How to "do" HIFS???

[rrsafety]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to Disney on January 24 and am staying at Holiday Inn Family Suites with my wife and four year old daughter. We have booked a kidsuite that has two bedrooms. One with a Queen bed and the other with twin beds. I'm sure there will be plenty of room for the three of us....

We've not stayed at HIFS before but it seems like a good place for a four year old. Just looking for some do's and don'ts for that hotel. We'll be coming in a Saturday afternoon and just hanging out. Sunday if flat out (breakfast at Cinderella's Table at 9:30am, MK during the day, and Fantsamic at night - last show before it is closed for a week).

The rest of the week will be more leisurely so we want to get the most out of the hotel too, as my daughter is likely to like it just as much as the parks!

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AZKathy]

There is lots to do at HIFS. We stayed a few nights there this summer. Being the summertime, our kids really enjoyed the zero degree entry pool there. There are lots of built in "toys" in the shallow area a four year old will like. Here is a picture:

There is also lots of face painting, balloon character making, character drawings, small arcade in the main building let along all the fun things your DD will like looking at like the train in the check in area and the multitude of ducks to feed on the grounds. We enjoyed our stay there and would not hesitate staying there again.

 

[sdamico71]

We stayed for two nights before checking into a DVC property. Kids totally loved it. Enjoyed the pool alot!
Also the breakfast buffet was very good for being free. Plenty of selection. Large dining area, so it appears difficult to get a table, but there are plenty.
Many, many things for kids to do. Don't know how your 4 yo is, but my 5 yo wanted to get involved in all the activities. My older ones enjoyed the kareoke and game room.
I would definately stay there again, without hesitation. VERY family oriented.

 

[kessieann]

Maybe we will see you there, we are arriving at HIFS on Jan 23rd and also going to Fantasmic. I am setting some money aside to take my 5 yr old dd to the kids spa that they have. They do manicures and hair and fun little things like that. My dd really wants to get her hair wrapped so that is one thing we will do. I did get an e-mail from the hotel stating that the pools are heated so being from WI I am sure we will venture out for a swim.

In the evening I have read that they have all sorts of activities and there is also an arcade. I will be wearing my green Dis button so feel free to say Hi if you see us

 

[CdnMom2]

Overpriced, not good, much cold, especially the Friday night Seafood special. We even felt this way with 4 kids eating for free!

A good tip I found on here for the breakfast buffet though was to go on through the doors at back? (opposite the Cafeteria serving area) and sit at the tables out there. We loved the peacefulness (compared to noise inside) and the great view of the swans on the lake while we ate.

Also check these boards for people posting that they have the pizza coupons -- a nice little break.

Join the Priority Club (free Holiday Inn loyalty program) to get their perks while there -- late check-out, gift on arriving and leaving.

Take the free little train ride around the grounds. Great for 4 year old.

Definitely get your 4 year old's face painted there at the evening entertainment (tip jar). One of the best I've seen done.

Have fun!

 

[rrsafety]

Thanks for the great ideas, folks.

I look into the Spa idea for my four year old daughter.

Yesterday morning I found an Entertainment Book lying around the playroom that my wife had bought a few months ago that I didn't even know about!

Total savings yesterday alone were $180 off the hotel stay and $30 off the car rental. Big cheer for my wife, eh?

This is the first time at Disney with my daughter (usually just my wife and I sneak away) so we want to make sure we do it right.

Anybody ever gone to Jungle Jim's for dinner with kids?

 

[DisneyVa.]

Has anyone used the bus service to the parks from HIFS? How was it, and about how long was the ride to each park?

 

[marli]

hi,
We are going back to the HIFS after having gone last year(yay)- we loved it and so did our kids. Now we are going back with my in-laws. The breakfast buffet was good (not great) but definitely worth the price(lol). As far as transportation goes we had our own car and I would highly recommend that if its in the budget! It was so close to the parks-we were there in no time at all!
If anyone is interested I have some pizza party coupons- it is part of an incentive offer to refer a friend- you give the coupon at check-in and you receive a voucher for a free medium one topping pizza, five breadsticks and a 2 litre coke from the pizza hut located in the hotel. You can email me at mleitman@sympatico.ca and i will mail one to you.
marlene

 

[auntblea]

My family stayed at HIFS two months ago and I have been telling everyone that will listen to me how wonderful this resort is. My two sons loved the pool and the free breakfast for all of us was great. As far a recommendations.......purchase one of the refillable cups in the grocery store located in the hotel. You can refill it throughout your entire stay. It will save you a lot of $$$$. Have a great time!!!!!!!

 

[Julia M]

How much are the refillable mugs? What drinks are they good for?

Julia

 

[BrerMama]

I find it a lot cheaper to just run to the nearby Publix and buy a case of pop and keep it in the fridge. The mug will cost you more than a case of pop.

 

[kessieann]

Did they extend the pizza coupon program? I thought it expired at the end of Dec. but if they extended it I would definitely be interested in getting a coupon.