HHI Hilton Head Questions - First Timer

[iheartjily]

This board is always so knowledgeable. We recently went to Vero and now we have an upcoming trip to Disney’s Hilton Head.

It will be our first time at this location. We rented points from this awesome board and have a studio room! We definitely want to be high up - but wanted to know what buildings were best to request for a studio?

We will have 2 teenage girls 14/15 and will be there in the beginning of October for a long weekend and would LOVE any suggestions on activities, excursions, or dining that anyone may have.

Our girls are adventurous - willing to try anything once - so throw out your favorites so we can make this trip amazing.

One of the girls is obsessed with sharks so anything you have pertaining to them is a bonus!

Also the no-see-ums took us by surprise at Vero so please let me know if HHI is the same so I can be better than prepared on this trip! My fault for doing 0 research for that trip and winging it the entire time!!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort (DHHIR) has a facebook page, and someone just posted on it today that the studio they were in had the best view. I remember it was #1124-the 11 represents the main lodge, 2 means second floor. Personally, I prefer the top floor, which would be #1134 for a similar view. I haven't been to the island in the summer, so I don't know about no-see-ums there, nor do I know anything about sharks there. However, I have seen dolphins from the fishing pier, behind the main lodge, and from building #31 (but there are no studios there). Building #18 has a studio and a beautiful marsh view, but it's on the first floor, which can get footstep noise from above.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort (DHHIR) has a facebook page, and someone just posted on it today that the studio they were in had the best view. I remember it was #1124-the 11 represents the main lodge, 2 means second floor. Personally, I prefer the top floor, which would be #1134 for a similar view. I haven't been to the island in the summer, so I don't know about no-see-ums there, nor do I know anything about sharks there. However, I have seen dolphins from the fishing pier, behind the main lodge, and from building #31 (but there are no studios there). Building #18 has a studio and a beautiful marsh view, but it's on the first floor, which can get footstep noise from above.

We saw a dolphin outside Building 31 two weeks ago. We had a 2-BR in Building 29 and had walked down to the rock "beach." With that said, if I were staying in a studio, I would not request that side of the resort. The only studios there are under GVs. I've never been under one, but I've heard they are noisy.

This board is always so knowledgeable. We recently went to Vero and now we have an upcoming trip to Disney’s Hilton Head.

It will be our first time at this location. We rented points from this awesome board and have a studio room! We definitely want to be high up - but wanted to know what buildings were best to request for a studio?

We will have 2 teenage girls 14/15 and will be there in the beginning of October for a long weekend and would LOVE any suggestions on activities, excursions, or dining that anyone may have.

Our girls are adventurous - willing to try anything once - so throw out your favorites so we can make this trip amazing.

One of the girls is obsessed with sharks so anything you have pertaining to them is a bonus!

Also the no-see-ums took us by surprise at Vero so please let me know if HHI is the same so I can be better than prepared on this trip! My fault for doing 0 research for that trip and winging it the entire time!!!

I agree with Simba's Mom about being on the top floor. I would not request a certain room. Instead, I would request top floor, marsh view (in the order of importance for you).

I don't know about no-see-ums, but something bit my DSs at night while they were fishing. Definitely bring insect repellent. I did, but my DSs are stubborn and didn't use it. We did a shark fishing excursions many years ago. I don't remember which charter we used. They are very popular, so if you Google it, you will find lots.

We have never paddle boarded, but if your DDs are adventurous, they might like it.

I think you will fall in LOVE with HHI. We also tried Vero, and there is no comparison. We will never go back to Vero, but we go to HHI once or twice/year. Have fun!

 

[iheartjily]

We saw a dolphin outside Building 31 two weeks ago. We had a 2-BR in Building 29 and had walked down to the rock "beach." With that said, if I were staying in a studio, I would not request that side of the resort. The only studios there are under GVs. I've never been under one, but I've heard they are noisy.



I agree with Simba's Mom about being on the top floor. I would not request a certain room. Instead, I would request top floor, marsh view (in the order of importance for you).

I don't know about no-see-ums, but something bit my DSs at night while they were fishing. Definitely bring insect repellent. I did, but my DSs are stubborn and didn't use it. We did a shark fishing excursions many years ago. I don't remember which charter we used. They are very popular, so if you Google it, you will find lots.

We have never paddle boarded, but if your DDs are adventurous, they might like it.

I think you will fall in LOVE with HHI. We also tried Vero, and there is no comparison. We will never go back to Vero, but we go to HHI once or twice/year. Have fun!

its interesting you say that about Vero because we said the same thing!!! My favorite place to date is Aulani. I would live at that resort if I could.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

its interesting you say that about Vero because we said the same thing!!! My favorite place to date is Aulani. I would live at that resort if I could.

We haven't made it to Aulani yet. We had planned on maybe going in 2020 but something told me to not plan it for that year. And then Covid hit. We will get there eventually. Until then, we are content going to HHI.

 

[sleepydog25]

HHI and VB are two different vacations. For the latter, you have to love the beach and plan to be out on it for hours on end (or at the resort pool), as well as planning to drive a fair distance to eat any really good seafood or local establishments. Some people love the vibe at Vero, and I get it though it's not really my style.

Conversely, DHHIR isn't strictly a beach location as the resort sits 1.5 miles away from the ocean. As you likely know from your research, the resort operates a Beach House, and it is easily accessible via the resort shuttle, driving your own vehicle, biking, or even walking. The Beach House is currently open 9-7 and has Surfman's Sand Bar where you can order light finger foods (think sandwiches, fries, chicken strips), beverages (alcoholic and non), and Dole whips. The food and drink options are only available 11-3. There is no slide there, and seating is never a problem--while there are only about 40 deck chairs, there are 15-16 tables situated near the pool with 3-4 chairs at each, so there is plenty of room. Now, when you visit in October, my best guess is the Beach House will move the hours to 9-5, possibly even 10-5.

Further, HHI has more things to do outside of the beach or pools than VB. Tours, kayaking/paddleboarding, fishing/crabbing from the pier, historical sites, and literally scores of great restaurants within a short walk, bike, or drive. At HHI, you get what locals describe as that "low country" vibe--relaxed, sitting on the balcony, chilling at the pool, and eating tons of good food. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say, "this is like a real vacation where you recharge your batteries and enjoy your family time." And the CMs? I think the best anywhere, period. I may be a little biased but I do believe it.

As for room location, keep in mind that there are only 21 studios on the entire property, 16 of which are located in Bldgs 11 and 12. Bldg 11 is also the location for check-in and has the lone accessible elevator for guests that it shares with Bldg 12. Most rooms in both 11 and 12 have good views of either an interior courtyard, the marsh, or the shallow water entrance to Shelter Cove Marina. The other 5 studios are located in Bldgs 16, 18, 19, 28, and 30--one in each and, yes, they do sit underneath a GV so can be a little noisy. Only 18 has a marsh view--all the others have interior resort views which are pretty, too--trees draped in Spanish moss, hammocks, yard games, and lovely pathways. All buildings, save 11, only have two floors, though every building is on stilts, so the first floor rooms are actually up a flight of stairs, while the second is up two more flights of stairs. 11 has three floors since most of the first floor is taken up by the lobby area.

Well, enough for now. I'm sure others will have more specific suggestions, so enjoy planning for your trip!

 

[Dvc1996RI]

This board is always so knowledgeable. We recently went to Vero and now we have an upcoming trip to Disney’s Hilton Head.

It will be our first time at this location. We rented points from this awesome board and have a studio room! We definitely want to be high up - but wanted to know what buildings were best to request for a studio?

We will have 2 teenage girls 14/15 and will be there in the beginning of October for a long weekend and would LOVE any suggestions on activities, excursions, or dining that anyone may have.

Our girls are adventurous - willing to try anything once - so throw out your favorites so we can make this trip amazing.

One of the girls is obsessed with sharks so anything you have pertaining to them is a bonus!

Also the no-see-ums took us by surprise at Vero so please let me know if HHI is the same so I can be better than prepared on this trip! My fault for doing 0 research for that trip and winging it the entire time!!!

We love Hilton Head. The beach is beautiful. Rent bikes that you can ride on the beach and all along William Hilton Parkway. It’s a great way to see the island. Go to HarborTown to see the lighthouse and take a cruise. Within Harbourside which is the neighborhood where DVC HH resort is located there is a great French bakery for breakfast or lunch. The Crazy Crab is a neat spot for dinner.

 

[sleepydog25]

We love Hilton Head. The beach is beautiful. Rent bikes that you can ride on the beach and all along William Hilton Parkway. It’s a great way to see the island. Go to HarborTown to see the lighthouse and take a cruise. Within Harbourside which is the neighborhood where DVC HH resort is located there is a great French bakery for breakfast or lunch. The Crazy Crab is a neat spot for dinner.

Ah, yes! Hilton Head Social Bakery is located just across the bridge in Shelter Cove, so a 4-5 minute walk. Great tarts, croissants, quiche, macarons, pastries, savory items, coffees, and bread (especially their baguettes). Open at 0800 except Mondays when they're closed. Pricey but generally excellent--the owner/head baker learned his craft growing up in France before moving here several years ago. Expect a line most days as it's a small shop and only lets in six customers at a time. Still, the line moves fairly well. Great suggestion!

 

[hhisc16]

HHI and VB are two different vacations. For the latter, you have to love the beach and plan to be out on it for hours on end (or at the resort pool), as well as planning to drive a fair distance to eat any really good seafood or local establishments. Some people love the vibe at Vero, and I get it though it's not my really my style.

Conversely, DHHIR isn't strictly a beach location as the resort sits 1.5 miles away from the ocean. As you likely know from your research, the resort operates a Beach House, and it is easily accessible via the resort shuttle, driving your own vehicle, biking, or even walking. The Beach House is currently open 9-7 and has Surfman's Sand Bar where you can order light finger foods (think sandwiches, fries, chicken strips), beverages (alcoholic and non), and Dole whips. The food and drink options are only available 11-3. There is no slide there, and seating is never a problem--while there are only about 40 deck chairs, there are 15-16 tables situated near the pool with 3-4 chairs at each, so there is plenty of room. Now, when you visit in October, my best guess is the Beach House will move the hours to 9-5, possibly even 10-5.

Further, HHI has more things to do outside of the beach or pools than VB. Tours, kayaking/paddleboarding, fishing/crabbing from the pier, historical sites, and literally scores of great restaurants within a short walk, bike, or drive. At HHI, you get what locals describe as that "low country" vibe--relaxed, sitting on the balcony, chilling at the pool, and eating tons of good food. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say, "this is like a real vacation where you recharge your batteries and enjoy your family time." And the CMs? I think the best anywhere, period. I may be a little biased but I do believe it.

As for room location, keep in mind that there are only 21 studios on the entire property, 16 of which are located in Bldgs 11 and 12. Bldg 11 is also the location for check-in and has the lone accessible elevator for guests that it shares with Bldg 12. Most rooms in both 11 and 12 have good views of either an interior courtyard, the marsh, or the shallow water entrance to Shelter Cove Marina. The other 5 studios are located in Bldgs 16, 18, 19, 28, and 30--one in each and, yes, they do sit underneath a GV so can be a little noisy. Only 18 has a marsh view--all the others have interior resort views which are pretty, too--trees draped in Spanish moss, hammocks, yard games, and lovely pathways. All buildings, save 11, only have two floors, though every building is on stilts, so the first floor rooms are actually up a flight of stairs, while the second is up two more flights of stairs. 11 has three floors since most of the first floor is taken up by the lobby area.

Well, enough for now. I'm sure others will have more specific suggestions, so enjoy planning for your trip!

DHHIR for sure has the BEST cast members!

 

[Travel60]

Definitely rent bikes for your daughters if not the whole family. We rent from DVC for convenience but there are nearby vendors who are cheaper. You can bike to beach, along beach (hard packed sand), to nearby shopping area with grocery store, restaurants and shops, and most of island. Fishing or crabbing off the pier is fun and there may be activities/crafts. Kayaking, SUP, and boat tours available at adjacent marina.