HIFS vs Caribe Royal

[kathyclownfish]

Hi, planning a 3 day trip to WDW and visting US and Seaworld for for 4 days. Which would be the best hotel for DW,DH,DD (14) and DS (12)? I understand that you get a free buffet at HIFS....but I also understand that this hotel is geared more towards younger kids? We were going to spend 1 or 2 days at the hotel pool. Does anyone know which resort pool is better?
Are the beds at the kidsuites at HIFS big enough for an average sized 14 and 12 year old?
Any info would be appreciated!!!

 

[MrsMud]

I don't know anything about Caribe Royale; I CAN tell you that I love HIFS. We have stayed there twice and will stay there again our next trip. My children, however, are much younger than yours.
I don't think HIFS is inappropriate for those ages, just that they may not get such a kick out of it as younger kids. There is Karaoke at night which they might enjoy, and of course an arcade. Also there is a new spa where your Dd can get her hair/nails done if she's into that, and they do tattoos and stuff for the boys. The main pool has "toys" more geared to younger kids, but there is plenty of room to swim away from that area. Plus there is a regular lap pool if they prefer that.
The bunk beds in the kids suite are pretty small, narrower than a regular twin. You might be better off with the queen kidsuite, which has two regular twin beds instead of bunks, and less "theming" in the kids' room, which could be better at that age anyway. It still has a separate TV, VCR and Nintendo 64.
You don't say when you're going, but they are beginning renovations to convert the kidsuites into Nickolodeon themes, if that matters. They will also be adding slides at the pools, which they don't currently have. I would call to see what areas might be closed during the time of your stay.
I'm sure someone can give you reviews of Caribe Royale.

 

[maggiew]

The older kids might enjoy a Cinema Suite instead of the kidsuite. We were thinking of doing that with our 12 and 9 year old.

Maggie

 

[kathyclownfish]

Thanks for your replies. It sounds like theres something at the HIFS for all ages. I need to call back about the rennovations. We are planning to go during "Jersey Week", (1st week of Nov).

I didn't know about the cinema suite. I have the twin suite booked. Are the beds junior size or twins?

Thanks again!

 

[jultomzach]

Try their web site at www.hifamilysuites.com Let me know if you would like a coupon for a free pizza party should you decide to stay! I really enjoy HIFS and think the only downside is the quality of their food, which at best is mediocre (but the breakfast buffet is included in the price of your room so a great bargain). joconnor@childrensaid.net

 

[TinkTatoo]

We stayed at the Caribe Royale last August for 18 nights and loved the palce.

The pool with the waterslide was fantastic and the one room suite was plenty for me DH, DD (5) and DS (6). We enjoyed it so much we are going again this year.

We went to look at the HIFS and to be honest it didn't seem as nice as the Caribe Royal. Just my opinion but I would go for the Caribe