HIFS or Cypress Point

[harrynme]

Hello everyone,

I am planning my first Disney family vacation . I have a 7 and 2 year old. I haven't bben since a young child and am excited for my kids and husband (who has never been ) to experiance disney.

Ok here's the question: Should we stay at cypress point which the rates seem great. Or spend more for the HIFS experaince. I think the kids will like it better than cypress point. I am worried that HIFS hallways will be loud and there will be no escaping all the kids and noises of lots of people. My husband does not do great in crowds . So after full days in disney he may enjoy relaxing in a quiter place. SItting out on deck etc..

I would appreciate any advise. It is all alittle overwhelming between where to stay, tickets, and where to purchase .

 

[taylor1293]

HIFS corridors are exterior, so noise shouldn't be a big problem unless you are on the first floor facing the pool.

If he wants quiet, just request non-pool view and any floor but the first.

Your kids would LOVE HIFS, but it really depends on what you are looking for in your accomodation.

You didn't say what the price difference was or when you were going. We had two different experiences regarding crowds at HIFS. In late August, the resort was 1/2 empty and very peaceful. In late May, it was packed and their were a ton of kids!

Good luck making your decision.

Teresa

 

[meandtheguys]

We stayed at HIFS and OLCC. (Will be staying at Cypress Point Grandvillas in Jan.) I know that in our two bedroom condo we had about 2 1/2 x's the space which was awesome. The jacuzzi bath was wonderful after a long day, and the kids loved it. I would definitely choose nice condo over HIFS. Just my opinion!

Michelle

 

[harrynme]

Thanks, I think i am leaning towards the condo.It is more economical and more space. Even thought i think the kids would enjoy HIFS. They don't know the differeance and will be happy with a pool and all the excitement disney has to offer. Although having the breakfast buffet and fast food right in the hotel means not having to stock up at grocery.
Did you opt for the maid service at these condo's? I don't want to be cleaning everyday i am on vacation as well

 

[meandtheguys]

You know, we didn't opt for maid service, and it wasn't a problem. I guess with the minimal amount of stuff with us it wasn't like housecleaning to tidy up before we went out.

Have a great trip!

Michelle

 

[ttfn3]

Don't worry about maid service in a condo. You really don't need it. We have stayed in condos/timeshares several times and you really don't get it very dirty in one week. You'll just need to empty the trash and you might need to wash the towels. And if you cook, you'll need to do dishes - but usually you can just throw those in the dishwasher. You will LOVE having a washer/dryer with the little ones. You can pack less clothes. I really like being able to throw a load in the washer/dryer and heading out to the pool. I also like returning home from vacation and not having a huge bundle of laundry.

 

[harrynme]

I am still torn. i love the idea of extra space,but maid service and having food right there so i don't have to cook appeals to me as well.

Any suggestions for the best places to get a good deal on HIFS? I found hotelkingdom for the condos. Expedia seemed good as well.

 

[HaleyB]

Try Mousavers.com they have some special rates. Also the travel agency that sponsers this board may be able to help and they will help you with your priority seating reservations if you book with them. Just hit the link above.

We are on the same fence re: timeshare/condo or HIFS. I like hotels but we do need a lot of space....

 

[mariamard]

for a 2 bedroom kidsuite at hifs we got the entertainment rate of $75 for jan 2004........

 

[harrynme]

Where did you get a rate of $75? that would be great!

 

[HaleyB]

Thanks to DIS tip I got HIFS for $99 a night in June. It is the entertainment rate. This rate is sold out for some dates in June already but playing with our dates I was able to get this rate for 10 days in early June.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

You didn't say when you are coming. That would make a difference in rates.
As another poster said, having the extra space really is a big factor for many people. Cleaning is not a problem at the condos, with many having washer/dryers in addition to the dishwashers.

There is still plenty to do at the condos. HIFS is good but could be crowded, depending on when you are going.

 

[harrynme]

We are planning to go in early March. Even though the extra room would be nice, we have decided to try HIFS. My kids make messes and having the breakfast buffet is big.

I am still looking for anyone who can suggest where to get the best rates.It seems as though the entertainment rate is the way to go. Can i reeserve without the book and get it before i check in?

 

[WDWisTheBest]

www.Hotelkingdom.com has Cypress Pointe 3BR at $80 a night during the first week in March.
Orbitz and the HI web site show HIFS at around $140 per night.
Entertainment card is around $113 per night. Maybe someone else has better ideas, but I would suggest researching quickly.

Good luck.

 

[harrynme]

I plan on it! I have to book this week.

Do i have to purchase entertainment card before i book or do i show it at check in?

 

[lejaf]

We had the Entertainment rate last March. I booked first and bought the book later, and when we checked in, they never asked to see the card.

 

[strawberryblonde]

We just got back from our week at Cypress Pointe Grandvillas (first week of Dec. ) and we loved this location. One block to Winn Dixie grocery store, one block to Pizza Hut, just a few blocks to downtown disney. For $20 you have unlimited play for everyone in your villa for the week of miniature golf. My DS6 loved this and became quite the "hole in one" guy! We didn't use the pools but others were and they weren't crowded. Thurs. they had a free lunch by the pool and my DH got himself a plate (the rest of us are vegetarians). I appreciated the elevators and trollies for moving in/out of our villa. Parking was plentiful and close. I would jump at the chance to stay at CPG again ! Our first time to stay offsite for a week at Disney and there is no going back onsite for us. Too many other uses for the $$ we saved.