HH question

[buzz5985]

My parents recently visited HH. They were nice enough to check out Disney HH for me, and get the maps, schedules etc. But they also told me that most if HH Island is gated and you aren't allowed in certain areas? They were also told not to travel at night, that they would get too confused?!. Granted my parents are elderly (70), but they did complain about parking in Harbour Town etc. Any info would be appreciated. I'm hoping it's just my parents not liking to walk/bike/get exericise LOL

 

[cgcw]

We tried once to park at the lighthouse at Harbour Town and won't again. We find it's much easier to park in the public lot down the way from Harbour Town and take the trolley car to and from the parking area. We've only gone to HH in July when the crowds may be heavier but I think even off season this would be a little easier.
There are ALOT of gated communities in HH where you can't just drive in to "sight see". In fact, Harbour Town itself is located in an area where tourist have to pay $5.00 to enter. Even the beach access from Disney HH resort is in a gated area which you need a parking pass from Disney in order to access. We have rode our bikes to the beach with no problem. I don't know about other gated communities and whether you would be able to ride bikes into there.
As for driving in the dark, the stores are set back from the road and could be hard to find. Signs are also nuetral colors and do not stand out. This could be why your parents were discouraged from driving at night.
None of the above have discouraged us from HH. We love it there and plan to spend time there ever summer.

 

[Laurabearz]

Being a big city gal with all the street lights and neon signs I did find HH a bit confussing esp when looking for a McDonald (even in the day time!) But the Island itself has one main road (is it 278?) That kinda loops around so getting lost really isnt much of an issue........

We never made it to Harbour town so I cant comment on that..... Just one more reason for us to go back.

I would really think about driving at night in the rain... The roads can FILL will water and that makes driving in the rain difficult even in the day time........

Go...... enjoy........ have fun...... It was a great vacation!

If you like, PM me and I will share my photos of our trip there with you (all 173 of them LOL) You will see what a grand time our family had!

 

[BobH]

Your parents are correct the island was carved up by a couple developers and the whole place is gated communities with security checkpoints except maybe the northern third of the island where the locals live. This being said you can access Sea Pines as CGCW said by paying a fee. You can access Palmetto Dunes because DVC gives you a pass to get to the Disney Beach House inside Palmetto Dunes. You are free to ride bikes almost anywhere even though communities are gated. I understand the there are hotels inside some of the gated communities along the beach. Security gates will let you in if you say you are going to dinner or are visiting the hotel. So there is access even though there are gates. I think there are about 5 communities on the Island. Parking at Harbor Town was OK last week of May but I can see where you might have to take the shuttle from the main gate during summertime. The website below shows a map of the island with the different colors representing the various gated communities:

http://www.wheretogohiltonhead.net

 

[buzz5985]

Thanks for all the replies. The idea of a gated community didn't really bother me, I was just curious. I'm from MA and there aren't many gated communities that I know of around here. The whole concept fascinates me.

 

[BobH]

I too was intrigued by the set up of gated communities. I suppose they help set the standard for what is permitted for housing. It is a little strange when you see them for the first time. It is a little like the feeling you get entering a military base. In all practical reality I think the gates only control how people enter and leave with their vehicles. I think they give a false sense of security to the inhabitants. Vero Beach area has a few gated communities as well but at Hilton Head this is the primary layout of the whole place.