We stayed at HIFS four years ago and were very happy there. We had our own car, so we didn't do the shuttles. We're going back to WDW in June, and I had originally planned to stay there, but their June rate is $134 per night. After booking it, I found some other places that look even nicer and are cheaper (more like $80 per night for a 2 bedroom), so I'm cancelling our HIFS stay.
Some info on HIFS,
1. They are doing construction, but I think the new pool will be completed by the time you arrive. Even if it's not, you'll be okay. Right now they are changing the quieter lap pool into a Nickelodean pool with slides and water toys -- this according to the reservationist when I called a few weeks ago. The will not close their other kid pool (the zero entry) for remodeling until the Nick pool is completed. So either way, you'll either have the current kid pool (the zero entry) or the new even more fun pool.
2. Are your kids small? The ONLY bad thing I've heard others complain of about the place is that the second bedroom (ours had bunks and I think most do) had beds that were actually a bit smaller than twin beds. If you have young children like I do, it's not a big deal; teens could be a problem. Also, just so you're aware, the kid's room does not have a door. The master bedroom does. Not a big deal for us, but if your kids nap, you might need to put them in the master bedroom for quiet.
3. The living room area is relatively small -- not a lot of space for toys and such if the kids want to spread out on the floor. This might be the case in a lot of suites though. Having a kitchen was awesome.
4. Kids do eat free, which is nice. The restaurants were okay; breakfast was fine.
5. From what I understand, they quit accepting the Entertainment card about a month ago. That's a bummer. I know others who got a June rate of $104 per night.
If I can answer any more specific questions, just let me know. Feel free to pm me.
--Lisa
