HHI - On-site activities for 3yo & Savannah side trip &

[bnlbebes]

Thinking about taking a trip to one of our home resorts - HHI. Has anyone spent a number of days there, then a weekend in Savannah, GA, and then come back to HHI again? Also, DS will be 3-yo at the time. Would there be much for him to appreciate in Savannah? He will be able to participate in some of the kids activities at DVC, right?

 

[laceemouse]

We used to live in Jacksonville and visited Savannah many times. It is a beautiful place. Most of it, however, would not be too appealing to a 3 year old. There are some beautiful parks he could run around in and some fun restaurants he might enjoy. They also have horse drawn carriage tours and he might enjoy that. Otherwise it is a lot of shops and historical stuff. Great antiques can be found there as well as the home of the founder of the girl scouts. I would do it anyway, just play it by ear. I have never stayed at DVC HHI so I can't tell you anything about their kids clubs, sorry.....Lacee

 

[bnlbebes]

Thanks lacee for the insight into Savannah. I had figured it to be more of an adult place to visit.

Has noone else ever taken a 3-year-old to HHI or taken a side trip to Savannah? Got any advice on other sites I could check out?

 

[crusoemom]

Hi,

I just returned from a HHI trip with my almost-5yo and almost 8yo. We were also there two years ago, when DS was just-turned 3. Both times, we had a blast. It helped that the weather was near-perfect both times, highs in the mid-80's with bright sunshine.

If you haven't been to Disney's HHI and are expecting something similar to WDW, you're in for a shock. We go to HHI to just relax, even with small children. The resort is on its own little island and is really secluded. THere is a great pool and a kiddie pool at the resort. THere's also a playground, a shuffleboard court, a pier overlooking the creek, and the rec center where you sign up for activities. When we were there two years ago, we did two of the activities - the dolphin cruise (which DS didn't really enjoy) and the unbirthday party, which he did enjoy. There aren't a lot of sponsored activities for a 3yo. DS just really enjoyed the pool (we got a life jacket from the rec people, which he kept all week), the playground, and the beach (more about that later). If your son rides a trike, bring it along if at all possible. If he has graduated to training wheels, they have small bikes with training wheels to rent. Both times my entire family rented bikes, with a child seat on the back of DH's bike for my son to use for the longer trips (such as the beach house).


Disney also owns a beach house about 1 1/2 miles away, which is a comfortable bike ride unless you're really out of shape. The beach house has a pool (not lifeguarded) and direct access to a beautiful beach. If you're going during the summer, bring some cheap sand toys, rent an umbrella and chairs (they'll rent them right on the beach), and spend at least a few days at the beach. When the tide goes out, there are wonderful pools left behind that get quite warm and are shallow enough to splash around in. IN fact, if DS enjoys toy boats, bring one along for him to create his own private lake.

We haven't ever made it to Savannah or even to the tourist sights on HHI. We spend all of our time at the pool, playground, beach, or on bikes. You won't have a lot of time away from your son, but if you get in the relaxation mode, you'll have a fantastic time.

Enjoy - I'm already wishing I were back there!

 

[poohj80]

How far is it from HH to Savannah for a day trip?

Thanks,
PJ

 

[BobH]

Savannah is about a 40 minute drive from Hilton Head. There is a visitor center downtown that has parking and you can take tour trolley's or walk to downtown. The Riverfront is a nice area with shops and restaurants and a river boat cruise. We only spent the day there but would go back. Try http://www.savannahgeorgia.com for information. A day trip with a few trolley or a horsedrawn carriage would give you the flavor of the area. My kids travelled well at that age but it depends on what you like.

 

[poohj80]

Thanks Bob! I was thinking it was farther away than that. We'll definitely add Savannah to the agenda one day!

PJ

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I'm not a DVC member so I've never been to the resort on HHI, but I am a lifetime resident of Savannah, so I thought I'd chime in here. As the OP said, the historic district is just that, historic. But, there are 2 Civil War era forts here as well, with real cannons and stuff like that. There are also lots of parks with playground equipment in the historic district, as well as the lighthouse at Tybee Island which is about 20 minutes away. You can also check out www.savannahnow.com it's the newspaper's site and they often list free activities that are going on around town for families. If you need any more info, let me know!!! Also try
www.visitsavannah.com

 

[CdnPoohBear]

We have been to HHI with 2 and 4 yr olds. We didn't go to Savannah. We did do the dolphin tour, and went to the beach everyday. We had a great time. It is most definately opposite to any resort at WDW. Expect a slower, much more relaxed adventure.

 

[poohj80]

We're looking forward to a relaxed atmosphere. We have a tendency to try to do TOO much on any vacation and end up needing a vacation from our vacation when we get home.