Questions about HIFS

[crusoe2]

Sorry if I'm asking about things that have been covered recently - I'm having trouble with the search feature.

I was able to get the lottery ticket discount deal at HIFS - will be $109 a nite and includes the 2 adult dinner buffets. I also have a good deal on a room at CBR (that would actually be less expensive) and I'm trying to decide between the two. There are several things I need to know, tho, before I can figure out which resort will be the better choice for us.

1. What kinds of food are available at the foodcourt and what kind of prices do they have? Also, I read that kids eat free there at lunch - what are the hours for this?

2. What is the dinner buffet like? Since my DH and I are getting the buffet for free, I assume we will have to pay for our son's. Does anyone know how much it costs for a 10yo to eat at the dinner buffet?

3. Is there a rental charge for the pool floats or are they free? What about the mini golf?

4. What is the best route to AK and how long does it take?

5. We only have 4 park days this time and I want to make the most of them - will finding our way back to HIFS eat up a lot of time? I've read that it can be difficult to find your way back.

Thanks in advance.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Hi we were there in December, I can help you a little. The lunch is from around 12-4 (someone correct me if its changed) They have burgers, pizza and chicken strips for the kids. Your son will eat free at dinner as well. He eats off the same buffet as you do. We did this a lot of nights on our way in from the parks. It wasn't anything outstanding but it was good. I cannot help you with the floats. I have heard both ways so I am not sure and we did not use them. The minature golf is free, my girls enjoyed playing. All in all I think HIFS is a great off-site place to stay for the value. The rooms are very clean and comfortable. Have fun, we are going back in October and making it to HIFS for at least part of our stay!

 

[MOM POPPINS]

By the way can you please give me the dates the 109 price is valid and the phone number to call thanks !

 

[crusoe2]

MOM POPPINS, thanks for the information. I called the toll free number on my HIFS brochure. It's 1-877-387-5437. My dates are June 13-18. I just asked for the FL lottery ticket discount deal and, from what I understand, all you have to do is have a losing scratch-off lottery ticket to show at check-in. This was the best deal I could find for our dates altho I've read posts from folks who are getting much lower rates in the off-season. Good luck.

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Now I just need to figure out how to get a scratch off. How did you get yours? You will love HIFS it really is a great place to stay!

 

[crusoe2]

We live close enough to FL to drive down one afternoon and pick up a few lottery tickets. We will either do that or pick up a few on our way to Orlando.

 

[minivanmomof2]

I e-mailed HIFS regarding this earlier today and I was told that this offer is valid thru Dec. 31,2002. DARN, we aren't going until next year. I'm crossing my fingers that they run this again.
Copied from the woman's reply:
The travel dates have to be before December 31,2002 Your questions are not
a problem I just wanted to make sure what I was telling you was correct, so
I have gone to the reservation department and the front desk and the
Director of Sales So I think I know how it works and how the different
departments are handling it. I do not know if they will be doing something
like this next year or not I'm sure it depends on how many extra tickets the
Florida lottery sells. Like I said before if you make a reservation and then
you see a special come out before your arrival and you contact the resort
they will honor any special that you bring to there attention if it is
available at that time.
HTH,
Naomi

 

[Tluvs2talk]

I just have one question. Is the $109.oo lottery deal good for the kidsuites???

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Yes, It is an all suite hotel and the kid suite is included. I am booked under this rate for october. We visited this hotel in December this past year and my girls really like it!

 

[cdrn1]

It's very easy and quick to get to AK from HIFS. You just go right out of the main entrance and take your first right after than onto Osceola Pkwy and it runs straight in to AK. You are on property in about 2 minutes. And when we were there (Dec 2000) there was NO TRAFFIC. As far as finding your way back, we had no problem. The actual Disney property can be a bit confusing but once you get that figured out it's a cakewalk to get back to HIFS.

 

[Tluvs2talk]

Thanks,
We just re-booked with this rate. We were originally paying 119.00 with a code
from Mousesavers. This new deal will save me $50.00 plus give me 2 free Dinner's.
MOM POPPINS we are also going in October the 5th thru th 10th then on to 3 day
Disney Cruise. We normally stay on Disney property but are taking our Niece (11)
and Nephew (age 9) with us, so we really wanted our own room. We have heard
a lot of good things about this Hotel. Thanks again!!!!! Does anyone have any photo's
of this Resort. I have seen the ones on their website.

 

[iluvtig2]

is it only the FLA USA ticket? They did a similar promo at Universal last year, and it had to be a specific scratch ticket. There were some angry people at the ticket window, as I recall, because they did not have the right kind of losing ticket.

iluvtig

 

[mark & sandra]

Hello Tluvs2talk- The 109.00 rate + 2 free buffets is the best rate I've seen so far. Last year we used a rate from AAA for 99.00 per night. There was also a vacation wholesaler www.magiccarpetvacations.com who offered the hotel for 80.00 per night in a package of 3 and 5 nights. You'd probably have to book through a travel agent to get their deal, if it's still available at all.
Good Luck

 

[drgnfly30]

I just rebooked from the mousesavers rate to the FL lottery ticket rate for 10/6-10/13 saving me $70+tax & I'm gaining two free adult dinner buffets per night ( not that I'll be eating there EVERY night but every bit helps!); they did ask me if I already had the ticket because I needed to present it at check in, I said I did.... I figured I'd just stop by a convenience store on the way to the hotel but if it is a specific scratch off thats needed, I need to call in a favor from a friend I have who lives in Florida... Does the OP of this offer know??? I've seen the special mentioned in several diffrent posts...

Christine

BTW how do you guys do the countdown clock in your posts???

 

[drgnfly30]

UPDATE!!! I just checked www.fllottery.com & YES you need to present a non-winning "Play FLA USA" lottery ticket, not just any scratch off..... I'll be making a few phone calls tomorrow!!
Christine

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Is there a place to buy lottery tickets at the airport? MCO?