HELP! Staying at DVC on HHI for the first time...

[Brier Rose]

and I know nothing!

Are there different views, and should I request one?
Where are the best places to eat? Has anyone ever done the campfire dinner there on Fri. nights?
What are the most fun things to do?
We booked a two bedroom, what will it have in it, and what should I bring?
Can you check in before offical check in time?

Sorry so many questions. We have never stayed in any DVC at all, or been to HHI, and as you can tell I don't have a clue!

Thanks!

 

[rsschneck]

We just returned late last night.

I will post a trip report later today.

We had a great time!

 

[spiceycat]

I can only answer some of your questions - I was only at HH once

there are different views - the lagoon view, bay view, island view - I think - but this place is much smaller than OKW - so the selection is limited.

yes we did the campfire - but I just don't remember much.

If you like tennis and golf - there is lots to do - it is also close to shopping. It is not on the Ocean side so you have to drive, take their shuttle, ride a bike or walk to the beach.

yes you can definitely check in before time.

 

[Brier Rose]

Thanks ya'll!

rsschneck- can't wait to read that trip report!

 

[TIdoublegaER]

Are there different views, and should I request one? - Marsh view and island view are the majority of the views. Some probably include the marina.

Where are the best places to eat? We have eaten at Kingfisher & Scott's Fish Market (both a 5min or less walk from resort) and enjoyed both. Also recommend Old Oyster Factory.

Has anyone ever done the campfire dinner there on Fri. nights? Not yet, but it looked like a lot of fun.

What are the most fun things to do? It just depends on what you like to do. The resort offers a good variety including kayaking, beach combing, crabbing, shark fishing, etc. There are also plantation tours, horseback riding, dolphin cruises, etc.

We booked a two bedroom, what will it have in it, and what should I bring? You shouldn't need to bring anything extra. The kitchen is fully equiped and the bathroom have a hair dryer, iron, ironing board, vacuum, etc.

Can you check in before offical check in time? Yes, but your room may not be ready. They will give you your room keys and a number to call back to check.

There are also several grocery stores close by as well for shopping. Piggly Wiggly is the closest and you will pass that on your way to the resort. There is also a Bi-Lo, Sam's Club, Publix, and Food Lion, that I know of.

 

[Brier Rose]

Thank-You!

I am now thinking of upgrading to the Grand Villa. We are only staying 2 nights (we're only a 2hour drive away), and it would only cost us an extra $269.00 ($134.00 per night).
Would any of you highly recommend it, over the 2 bedroom?

 

[Candace]

I have not stayed in a Grand Villa there, but I have stayed in the two bedrooms. I was just there two weeks ago in room 1138 - a 2BR lockoff in the lodge building. Don't know if you will be there when fireworks are still being shown on Tuesday nights (summer), but this room was great for viewing from the balcony. They started about 9:00 and it was great watching from that room. Have also stayed in 2BR in buildings 14 and 15, and the marsh view (and fireworks) was great. All the places mentioned above for eating are good, and I would also like to add Captain's Seafood to the list. Not fancy at all, but you can order ahead and do takeout. It is just to the right on 278, after you leave the resort; I think it's by the Red Roof Inn. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

Originally posted by Brier Rose
I am now thinking of upgrading to the Grand Villa.

We stayed in a Grand Villa at HH earlier this month and loved it. I'm not sure when you are planning on vacationing there, but if it is soon, you might have a hard time getting the room, since I think there are only 5 GVs on the entire property. When we made our reservations, I called day by day at the 11 month window to get it...it was well worth it though. If you can get a GV, request the one in building 18. It looks out on the marsh and is the perfect location for watching the fireworks on Tuesday nights.

BTW-I recommend Hudsons, Scotts Fish Market, and The Old Oyster Factory for meals. Also, if you have the time, the Private Affair with Chef Gordon is excellent.
Holly

 

[Disneyaholic]

The resort is small, so IMHO, the location isn't as critical as it is at some other DVC resorts. We prefer the marsh view, but have stayed in several other locations, and none of them has been "bad". Since you're only there for a couple of nights, it's probably not worth worrying about too much.

I'm not sure what you mean by the campfire dinner on Friday nights?? There IS a campfire (usually twice a week), but it's just singing, etc. and s'mores. During the summer months, there is also a BBQ at the resort pool area before the fireworks. There's also a shrimp boil one night during the week, but it's no longer on Friday (too many members check out on Friday, so they weren't able to take advantage of it. )

There are sooo many things to do there, both at the resort and around the island. Ask the resort to fax you a copy of their activity schedule before you go. While the exact activities and times they're offered vary from week to week, it will give you a good idea of wht to expect. There are also all kinds of free activity guides that you can get at check-in, or at grocery stores, etc.

When are you going? That will give us all a little better idea of what you can expect...

 

[Brier Rose]

Thanks Everyone for taking the time to give me such great answers!

We are going the weekend after Labor Day, Sep. 5-7. I guess we would miss the fireworks anyway . That sounds like so much fun!
Oh well, an excuse to have to go back next year.

There will be me,DH, our DD11 and DS 4, my parents, and my sister.
We really don't need the Grand Villa, but I thought it would be nice to be able to spread out, even if only for 2 days. It was available when I called yesterday, but as with all things Disney, that might be a different story now. Guess I should check again before I get my hopes up!

The campfire meal I had mentioned was the Broad Creek Oyster Roast at the Campfire. $29.95 on Fri. nights. Is that the one they cancelled?
I got the info off of WDWIG, but I didn't think to check to see if it was outdated!

 

[Disneyaholic]

The "Broad Creek Oyster Roast" is the one that got moved to a different day of the week. I think it was on Thursday when we were there a few weeks ago. It might go back to Tuesdays after the fireworks are over and they don't have the BBQ any more.

Hey, if the GV is available, I say go for it! With 7 in your room, you'll really appreciate all the room!

 

[RobDoc]

Here is <a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=226883">some information about the HH resort</a> that may also help.

The views are marsh, island or pool. My preference is marsh view, as we've enjoyed watching dolphin feed, sea otters play and manatee swim within easy view- right from out room.

Since the resort is very compact, no buidlings are far from anything there.

If a GV is available, go for it- they are spectacular.

Enjoy!