HHI Lovers and , need advice on our July trip!!!

[edk35]

Okay I currently have booked 6 nights at HHI. We arrive on Sunday July 18th for 6 nights. We depart on Sat. the 24th. HOWEVER....I called MS today to see if they had discounted cash ressies available for the 23rd (65 points for us) and Sat. the 24th (extending our stay a day would cost us 81 points). They do....it would cost 352.50 plus tax each of those nights which I think is GREAT. So I started thinking..should we just book the 23rd on cash and save 65 points and call it a 6 night vacation. OR Keep ressie as is using the points on Friday and paying for a cash night and extending our trip one more night. If we were going to WDW I would know what to do.....we have extended our trip July 08 by adding 3 nights on discounted cash. However..we have never been to HHI and we don't know if staying ONE more night would be worth it. Will 6 nights be enough??? We are driving from MD so we will arrive probably around 5:00 on our first day. Our kids are 19 dd, 16 ds and 11 ds. Will 5 full days/6 nights be enough??? HELP??!!!

Also, do any of you save points and pay discounted cash for weekends stays?
Okay another scenario I thought of today is this: Only staying at HHI say 3 nights after going to WDW for 5 or 6 nights. I was thinking we could drive down to WDW (we usually fly) and stay 5 or 6 nights, then drive to HHI and stay for 3 or 4 nights. That would help break up the trip on the way back and we would get some relaxation after WDW. BUT.... We went to WDW two times last year. We spent 6 nights in Jan. and then 9 nights in July. The two previous years we went on three trips each year and they were all long trips. So this year I was really trying my best...TO JUST STICK WITH HHI for the year and only going in Oct for a long weekend to do MNSSHP. Of course I find that sooooooooooooo hard. SO now I am 2nd guessing the length of the trip to HHI because it is the UNKNOWN......not knowing what all we will do for a 6 or 7 night trip.

I kinda like the idea of NOT doing a trip WDW this summer and saving that for summer 2011 and trying something NEW. AGAIN HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks

 

[jennypenny]

I just posted another question about HHI. We were only there once a few years ago and it was winter so not much was going on.

Are your kids beach goers? I remember when we left we waited until after breakfast and the drive home was horrible (we live near Philly). My suggestion would be to add another day, and then leave early on the day you check out. That will give you 5 full days plus the night you arrive.

I know your drive is shorter than ours, but during summer you'll hit traffic around Myrtle Beach exit off of 95, again around rt 64 in Virginia (williamsburg), and well, you know about DC. If it were me, I'd add an extra day.

I can't wait to hear more replies about HHI. We did the Dolphin tour right out of Disney and it was fabulous. The beach looked great--just cold.

 

[edk35]

I just posted another question about HHI. We were only there once a few years ago and it was winter so not much was going on.

Are your kids beach goers? I remember when we left we waited until after breakfast and the drive home was horrible (we live near Philly). My suggestion would be to add another day, and then leave early on the day you check out. That will give you 5 full days plus the night you arrive.

I know your drive is shorter than ours, but during summer you'll hit traffic around Myrtle Beach exit off of 95, again around rt 64 in Virginia (williamsburg), and well, you know about DC. If it were me, I'd add an extra day.

I can't wait to hear more replies about HHI. We did the Dolphin tour right out of Disney and it was fabulous. The beach looked great--just cold.

I was editing my post when you posted your answer. LOL SO you didn't get to read the rest. Now I am wondering if traveling back on Sunday might NOT be a good as far as traffic goes. Hmmmmmm I wonder if we should do Monday through Monday. I don't know if adding Monday the 26th is available and coming in a day later. MORE TO THINK ABOUT.

 

[SLM]

Just my opinion, but I think you and the teens will find plenty to do and need at least the 6 days after the long drive. We are about 45 minutes north of Baltimore and it took us about 10 to 11 hours to get there-if you've never been, getting there in the dark can be confusing because there is low lighting, lots of vegetation and small signs! We are going this year (late June) and will drive most of the way down, stay off site and get there early. I hate to waste points getting there in time to go to bed! I think those cash rates are terrific-are they for a 2BR? We have 7 nights planned but at those rates I might add another!

 

[edk35]

Just my opinion, but I think you and the teens will find plenty to do and need at least the 6 days after the long drive. We are about 45 minutes north of Baltimore and it took us about 10 to 11 hours to get there-if you've never been, getting there in the dark can be confusing because there is low lighting, lots of vegetation and small signs! We are going this year (late June) and will drive most of the way down, stay off site and get there early. I hate to waste points getting there in time to go to bed! I think those cash rates are terrific-are they for a 2BR? We have 7 nights planned but at those rates I might add another!

Yes that was for a 2 bedroom but I am not sure what time of year your dates fall in as far as discounted cash goes. Just call MS and ask.

 

[edk35]

Just my opinion, but I think you and the teens will find plenty to do and need at least the 6 days after the long drive. We are about 45 minutes north of Baltimore and it took us about 10 to 11 hours to get there-if you've never been, getting there in the dark can be confusing because there is low lighting, lots of vegetation and small signs! We are going this year (late June) and will drive most of the way down, stay off site and get there early. I hate to waste points getting there in time to go to bed! I think those cash rates are terrific-are they for a 2BR? We have 7 nights planned but at those rates I might add another!

Where do you stay the night before you check into HH? Thanks

 

[edk35]

I just posted another question about HHI. We were only there once a few years ago and it was winter so not much was going on.

Are your kids beach goers? I remember when we left we waited until after breakfast and the drive home was horrible (we live near Philly). My suggestion would be to add another day, and then leave early on the day you check out. That will give you 5 full days plus the night you arrive.

I know your drive is shorter than ours, but during summer you'll hit traffic around Myrtle Beach exit off of 95, again around rt 64 in Virginia (williamsburg), and well, you know about DC. If it were me, I'd add an extra day.

I can't wait to hear more replies about HHI. We did the Dolphin tour right out of Disney and it was fabulous. The beach looked great--just cold.

Yes our boys especially LOVE the beach. My daughter is more of a pool girl.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We are going to HHI in May. Sunday the 30th was booked for Disney's resort. So we are renting that night at the Days Inn which is real close (within walking distance) to Disney's resort. That night cost me $68 on a gov't rate. Since that is our day we are driving down I was happy to not waste points anyway. We'll be there bright and early to check in and begin using the resort early that next day. Rooms close by are cheap, I wouldn't even pay the cash rate.

 

[edk35]

Hey Hope ........Well the cash ressie was in regards to extending our trip to a full week. WE are currently staying for 6 nights on points. We would need to get two hotel rooms since all 5 of us are going if we stay at another place neare HHI so we don't lose a night. I guess I should research what is right around there.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

What days are you going? Instead of paying cash rate for one day at the end of your stay, why don't you leave a day sooner and get two hotel rooms for that first night of your travel day? Two hotel rooms should be alot cheaper than $325.

 

[5forDiz]

I agree with other posters here about getting cash ressie for first night since you will arrive late afternoon/early evening. This is what we always do when we drive from NY to HHI ( understand of course that I am always trying to get the most out of our points, my kids call me points-creep, or something as flattering I just can't bear to use points without feeling like we got a whole day out of them ).

We usually travel during summer months and I bid on Priceline at Resort Level on HHI and have gotten weekend days and weekdays for less than $100 per night with taxes and fees included. I have to emphasize bidding at Resort Level because if your bid is accepted you will get either Westin or Hilton or Marriott Beach Resort or Crowne Plaza - all are very nice places and located on island & on beach. You just have to be 100% firm on date because if the bid is accepted there is no cancelling it, your credit card gets charged immediately. We're a family of 5 too and I only book one room for that arrival night because we just hang at the resort by pool for evening (sometimes they've got an evening thing planned like poolside movie, etc. & then off to sleep so I guess I'm the cash-creep too ; I know for certain that Westin will not give you a rollaway so if we get that resort we take aeromattress for DS but as far as I remember other 3 will send one up to you. If you want more info on bid histories sites pm me.

Our kids are 21, 19 & 13 and HHI ! I don't think you'll be sorry doing an extra night or two but if you split between WDW and HHI I'd say definitely plan HHI for at least 4 nights. What you said about leaving there on Monday instead of Sunday might be good idea because sometimes traffic late Sunday is horrible. And I hate using points for Friday and Saturday nights so if it were me I'd probably do discounted member cash rate.

Best wishes on your planning
~laura

 

[edk35]

What days are you going? Instead of paying cash rate for one day at the end of your stay, why don't you leave a day sooner and get two hotel rooms for that first night of your travel day? Two hotel rooms should be alot cheaper than $325.

We are arriving on Sunday the 18th and departing on Sat. the 24th. SO maybe stay off site on Sat. the 17th and check in the next morning at HHI and still keep 6 nights at HHI. I mean I guess if we wanted to stay a 7 nights at HHI resort we could still do the cash ressie to extend out stay. I don't want to part with 8 1 points for a Sat. night. It makes sense to stay off site the day we travel because I am sure it will take us a good 10 hours to get there.

It cost us 65 points for Friday night and a cash ressie for that night is 352.50 plus tax. I don't mind paying 65 for points...cheaper than BCV on the weekends. We have stayed there the past two July's.

 

[edk35]

I agree with other posters here about getting cash ressie for first night since you will arrive late afternoon/early evening. This is what we always do when we drive from NY to HHI ( understand of course that I am always trying to get the most out of our points, my kids call me points-creep, or something as flattering I just can't bear to use points without feeling like we got a whole day out of them ).

We usually travel during summer months and I bid on Priceline at Resort Level on HHI and have gotten weekend days and weekdays for less than $100 per night with taxes and fees included. I have to emphasize bidding at Resort Level because if your bid is accepted you will get either Westin or Hilton or Marriott Beach Resort or Crowne Plaza - all are very nice places and located on island & on beach. You just have to be 100% firm on date because if the bid is accepted there is no cancelling it, your credit card gets charged immediately. We're a family of 5 too and I only book one room for that arrival night because we just hang at the resort by pool for evening (sometimes they've got an evening thing planned like poolside movie, etc. & then off to sleep so I guess I'm the cash-creep too ; I know for certain that Westin will not give you a rollaway so if we get that resort we take aeromattress for DS but as far as I remember other 3 will send one up to you. If you want more info on bid histories sites pm me.

Our kids are 21, 19 & 13 and HHI ! I don't think you'll be sorry doing an extra night or two but if you split between WDW and HHI I'd say definitely plan HHI for at least 4 nights. What you said about leaving there on Monday instead of Sunday might be good idea because sometimes traffic late Sunday is horrible. And I hate using points for Friday and Saturday nights so if it were me I'd probably do discounted member cash rate.

Best wishes on your planning
~laura

Thanks Laura....I appreciate the tips/advice. I love the Dis boards. Now I am getting excited about planning this trip. I know NOTHING about HHI except that everyone raves about it. So I can't wait. I am truly looking forward to trying something new and also GETTING REST AND RELAXATION. I love my WDW trips but we still don't seem to SLEEP enough. We are better about it now that we own DVC but it is nice to take in the resorts too. DH and I are thinking of sticking with just a week at HHI instead of doing a split with WDW. I think we need to see how this drive goes to HHI and see if we like it.