HIFS questions

[murraypk]

My family of 5 will be visiting WDW next June. I am a civilian federal employee. For 4 nights, we will be at the CR (vice SOG). For 4 nights, I would like to stretch out offsite while we visit a few offsite attractions. From everything I've read, HIFS sounds like a wonderful choice. I do have a couple questions regarding HIFS. Is $115.00 in June a good rate for a 2-room kid suite? Or can I expect a better rate if I wait a bit? Also, is HIFS an inconvenient location for visiting IOA or Gatorland?

 

[momofdbsdc]

We are staying at the HIFS for the first time in a couple of weeks. I have called and had them lower my rates when I have found a better one on the net. I also called the hotel originally to haggle the price. They wanted to charge me $146 originally, got them down to $102 and now we are at $99 a night. If you are a member of AAA, I think that the rate is between $109-$115.

Good Luck!
Kim

 

[Steph25]

Hey Kim... Where did you find lower rates & how do you haggle 'em down. Do you do it @ 1-800-HOLIDAY or directly @ HIFS. Help! We have three nights in October...the best rate I could get was $139. OUCH!!! -Steph

 

[momofdbsdc]

Hi Steph,

I just kept playing around on the web for prices. I still check around now and then. I read a book on Disney (forgot the title!)
that told you to first call a travel agent, then the central booking # for the hotel, and then the hotel themself. The first couple of times that I called the hotel they gave me the $146 rate. I called back a couple of days later and gave the woman our dates and told her that I wanted the best available rates for that date. That is when I got the $102.

Good Luck & have a great time!
Kim

 

[mark & sandra]

Hello Steph25- The HIFS has a couple of specials running that you might be able to use. If you call direct to the hotel, they will be able to help you the best. One special is to bring a non-winning lottery scratch off ticket ( call to ask which one you need to have) the rate is 109.00 per and it includes 2 adult dinner buffets per day, kids eat free with adults for lunch and dinner, and breakfast is free for all. Another special is for 95.00 per day, 21 advance purchase, no refunds. The HIFS staff is excellent. They won't hassel you if you call to lower your rate. We started at 162.00 and lowered it 3 times to 99.00 finally. Also ask about their bogo (buy one night/get one night) offer if available. I'm sure you'll be able to find some discount that will help you lower your rate. Good luck.

 

[MK Familystone]

Since you are almost a year away, I suggest you review pop-up discounts on Mousesaver.com and the discount section on this website home page on a regular weekly basis until you go on your trip.
I have noticed since February the DEALS on websites come and go very fast, maybe because of the economic condition of the Country.
ENJOY!

 

[Steph25]

Thanks So Much, Ya'll !!! You're awesome...this is the friendliest, most helpful board out there!!! Appreciate all your help!!!

-Steph

 

[WDWKim]

Have a question for the people who have gotten the $99.00 a night deal..............does that include the breakfast and dinner buffet for all. Going Sept. 21-28 and have reservations at HIFS, but for $109.00. If you did get the $99.00 a night including breakfast/dinner, can I ask how..........the 109.00 is the lowest I've seen.

Also, about the $95.00 a night with a 21 day advance booking......read on these boards somewhere that that special does not include the dinner buffet.


Another tidbit from reading on these wonderful boards, but I read that people are having a real hard time now obtaining the "losing lottery ticket" that they need for the $109.00 rate. Unless they've switched which ticket you know.

Maybe someone could confirm this.

Kim

 

[taylor1293]

Kim,

It's my understanding that the $99 rate does not include dinner. At least that is what HIFS told me when I originally made my reservation.

We went with the $109 lotto rate also.

Teresa

 

[mark & sandra]

Hello WDWKim- The rate of 109.00 is the one that includes the added dinner buffet for adult. If you've ever eaten dinner around the Disney area, you'll see that it is a great bargain. The breakfast buffet is free for all, no matter which rate plan you have. Regarding your last question, we were at WDW in May and stayed at AKL, we did however try to find the scratch off tickets. we tried a few gas stations, 7-11, and 1 publix, and couldn't find any. I did read that some other people had no problem locating them. You might want to start a thread asking where people have found the tickets. One more thing to check is that Holiday Inn was running a promotion for a coupon given to guests for 10.00 in gas, you might want to see if it's still available.

 

[Steph25]

I want to thank ya'll for letting me eavesdrop on your conversations & for replying to my questions...I was able to get the $109.00 rate (saving me $30.00/night) thanx to you!!!
Appreciate it!!! -Steph

 

[momofdbsdc]

Have a great and safe time!

Kim