Back from HHI-OKW! Trip Report/Musings (Long)

[DownNeckBoy]

We just returned from a very nice trip to both HHI and OKW. We had a great time, and I have some observations, in no particular order:
1. Although HHI was absolutely at full capacity, it did not seem crowded, which contributed greatly to its charm.

2. We saw two sets of fireworks the week of the 4th, which was a nice bonus.
3. The resort staff worked efficii
ently at ensuring that only guests accessed the resort during the fireworks, which also contributed to the relaxed fireworks viewing.
4. We had a room in the lodge this time, which was a real hit with my family.
5. I met Webmaster Doc and his spouse! It was one of the highlights of the trip. Thanks, Doc, for taking the time to chat with me!
6. The trip down to Orlando took five hours, plus one hour to travel from Orlando to WDW!
7. The Hotel Royal Plaza was used to save points. We recommend this hotel for this purpose.
8. We stayed six nights at "the one true DVC resort,"OKW. We had room 2524 and were very impressed.
9. However, OKW without a car seems impractical due to its location in the WDW galaxy.
10. We valet parked at Boardwalk and Wilderness Lodge. This is a great DVC perk.
11. Both Boardwalk and Wilderness Lodge are beautifully themed, but we would "choose" BW over WLV.
12. The terraces at WLV seemed very snug, to our eyes.
13. We checked with both resorts about pool hopping. The reaction from each CM was decidedly unenthusiastic.
14. Another nice perk is delivery of your purchases to your room. We did this as much as possible.
15. I doubt that FL has a drought problem, based on the 30 days of rain that they (and we, partially) experienced.
16. Someone should tell Gov. Bush that if you give time incentives to road contractors that would help ease the congestion caused by the projects in Jacksonville and Orlando.
17. It rained in every state on the way back from FL to NJ. This slowed me somewhat, but since the troopers always seemed to be elsewhere, it evened out.

All in all, we had a great trip. If you have any questions, fire away!

 

[BobH]

I'm glad you had a great trip. We stayed in the lodge at HH the last week of May. We liked it very much. What restaurants did you try in the marina area? We tried Kingfishers (on the right as you approach the bridge acros the marina). We also try the Old Oyster House that can be seen in the distance across broad creek behind the lodge. Were the fireworks put on by DVC? Sounds great but I imagine you need to be a Hiltn Head Owner to get the July 4th week.

 

[DeeP]

How long did it take you to drive from NJ to HHI? Also would you drive again or would you fly next time if you were only going from NJ to HHI and back.

 

[DownNeckBoy]

Bob H-With all that went on this trip, we actually did not go out to any restauarnts. We did do take-out from Giuseppe's (pizza & ravioli) which was very good. Otherwise, we just ate in for the stay. We have eaten at the Old Oyster House and did enjoy it. I also saw some of the restaurants in the Coligny area and do want to try them out next time we go down, which is at the end of 2002.

The fireworks are not put on by DVC, but appear to be a joint effort by the island businesses. HHI's location makes it a "primo" spot for viewing.

It does make it easier if you are an owner to get a ressie for 7-4, but you should try it nonetheless. Although the fireworks at WDW were probably more spectacular, I would always choose the laid-back atmosphere of HHI over WDW for the 4th. JMO.

DeeP-I left NJ at 10:00 pm and was checking in to HHI by 10:30. This was my best trip yet and I would always drive to HHI. I was in NC before dawn and the only thing that truly slowed me down was a request from the family for a food break!

Sorry for the late responses. I crashed following my post!

Let me know if you have other questions!