What's Wrong With Me . . . I don't want a free stay at HIFS . . .HELP!

[kc&dmom]

I will admit . . . I was spoiled rotten two years ago on our very first stay at WDW -- Poly Conc for 5 wonderful nights. We are able to return this August due to DH's horrific work travel schedule that has resulted in 5 freequent flyer airline tickets, a week's worth of car rental and yes, enough Priority Club points for our entire 7 night stay. I am not sure a virtually free vacation makes up for the nights DH is gone but, I am willing to give it a try!!

So, Why, Oh Why can I not get excited about HIFS. I think it all went wrong when I heard the family pool may be under rennovation while we are there, in addition to a general hotel rennovation. Does anyone have update rennovation info . . ? What other Holiday Inn can anyone recommend for our family of 5? This seemed like a great fit for us and now I am so unsure -- the Poly is definitely calling . Oh, and has anyone actually stayed using their priority club points?? How did it work out . . this is our first time using them!! Thanks so much!

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I would go for it! We stayed at HIFS in Sept. and loved it! First time offsite, but we didn't go to Disney that time, just US/IOA. There's tons of stuff to do, and they are going through a renovation to become a Nickalodean Resort, they will have Nick themed rooms and stuff. They were also going to be adding a water slide to the pool area. I would definately go, it's an almost free trip to WDW!!!!!

 

[disneysteve]

I have not stayed at HIFS on points, but I have used my points for other HI stays (not in Orlando). It works just like any other reservation. When you book online, there is a menu of rate types - Standard, Senior, AAA, etc. One of the choices is Priority Rewards. It will tell you how many points you need for your stay and automatically deduct them from your account when you complete the reservation.

Of course, if you really don't want to use your points, I believe you can transfer them to other Priority Club members Just kidding.

Steve

P.S. Another option - don't use your points for Disney. Save them and use them for another trip somewhere else.

 

[vickyBaby]

Have you considered the Holiday Inn in Downtown Disney? It was the Courtyard by Marriott. Maybe you'll have more of a Disney feel being right near Downtown Disney.

 

[BrerMama]

For a family of 5, I think the HIFS is one of the best choices there is. I was also debating long and hard about HIFS vs. on-site, but we've never stayed on site, only at HIFS. I know we would have been more than happy at HIFS. It was a wonderful, family-oriented place. As far as renovations, I have read on this board and spoken to the staff myself and what they continually say is that they want to continue to be family friendly and not disrupt the guests. So my guess is that they will do everything possible to support this. If the current family pool is closed, the other pool will be open and it is getting ready to be converted from an adult pool to a fun pool, so no matter what, there will always be a fun pool open.

Deciding where to stay was the hardest part of our vacation. I knew either place would make us happy, it was just a matter of what was important. We did decide to stay onsite, but we've never done it before and may never be able to do it again. Look at it this way... if you choose HIFS, you can really afford to spoil yourselves at the parks!

 

[Robinrs]

I stayed in a $1100 a night suite in the Dolphin and STILL liked the HIFS! ...No, I didn't pay that price but it was the rate!!

There is no Holiday Inn comparable in the Disney area. You will love the space and the free breakfast. For FREE? Hey, I'd be thrilled!

 

[kc&dmom]

Thanks for the reassurance . . . I am sure we will be staying there for at few days of our vacation. The pool issue is huge for us. Our last trip the kids would have willingly given up several days in the park for more time in the Poly Volcano pool. I'm going to stay tuned into this board and hope we will get updates on the renovations at HIFS!