Driving time - WNY to HH

[mittelst]

In my continuing quest researching DVC (I don't own yet - have been to OKWx2 and BCV and enjoyed them both!), I'd like to visit HH. I'm hoping this would be a destination where I could shave a few $$ off the vacation cost - mainly by driving instead of flying/rental car.

Has anyone here driven from western NY (Rocheser/Buffalo) to HH? Yahoo maps lists it at about 1000 miles, with a travel time of 15 hours. Can this drive be done in a day? Keep in mind that currently I would be the sole driver on this trip.

Here's my current theory - If the drive from WNY to HH is reasonable, then I could purchase HH points on the resale market, giving me the 11-month window for scheduling summer vacations at HH. It appears people have little problem getting OKW at the 7-month mark (I currently have no plans to visit WDW in the busy Christmas and Easter seasons), so I could easily use my points at OKW for WDW visits. So I could alternate vacations between summer at HH one year, then a WDW visit the following year.

Any opinons are appreciated!

 

[TW1]

First things second.

We bought HHI for some of the same reasons. Besides loving the place, we wanted the 11 month window for summers in HHI. So far, we have always been able to get a 7 month ressie at either OKW or BCV.

As far as the drive, we can make it from just west of Philly to HHI in 13 hours. This is a straight through drive for two drivers taking gas/bathroom/take-out food breaks as needed. Honestly, your drive looks more like 19 hours to me, but well worth it!

Good luck.

 

[klh]

Thats why I bought HH. I live in NJ 11 hours and no air fair. A nice break from WDW. And when the kids get older a place for the family or just me and the wife etc. Lower maintanace cost also.

 

[xterratri]

It's not necessarily going to be much cheaper/better to drive. Southwest from Buffalo to Savannah can have VERY reasonable rates. HHI is really quite nice.

 

[Kathy2130]

Driving from Hornell (1 hr south of Rochester) to HH is something we do quite often. We will be making the roughly 14 hr trip again in June - and believe me we can't wait! The first 2 trips we did overnight (my husband worked nights at the time so it was no problem). I slept part of the way, then my husband slept a few hours in the car when we got there - our room unfortunately was not ready.

When we go in June, we will drive 3/4 of the way and then stay overnight. This way we will only have a few hour drive in the a.m. and my husband will be able to enjoy our first day. All that said, we absolutely love HH. After staying there in 2002 in a 2 bedroom during a promotion where we met a DVC rep, we were sold. This will be our first trip in the summer (done Feb, March and Nov.)and are really looking forward to the warm weather.

Although we did buy at the resort we most wanted to stay at, we also have used our points twice to stay at OKW at the 7mo mark. This has worked very well for us. Good luck in whatever you decide!

Kathy

*Almost forgot! My 7 year old son likes HH better than WDW!

 

[Pluto4Pres]

You should post this over on the transportation board. There are a lot of road warriors over there. I'm sure they'll have some good tips.

My .02 worth... Our personal record for one day is 17 hrs., CT to Jacksonville, FL. That was tough and we had 3 drivers! I looked over on mapquest and it lists Rochester to HH at 977 miles and 15 hrs. 50 mins. So you're looking at a similar trip with one driver.

I would recommend (At least on the trip down) doing 75 to 80% the first day, grabbing a cheap room and then finishing the trip early on day 2. That way you'll be in better shape at check in (Does HH use "Room Ready?") and feel better on your first day at the resort. When I looked at the map, 75 to 80% seems to fall in the area between Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC. There should be plenty of rooms available in that area.

We've made numerous trips from CT to Myrtle Beach, SC, (About 13-15 hrs depending on traffic), and we like the 80/20 method the best. Now on the way home the "Homing Pigeon Syndrome" seems to take over and we always end up driving straight through. When you get that close you just gotta keep going and get home.

Good luck!

 

[mittelst]

Thanks Kathy2130 and Pluto4Pres - the 80-20 rule sounds good. I didn't want to eat up 2 days travelling, but as a solo driver, it might be the least stressful ( and safer) way to go. I'd probably do the same on the way back, but make it 20-80. I'd stay at HH until 2 or 3pm (can you use the pool and such after checkout, like at WDW?), then drive about 5 hrs. I'd then take the next day for the big drive.

Our school system has a small break at the beginning of Nov. for a "superintendants conference". That might be when I shoot for going. I know it won't be pool-lounging weather, but it should be great for bike riding and beach combing.

 

[mittelst]

bump bump bump

 

[Sammie]

Yes you can use the pool etc after you check out. I definitely would not try it in one day by yourself, or for that matter even with 2 drivers. For one thing you are going to arrive so late that you are literally going to just fall in the bed and probably sleep the next morning late.

I would do the 80/20 or 75/25 and get there early enough to actually enjoy the resort and the area and be rested. You can find some very reasonable, but clean places to stay along the way.

 

[patsal]

I make it to WDW in 19 hours from Buffalo, so I don't think it shoudl take 19 to get to HH.

 

[lisareniff]

Can't help you with the drive time (can't imagine driving w/kids!)...

but wanted to say 'Hi' to a fellow Rochesterian!


Were from Honeoye Falls!