POR VS HIFS; what would you do?

[kathyclownfish]

Hi all! I realize I'm posting this on the offsite resort forum.....so there will probably be more people telling me to stay offside, but here's goes anyway.

For a family of 5 would you stay in a PO room with a trundle bed (which will probably be alittle too small for my preteen) or stay at the HIFS. Our group is a DM(42), DG(64) DN(15), DD(14) and DS(12). With, hopefully a code through mousesavers I could probably get the PO for the same price as the HIFS.

Where would you stay? We are not planning on spending much time at the resort. I like the disney magic of staying on site, but like the free breakfast and room at HIFS.

Thanks for your replies

 

[crazelion]

I would go with HIFS for space. That will be more comfortable. I don't think that POR trundle bed would be comfortable for a preteen.

You have plenty choice of nice resorts offsite for size of your family.

 

[pm914]

We just got back from 7 nights at the HIFS and definitely prefer it to the Disney moderate resorts (we've stayed at the CBR before).
It's so nice to have that extra breathing space and privacy. 3 rooms instead of 1, 3 TVs instead of 1, extra make-up mirror and blow-dryer in bedroom so 1 person can be getting ready in the bathroom and another in the bedroom at the same time, fridge, micro, coffee-maker, free full breakfast, on and on.
With the ages of the kids, you might want to request either a non-kidsuite suite or one of the kidsuites with an "older" theme (coca cola bears, hot-air balloons, manatees, etc..).
Good luck with your decision!

 

[curlyjbs]

We're booked at HIFS this june (Ent. $103) and I just rec'vd a postcard from Disney for $77 moderates and I am sticking with HIFS. My family really loves this resort. I'ts killing me not to use the postcard! This is the first time I got one! Two weeks ago I got the Disney Visa application/offer for the 7 for 4 and I tossed it! Oh well, we're not doing disney this trip anyway. Hittin Universal/IOA for the first time.


Anyway, I agree with the above posters. HIFS would definetely be better. Did you look into the other suite types. I don't know that your preteens would fit in the bunk beds. Check out hifamilysuites.com. There are diagrams and descriptions of each suite.


curly

 

[kathyclownfish]

Thanks for your replies. HIFS is the way that I was heading anyway. We stayed at the AKL last time w/a fanastic unbelievable code during 2002.....and I just got spoiled being on property. We also stayed at CBR in 2000, and even though we enjoyed it.....it was too crammed! HIFS it is............unless I can get CR garden view for under $150

Thanks again
Kathy

 

[bigsis1970]

HI here is another vote for HIFS - ( we are 3 adults and 2 kids ) and I thought about POR but when it came right down it to I wanted more room ( we stayed at HIFS before in 2001 ) I am excited and hopeful that the construction will be done when we get there so we can get a Nick themed room ( my kids are 8 and 10 at trip time ) and its super easy to get to the parks . Have fun . Michelle

OH PS they offer a Senior Saver rate depending on the age of the older person in your party ( my mom is traveling with us and is 53 so we got the room for $104 per night ) on their website www.hifamilysuites.com its listed under rates and packages - senior saver then its split out in to time frame of travel and ages)

 

[kathyclownfish]

Bigsis1970, I was able to get the HIFS for Oct 30 - Nov 5th using the ent rate for $89.00 a night. This is such a good price! We are only doing disney for 3 days anyway and going to US and Seaworld.....maybe we will see you there.

Thanks everyone for the information!
Kathy

 

[dixielander]

I also have reservations off-site (Vistana), and when the Disney Visa room discounts came out, I called and made (courtesy) reservations for 2 adjoining rooms at POR.

In thinking it over for a couple of days, I'm staying with our 2 Bedroom Villa at Vistana.

It's just too convenient to have a full kitchen to keep snacks, lunch stuff, breakfast stuff, ice cream... and also, my husband and I like to sit on the balcony at night, (alone!)

So, we'll stay with Vistana, even though it was a good rate for POR.

 

[bigsis1970]

Hi Kathy - Great rate !! We will be there Oct 29 to Nov 1st then moving on .. our plan is Friday arrival day and Chef Mickey's for dinner , Saturday SeaWorld , Sunday relax by pool till MNSSHP and checking out Monday .. I do hope we see you around . I had requested building 6 or 7 first floor for our stay . Hope they have some Nick Toon rooms done when we get there. Michelle

 

[BrerMama]

You actually couldn't stay at POR with kids those ages. One of the children has to be under 9 for you to be able to stay in a POR room with 5 (the trundle bed is made for a small child). You'd need to bump up to a deluxe like the Poly or Contemp. So I think you're making the right choice with HIFS. We stayed there last trip and loved it.