Just Back from HIFS - Questions?

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

We are taking my two nieces, 12 and 16 and I think they would enjoy the kid's spa. Any idea on pricing for the treatments there? One of them will have a birthday the week before we leave, and I was looking for a present for her as a surprise when we get down there. She's a real "girly girl" and I think this would be perfect!

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

o.k., I'm getting a little worried now, I just scrolled down to another thread where a lot of people were saying that they didn't like this resort. They said it was dirty and that none of the pool stuff worked, playground smelled of urine, etc. etc.....did any of you have a bad experience with this? Also they said the buffet breakfast was always cold....Help!!! I'm taking my dd, and also 2 kids that aren't mine!!! I don't want this to not be a good experience!

 

[momofdbsdc]

We were there for 10 days last September and had a wonderful time. We always enjoyed the breakfast & everything in the pool worked wonderfully. My children have been begging to go back since we left, but since baby #6 is due in September, we will have to wait until next year.

I have highly recommended this place to everyone that I speak with. My children definitely recommend it. I hope that you have a fabulous time. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Kimberly_Hunt@msn.com

Blessings,
Kim

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Thanks! That makes me feel so much better!!! I know that every resort can have an off day, but the other thread made it sound like it was having an off year!!! I chose this place because it was named Best HI in North America for the past two years, so I figured it couldn't be that bad!!!

p.s. I just noticed....baby #6 is due on my birthday!!! Congratulations!

 

[MrsMud]

Kirsten's Mommy:
Don't worry! Most of the reviews for HIFS (over the 2 + years since I first researched it) have been good. The thread you are referring to is an old one (12/2001). Even so, we were there in 12/2001 and we loved it! I did notice that some of the water toys weren't working, but more recent reviews indicate that they are now fixed. I didn't notice any urine smell at the playground, nor was the pool closed anytime that we noticed. It is a great family place with plenty to do for the three ages you mentioned. Have a great time!

 

[tink2dw]

in 2001 the nintendo games cost $5. per 24 hr period. Dd got sick and this saved the trip for her!!

 

[fa mulan]

I posted this question on a new thread, but got only 1 reply so far: Would you recommend using the HIFS shuttles to & from the parks, or is a rental car a 'must' here?

Gracias.

 

[MrsMud]

Well, we rented a car, so I don't have first hand experience with the shuttles. However, there have been several posts about this topic, try "HIFS, shuttle", if you can't find any they're in the archives. The shuttle schedule is limited and you have to reserve the day before, so you don't have near the freedom to come and go as you would with a rental. Also, the drive to the parks is an absolute breeze! If you can get a good rate, I would rent, but that's JMHO.

 

[fa mulan]

Thanks MrsMud! I would search, but for some reason my search function says it's been disabled. I guess i need to take that up w/ the administrators....

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Can anyone tell me what the rates are for the kid's spa at HIFS? I am interested in this for a 12 and 16 yr. old....

 

[jcemom]

http://www.thefamilytravelfiles.com/ezine/articles/567.asp

There is some info listed at the above site concerning spa amenities and prices...it might help.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Thank you so much!!! That's just what I needed! I printed a copy for my niece, she's so excited I think she may burst before we get there!!! I told her about the spa last night, and she said "Oh I love you so much for taking me!!!" Doesn't get any better than that!

 

[jcemom]

You're welcome!
DD will still be too little for the spa when we go in February, but I would have loved it when I was younger!

 

[jcemom]

I have a question...having not yet stayed there myself...

How large is the fridge? Specifically, what size container of milk would fit into it? We will need to buy milk for the baby and will be stopping on the way from the airport. I'd like to know how much/ what size cartons to pick up.

Thanks!

 

[momofdbsdc]

We fit a gallon in the refrigerator. Also, they do sell milk in the shop off of the lobby, but it is more expensive. We found a Publix that was not even 5 minutes away, so one of us usually went there.

Have a great vacation!

 

[jcemom]

Thanks -- I'm happy to hear a gallon will fit. We didn't want to have to make too many grocery trips! (Though at this point I have no idea how much she'll be drinking. My boys are 10 and 9, so I can't remember. DD is only 9mos now and still on formula.)