HH and Orlando in the same trip?

[epicureangirl]

Have you ever split a DVC trip between Orlando and Hilton Head? I would like to hear your opinion on what you think it would be like driving to and spending a week at HH (then doing the return trip back to Orlando to fly out). Would you only split your stay if you flew between Orlando and HH? I have no idea what it is like driving any distance on the East Coast, or what we’d be up against. It really appeals to me to try out HH (or perhaps VB) on our next trip, but I don’t want my family to hate me if we end up in the car for 5 hours each way! Also, would you do either of these destinations in December?

Thanks.

 

[DizkneeDenna]

My hubby and I are in fact driving to Orlando this December for 6 nights and stopping at Hilton Head on the way home for 4 nights.

We are going with family - sister-in-law, her hubby and our two nephews. They live in North Carolina and are driving seprately.

We live in Arlington, VA (1 mile from D.C.). We did think about flying to Orlando, then renting a car and driving to HH - then drive back to Orlando and fly home. To be honest, I still like that idea, but hubby decided he wanted to drive the whole way! Sooooo that's what we are doing.

By the way, this is not the first time we have split a stay between WDW and HH. We love them both. We really like HH at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The drive between Orlando and Hilton Head is very easy - 5 hours is about what it takes if you don't make too many stops.

Hope this helps,

Denna

 

[epicureangirl]

We really like HH at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The drive between Orlando and Hilton Head is very easy - 5 hours is about what it takes if you don't make too many stops.

Hope this helps,

Denna

Fantastic, I was hoping it would be nice at Christmas. Five hours can be pretty tough with a toddler, not that a flight is any picnic!

 

[simzac]

I assume you are going to WDW before HHI. If so, why not fly into Orlando, drive to HHI, then fly home from Savanah. We are doing the opposite somewhat on our trip coming up Dec 30th. Flying into SAV, going to HHI for 2 nights, driving to VBR for 2 nights, then 3 night cruise, then flying home from Orlando. Mapquest says it's a 6 hour trip from HHI to VBR. Good luck with your planning.

 

[rlduvall]

We are doing this exact thing in mid-October. We are flying in and going to Universal for 3 nights and then driving to HH for 3 nights. My DH insisted and it's the least I can do since he lets me control all the vacations. It appears to be about a 5 1/2 - 6 hour drive to HH. We are going to leave Orlando early, drive to St. Augustine and tour around a little - have lunch, then drive on to HH and yes, our return flight is back in Orlando at 6:50 p.m. Most of our driving vacations are like 16-18 hour days on the road. This seems like a piece of cake to me.

 

[Disney Doll]

In April we flew to Savannah to attend a Marine Graduation at Parris Island. HH is not far from Parris Island. We then drove to WDW for a few days and flew home from Orlando. The drive from HH to Orlando was fine...a straight shot and quite easy...took about 5-6 hours.

 

[CarolA]

Another option...

Fly into Orlando and out of Jacksonville.

This avoids the high rental car drop fees for taking a car to GA and leaving it and Jacksonville is only a few hours from HH.

I spent a lot of time on HHI as a child and to be honest, I am not a fan of December. Depends on what you want to do, but it can be cold and the beach is not enjoyable in December IMHO.

 

[epicureangirl]

I assume you are going to WDW before HHI. If so, why not fly into Orlando, drive to HHI, then fly home from Savanah.

The trip can occur in any order as it is not for this December (I'm planning for 2008). I am in Canada, but would likely be flying out of Seattle, WA (and I'm not really sure what flights are direct and what connections would be involved for Savannah). Also, I don't know how much a drop-off fee is for a car rental, or the additional cost of booking my flight with one-way fares instead of round-trip. I would have to weigh those costs against the inconvenience of returning to Orlando. There's 4 of us, including a toddler that doesn't like sitting still for too long. Saving that 5 hour drive though -- the cost may be well worth it!

 

[epicureangirl]

Another option... Fly into Orlando and out of Jacksonville.

This avoids the high rental car drop fees for taking a car to GA and leaving it and Jacksonville is only a few hours from HH.

I thought there were drop fees for ANY location that was not the one your rented from. If it is per-state, I will certainly consider that, thanks!

I am not a fan of December. Depends on what you want to do, but it can be cold and the beach is not enjoyable in December IMHO.

What time would you suggest? I am not a big sun-worshipper and want a comfortable temperature for touring the parks. However, it would be nice for the kids if they could hang out on the beach and spend time outdoors.

 

[Lexxiefern]

We did this combo before. Like another poster, we flew into orlando, spent 5 nights at SSR then did the drive to HH and flew home out of Savannah. It was pretty easy. I don't know how the weather is in Dec (I know it says I live in SC, but I just moved here ) but it is definately doable.

 

[Duckieluckey]

We are driving to HH on Sunday Oct 12 where we will stay for five nights. Then we are going to the Beach Club from the 12th to the 19th. Will anyone else be there?