Holiday Inn Family Suites Questions

[danielle_lynn]

I have read so many wonderful things about the HIFSR in Lake Buena Vista. I have a few questions that hopefully someone can answer.

BTW: I LOVE THIS SITE!!

1. Can someone tell me the themes of the rooms? Also, can you request a certain theme?

2. I have read debating thoughts regarding the hotel buses. Is it better to ride or drive your own car?

3. If you do drive, how much is it to park your vehicle at each park?

Thank you!---You are all a wonderful resource!
Danielle

 

[CrazedDisFan]

I have stayed there once, heading back for trip #2 in 20 days! I hope this helps...

1. Can someone tell me the themes of the rooms? Also, can you request a certain theme?

You can see the room themes by clicking this link: http://www.hifamilysuites.com/kidsuites.html Scroll to near the bottom and click on the themes to enlarge the rooms. Yes, you can request a certain themed room upon check-in. They will do their best to accomodate you, but can't guarantee a specific room.

2. I have read debating thoughts regarding the hotel buses. Is it better to ride or drive your own car?

We are not taking our own car. We will use the bus service and/or cab service at the hotel. We did not have a car last time and won't be renting one this time either. There are lots of posts regarding the shuttle service, if the search option is up, you may want to try it to read other's comments too. Search for HIFS shuttle

3. If you do drive, how much is it to park your vehicle at each park?

I believe it is $7 a day.


This is why we aren't renting a car:

We need a minivan (4 adults, 2 kids) The best rate using every code I can find with tax and fees is $397.45

We can use a limo and taxis for less... Here's my breakdown ...

Limo $185 with tip
Cab Fare one way every day to the parks $15 x7 = $105
We will use the shuttle for one way each day.
Additional Cab fare Budget (just in case) $60
TOTAL = $350

Mini-van Rental $397.45
Parking everyday at the parks $7 x 7 = $49
Gas $20
TOTAL = $466.45

We are going to save $126.45 approximately by not renting a car. I also won't have the headache of finding the car rental desk at MCO nor returning it.

Of course, everyone is different, so you should ask yourself these questions...
1. Am I going to feel trapped at the hotel without a car?
2. Are we going to need to leave the hotel many times to eat outside of the parks or hotel?


I hope that helped!

 

[mariechez]

l stayed there last year and a wonderful time. The hotel was clean, well run and friendly. l pressume you have looked at the web site and seen the different themes on offer. l don't know whether you can requested a certain type. We were asked what floor we wanted and were situated at the front on the right as you enter, so we were right near the food hall over looking the car park. The pool view rooms would be very noisy as alot of people were still in the pool late at night even in Jan so l would def make sure l didn't have one of them. You will def need a car as you are miles (well a very looooooong walk from anywhere. They also have re-fillable mugs which were around $3 such a bargin. You will only need to buy the small ones, the kids loved it.

Breakfast was good although it did get a bit busy from 8am onwards but you can take your food back to your room etc.

Hope you have a great time

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

We were there in Sept. and loved this resort! From what I understand, they are currently undergoing renovations to become a Nickalodean Resort, and will feature rooms with Spongebob, Jimmy Neutron, Rugrats, etc. when they are done, and they are also supposed to be adding a slide to the pool. We had a poolside room and had no trouble with noise at all. The breakfast buffet was a great $ and time saver, and they suggest you get there before 9am to beat the crowds. We had our own car as we are only 5 hours from Orlando, so I can't help with the shuttle service. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[pocohontas2004]

We just returned from HIFS - 2 days were record-breaking 85 degrees for Orlando!!! It costs $8 per day to park at Universal Studios. Don't know about WDW parking. We didn't pre-choose a theme. At check-in we asked what was available and chose from what they still had. We ended up with Hot Air Balloons which was fine.

 

[Jo-Anne]

Kirstin's Mom - we'll be going to HIFS this Sept 24-26 prior to moving over to WDW resort, so we'll most likely just spend time lounging around hotel and doing some outlet shopping. I know this is off-season, but was HIFS crowded poolside and food courts...was kind of hoping to have the place to ourselves Thanks, Jo

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I didn't find it to be particularly crowded. Get down to the breakfast buffet early though, because it can get crowded fast. I would think that if you're not going to the parks, you would pretty much have no problem at all with crowds at the resort.

 

[QueenTrident]

We went to HIFS during "regular" season last year and didn't have a problem with the crowds. We just went to breakfast early and when we came back from the parks in the middle of the afternoon, we felt like we had the pool to ourselves. DD loved HIFS more than WDW, I think.

We rented a car, but agree with CrazedDisFan that if all you're doing is going to the parks, use the shuttles and save yourself some money.