Someplace comparable to HIFS???

[lejaf]

We stayed at HIFS two years ago and then again last year. I want to try someplace new, but my husband and son really liked it there and want to go back...The girls in the family say...Ho hum...BORING.

Can anyone suggest someplace that would be similar? We are a family of five. We want two bedrooms. We liked HIFS because it was small and no matter where you stayed you were not far from anything! (Three years ago we stayed at the Vistana Resort and it was great, but very big!) At HIFS, we loved the zero entry depth pool because we have a 2 yr old. We loved the morning all you can eat buffet breakfast! It was a great way to fill up before the parks! We also enjoyed the buffet dinner at night because I have one very picky eater in the family who could always find something to eat! My son loved having Ninetendo in the room and I like have three t.v.s...no fighting over what to watch in the morning while I'm trying to get everything ready to go! The microwave and fridge were a big help to so we could keep some snacks around. One thing that HIFS doesn't have that I would like is a balcony. It woiuld be nice to hang out on a balcony at the end of the night or even early morning! (we're going in March and being from New England, I like to take advantage of the nice weather in Florida as much as possible.)

We are also thinking of splitting the trip and doing a couple of days at Universal/Islands of Adventure...and suggestions for someplace closer to that area?

Thanks for any suggestions you have!

 

[Lorix2]

Hi,

I can't recommend any other place other than Sheraton Vistana Villages, right around the corner on the south end of International Drive. We stayed there in April and visited my friend who stayed at the HIFS. After staying at the V.V., I would never be able to stay at the HIFS after having all the room we had at the V.V.

The 2BR units include a master bath, jacuzzi tub, vanity w/sink, king bed, tv in armoir, entrance to the balcony. Living area includes a sleep sofa, tv, vcr, stereo, entrance to balcony. The balconies are screened top to bottom with a ceiling light/fan. Large coffee table, 2 comfy chairs, wetbar, closet. Dining area for 8, full kitchen, including washer/dryer. Second bedroom includes 2 full size beds, tv, huge dresser, closet and a second bathroom off of it.

Beautiful pond with ducks and frogs, waterfalls near the footbridge, basketball court, cooking grills.

Huge heated pool with waterfalls, kiddie area with those squirty things, playground, volleyball net on the other side of the pool. Quiet pool around the back of the main pool. Float rentals or bring your own, deli/store, activity center (never used it), hair wraps, etc. Bar and small gym, I think even a pool table or fooseball? Can't remember.

Beautifully landscaped and elegantly decorated - it is smaller than the Vistana Resort, not as spread out.

Our familiy of 4 - kids ages 10 and 5 absolutely loved the Vistana Villages and it's very conveniently located for Disney World, SeaWorld, groceries, restaurants, etc. Universal is not far either.

We booked thru Hotelkingdom.com at a rate of $119.00 p/night, I haven't seen it that low again.

Sorry I can't give you any other places, since these are the only 2 I can compare for you. If you do a search here, you will find nothing but fantastic reports. My kids are begging to go back!

Have fun planning and let us know if you have any questions.

Lori

 

[LISALISA36]

why dont you rent a house?
you can have your own private pool.
you can get a house for the same or cheaper than a hotel.
we rented through elite-homes.com & the homes were beautiful.

 

[hercamore]

Yes, renting a house is an good option.

Or a 2 br unit at one of the Marriott timeshares, Residence Inn LBV or at Seaworld, Cypress Pointe in LBV all are good choices.

another opton is renting a condo at Wyndham Palms thru the owner at vbro.com or an agency.


Good luck, Herc

 

[lejaf]

I thought about a house, but if I have a kitchen, I'll feel like I should cook and part of my vacation is NOT having to prepare meals. I think the kids like staying someplace where there are other kids to play with too.

We almost stayed at Vistana Villages last year and for the life of me I can't remember why we didn't...probably because my husband and son wanted to go back to HIFS.

I might look at the other timeshares. I like having a restaurant on the property. Does VV have a restaurant. I'll have to go check their website and read through the boards.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Brooke Glen]

We stayed at Windsor Palms and our kids loved it. It is a vaction home resort similar to Vistana and MVV except no one is trying to sell you a timeshare or a house. The kids loved the private pool and the private movie theatre in the community clubhouse.

My kids are 12 and 7. I loved having the extra space and was not itimidated by the kitchen. It was great for snacks but we ate out because Mom was on vacation from the kitchen

Take a look I am sure your kids will love it, mine enjoyed it so much we are going back for Spring Break '03. I can't wait

Windsor Palms Resort