Will we really like HIFS?

[Mom+4]

I just booked the Holiday Inn Family Suites resort, including full hot breakfast, and $50 food credit per night, using information from Mousesavers' newsletter. But, now I'm scared. Will we really like this resort? For the price, it seems to be a great deal. We would have almost no food expense for the trip, and since we'll have a rental car, transportation shouldn't be a problem. But, again, will we like it? We have stayed at the Contemporary twice in the last 3 years, and LOVE it. It is so convenient. But, I haven't found any discounts for on site for our time frame (6/1-6/6), and the HIFS free breakfast and dinner seems too good to be true. What do you all think? Also, if anyone has stayed there recently, what is the breakfast like, and what is available for dinner in the real restaurant (not the A&W, pizza, etc. food court)? I'm willing to try something new, but I don't want to make a mistake that will ruin our vacation. Thanks for any responses.

 

[taylor1293]

You'll love it! We were there last summer and it was great! VERY close to the parks. You are about 2 minutes from Disney property.

There is a ton of information about this hotel on the Orlando board.

BTW, we live kind of close to you, we are in O'Fallon IL .

Have fun!

Teresa

Edited to add: The breakfast buffet is quite large (and very crowded). The food is good, but not exceptional. However, there is plenty to chose from and everyone in your party should be able to find something they like.

 

[lorilori]

Hi. We have stayed at just about every on-site Disney property over the years and two years ago we tried HIFS. I will say you will love how much money it will NOT cost you. We are a family of 5 and so the savings on food alone made up for the whole 'off-site' debate! The extra space was wonderful and as others have posted, it really is very, very close, kind of like a straight line drive to MK. Some mornings were quite busy for breakfast, but there was always plenty of food. Enjoy!

 

[MARRAR]

The orlando attractions and hotels board has many posts on HIFS...

 

[Debbie]

Absolutely!

And, your kids will love the kids programmes that are available! And the games! And the tv in their own bedroom! And. . .

Seriously, check my sig. We've stayed at Dixie Landings AND Beach Club. My kids prefer HIFS. YOU'LL love the savings and the quickness of getting to each park in your own vehicle, as well as the savings in food and the ROOM that you'll have.

It's not the Contemporary, and, as long as you are not expecting deluxe, you'll be fine! Go, have a great time! I wish that I were going!

 

[zaxmom]

If it had a water slide at the pool I would stay here every time without fail. That is the only thing it is missing. The breakfast usually rotated their hot selections every day. Pancakes and waffles and french toast (I think) were rotates as well as bacon and sausage. There was alway different cereal to pick from and fruit, yogurt, scrambled eggs, bagles, muffins, toast, milk, coffee, juice. About everything you would find at a Sizzler or Ponderosa breakfast buffet.
It is a great hotel to stay at. More room to spread out than a regular hotel room. If you have your own car, then transportation should be a breeze. You might want to ask at the front desk what signs to look for when coming back to the hotel. We got a lost the first couple of times.
We never ate there for dinner, but I think they offered a buffet then, too.

 

[KJ&JAM]

We stayed there for 8 nights and loved every minute. The kids were happy with the food for breakfast and for lunch and dinner, we alternated with the parks, the restaurant at the hotel, and the Pizza Hut and A&W. There are activities going on all the time and it's kid geared. I have coupons for free pizza and soda from the inhouse Pizza Hut. If you are interested, please reply to the email and I will send to you! By the way, DH and I enjoyed ourselves since the kids had many activities to keep them busy while we either participated or observed. I couldn't recommend this hotel higher!

 

[beautybelle]

My family and I are planning on a midday break from the parks, would it be a great hassle to come back to this resort and return later in the evening?

 

[lejaf]

I've never taken a break in the afternoon cuz I like to be at the parks for as long as they are open, but HIFS is so close to the parks you could come and go easily enough it you want to.

 

[beautybelle]

One more question. Is there any place close by to shop for snacks? Something like a wal mart or something?

 

[Debbie]

would it be a great hassle to come back to this resort and return later in the evening

No, HIFS is actually as close or closer than some of the onsite resorts. Getting back is quick, easy and convenient. We did the mid-day break on both of our stays there.

There are a couple of grocery stores within a 10 minute drive. Wal-Mart is further....and to be honest, is s-l-o-w and busy in the middle of the night! If I were to go again, I'd probably head for the Publix near the factory outlet mall off of....??? I'm sure someone else can really help you out on this question!

 

[beautybelle]

LOL Thanks Debbie. Actually that was a pretty good help because you answered both my questions. I will have my son and my mother with us so we will need the mid-day break and I would've looked for the wal mart had you not mentioned a publix. Thanks again.

 

[lejaf]

I read somewhere that there is a new Publix very close to HIFS...We were there last March and the closest was about a 15 minute drive....and about an hour to get back because we got TOTALLY LOST! LOL

 

[parrotheadlois]

We'll be staying in the park at CBR, my son and his family will be staying at HIFS. We plan on calling them in the morning when we're leaving, hoping if they leave at the same time, we'll get to wherever we're going at approximatley the same time. Has anyone done this?

 

[MrsMud]

Mom+4:
I agree with all the great reviews. We were there Dec. '01 and will probably be back there this fall. As stated, it is not a luxury hotel but we didn't mind at all. If you are looking for a place your kids will really enjoy, where you will have more privacy and save a lot of money, this is it.
Just a word about the dinner: Although the breakfast was absolutely fine and a great value (free), the dinner buffet was not very good. It was our ONLY complaint. They have different "themes" each night, seafood, Italian, BBQ, etc. We never ordered off the menu, but I have read that it isn't much better. We never ate at the food court, but I think we will try it this year as well as scheduling more dinners out, rather than eat at the restaurant. We really didn't encounter any crowds for breakfast, but I guess it depends on when you go.

BeautyBelle, Also, if you don't feel like grocery shopping on your vacation (I know I didn't), you may want to consider Netgrocer. I found their prices reasonable and to me, it was worth the few extra dollars to have everything waiting for us when we checked in.

 

[beautybelle]

MrsMud: Netgrocer sounds like heaven to me. What do you do to use it? Do you call the hotel and tell them or do you have to call "Netgrocer"? And if so how do I get a phone number to do so? Thanks.

 

[MrsMud]

Beauty Belle,
Netgrocer is online @ http://www.netgrocer.com/
They are somewhat limited, for example they don't sell fresh meat and the only milk they sell is Parmalat. I assume this is because they don't have refrigerated shipping. It worked out great for us, though. I ordered lots of stuff to take into the parks: Chex morning mix, raisins, pretzels, cereal bars, etc. all in individual packages. After filling up on the free breakfast, we just had some light snacks at the parks and never needed to eat lunch (another big money saver). Also I bought snacks for the room at night, such as pudding, jello, fruit cups, etc. also in individual servings. Didn't care for the Parmalat milk, as we're not used to that, so we bought a container at the store in the hotel. You can also fill up a cup when you go to the breakfast buffet. No big deal. I also got free shipping, which they offer periodically.
I think I placed my order about 2 weeks in advance, and it was all there, neatly packed in boxes, when we checked in. Make sure you have the HIFS address on hand when you order. Enjoy!

 

[beautybelle]

MrsMud:
Thank you I may just try that out. It would save a lot of running.