A Week at HH...Priceless.

[marzipan]

We got back Sun. from a week at HH. DH ranks this vacation as one of our top 5 and I'd have to agree. We had a 2br, marshview (2411), great location....next to, but not overlooking the pool, gorgeous view of the marsh. I have to admit that I was unsure of being on the marsh side of the island. We've been to HH a couple times before but not at dvc...closer to the beach. BUT....I think now I actually prefer the dvc location to others. It was somehow more 'unique', quiet, authentic 'low country' feeling. Just my opinion.
We thought it was pretty odd that the gate wasn't fixed the whole time we were there...anyone could just drive in. Then again, maybe they were checking the parking passes more closely. The beachhouse gate was open everytime we went there also...that seems like more of a problem since there are more passersby that can just 'drop in'.
But anyway...we had such a great time...did the nature kayak thing, DS 11 made himself a 'regular' at the pool table in Big Murgie's, rented bikes for the family for the week, hung out at sea pines and went up in the lighthouse, DD15 and DH golfed at palmetto dunes, walked around Savannah (the candy store on the riverfront is a must do).....
I know, sounds a bit boring when compared to the go, go, go at wdw but it was really nice and none of our three kiddos were bored.
We booked this at around 6 months...lucked out and got availability right away but we're aware that it might not be so easy in the years when easter and the kids' spring vacation coincide. But we'll definitely try again!
Also of interest was that we arrived around 10am on Sunday, fully expecting NOT to get into our room till 3. Imagine our surprise when they said it was good that we got there early...we could have our choice of 2br's that were available immediately. She said they were going to be 100% booked for the next few days but they had some units that were cleaned and ready to go (since they obviously weren't booked solid the night before). We were all doing the happy dance.
Any questions...ask away...I know I got a little wordy but before we went I read everything I could about the place so just wanted to return the favor.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Yes, isn't HH just wonderful? How did your DH and DD like Palmetto Dunes golf? DH's favorite course at HH (of the 5 he's played so far) is over there-the Robert Trent Jones course. Do you remember which one they played? Always looking for resturaunt reviews-so where did you eat? It's funny that gate STILL isn't fixed. We were there about 6 1/2 weeks ago and it was being worked on then. A CM said it was a major project-something about being hooked into WDW system, but it's taking so long! Did you see any dolphins come into the harbor near the resort? I always find that so exciting!

 

[mouseclick1]

Hi marzipan- Sounds like you had a great trip! HH has become our favorite DVC resort. I also prefer the location of DVC's HH over a beach-side location. I kind of feel like we are on a back to nature retreat every time we are there! How did you enjoy the kayaking? It's something we've wanted to do but have never been able to fit it in.

Thanks for sharing your report!

 

[Laurabearz]

I am so glad to hear you had a great time at HHI... We love the resort too and cant wait until JUNE!!!!

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Glad you had a good time!!! Can't wait to go back in a few weeks.

Ms. Sparrow aka Allison

 

[OneMoreTry]

Any suggested sights/activities in Savannah you would recommend for kids 5 thru 16?

 

[marzipan]

Simba's mom, they played the RT Jones course and thought it was beautiful! The first couple holes were a little frustrating for DD as she isn't used to that many sand traps and water hazards (it's her first year on the golf team at school and the courses they play are pretty wide open with not too many hazards). But, then they both got into the gorgeous scenery and really enjoyed it.

The gate thing got to be a little bit of a joke with us...seemed like every time we drove in/out it was being worked on. My husband suspects the upgrade/repair contract must be hourly

Kayaking was a lot of fun...and definitely a good upper body work out! Sure, it started off nice and easy...drifting with the current, watching the pretty birds as they fish along the banks, "ooh, look honey, an egret...over there in the spartina grass!" (see I listened to our guide). Then...........time for a lesson in 'what goes around comes around'... and it's paddling against the current and into the wind But we all survived and even our DD who is soooo NOT a 'nature person' thought it was very cool. And it was here that we had our only marsh-side dolphin sighting. Two dolphins that made an appearance about 30 yards in front of our kayaks.

OneMoreTry...In Savannah...we mostly walked around the waterfront, had lunch at Spanky's (huge burgers...great if you like LOTS of cheese on your cheeseburger...and a decent local brew if you like amber lagers), walked around the historic district a bit, and bought pralines and fudge at the candy store (is it true that what happens in Savannah, stays in Savannah...including the calories?). I don't even like pralines but the smell of the brown sugar and butter and pecans as you walk in the place...OMG!...who could resist just a taste. There's actually two candy stores...both on the riverfront...can't think of the names offhand...both make their own sweets and are fun to browse (free samples too!)
We didn't really want to fork over the $$ for all of us to do the tours but that could be fun...the kids might like the river boat tour or the horse drawn buggies. If you've ever read/seen "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", I think it's fun to look for places mentioned in the book...and imagine what might be going on inside those lovely historic homes (but that's not something for the 5 yo!).

 

[VMS]

We were there April 10 - 15, and the gate was open and not working the whole time that week. Towards the end of the week they were working ALL DAY on the entrance side. I wonder what is going on.

We also love the candy shop in Savannah on the waterfront. When we were there last year we were given a bonus of candy since we had spent $100 there. How embarassing is that! (Some were gifts coming home with us.)

Have they replaced the naturalist at Disney yet? That spot was sorely vacant when we were there.

 

[marzipan]

No naturalist yet. The kayak trip was led by a contracted outfit...very nice and knowledgable guy (whose name escapes me). But no Disney-employed naturalist....and no guided marsh or beach walks. Too bad, as that would be something I would have enjoyed. But...I guess it leaves something to look forward to for another trip.