Hilton Head Island

[AliciaG]

Have any of you ever stayed at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort? We're thinking of taking a long weekend trip in October when the kids have school vacation. I noticed in my last statement that Disney Visa was offering a 2 bedroom here for only $99 in late October/early November. That is just an awesome rate! Anyway, I called to see if anything similar is available in mid-October, and they have the 2 bedrooms for $150 then. :D It's really an incredible deal, because if we used points...it would cost us 168 for the 4 days. You do the math if I rented points. :shock:

We've always wanted to tour the Savannah/Charleston area, but had never really thought about HHI, until I started reading so much good stuff about it on the DIS DVC board. What can you tell me? Looking forward to learing more about HHI!

Thanks!

[AliciaG]

I'll get to become the resident Tagrel.com expert on DHHIR then. :lol: We booked! We'll be heading down October 15-19 to stay in a two bedroom.

I've read so many good things about HHI, that I'm very excited to try it. I am somewhat afraid that we'll get spoiled by the two bedroom though. We bought our points in anticipation of staying in a one bedroom for several years to come.

I'll make sure and take lots of pictures of the place. :D

[sandar]

Congrats, Alicia!

I hope that you and your family will enjoy a fab vacation there. I'll be looking forward to your report on the rooms, the activities, the staff, and the food, as well as your photos.

Sandi

[LimeGreenCheri]

The only thing I know about HHI is that the resort does not sit on the beach. I do believe that HHI resort does have it's on beach "space" reserved though.

Have a great time! :D

[Rosebud]

We tried to visit there on on way home from WDW and get a quick peek. We were disappointed to find out when we arrived that we couldn't get in because it was the night of the weekly summer fireworks and they didn't let visitors in then. We didn't want to stay - just look around. The resort looked really nice from what we could see.

Although after our short trip on the island, we decided it (the island) probably wouldn't be our first choices of places to visit, since we only have limited time for vacations and too many choices. Too many private areas and not enough ocean side driving or access. Basically all the driving to places is through the center of the island - we like to be able to drive along the shore and stop as we go. However, with a great rate I sure would consider it.

[JeanC]

Oh my gosh, I haven't gotten to this board for a while because of computer problems or I would have answered you immediately. We absolutely love DVC's HH resort! Went the first year that it opened and we didn't think that we liked it very much because it was so different from the WDW resorts and it wasn't on the beach. After we got home, we realized how cool it really was and bought it as our 3rd home resort. Hoping to do an add-on to get more points soon. Resort area is SO relaxing -- live oak trees everywhere, hammocks, old fashioned wooden fanback chairs to relax in. Pool on the resort side and an even bigger one at the ocean. Beachhouse has snack bar, tv and lounges inside in case you get tired of the heat, delicious drinks like pina colada's, etc. The beach at HH is beautiful -- so wide and so clean and so big -- lots of space to stake out a claim even in the middle of the summer. Warm water, great waves, wonderful to walk on. Resort side, they have a snack bar, Big Dipper slide pool, playground, lots of bike trails, kid's activities. Walk across the bridge from the resort (5 minute walk) and you will find lots of really nice restaurants and shops -- also outside musical entertainment that you can hear at night from the resort. So cool -- hearing the music coming over the water of the marina. There are tons of restaurants in HH and you can pick up a guide that will give you the menu's and prices, making it easy to decide where you want to go. You can take several different types of boat trips --sail boating, dolphin watches, fishing excursions, trip to Dafuskie Island, etc. Last year we took a boat to Savannah from HH. That was great -- took a trolley and explored the city when we got off. There are two discount malls for shoppers, another little mall (Belks, etc.) and lots of shops. WalMart for forgotten necessities, etc. The staff is just great. You really feel like you are home at HH between the atmosphere and the CM's. Don't know where Connears is, but she and her family are also big HH fans.

[AliciaG]

Thanks, everyone! Jean, I'm so glad you got your computer troubles worked out and found this thread. :D You've gotten me even more excited than I already was, if that is possible. :lol:

When we go to the beach we always stay ocean front, so that was somewhat of a concern with DHHIR. I've read so many good things about it though, that I figured the benefits must outweigh being ocean front. I love the thought of all the hammocks, bike trails, and activities for the kids. We can't wait to try it out!

Jean, can you recommend any specific restaurants in the area? Maybe something with a fun atmosphere and good food.

Thanks!

[JeanC]

Alicia -- As for restaurants, there are several good ones right across the marina and over the little bridge from the resort. One is Scott's which we like very much and Little Venice which has tables outside and also inside seating. People usually eat outside when we go -- not sure how the weather will be when you are there. The Kingfisher is also very good (I think that's the name). It is on your right immediately before you go over the bridge to the resort. A fun thing we like to do is to take a sunset dinner cruise which lasts about 3 hours as I recall with all the food you can eat. It leaves from the marina which borders the resort -- not every night. You need reservations. As you walk along the marina across the the resort, you will see the office where they sell tickets. Also, you can get a DVC resort discount at several of the restaurants (10-15%). You will get a list of restaurants and the discounts when you check in. Happy dining!

[laurar]

Wow, Alicia, that is a great deal! I can't wait for the report. I own at HH but haven't been there yet.

Laura

[TwirlerGirl]

You'll love HH. It's my favorite non-park place to visit. I wish I could take advanatage of the deal and it is a great deal; but can't get away during the time frame available. I'm hoping Disney Visa offers it again.

Here is some info on HH on activities that are available:

Miles of beaches for walking and bike riding. More than 22 golf courses and hundreds of tennis courts About 200 restaurants are open during tourist season. Free entertainment is often available at the Marina across from the resort. Shopping galore, Legitimate theater, water activities as wheather permits :Kayaking, Parasailing,Dolphin watching & eco tours, Fishing, and Boating. We also enjoyed Miniature golf, Bike riding and Rollerblading.
Enjoying nature - dolphins, deer, birds and more can be seen from the pier.

Driving ranges and Movie theaters are readily available.

Fall is one of the best times to visit Hilton Head. The water is still warm enough for swimming, and you can be comfortable in shorts. Restaurants are uncrowded and activities don't fill up. The weather is at it's best then.


Restaurants, here are our favorite:

Stellini 's Italian Restaurant is a hard to find on Pope Ave Exec. Park road near Seashore Vacations and Hofbrauhaus Restaurant. We loved it, try to make time for a visit when ever we visit HH, and it was reasonably priced. Salty Dog and the Oyster Factory were also very good.

Enjoy your visit and please tell us about when you get back.

Sandy

5 HH trips in last 4 yrs. May 2000, May 2001, Sept 2001, 2 wk Aug 2002
Gave son HH trip as a wedding gift June 2003

[Connears]

I see that my feeling about HHI are know by one of our posters(ha!). I absolutely love the resort and even added points there last October. It is a beautiful resort wth a great beach house and direct access to the wonderful beach at HHI. I have been in December, April and July and each season has alot to offer. Two years ago, we sent my cousin's daughter and her husband there for their honeymoon as our gift. It was in October and they are still talking about how wonderful it was! They were even given ballons and champaine in there room from the resort(i did say it was there honeymoon when I called. There are great restaurants and shops with in walking distance of resort and there are many activites for all ages at the resort. I can't wait to return! Don't hesitate to go.
Connears

[AliciaG]

Thank you all soooooo much!!! :D You have given me some great information, which I have made notes on to go in our trip folder. We are so excited to try out HHI that we just added another day to our trip! 8)

I really appreciate each of you taking the time to give me your insight on this resort. We'll be sure to take lots of pictures, and share our experiences when we return.