Should I switch hotels? AK and HIFS questions

[No11's Mom]

We are staying staying at the Hard Rock for 4 nights, starting on Memorial Day, but I'm trying to decide where to stay on Sunday night. We will get in Orlando about 2pm, and we won't be going to any parks that day. There will be five of us. Three adults, a 15yo boy and an 8 yo boy.

Currently I'm holding three reservations - at the Holiday Inn across from Universal, at Hawthorne Suites near Universal and at Animal Kingdom Lodge. At HI - I have a 2br suite reserved for $85. At Hawthorne, it is a 1br suite for $93. The Hawthorne price also includes a breakfast buffet. I just made the AK reservation last night using the BBY code. The rate is $139. But I'm thinking of canceling all of those and getting a room at HIFS (available for AAA rate of $125).

That afternoon we will probably look for things to do around the hotel, just hang out and stuff. The HI and Hawthorne just have basic pools, which is no big thrill for the boys since we have a pool at home. If we stay at one of those, we will probably go down I-Drive and find a putt-putt place or something else to do.

These are my questions:

HIFS
- Is HIFS geared more towards little kids, or will my 15 yo like it too?
- What is the putt putt like at HIFS? Is it true that it is free? Is there any theming to it, or is it just holes to hit into?
- How big is the arcade? I had read another post that said that video game tokens were free, but that doesn't seem possible. Is that true? If so, that might seal the deal with both of the boys.

AK
- Is AK worth the money to stay there, if we are not planning on doing any Disney parks?
- Besides the pool, what else would there be for the boys, and adults too, to do to fill up an afternoon and evening?

Sorry this is so long. Any info and advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[HaleyB]

I have HIFS and AK for that same night. How funny. I can't decide either. I got HIFS for $89 for that night, Entertainment card rate. I have heard that if you call the hotel and ask sometimes you can get this rate even when the website will not give it to you. Just in case you go with HIFS.

Tokens- I think HIFS gives them away as prizes for the games (like bingo) tey do at night. They also have a Magic show some nights that I heard was good...

 

[pm914]

We really love the HIFS and plan to stay there annually, - but, it does seem to be themed more for younger children. The mini-golf is pretty basic. There are also shuffleboard courts and ping pong tables near the pool. The game room is a nice size (not huge) with two full-size air-hockey tables, basketball machine, dancing machine, and plenty of electronic games. My almost 9 yr. old loved it.
The bingo and karaoke were fun, but populated by the younger crowd.
For us, the HIFS is a very "cozy and homey" (and affordable)hotel that is great to settle into as a home base when visiting the parks.
If I were spending 4 nights at a deluxe (I assume) hotel like the Hard Rock, I'd be concerned that the HIFS might seem like a step down. I'd be tempted to go to the AK - especially with that great rate you got.
Good luck deciding!

 

[No11's Mom]

I've cancelled my ressies at HI-Universal and the Hawthorne, and have narrowed it down to HIFS or AK. I'm leaning towards HIFS. I went ahead and made a reservation there and got the $89 Entertainment rate. I think that my 8 yo nephew will really like it there. My 15 yo son can have his fun at HRH.

My concern about AK is that once the boys have done the pool, what else will there be to do? I don't want to spend an extra $50 if nothing really extra is offered.

Thanks for the input. I'd love any more opinions.

 

[taylor1293]

The first year we went to Disney, I had a reservation at AK and cancelled it for HIFS. I was worried I'd made a mistake. After I got to the resort, I didn't regret my decision at all! It's a fantastic hotel. You get so much more for your money at HIFS compared to onsite.

Yes, I do think it is geared towards smaller kids. However, the place is full of teenagers, so I'm sure your son will fit right in!

You'll love the Hard Rock too. It's one of my favorite resorts!

Enjoy your trip.

Teresa

 

[HaleyB]

We have decided to stick with HIFS for the 30th and the 31st of May. Thanks for all the info from everyone on this thread, and thanks No11's Mom for starting it!

We just got a resturant.com $25 certificate for the resturant (Cable Car? Box Car?) for $7 on ebay. I see them all the time on there. I wonder if we can use it with the kids eat free deal... if so that will be one cheap meal!

 

[No11's Mom]

HaleyB - We've decided to stay at HIFS on the 30th also! Maybe we'll see you there. I see on your profile that you are from Austin. My sister and nephew, who are traveling with us, are also from Austin. It is a small world after all! How old are your kids? My nephew loves to make new friends, and my son wouldn't mine meeting some teenage girls, if you happen to be bringing one of those.

I'm off to check out those dinner certificates on ebay....

 

[HaleyB]

My son just turned 9! Can't help with the teenage girl, but I have a 17 year old boy that will be with us too- so maybe they can look together, girls always seem to be in pairs. Actually I think he is more intrested in talking me into letting him go hang out at Disney Quest.

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

Originally posted by No11's Mom
[ I'm leaning towards HIFS. I went ahead and made a reservation there and got the $89 Entertainment rate.

Does anyone know if the Entertainment rate is still available? We are going July 16 & 17th. I would like at least a seperate bedroom for my and Dh. Kids can stay in the front room. They are only 5 & 8. Any hints for the HIFS? Never stayes there before? I like the kitchen and the hotel looks great.

 

[No11's Mom]

Laurie -

I made my reservation earlier this week for Sunday only of Memorial Day weekend. I was surprised that it was available. If you try the HI online reservation, then Entertainment rates showed as unavailable for my date. But I called the hotel directly and and was able to get it. The reservation agent was also able to give me a lot of information about the hotel. I would suggest you go ahead and call the hotel directly as soon as possible and see if those discounts are still available for your dates.

 

[jeff968]

I stayed at the Hawthrone for one night last month. It was okay, not the cleanest and older in many areas. But, when you pay $50 for a 1 bedroom suite you can't complain but we didn't spend any time there. The family and I stayed two nights at the AKL last year. The place is great. Lot's of activities to do around the resort if you don't do a park. I would recommend it. The room will be smaller but they have a slightly larger verison of a room with the bunks and a queen. We loved it.

 

[dgaston]

My DS15 had a great time using the night vision goggles at AKL. He spent time in the pool, wandering around all the lookouts to see animals, and really liked the hotel.

 

[MrsMud]

We just got a resturant.com $25 certificate for the resturant (Cable Car? Box Car?) for $7 on ebay. I see them all the time on there. I wonder if we can use it with the kids eat free deal... if so that will be one cheap meal!

You absolutely can use the GCs with the kids eat free, we did it last trip. I'm sorry I really can't say anything good about the food there (and I'm a huge HIFS fan), but you already have the GC, it will definitely be a cheap meal, and it won't kill you for one night. Have a great trip.

 

[zaxmom]

I have never stayed at AK, just went there for dinner and used the night vision goggles. HIFS is geared toward younger kids. If money is not an issue, I would go for Animal Kingdom. They have a slide at he pool and HIFS does not (Yet, I guess). The putt-putt is pretty lame. The extra things in the pool will probably not impress your kids that much. I think they would both like the animals and pool better at AK. You could always go to Downtown Disney or the Boardwalk for dinner in the evening. That being said, you have a great rate for HIFS and it does include a full breakfast and seperate rooms. It is a fine hotel.