My parents were
DVC owners for years, and always vacationed with them in Orlando on their points.
However, as a lark we decided to visit HHI on cash (using their DVC discount) and in one 3 day weekend we were HOOKED! Our kids were 4 and 6 at the time. This trip was enough to make my husband decide that we wanted to be DVC owners ourselves (so we could go DVC anywhere, anytime without using my parents points!)
So - after we bought in and realized the next summer that it was very hard to get an August ressie without booking priority, we bought a couple resale contracts at HHI! So, we have vacationed there for a long weekend every August since buying in. Our kids are now 9 and 11.
Both of our kids learned how to ride bikes on those winding paths. We hvae enjoyed the hammocks, playing horseshoes - we have NEVER missed a campfire, and they have enjoyed B'Lou (the resident entertainer) and his stories and magic tricks. My son and husband have played pool in the parlor. They have walked in the marsh with the naturalist, and have made Mickey tie dies, pin boards, fleece pillows and just about every other craft imaginable. We've put them in the weekly "kids night out" on Saturday night so we could have date night.
We went to Hilton Head last weekend and we were planning on staying for 2 nights at the South Beach Inn (next to the Salty Dog Cafe) and not staying at DVC HHI at all. A couple of weeks beforehand I said "what the heck" and cancelled one of our nights at South Beach and picked up one night at HHI. I figured one night was better than no nights. The minute we pulled in and started walking on the paths, under those beautiful trees draped with Spanish Moss, our kids looked at me and said "thank you so much Mom for bringing us here... we're home." I just smiled - that's what it is all about.
I could go on. It's a magical place, unlike anywhere you have probably been. You could call the front desk and ask them to email you the activities sheet so you can get an idea of everything they have planned for their guests. It's as activity-filled or as relaxing a vacation as you want it to be. It is also two resorts in one, with a beautiful wooded marsh retreat, and a bright and cheery beach house with a "H" pool.
Can't say enough great things. Did I mention we will be going back in 3 weeks for Labor Day. I gave the kids the choice between going back to HHI (and we were just there last weekend) or staying in a beachfront room on Jekyll Island. Guess where they chose.
Go, and see it for yourself.
