HHI - a poor excuse

[DisDaydreamer]

Ms.Mouse I think I mis-quoted the label. It is called "Report Bad Post" and I now believe it is to be used to report a bad post (maybe a naughty post). Anyway it is an icon that you see on other's posts, not your own as it was pointed out to me you wouldn't report your own bad post.

 

[princessesrule4]

It sounds like you should have done some research on the resort before you left. You could have found out that there were no bell services,character breakfasts,limited food service hours - because there are so many good restaurants within walking distance- very easily by calling the resort or reading posts on this board. A call to maintenance would probably have fixed the problem with the door. I'm confused as to why you would think HHI would compare to a WDW DVC resort when it is not at WDW!

 

[Conan the Librarian]

I seem to remember Bambi and Thumper greeting me at the front door at HHI. THen there was the campfire party where I got to dance like Tinkerbell.

The trick to Disney is that it is only as fun as what you bring inside you. The magic only works if both you and the CMs work together.

We were lucky in that we signed up for a one room suite and got an upgrade to a two. It was funny in that there was just me and my wife so we kind of got lost in the size of the room.

It did concern me that that door was broken though.

A Home Away from Home indeed.

 

[rinkwide]

...The trick to Disney is that it is only as fun as what you bring inside you...

I think they ought to make up stickers with the above saying and slap one on the chest of every person who enters a Disney resort or theme park.

 

[bigsmooth]

I think they ought to make up stickers with the above saying and slap one on the chest of every person who enters a Disney resort or theme park.

They could have some fun with that in the "Alien" section of the Great Movie Ride at the Studios.

 

[MycatlovesEeyore]

Thanks for the responses both in agreement and disagreement.

There are some clarigfications I would like to make however:

When I say the theming just was not there, I mean the over-all theming, including the cast-members: None that I met during the stay seemed very "Disney-like" They all looked pretty much like any staff you would see at any hotel/motel/resort. There was no "welcome home" just sort of lackadaisical.

There were no high chairs at the snack-bar by the pool. Can you get less child friendly than that?

As for biking to the local restaurants, kids aged three and one cannot easily do that (especially in the narrow streets and parking areas around the resort.

As for Snooty-ville that pertains mainly to Harbour Town and its "lighthouse" You mean I have to pay $5 to drive down to show my daughters the lighthouse? And then pay again to walk up the stairs? Any place that charges me to shop there without any cost benefit to me qualifies as snooty.

And yes we did walk around to the other side of the marina in hopes of catching a show by Shannon? where the kids could dance and sing but arrived to find that there was no show that night.

We did both of these at the suggestion of a castmember and were disaapointed with both outcomes.

As for the "chip on the shoulder" remark, I have lived in North Carolina my entire life, and I have visited more than a few beach resorts, both snooty and not. I went in with an open mind and was sorely disappointed.

 

[DVCLiz]

Oh, well, to each his own. We were there the same week and had a marvelous time, as always.

Kingfisher's and Scott's are literally right across the bridge from Disney's HH, and there are plenty of delivery options as well. Plus, you had a studio so you had some cooking facilities. As others have said, there are valid reasons HH doesn't have on-site dining after 4 or 5pm - any research prior to your arrival could have told you this.

Noise is something I haven't experienced at HH, but I've never stayed in a studio before. I have stayed in a 1BR in the Lodge, and found it quiet and peaceful, but I was there in September, and it wasn't a crowded time. I expect anyone could have had the same noise issues staying at WDW - we certainly read enough posts from poeple who were disturbed in any number of ways at the Disney DVC resorts.

Maintenance issues are unacceptable, but if you aren't satified with the response, it's your responsibilty to continue to call until the issue is resolved to your satisfaction.

It would have cost you $2.00 to climb the lighthouse, had you made the effort and paid the $5.00 to get in HarborTown. We spent our last evening there, and despite the $5.00, we had a lovely time. We ate dinner at the Quarterdeck restaurant, right under and beside the lighthouse, and had a beautiful view of the water and the boats coming and going. It was well worth the five bucks, in my opinion. While we waited for our table, we listened to a singer on the patio and enjoyed the lively night scene.

Sorry you had a bad trip - we obviously have different opinions, but that's what's nice about DVC - lots of options to please everyone!!! We'll continue our HH summer trip for the next 36 years - and I'm looking forward to all of them!!!

 

[RobDoc]

There are some clarigfications I would like to make however:

When I say the theming just was not there, I mean the over-all theming, including the cast-members: None that I met during the stay seemed very "Disney-like" They all looked pretty much like any staff you would see at any hotel/motel/resort. There was no "welcome home" just sort of lackadaisical.

Sorry you missed getting a "Welcome Home". We were there a week ago and were on the receiving end of too many to count. Many here have complained about similar lack of "Welcome Home" at most of the other DVC resorts- so it's apparently not unique to just one. It's also too bad you missed the Low Country theming for the resort including Big Murgies Den (look for the photo of Walt and the trophy cup found at a SC flea market), the Hidden Mickey's in several of the paintings (both hanging in the Den and also in the prints in the villas), the Hidden Mickey's in the landscaping and in the themed decorations on the buildings themselves and the more typical programs (some found at other DVC resorts) which have been themed for the HH atmosphere. Things like "Low Country" cooking classes, "Behind the Ears" tour, "Ghost Stories", the "Low COuntry Shrimp Boil" (including authentic music) and even the Magic Show includes music typical of the Low Country theme. I'm not sure what theming exists at the "other" hotel/motel/resorts you mention, but the Disney resort certainly has a well defined, well intentioned, consistent theme.

There were no high chairs at the snack-bar by the pool. Can you get less child friendly than that?

Again, sorry you missed the fact that there are four picnic tables at the snack-bar by the pool (you can't get much more child friendly than that) and highchairs are available just by asking.

As for biking to the local restaurants, kids aged three and one cannot easily do that (especially in the narrow streets and parking areas around the resort.

Bikes, with child seats, are available right at the recreation center (located right at the pool). They may be easily rented for short periods or length of stay.

As for Snooty-ville that pertains mainly to Harbour Town and its "lighthouse" You mean I have to pay $5 to drive down to show my daughters the lighthouse? And then pay again to walk up the stairs? Any place that charges me to shop there without any cost benefit to me qualifies as snooty.

Yes, Hilton Head is divided into several Plantations- each with their own restrictions. You couldn't have gotten into the Palmetto Dunes beach area either unless you were a resident or had a pass from the resort. Sea Pines residents and guests don't have to pay a fee to enter that secured area and the lighthouse is an area attraction with it's own entry fee - sort of like a Theme Park. The charges to go to those attractions certainly have nothing to do with the Disney resort. There are lots of other places to shop at HH and I can't think of any others that have any charges besides the ones you happened to choose.

And yes we did walk around to the other side of the marina in hopes of catching a show by Shannon? where the kids could dance and sing but arrived to find that there was no show that night.

Shannon Tanner puts on a wonderful family show where the children in the audience are welcome to participate. Too bad you were there on a night when he wasn't performing. However, by walking to the theater where he performs, you may not be aware that you walked right past four dining options along the way and were less than 50 yards from two other restaurants. No need to even ride a bike or drive when they are that close. Glad your children were able to get to that location safely.

As for the "chip on the shoulder" remark, I have lived in North Carolina my entire life, and I have visited more than a few beach resorts, both snooty and not. I went in with an open mind and was sorely disappointed.

Sorry your expectations weren't met.

 

[JPC]

Went kayaking this morning. Whew, what a workout. We lucked out and there were several dolphins who swam right by us, less than 10 feet away at some times. I walked up to the booth last night and they were giving discounts because of the new booth (opposite side of harbor by Marriott I believe). $25 for a great 2 hour workout and dolphins. I wish I had a fishing pole (not for Flipper!) for the tons of fish by the "spartina" grass.

One lady 10 minutes into the trip got dizzy. She drank no water before the trip.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

It's been 2 years since I stayed there but ... Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't there dining nearby no farther away than for some units of SSR or OKW?

And too bad the CM's didn't send you to the information center instead. They have interesting displays and its free.

I also have to add I didn't find the CM's to be especially Disneyified...not surprising since HHI is an outpost and most employees have to be imported from the mainland. But I don't see this as being any different from any other resort on the island.

 

[princessesrule4]

Thanks for the responses both in agreement and disagreement.

There are some clarigfications I would like to make however:

When I say the theming just was not there, I mean the over-all theming, including the cast-members: None that I met during the stay seemed very "Disney-like" They all looked pretty much like any staff you would see at any hotel/motel/resort. There was no "welcome home" just sort of lackadaisical.

There were no high chairs at the snack-bar by the pool. Can you get less child friendly than that?

As for biking to the local restaurants, kids aged three and one cannot easily do that (especially in the narrow streets and parking areas around the resort.

As for Snooty-ville that pertains mainly to Harbour Town and its "lighthouse" You mean I have to pay $5 to drive down to show my daughters the lighthouse? And then pay again to walk up the stairs? Any place that charges me to shop there without any cost benefit to me qualifies as snooty.

And yes we did walk around to the other side of the marina in hopes of catching a show by Shannon? where the kids could dance and sing but arrived to find that there was no show that night.

We did both of these at the suggestion of a castmember and were disaapointed with both outcomes.

As for the "chip on the shoulder" remark, I have lived in North Carolina my entire life, and I have visited more than a few beach resorts, both snooty and not. I went in with an open mind and was sorely disappointed.

I can't believe we were even at the same resort! We were there 2 weeks ago and there were highchairs at both restaurants and the castmembers there are some of the most hardworking,multitasking CM's we've encountered! What do you mean "they looked like any staff at any hotel/motel/resort" What were you expecting them to look like? Again - research !!! Had you done some you would have found out that HHI is modeled after a fishing lodge! Please tell me that you could see that theming! Again, you need to go to WDW to get WDW theming!

 

[CarolA]

We love the resort and the Island.

The off site dining was a condition of the resort being built in the first place. The marina didn't exist until Disney developed the property. The only way Disney was allowed to proceed with the construction was the marina development and the contigency of no onsite restaurants, because the area restaurants would be negatively affected.

We'll be there, loving the place, sitting next to Wolfpackfan at the fish boil.

I could be wrong, but having been going to HH for years I think the marina predates DVC.

 

[MycatlovesEeyore]

I can't believe we were even at the same resort! We were there 2 weeks ago and there were highchairs at both restaurants and the castmembers there are some of the most hardworking,multitasking CM's we've encountered! What do you mean "they looked like any staff at any hotel/motel/resort" What were you expecting them to look like? Again - research !!! Had you done some you would have found out that HHI is modeled after a fishing lodge! Please tell me that you could see that theming! Again, you need to go to WDW to get WDW theming!

We did research as much as we could, this was a last minute trip to use points that would expire otherwise. For instance there are no "restaurants" at Diney's HHI. All we heard was how wonderful the resort was. We found that pretty much it was a typical beach resort with very little Disney quality. Disney should stick with what it does best and not copy the neighbors as they did with HHI.

As for the cast-members, they appeared as if they were in the daily grind instead of a "Disney Resort" just not the cheerful sort I was expecting.

As I said, I was disappointed with the experience and noone is forcing me to go back. To those who love it, that is fine.

I consider it a lesson well learned and I will stick to DisneyWorld where disney sets the standard not follows it.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We've stayed in both a 1 BR and a studio at HH (yes, a 1 BR even with "only" 2 people) and I'll agree that the first floor studios can be very noisy. Ours was, due to people walking/stomping around above us. And describing HHI as "snooty-ville"-I got a big chuckle out of that one! I'll bet TPTB at HHI would love to hear themselves described as "snooty". They work very hard for that distinction. That being said, I LOVE HHI!

 

[cgcw]

We just returned from Hilton Head for our 6th summer. HH is so unlike WDW which is what makes it so appealing to my family.

We don't participate in a lot of the activities offered by the resort -- through our own choosing. We have in the past, but now our kids are more interested in doing their own thing. And, do their own thing they do. We did see many people enjoying what the resort had to offer.

If given a choice between HH & WDW, my family would chose HH in a heart beat. It's not WDW --- again the biggest draw for all of us. While we love WDW, we also look forward to our week of relaxing at HH every year. We have a blast and look forward to continuing our yearly visits for the next 30+ years.


As for the maintenance issues, I would not have been happy either having small children who I felt were unsafe. But, I have a story to share about the maintenance at HH. Friday night, a storm was brewing and I happened to see one of the maintenance men who has worked at the resort for as long as I can remember. We started chit chatting and I mentioned I noticed he had fixed one of the boards on the pier. We had seen him walking down it with a big, long piece of lumber. So, I said, I saw where he had fixed the one board but he had missed the area with the screw that needed to be re-drilled in. He said he didn't have any idea there was one lose and where was it. Sure enough, the next day, the board was re-screwed back into place. It didn't take a call to have it done, it was just something that he knew had to be taken care of. I'd say that's pretty good turn around, IMO.

I'm sorry the resort wasn't to your liking but I agree with the others. It seems as if your research was a bit lacking. I hope your future stays are more to your liking and you have all the information you need before hand in order for it to be a magical vacation.

 

[RobDoc]

I could be wrong, but having been going to HH for years I think the marina predates DVC.

Yep, the Shelter Cove Marina was there long before Disney purchased Longview Island. We've been going to HH for over 25 years and purchased an add-on there in 1995. During the "tour" (there were no models at that time- but we were taken to the near side of the marina next to the Harbourmaster to see the foundations being poured) we took in March, 1995 the marina was definitely already there and filled with boats.

 

[Dean]

It's no secret I feel DVC HH is below the other DVC resorts and several other timeshares on HH island, but it's a very nice resort overall. Some of your issues were easily known prior to your trip and reservation if you had done some light investigation. Sea Pines is unique, they do value themselves maybe a little too much. But given the number of people that are willing to pay the $5, who's to say. If you decide to go back, consider maybe staying at Marriott's Grande Ocean or a private rental on the beach. Man come with plantation access including Sea Pines. GO comes with Sea Pines access even though it is outside the gates.

 

[Disneyaholic]

Perhaps if you had taken the time to enjoy all the resort has to offer (I didn't see any mention of the campfires, kids' activities, B'lou Crabbe's offerings), you might have been able to see that the Cast Members at the Hilton Head resort are some of the best you will find. They truly make an effort to get to know the guests and to ensure that you have a great stay. But in order to know that, the guest has to make an effort as well.

 

[LVSWL]

WOW!!!! I was thinking about going to HH at some point next year BUT.... I don't know now.....
It wouldn't bother me that it doesn't have the "Disney theming" because it's in the Carolinas.... NOT WDW!!! It would be just another nice change to relax in a place that you would expect to have the "Disney Clean and Kept Up" though (which it doesn't sound like that is being done). In fact, that is why I would reconsider.... No food after 5 on premises!!!! What if you don't feel like getting into a car whether or not you like the surrounding areas???? And what about putting someone into a room that needed maintenance????? NOT RIGHT!!! I would have complained about that.... Get in and fix those doors NOW!!!! Points are $$$$ too!!!!!

Oh well, that's just my opinion... Now I'm going to sit back and watch the "snooty-ville" vs "non-snooty-ville" fights take place

Don't let this stop you. HH is wonderful. We go as often as we can and have not had these kind of problems. We once had one little issue with our room and called the front desk and maintenance was at our door in 5 minutes. Our second stay my son and I were upgraded from a studio to a 2 bedroom. The Cast Members are some of the friendliest of all of the DVC properties. We usually eat some meals in our villa at HH. The one and two bdrm have full kitchens and it's wonderful to come back from the beach or the pool and cook some fresh shrimp or some spaghetti and settle in for the night. But there are several great restaurants right across the bridge that you can walk or ride your bike(5minutes) to if you want without driving and many more on the island and there are entire threads on the DIS dedicated to this subject. Sorry this person had a bad experience, but most of us LOVE Hilton Head and can't wait to go back. Some of our kids prefer it over the parks at times.

 

[Sammie]

Maybe your problems began with the thought that Hilton Head is "snooty-ville". We love Hilton Head and the resort. You do list some valid issues but now would change my mind about either. As for seeing Disney stuff, there were little Mickey's on the name badges.

My thoughts exactly, after the snooty-ville comment I figured no way was this one going to appreciate all the Island has to offer.

Did they remove the Disney topiaries at the front entrance?