Please help me decide b/w HIFS or 2 rooms at All Stars!!

[dutton]

We are going to WDW 12/3-12/7. We have 4 kids 10,8,5,3. I have 2 rooms reserved at the all stars at the AP rate (which we will have to buy) Someone posted to me that I could get HIFS for $73/night with the entertainment card. After lodging and tickets, we would save $400! We weren't even going to go to WDW this year but decided to go about two weeks ago. This is suppossed to be our budget trip. But, we have never stayed off site before. I am nervous to do so. It seems like a no brainer to me, but I would appreciate any advice!! Thank you!!

 

[zaxmom]

Remember to factor in the free breakfast you get at HIFS for 6 people. That could be a huge savings. When we stayed there we ate such a big breakfast that we skipped lunch. Then we would have an early dinner, usually a character dinner or a nicer dinner. HIFS is very close to the parks. We really enjoyed our stay there.

 

[litlpixie]

It seems that you and I are kind of in the same boat. We werent supposed to go to WDW next year but I just couldn't stay away. I made ressies for Easter week at our stomping ground, POR. But then got a quote from HIFS for 102.00 w/ ent. card. Talk about a no-brainer!! We'll have our car, so who cares about driving to the parks, which I hear are a stones throw and you cant beat a kisdsuite, free breakfast and free lunch and dinner for the kids all week. Disney can't give me that. I heard the Club Car restaurant isnt all that great but with the $$ I'm saving we can eat at some of the resorts if we want. Have a great Trip!

 

[momofdbsdc]

I vote for HIFS. We had 5 children when we stayed there and had a wonderful time! My children loved everything about the hotel!!!

If you decide to book and would like one of the pizza coupns, let me know. I still have a few left.

Have an awesome vacation. I am sure no matter which place you choose, it will be a magical time!

Kim

 

[MrsMud]

I also vote for HIFS. I have read a few posts by people who have stayed at both, and they all preferred HIFS. Better theming IN the room, better pool, lots of activities for the kids and closer than the AllStars to every park but AK. The only advantage to two rooms at the AllStars would be two bathrooms. If that is a top priority for you, I would keep the ressies you have. Otherwise, HIFS all the way!
One concern: Have you already confirmed that you can get the Entertainment rate for your dates? HIFS stopped accepting it a while back. I know there have been posts that they are now accepting it again, but I'm not sure if that's only for 2004 (I believe it was a contract issue). Also there are only a certain number of rooms available at that rate, and they do go quickly. I don't mean to burst your bubble, but I would call right away to find out if it's even an option. Good luck, I know you'll have fun no matter where you stay!

 

[dthogue]

We have done both - I will give my vote to HIFS. The free breakfast can't be beat with a large family. We took muffins, donuts and cereal with us from the buffet for snacks later in the morning.

You will need to have your own car though, their shuttles aren't the greatest.

They also offer kids eat free at lunch and dinner. The savings on food really adds up.

The parks are much closer and easier to get to then the All Stars. When we stayed at the All Stars it took almost 45 minutes via bus to get to the MK.

As the previous poster mentioned, the entertainment rate might not be available, so call be fore you cancel your other ressies.

Also if you are not driving or planning on renting a car that will affect your savings and maybe your decision.

My kids loved HIFS. We played bingo every night, had the most beautiful face painting done by a clown in the lobby (the same quality you can have done at the parks for $10+). The pool is the greatest and your kids will love it.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[litlpixie]

Oh yeah, I called 2x with questions, talked with 2 diff. people and they both confirmed that as long as I have my card w/ me when I get there, the rate would be as quoted(Yay!) I'm so excited to go and as far as the food getting some negative reviews. We're used the food courts at Disney resorts, so it can't be any worse than that.