Another return from HHI

[dizneeluvr]

We just pulled in today from a great week at HHI! I love it more every time!

We arrived last Saturday, just in time for B'lou's magic show. I thought we timed it out to arrive plenty early, but forgot about the time change!! After B'lou's show, and some chit chat with him, we headed out to Guiseppi's (sp?) for dinner and to the Piggly Wiggly to stock up for the week.

Sunday morning I did the Pinkney Island tour with the Naturalist, literally, it was me and Gwyneth, no one else showed up, so I had a private showing! Unfortunately, it has been unseasonably cool, and there were not as many birds as usual. Still a neat place to visit, I will go back next time on my own as it is a public venue and a tour guide is not really needed.

We rented bikes for the stay, (although for some reason a cast member collected them halfway through, I am glad we noticed and got them back before they rented them to someone else. They were locked up and everything, the CM at the rental counter didn't know why they were picked up) rode a lot, got to see dolphins at the beach on Sunday, they were really close to the shore!

The kids enjoyed the crafts, they made Thanksgiving magnets, picture holders and bracelets, and did a flower pot creation at another time.

We enjoyed both Campfires, the one on Thanksgiving was the busiest one I have been too, the CM costumes were very clever.

We went kayaking Friday morning. The guide was very knowlegeable about the history of the island. Unfortunately, we didn't see as much wildlife as we have in the past on this event. Also, the guide was unaware this was scheduled for 2 hours. We were still paddling away from the resort at about the 1:45 minute mark, my DW was exhausted, and the other people with us had a tee time that they were getting close to missing when we finally turned around. Still enjoyable, but I may have to do that one alone if we go do it again!

We did Pirates of the Calibogue for the first time, it was raining a bit, but nothing to stop true Pirates!

Magic in the Den with B'lou, songs and tales of the low country with B'lou and Sweet Goodnights were also enjoyed by all.

The kids did swim several days, but neither parent was brave enough to get in!

Also got to meet Simba's Mom, reminded her of the Dis meet, then lost track of time and forgot to attend

I'll be glad to answer any questions I can for those that read this far!!

Mike

 

[rlduvall]

Thanks for the great trip report. My DH and I just bought a small HHI contract with DVC. We have been to the HH DVC before and toured the property, but have never stayed there. Still waiting to close on our contract; hope we can get a reservation there for the summer. Keeping our fingers crossed.

 

[kdzgon]

...I'll be glad to answer any questions I can for those that read this far!!

Mike

Thanks for both the report and Q. offer. Is it possible to rent bikes with a child's seat (it would be for a 4 yr old)? Thanks -

Laurie

 

[dizneeluvr]

Thanks for both the report and Q. offer. Is it possible to rent bikes with a child's seat (it would be for a 4 yr old)? Thanks -

Laurie

Yes, they have several options, first of all, if you can't find what you want at the resort, they have made arrangements with another rental company that will deliver bikes to your villa. They have the child's seat that fits right behind the rider, they have the low riding tow along seats that kids can sit in behind the bike, and we used the tagalong, basically a bike built for two, but the little one need not pedal at all. It works great for us, next time she should be riding on her own.

Enjoy!

Mike

 

[KirstenB]

Thanks for the trip report. Mike, was the resort booked solid for T-giving? Also, was the island as a whole busy or not?

Glad to hear you got to go kayaking (love doing that too), and the kids got to swim.

 

[dizneeluvr]

Thanks for the trip report. Mike, was the resort booked solid for T-giving? Also, was the island as a whole busy or not?

Glad to hear you got to go kayaking (love doing that too), and the kids got to swim.

Kristen,

I believe the resort was sold out, I know we had to waitlist 2 of the nights we wanted. I made a late Wal Mart run on Wednesday night and couldn't find a parking place near our villa (30) down by the circle drive.

That being said, the resort and island didn't feel busy at all to me.

Mike

 

[Simba's Mom]

As far as how busy the island was, we went to a couple very popular places where you often have to wait, and we had no trouble getting in. Then one night, we went to a place where we were the only ones eating there (we've been there before when it's been very busy) until about half way through the meal. Although I'm hoping for different weather next year, I don't want the crowds (or lack thereof) to change.

 

[Disneyaholic]

As far as how busy the island was, we went to a couple very popular places where you often have to wait, and we had no trouble getting in. Then one night, we went to a place where we were the only ones eating there (we've been there before when it's been very busy) until about half way through the meal. Although I'm hoping for different weather next year, I don't want the crowds (or lack thereof) to change.

We were thinking the same thing. Although the Disney Resort was filled to capacity (no one wanted to lose those points!), we were wondering if people who have a second home on Hilton Head Island, who might have normally been there for Thanksgiving, stayed home because of the awful weather on Tuesday and Wednesday??

I think next year is going to have to be another Thanksgiving with temps in the 80s to make up for this year....

 

[lovinthemouse]

Thank You for this great trip report. I am so excited we are leaving on Dec. 26 to spend New Year's there.

 

[KirstenB]

Mike and Simba's Mom, thanks for the info on crowds. I've never thought to go to HH for Thanksgiving, just because I always thought it would be packed to the gills!! I may have to rethink this one.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I think next year is going to have to be another Thanksgiving with temps in the 80s to make up for this year....

I like your thinking! DH is ready for another crab cake sandwich at Salty Dog, and I need to try the blueberry French toast at Signe's.

 

[owtrbnks]

Crab Cake Sammich' . . . Yummy!
We just bought a small contract at HHI.
Always glad to read more information about my newest home!
Thanks and Happy Holidays!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Great report Mike. Thanks. We're headed there in June