Been a while since I've been to HH - a few questions

[mouseclick1]

We are heading to HH for the first week in April but staying at a condo in the Coligny Beach area. Because I LOVE Disney's HH and know I would miss it terribly if I couldn't stop in there, I booked a 2-BR at Disney for one night of our stay. I am seriously a little more excited about this one night than the rest of our week in an ocean front condo!

We have not been to HH in about 10 years, so I do have a few questions:
1. Has HH switched to Magic Bands yet or still the key cards?
2. Can I use the Disney gift cards at the resort?
3. What night of the week is the shrimp boil?
4. Any tips for someone who has been multiple times but not for a while? We will be a party of four 50ish adults, 2 mid-20's adults, and 3 teens.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions that might help us out!

 

[DisneyfromDeland]

We just got back yesterday and I can answer a couple of questions.

1) No magic bands. They still use key cards.
2) Yes, you can use gift cards. We did.
3) They did not have the shrimp boil last week, so I'm not sure when that starts up.

 

[quinnc19]

You could drop by a couple days early and ask for the activity schedule for your days (I've done that and the CMs are super nice). There is a shopping center very close to the resort that has been remodeled with a new marsh park, shops, restaurants, etc. It's fun to ride bikes there.

 

[Judique]

We are heading to HH for the first week in April but staying at a condo in the Coligny Beach area. Because I LOVE Disney's HH and know I would miss it terribly if I couldn't stop in there, I booked a 2-BR at Disney for one night of our stay. I am seriously a little more excited about this one night than the rest of our week in an ocean front condo!

We have not been to HH in about 10 years, so I do have a few questions:
1. Has HH switched to Magic Bands yet or still the key cards?
2. Can I use the Disney gift cards at the resort?
3. What night of the week is the shrimp boil?
4. Any tips for someone who has been multiple times but not for a while? We will be a party of four 50ish adults, 2 mid-20's adults, and 3 teens.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions that might help us out!

Suggestions that might help you out: Don't forget to use the DVC resort discount if you happen to go to any of the restaurants where it is offered. Also, Disney will call ahead for you at some of its featured spots...this was a lifesaver at one popular location during high season.

Eat a mickey bar. Buy merchandise on Wednesdays when they have 10% off....at least they did last year.

Have breakfast at the Tide Me Over and order the banana bread french toast meal to share.

Buy a refillable mug for a Souvenir and use it often when you get home to remind you of South Carolina and Hilton Head and Disney.

Take a walk on the pier and look over the railing for fiddler crabs. Watch the kids catching crabs. Play some basketball with the teens. They might actually let you at HH.

Do some bird watching around the resort and get some pics of the big ole Live Oak - just don't park under it!

Admire and dream as you stroll along the pier where all the expensive yachts are moored.

Walk across the bridge and have dinner at one of the little places - I like the Italian place they have for some simple food.

Catch the sunrise on the beach!

Get some cookies and lemonade at check in right at 3pm. 301 is too late - cookies are gone!

Catch a campfire and roast a marshmallow for smores. Sing along and have a good time with the CM"s, captive fathers and kids! Or arrive just in time to line up and skip the kitsch.

Talk to the CM's and enjoy them - they are always the best!

We'll be dropping in for July 4th week. Can't wait!

 

[DisneyfromDeland]

They will email you the current activity calendar if you call. I phoned the week before and got the current activity calendar. Call on Sunday during the week of your stay and they can email you the one for the week you will be there. I just used the previous week's calendar as a guide.

 

[Conan the Librarian]

Other things for us 50+ folks.

Biking the island. There are some great places to go. There is a very interesting park behind the Kroger/Whole Food shopping area that could be explored.

Pinckney Island. A great walk/bike ride area.

If you golf, there is great golf on HHI.

There is a community theater in walking distance from the resort. Check for shows.

Day trip to Beaufort/Parris Island. Make sure you go to the Marine Museum on Parris Island. It's a must.

Day trip to Savannah. Everyone will enjoy this. Food, drink, Ft Pulaski, the revolutionary war battlefield, movie locations. We have it all here.

Come on down!

 

[mouseclick1]

Thanks to everyone for the great info!