Spring 2005 HIFS information

[CrazedDisFan]

I spoke with a gentleman in the group sale office at HIFS the other day. I decided to ask him some questions regarding the renovation/transformation to a Nick hotel. The following is what he stated. Please remember to note these are the projected outcomes of the transformation, definite answers will be availalbe in a few months.

*Rates are expected to be 149.00-199.00 based on season, discounts may be offered, but not sure about discounts.

*Free breakfast program will NO longer be offered. A breakfast buffet will be available on a per suite per day basis. Projected cost about $15-20 per day, per suite.

*Character dining meals offered. Prices to be inline with Disney character dining.

*Kids will no longer eat free.

*Waterslides added to pools

*check out www.nickhotel.com for further information.

I hope this helps some working on their 2005 reservations.

 

[curlyjbs]

Oh well, I guess HIFS is going the disney way.....charge more and offer less! sigh.

don't all start flaming me now! I know this IS NOT written in stone...........

Correct me if I am wrong but the reasons "most" stay at HIFS is for the discounted rates, 5+ persons per room, free breakfast/kids eat free, and the convenience to the parks. If we wanted to pay more and give all this up we may as well stay onsite....right? (IMHO)

sorry, just shell shocked and disappointed that HIFS/Nick would think "this" is better.

sorry if i offended anyone with my mini-rant.

CRAZEDISFAN: Not shooting the messenger LOL! Thanks for asking the questions and posting the answers!

curly in need of professional help!

 

[Lewisc]

Sounds like they are converting to a rental version of DVC. The units are somewhere between a 1 bedroom and studio

James should like it. I think it would do better if it was close to Universal. People can book 2 rooms in a value (and maybe 2 rooms in a moderate) for about the same price.

I think most of the existing customers will be looking at other properties.

 

[drgnfly30]

All the benefits of staying here for my family would be GONE! Price & food - plus if they are going to start charging for the breakfast & kids meals then they'd better step up the quality quite a bit!
Christine

 

[thumperjr9]

I have stayed at HIFS 2 times and really like this place. I'm not sure about the changes. I don't really think I would miss the free food. We just got back and the breakfast buffet wasn't bad. But if they eliminated the free buffet I would just get cereal and bagels to eat in the room. That is one reason why I choose this place is for the frig and microwave. We also really like the location, but that won't change. The pool is already great and it sounds like it will get even better. But I think if the price gets close to $200/night I would stay on-site in 2 rooms or at Ft. Wilderness Cabins. As for the Nick theme, it is more suited for Universal. IMO I wouldn't want Sponge Bob all over my room but my DH and DS would probably like it.

 

[Mike]

Originally posted by Lewisc
I think most of the existing customers will be looking at other properties.

I know I will. This June will be my last stay at this property if this is true. For that kind of money, I'll stay onsite. It's hard to understand this logic when you can get a room at a Deluxe for $129 or a cabin at FW for $155 (sleep 6 and have separate bedroom and kitchen). Garden Wing rooms at the CR can be had for a reasonable rate and sleep 5 comfortably. Current AP rates at the moderates are around $80 a night. Two adjoining rooms would be $160 and you get the benefit of a second bathroom but lose the fridge and microwave.

It will be interesting to see how this strategy pans out for them. I have my doubts. I'm not sure what the final product will look like after the renovation is complete, but I can't imagine that it will change that much. I've paid right around $100 a night everytime I stayed at HIFS and was able to get the free breakfast and participate in the kids eat free program. I thought that was a fair price. I can't imagine paying double the rate and losing the breakfast and kids eat free. I just don't see any value here at all. I can't see what they could possibly provide that would justify this price increase.

 

[iwhan2kaw]

Mike, We will be at hifs same time frame as you. Did you recieve a discount on your room? Have you checked on any construction at this time? They told me 144.00 was the best they could do. No e-rate. Thanks!

 

[Mike]

Originally posted by iwhan2kaw
Mike, We will be at hifs same time frame as you. Did you recieve a discount on your room? Have you checked on any construction at this time? They told me 144.00 was the best they could do. No e-rate. Thanks!

Hi Kelly,
I got the entertainment rate of $102.50/night. I booked it last November. I have no further update on the construction other than what has been reported here. It seems that the old lap pool will be closed but the other pool will be open. It also seems as though the new lobby will be under construction but will not affect the existing structure. The building(s) being renovated will be closed so guest rooms should not be affected. That's all that I know.

Have Fun!

Mike

 

[boltjames]

Originally posted by CrazedDisFan
I spoke with a gentleman in the group sale office at HIFS the other day. I decided to ask him some questions regarding the renovation/transformation to a Nick hotel. The following is what he stated. Please remember to note these are the projected outcomes of the transformation, definite answers will be availalbe in a few months.

*Rates are expected to be 149.00-199.00 based on season, discounts may be offered, but not sure about discounts.

*Free breakfast program will NO longer be offered. A breakfast buffet will be available on a per suite per day basis. Projected cost about $15-20 per day, per suite.

*Character dining meals offered. Prices to be inline with Disney character dining.

*Kids will no longer eat free.

*Waterslides added to pools

*check out www.nickhotel.com for further information.

I hope this helps some working on their 2005 reservations.

Thank God!

No free breakfasts, no free kids eats, no more discounts.

Next year, it's mine. All mine.

Question: Does Avis or Hertz rent BMW's?

BJ

 

[CrazedDisFan]

You know what? I didn't post this for it to turn into another HIFS vs. the new HIFS post. I posted because I knew there was question regarding these things and I got some answers. If this turns into a flame thread, I will aska moderator to delete the whole thing.

SOme of you continue to be disrespectful to others regarding these changes and it is childish. Please don't do that here.

 

[MK Familystone]

HI ALL!
USO taken over by NBC/King GE will start to have changes also.
Ref:King GE and Shrekville post over on USO/SW board.
Think of these changes as motivation for the excellant Members of the DisBoards in exploring new options and ideas like in the past.
Once it was Car rentals, WDW codes, SWA fare notices , and etc.
There will always be another Deal posted by a Messenger of the Boards.
JUST THINK , MAYBE HIFS IS WATCHING US?

"THE MAGIC HAPPENS!!!"