HIFS Reviews?

[beautybelle]

We have a ressie at HIFS for May, although I must admit that if I can get a good code I will probably change that to the WL, but I would love to hear the reviews on this resort/hotel from familys that have been there recently. I have a 6 yr old boy so advice from your little ones is welcome too. Thanks, Im looking forward to hearing from you.

 

[lejaf]

We've stayed at HIFS twice and we are going back again this year. I wanted to stay somewhere different not because we were unhappy there, but because I like change and trying new places but my family REALLY want to go back and considering that we got the $99 entertainment rate, it really is a great deal...so I figured, why knock a good thing if that's where everyone wants to go.

With that said, your 6 year old will fall in love with the place. It is completely geared towards kids. The pool area is a blast for kids...they can swim, play pin pong or putt putt golf all right there...There is a snack shack and my 7 year old son got some weird sour warhead popcycle every chance he got and when we returned the next year it was one of the first things he asked for after we checked in. (It's strange what kids look forward to) The zero depth entry pool was perfect for my non-swiming 1 year old although she also had fun at the gated area kiddie pool which is just a few steps away from the main pool.

The breakfast buffet was far from gourmet, but my son loved all the bacon and french toast he could eat and my daughter loved all the fruit and muffins she could eat and my other daughter loved the yogurt and cereal. It was great having everyone fill up before we hit the parks and then we could get away with eating a very late lunch.

At night there is entertainment which we enjoyed a few times. There was a magic show and bingo that my kids loved.

My kids loved the bunk beds and having their own t.v. and my son loved having nintendo.

Generally the kids LOVE this place and for the price, you can't go wrong.

 

[MrsMud]

I agree with everything Lejaf said. We were there 12/ 2- 12/8 in 2001. The kids would have been happy to stay at the hotel and swim in the pool every day! They also loved their room. We had 5 people (me, hubby, 2 girls and MIL). We had no problem at all. MIL slept on the pullout couch in the living area. We also loved the 3 TVs. The breakfast buffet, as stated, is not fancy but really quite adequate for a big breakfast. We filled up before heading to the park, and didn't even eat lunch (I brought some Nutrigrain bars, etc. to snack on, and of course the girls had icecream). One morning we were running late so grabbed some muffins, fruit etc. from the buffet and ate in the car on the way to the park. Most buffets frown on this, but here they even provide "to go" containers! I would also mention the VERY close proximity to the parks. You basically turn out of the parking lot and go down the road a mile or so and you're on Disney property. We are going again in Oct. or Nov., and didn't even think of staying anywhere else. Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[SHSFire]

Hi,

We just returned from HIFS, were there 1-21 to 1-30. We have a 7 yr. old and and a 4 yr. old and we really enjoyed the hotel. It was clean and kept up well, inside and out.

Room to spread out and the kids loved having bunkbeds and nintendo 64 in their room. We enjoyed the fact that we could put the kids to bed and we did not have to sit in the dark or go to bed at 8:30 - 9:00 as we do at regular hotels.

As stated the hotel is geared to kids, if your son likes trains he will love the place, the lobby has a train theme. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during a day away from the parks. Two pools, mini golf, shuffleboard, ping-pong, a game room and nightly activities of free face painting, magic show, family bingo and karaoke.

The location is great, right off 536 just a short drive to WDW. It is also bordered by South International drive which you can get on (very little traffic) and go down to 192 in Kissimmee.

Enjoy your trip.

Julie

 

[beautybelle]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, everybody this makes me feel soooooo much better. I think my son will have a blast. Thanks again. From there how long would you say it took you to make it to each of the parks?

 

[MrsMud]

Beautybelle:
Keeping in mind that it was over a year ago, and I actually never timed our drives, I would ESTIMATE 5 minutes to Epcot, maybe 7 to MGM, 10 to MK or AK. It seemed like even less, because you go through the gate with the big Walt Disney World sign about 2 minutes after leaving the hotel. Once you see that gate, you feel that you are IN Disney, even though you haven't reached the park yet!

 

[mainewmn]

We have reservations to stay at HIFS 12/12-12/19. I have never stayed there before but have seen hands down good reviews for this place not only here but also on other sites that rate hotels and such. Another deciding factor in staying there was the rate, I got $73 per night for kids suites with Entertainment card. You also get the free breakfast for everyone and kids 12 and under eat free with paying adult.

 

[GoBuffs]

mainewmn,

Can you tell me how you got such a good rate. What phone number did you call? What is the Entertainment price?

Thanks

 

[mainewmn]

I called the HIFS 877-387-5453 number listed on their web site. When calling to make the reservations I asked for the Entertainment rate, which is 1/2 of the rack rate. You can obtain the Entertainment card by going to http://www.entertainment.com/ this is essentially a coupon book good for many attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc. When you get the book you will find plastic card on the inside cover which you will need to show when you check in to the hotel. Keep in mind tough that the coupons in Orlando 2003 book expire November 1, 2003! SO if you going after November you will need to purchase the 2004 book when it comes out.

I think it's a pretty good deal and definitely worth the $30, it saved me more then that a day on hotel alone!

 

[mainewmn]

sorry the correct phone number is 877-387-5437

 

[disney funseeker]

I agree with all the previous posters. Enjoy your stay there.

The only thing to add is getting back from the parks to HIFS was confusing until we realized that if we followed the Epcot/downtown disney signs first, we would then see the 536 sign that leads right to HIFS. It was 5min. or less getting back after this discovery.

If you don't have a free pizza party coupon yet for use at the HIFS, I have some left still. Just pm me.

 

[beautybelle]

Thanks Disney Funseeker, I already have a pizza hut coupon but I do have one question. Say Im at Magic Kingdom would I still look for the Epcot/DTD signs to get back to HIFS?

 

[disney funseeker]

beautybelle,

yes, follow the epcot/DTD signs going home from MK. HIFS is on 536. We looked for the 536 signs immediately after exiting MK but there aren't any until you actually follow the Epcot directions first.