The breakfast buffet was just fine. It is way more then I would ever prepare at home and dd just told us one of her favorite things about our vacation was that she could have donuts almost every day (go figure). Besides it was FREE I thought it was perfect. We also did the Priority Club which gave us an upgrade to pool view for no extra charge, free local calls, a micro box of popcorn and two bottles of soda for free. We did the free pizza party one night so that was also great.

After a long wonderful day at the parks on my dd's 6th birthday we arrived back to the hotel to a most wonderful surprise. We opened the door and there was a big red package with balloons on it and a card to my dd. It was a box full of snacks. Not just a few but jam packed full of snacks. They even knew she was turning 6. The only thing I can think of is that she mentioned it at the kid check in when we first checked in. I couldn't believe that they remembered and made her day extra special.

We thought the big kids pool was absolutely freezing. I had expected it to be heated but I could barely stick a toe in it and I am from WI so I am used to the cold. There were always people swimming in it the whole time we were there though. Dh said the small kiddie pool was warmer.The evening entertainment though corny for grown ups was just what little ones love. Dd also got hand fulls of free tokens for participating which she loved.

We were in room 1352 and did not have any problems with the elevators or getting a washer at the laundry spot. I loved looking down on the pool and it was really awesome until we got rotten loud trashy neighbors the 3rd night we were there. They didn't have kids with them and were just so boorish and obnoxious. Not the hotels fault-just really annoying to have to deal with.

We got a rental car for $167.00 from Alamo and I would def. recommend this if you want to stay off property. We went when we wanted and it was great having our own transportation. Most everything is off I4 so getting around is pretty easy.

We also got a free 5x7 family photo which I was not expecting. They offer pics to buy but there is no pressure to do so. Overall the hotel was very responsive to our needs. As far as getting sick-I did but I still think it was something I ate. We would def. stay at this hotel again. Any questions?

We were there last week (the ones who got sick), and I totally forgot about the free 5x7. That's so nice what they did for you dd on her bday!
The family pool WAS freezing. I could not believe how many people were in there. I thought they were insane. LOL We assumed it was heated, so I sat down while my dd waded around. DH came back and stepped in and got the shock of his life. haha So we then took her in the kiddie pool.
And you're right. We thought the buffet was great, although crowded.

 

[msr709]

Its wonderful to hear you both enjoyed HIFS, I'm booked there for this coming August. Question, did either of you get offered for an extra charge, some coupons for the dinner buffet? I read about it somewhere but can't for the life of me remember where I read it so I never got a chance to ask how to go about it? TIA!

 

[kessieann]

I think you may be referring to the gift certificates from restaurant.com that you can bid on at Ebay. I won two Club Car gift certificates for $2.00 each from Ebay. The gc is worth $25.00 at the buffet and kids eat free so the savings was significant. The buffet is very average but we were looking to save money so this was just fine with us.

 

[curlyjbs]

I think msr709 was referring to the "bonus bucks" offered with the Family values rate.

curly

 

[Sandy Feet]

Do the HIFS rooms have anywhere to hang wet bathing suits to dry? Some hotels have retractable clotheslines in the showers.

 

[kessieann]

Yes, they do have retractable lines to hang your suits up in the tub. Also, I had purchased a shoe bag to hang over the door for extra storage in the bathroom but we did not need it. There are 3 very large and deep shelves in the bathroom that held everything we had.