Holiday Inn Family suites

[Debs5angels]

I'm going crazy trying to figure out where to stay!!




Has anyone ever stayed at the Holiday Inn Family suites in Lake Buena Vista? Any info. would be helpful. I know they have themes for the kids suites, any recommendations? I have 5 daughters.

Also what about the shuttle?

Thanks for all your help!!

 

[MrsMud]

Oh, have you come to the right place! BTW, welcome! If you do a search here you will find tons of info. about HIFS, as it's commonly referred to here. And most all of it is positive!

I stayed there in Dec. '01 with myself, hubby, 2 girls (4 and 6) ,and MIL. We really loved it. My only regret about the whole trip is that we did not schedule enough "down time" to enjoy the hotel more. They have a great pool which my kids would have been happy to stay and swim at every day, and activities every night for the kids such as face painting, bingo, karaoke, clowns, etc. I have heard from others that they also have daytime kids activities by the pool, but we didn't see that when we were there, probably because we were in the parks every day.

The suites are great for families. There are 3 separate sleeping areas, a master bedroom with King size bed, themed kids room with bunk beds (some also come with a third, pull out wall bed), and a sleeper sofa in the living room. Not sure if that was a double or a Queen. Also 3 TVs, and a Nintendo game box in the kids room. There is also a microwave and refrigerator, which really can save you some money if you buy groceries and snacks. And of course, the free breakfast for all and the kids eat free policy will save you a bundle.

It is super close to the WDW parks (I have heard even closer than some of the on-site hotels). We didn't use their shuttles so I can't tell you anything about them but there are also lots of posts about that if you're interested. I'd be happy to answer any questions!

 

[taylor1293]

MrsMud gave a great review of HIFS and I agree with everything! It's a wonderful place for families.

We were there last summer and are planning to stay there again this summer. We love the hotel so much that we are staying there the first 2 nights of our trip just to relax, swim, and take advantage of the hotels activities!

The kidsuites are spacious and the free breakfast buffet is great!

Good luck making your decision!

Teresa

 

[lejaf]

We've stayed at HIFS twice and will be returning next month, but have you considered staying at one of the time shares. With 5 duaghters, you might like more space than the HIFS has to offer. Some of the timeshares offer 3 bedroom villas which would give you more room to spread out in. If space is not an issue for you, then I highly recommend HIFS. Your kids will love it!

 

[marli]

just to add my two cents worth- we just got back from the HIFS. We have 3 kids (6, 4, 2) and we found that it was an amazing place to stay. I think you may find it a bit tight with five kids but one thing about the hotel is that even though it is not onsite or a Disney hotel you really get this great feeling of being away and on vacation- the pool is great for kids, the train theme which is carried through the hotel, the video arcade... these are just a few of the things that make it an extra special place- I don't think you would getvthat at a rental home or a timeshare but you would get tons more space. If you have any specific questions, just ask, I'd be glad to help out.

 

[WDWKim]

I also have to agree with what MrsMud said. We were there this past September and I was nervous staying there because my kids are older (12 & 14), but they had a great time, and we all wished we had more down time to enjoy the hotel itself.

 

[tink2dw]

The shuttle has to be arranged for the night before and according to posts the times aren't very good.

We had a rental car,and I reccommend renting a car if you choose HIFS. The reason is that you will have transportation at hand for whenever you need it at the parks.

Then there are lots of cheaper restaurants and the disney merchandise outlets very close by to HIFS. Both of these options could save you the cost of renting a car.

Also grocery shopping at one of the Walmarts for soda,water[water at WDW parks is $2.50 for 8oz.],and snacks will save you $$ too.

 

[dthogue]

You didn't mention the age of your daughters or if another adult would be traveling with you.

If you have 7 people in the room it might be a bit cramped, but I love this hotel so much I say go for it, it won't be that bad.

Make sure that your request the King Kid suites as this is the suite with the bunk beds and the pull out along with the double sofa bed in the living room. They also have a queen suite with only twin beds in the kids room.

The breakfast buffet (included in room price) is a great bargain, especially for a large family. We ate there every morning. We also took along donuts and bowls of cereal (which we put in zip loc bags) to the parks for afternoon snacks.

They offer a kids eat free special for lunch. 4 free kids meals for each adult meal purchased. Our family of 5 ate several lunches for about $12.00. Food is pretty good - food court type.

They also have kids eat free for the lunch and dinner buffet. Food was average and I wouldn't eat there to often, but hey when the kids eat free it was ok with us.

The pool area was amazing. My girls would have rather stayed there than go to the parks. They also have a huge palyground, shuffle board, ping pong and mini golf.

The evening activities were great. They have face painting (very detailed) for free (like the ones you would pay $10 or more for in the parks. Also their is a magic /variety show, bingo and karaoke. Your girls will love.

I would recommend renting a car, their shuttle does not run on a very conveneint schedule. You are a short drive to the Disney parks (closer then some of the Disney hotels). Driving to the aprks couldn't be any easier.

You won't regret your decision to stay at this Hotel.

 

[drewc]

Then there are lots of cheaper restaurants and the disney merchandise outlets very close by to HIFS. Both of these options could save you the cost of renting a car.

2 questions:

1. where is the disney outlet story nearby HIFS? I've seen this in a few posts and I know we'd be interested in checking that out.

2. Where is Bahama Breeze in relation to HIFS? Is this on 535 up near Hotel Plaza blvd, or on I-drive?

TIA!

 

[tink2dw]

We found this one to be the best prices!!!
Tradable Disney Pins $1.99[closest to HIFS]

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
State Road 535
Near Walt Disney World Resort

You won't find better prices if you love a bargain than at LBV Factory Stores. Factory direct prices located just minutes from Walt Disney World. The savings are up to 75 percent.


This was the next best discounts. Tradable Disney Pins $3.99

Belz Factory Outlet World
5401 West Oakridge Road
(I-4 Exit 30A)
Phone: 407-352-9611

Located at the extreme North end of the world famous International Drive, nearby Universal Studios Orlando.
Belz is generally open 10am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sundays. The Character Warehouse in Mall#2 with Disney merchandise.


I have read post that say this one has the smallest percentage of discounts.[2nd closest to HIFS]

Orlando Premium Outlets
Vineland Ave.
Off I-4
near DownTown Disney
Phone: 407-238-7787

Near Lake Buena Vista and Downtown Disney. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9p.m.

Bahama Breeze Locations
http://go.vicinity.com/bahamabreezed/GeoFindAlias.d?AD2=&AD3=orlando,+fl&NR=3&Go.x=25&Go.y=13

Closest to HIFS, VINELAND AVE. is just off 535

8735 VINELAND AVE. ORLANDO, FL 32821 USA

8849 INTERNATIONAL DR. ORLANDO, FL 32819 USA