I need advice quick! HIFS or Caribe Royale?

[lovethemouse]

My parents decided they wanted to take the kids to orlando for a quick trip in July. We're planning to do our first 2 nights off-site before checking into the CR. It will be me, my 3 kids ages 10, 7, and (almost) 2yr old and my parents. I've narrowed it down to hifs and caribe royale. Mousesavers is offering great rates on both places and I just can't decide. Help!

 

[Paulab]

Hi,

Can't recommend either yet, but we too came down to choosing between these two! Went for CR due to free breakfast (3 hungry sons 8,6 &3), although disappointed to read reports above. Anyone been more recently? Roll on July!

32 days and counting!

 

[lovethemouse]

Thanks for the reply, I too am starting to get a little worried after reading the lukewarm reply for the CR. I'm starting to lean toward the HIFS if I can get the $109 rate, but if not we can always use the senior discount. Still not a bad price. We won't be at the resort that much anyway, but I still want something with a good breakfast and kid activities.

 

[Bonn]

I just came back from HIFS and there is free breakfast there too.... two pools, a games room and a good shuttle to the parks.

We really enjoyed the HIFS... there is even a Pizza Hut and A&W on site.

 

[mousey]

Definately go with HIFS. The whole atmosphere is magical. We
stayed at CR and were not impressed. Nice pool, but that's about
it! HIFS has a lot more to offer and the suites are better!
Good Luck!!!

 

[OhMickey]

Go with HIFS. We never stayed there but stayed at CR. It was awful and you can read my reviews about it on other posts. To sum it up, the sofa bed was horrible, the walls are paper thin and the free breakfast was a tasteless, chaotic mess.

 

[hercamore]

Lovethemouse,

If you parents are over 50, you should be able to get the senior rate at the HIFS.

Herc.

 

[lovethemouse]

I just called yesterday and was able to reserve with the FLA USA lottery promo for the rate of $109/night at HIFS. Even the gal making the reservation thought it was a great rate! I double checked and she said you did NOT have to be a Fl resident, it was open to anyone. At this price we might add an additonal night. According to mousesavers this promo even gives you vouchers for 2 adults to eat at the dinner buffet. Can't beat that. Thanks everyone!

 

[sogger1]

HIFS is great. The staff is very helpful. The theme is trains. They have putt putt golf, the pools, kids have a room and so do you with a door. The living room has a sofa, chair, table and chairs with a little kitchenette w/fridge and microwave. There are 3 TVs so it cuts down on arguements. The have a little store next to the food court. The place is very clean and well kept. The pond area has a lighted figures similar to the Electric Water Pagent, but stationary. The have a little vending machine to feed the ducks, fish, swans, and turtles. The only down side for us was the shuttle. Taxi's run anywhere from $9.25 from Epcot to $16.00 from MK. Taxi from Sea World was $24 RT. It is also a great family resort. Every evening there is a magic show, face painting, bingo, and karoke. Kids are very welcome by the staff. They even have their own check in station where they are given a goody bag. The also carry the Disney resort channel as well. You can buy your tickets for any of the parks there, so you won't have to stand in line the next morning.

 

[lovethemouse]

Sounds great! My kids would love a magic show, and all the other activities. We'll have our own car so transportation isn't an issue for us. We'll be visiting Kennedy Space Center while we're there, then we'll check into the Contemporary resort for the Disney part of our trip. It will be nice to save a little $ on the meals. We usually stay on-site and the food bill really starts to add up!

 

[MELSMICE]

Stayed at HIFS last December & my kids loved it. It is probably the closest you will get to Disney w/out being on site. Free breakfast & lunch promos saved a lot. Lunch for 5 was about $10 each day because kids ate free.

Stayed at CR in Mar/Apr & enjoyed that also. Although it's a basic hotel room, they were very roomy. Rent a fridge or bring a collapsible cooler for milk, juice, fruit, lunchmeat, etc. Saves a lot on both breakfast & lunch also. Very convenient to MK. The walkway is great. Quicker than the monorail & the monorail is great to take to Epcot.

Have fun!!

 

[Lewisc]

The breakfast in the Caribe Royale is OK (not as good as Embassy Suites) but from the posts I'd say it's at least as good as HIFS. Caribe Royale is a step up from HIFS (better pool, full service restuarants, tennis courts....) but HIFS may be better for younger kids.
One of the towers in CR has mini-bars, the others offer empty refrigerators.