*HHI Owners and Beach Lovers Group Thread*

[MFG]

- Yes, there are plenty of activities at the resort aimed squarely at kiddos. Plus, there's the pool (which has its own activities), kiddie pool, hot tub, the pool at the beach house, and, of course, the ocean. There are bikes to rent (you can get a tag-a-long if the kids don't ride yet), nature walks around the island, miniature golf, and plenty of yard games right on property: putting green (kids love it), giant checkers, bocce ball, horseshoes, corn hole, and more.
- I wouldn't say DoorDash or Uber Eats are particularly popular, but they are used, yes. In fact, they will deliver to the Beach House, as well. That being said, it's not necessary to use them given the close proximity of so many restaurants, including a few that you can walk to. Others are a very short drive away in Shelter Cove Shopping Centre (you can walk but with kids, I wouldn't), and there are tons more that require less than 10 minutes of driving (or biking). You definitely can eat meals at the resort, but they'll all be quick service. There is no table service restaurant on property.
- Nearby gems. While many like Scott's which is the first restaurant you pass walking from the resort to Shelter Cove marina, during my years working at the resort, I found it to be rather pedestrian. Not bad but not notable, either. Another 6-7 minute walk past Scott's farther down the marina is Ella's on the Water which is better, though slightly pricier. Sitting right beside Scott's is Hilton Head Social Bakery which is a true gem. Plenty of delicious pastries, quiche, sandwiches, breads, desserts, and the like. Definitely pricey but generally worth it. As there is something like 300 restaurants in and around HHI, you will find folks who love nearly all of them. In other words, you can't go wrong. That being said, I'd give Fishcamp on Broad Creek a try--was one of my top three places for seafood on the island and actually takes reservations unlike many others.
- What to know before a first stay? Don't look at this as a typical Disney vacation where you have to plan, plan, plan. This is a retreat where you want to enjoy family, so let the kids run around the resort and enjoy the beauty. Splash in the pool. Sit on your balcony and share a meal from Tide Me Over. Kick back and relax. The low country vibe is what sets apart HHI from all other resorts, that and the best CMs anywhere. So, don't overcrowd your schedule with "things to do." It's not that kind of place, though you can certainly find plenty to do.

Finally, you say "considering renting points this summer." Hmmm, not sure that's going to be possible. DHHIR is a small resort which is extremely well-loved, especially during the summer. In fact, from the early spring breaks through Labor Day is considered the busy season there, in particular, the months from late May through late August. Unless you're very fortunate--and that does happen occasionally--rooms rarely open up. There are only 123 total rooms there, and unless you own at HHI, the chances of someone snagging a reservation during the peak season are remote. Now, watch you prove me wrong! It's a great resort, so best wishes to you!

Thank you so much! What a great list. We lucked out with a reservation so can’t wait to hit these up.

 

[mort1331]

I think you'll be just fine. While I'm not familiar with 79, I live just off 77 in Virginia and it's clear. There are still some lingering air issues from all the wildfires last year and continuing this year, but nothing you can actually see or smell along I77.

Thanks..just arrived..no issues..no smoke smell either.
Grabbing quick breakfest at Harolds..hole in the wall next to Exxon near resort..nice simple food. Nothing fancy just the way i like.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thank you so much! What a great list. We lucked out with a reservation so can’t wait to hit these up.

That's great you got a reservation! Again, my best advice--one echoed often here--is to simply relax. HHI is what vacations are meant to be: unwinding with family and exploring some place new or, for many, continuing to explore a place they've grown to love. I will say that if you want to go on a nature walk then try Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge which is located between the two bridges you cross over when coming into HHI proper from Bluffton. You can walk for 20 minutes or hours, and during the summer you'll see plenty of wading birds, osprey, and possibly even alligators. It'll be hot during the summer, so dress appropriately and stay hydrated. Enjoy!

 

[ClaraOswald]

Quick question - I know it's hard to get into HHI at the 7-month mark, especially in June.

But can rooms be booked with cash, just through the Disney site earlier than that? If so, does anyone know where I can get idea of what June prices would be? (June 2026 or beyond, not looking to go this June.)

 

[hhisc16]

Quick question - I know it's hard to get into HHI at the 7-month mark, especially in June.

But can rooms be booked with cash, just through the Disney site earlier than that? If so, does anyone know where I can get idea of what June prices would be? (June 2026 or beyond, not looking to go this June.)

You can check here.https://hiltonhead.disney.go.com/
I would recommend looking at one random night in June to see the prices for studio/1 bed/2 bed/ grandvilla, then you can view the price calendar.

Sometimes I notice cash rooms pop up at 60 days out and sometimes within 7 months. It is random it appears.

 

[eticketplease]

Quick question - I know it's hard to get into HHI at the 7-month mark, especially in June.

But can rooms be booked with cash, just through the Disney site earlier than that? If so, does anyone know where I can get idea of what June prices would be? (June 2026 or beyond, not looking to go this June.)

Yes they can be booked with cash but that is hard as well.

Right now 2026 calendar is not showing only 2025.

I don't remember when the calendar was loaded but I believe it was after January 1st so less than 7 months from check in date.

For June 2025 these are the rates

Studios
Sun - Thu $538 + Tax
Fri - Sat $555 + Tax

1 Bedrooms
Sun - Thu $643 + Tax
Fri - Sat $663 + Tax

2 Bedrooms
Sun - Thu $763 + Tax
Fri - Sat $782 + Tax

 

[eticketplease]

You can check here.https://hiltonhead.disney.go.com/
I would recommend looking at one random night in June to see the prices for studio/1 bed/2 bed/ grandvilla, then you can view the price calendar.

Sometimes I notice cash rooms pop up at 60 days out and sometimes within 7 months. It is random it appears.

I can never find a Grand Villa cash rates

 

[hhisc16]

I can never find a Grand Villa cash rates

GV for June:
Sun-Thurs: 1304+tax
Fri/Sat:1337+tax

I normally find an open night within 60 days then use the rate calendar.

 

[ClaraOswald]

https://hiltonhead.disney.go.com/

Yes they can be booked with cash but that is hard as well.

Right now 2026 calendar is not showing only 2025.

I don't remember when the calendar was loaded but I believe it was after January 1st so less than 7 months from check in date.

For June 2025 these are the rates

Studios
Sun - Thu $538 + Tax
Fri - Sat $555 + Tax

1 Bedrooms
Sun - Thu $643 + Tax
Fri - Sat $663 + Tax

2 Bedrooms
Sun - Thu $763 + Tax
Fri - Sat $782 + Tax

Thanks!

So do you think it's easier to get a room at 7 months out using points or using cash? We would probably want a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom (whichever would be easiest to get.)

We have BRV or VGC points we could use but I suppose if we were able to rent them out for a decent amount, it would cover the room. But maybe not. I'd have to check the math on that. We've never actually rented points out before.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Thanks!

So do you think it's easier to get a room at 7 months out using points or using cash? We would probably want a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom (whichever would be easiest to get.)

We have BRV or VGC points we could use but I suppose if we were able to rent them out for a decent amount, it would cover the room. But maybe not. I'd have to check the math on that. We've never actually rented points out before.

Definitely easier to get a 2-BR. There are 76 of them compared to 21 1-BRs. What you can do is rent your points out, then use the cash to rent from a DHHIR owner at 11 months out.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Definitely easier to get a 2-BR. There are 76 of them compared to 21 1-BRs. What you can do is rent your points out, then use the cash to rent from a DHHIR owner at 11 months out.

Ooh....yeah, I hadn't thought of that! Thanks! I'll have to look into that.

 

[eticketplease]

GV for June:
Sun-Thurs: 1304+tax
Fri/Sat:1337+tax

I normally find an open night within 60 days then use the rate calendar.

Thanks finally found a date!

 

[eticketplease]

Thanks!

So do you think it's easier to get a room at 7 months out using points or using cash? We would probably want a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom (whichever would be easiest to get.)

We have BRV or VGC points we could use but I suppose if we were able to rent them out for a decent amount, it would cover the room. But maybe not. I'd have to check the math on that. We've never actually rented points out before.

In my experience it is easier to get the rooms with points than with cash and for good reason. You just don't get the value from your points here. Luckily the Friday and Saturday nights of my trip opened up on the cash side so I was able to book that and in the process save myself 132 points.

The value per point I was receiving was just over $13 with a 2 bedroom at rack rates. There were no DVC, AP or any other discounts available.

Don't get me wrong I love this resort but if you have the opportunity for cash on any part of your stay I would go that route if possible if you are seeking to maximize the value of your points.

 

[hhisc16]

In my experience it is easier to get the rooms with points than with cash and for good reason. You just don't get the value from your points here. Luckily the Friday and Saturday nights of my trip opened up on the cash side so I was able to book that and in the process save myself 132 points.

The value per point I was receiving was just over $13 with a 2 bedroom at rack rates. There were no DVC, AP or any other discounts available.

Don't get me wrong I love this resort but if you have the opportunity for cash on any part of your stay I would go that route if possible if you are seeking to maximize the value of your points.

The fri and sat night points are tough. Almost double compared to sun-thurs.

I normally look for sun-thurs on points and check fri/sat on cash side.

 

[peder]

Talk me out of resale at HHI. Just stayed for 3 nights a few weeks ago and loved it there. Love the refurb. Points chart is phenomenal, the area is very family-friendly, the kids loved biking, nearby towns like Savannah and Bluffton were charming with no shortage of things to discover, and even in the low season it seemed like everything was open. And how amazing is it that they heat the pool to a usable level even in the dead of winter?

RE: timing of refurbs, there'll still be a soft-goods refresh in a few years, right? But then that'll probably be all they do RE: upkeep until a decision is made on 2042?

 

[mort1331]

Talk me out of resale at HHI. Just stayed for 3 nights a few weeks ago and loved it there. Love the refurb. Points chart is phenomenal, the area is very family-friendly, the kids loved biking, nearby towns like Savannah and Bluffton were charming with no shortage of things to discover, and even in the low season it seemed like everything was open. And how amazing is it that they heat the pool to a usable level even in the dead of winter?

RE: timing of refurbs, there'll still be a soft-goods refresh in a few years, right? But then that'll probably be all they do RE: upkeep until a decision is made on 2042?

$11+ per point for dues,,,and climbing. Now if your only using them here,,great because it can be hard to book some times of the year.

 

[mort1331]

Here now leaving tomorrow am. Love the refurb from the last time I was here. But only negative I have is the shower head. Low flow rain head,,and I mean low. Now I am bald,,no issue,,I do like pressure though. My girls who are not here this time all have long heavy Greek hair. It would take them 10-15 per shower with that amount of water coming out. No saving there.

 

[sleepydog25]

Talk me out of resale at HHI. Just stayed for 3 nights a few weeks ago and loved it there. Love the refurb. Points chart is phenomenal, the area is very family-friendly, the kids loved biking, nearby towns like Savannah and Bluffton were charming with no shortage of things to discover, and even in the low season it seemed like everything was open. And how amazing is it that they heat the pool to a usable level even in the dead of winter?

RE: timing of refurbs, there'll still be a soft-goods refresh in a few years, right? But then that'll probably be all they do RE: upkeep until a decision is made on 2042?

Tough call to be sure. It's a great resort for all the reasons you listed. However, as you point out, 2042 looms and no one knows just what Disney will do with their resorts that will be aging out in the next couple of decades. The biggest con, beyond the expiring contract, is as Mort1331 says: dues. They will continue to climb and likely at a higher rate than non-beach resorts--it does sit in the path of hurricanes from time to time.

I believe the actual key for people in making this decision is how often will you make the trip to HHI? If you come often enough over the next 15+ years to make it worthwhile, then I think points there are a real option. For me, I think the deflection point would be at least twice a year giving me at least 30 trips. I think that might be enough. Personally, anything less than 25 or so trips in the next few years would "talk me out" of buying points there. Keep in mind that during the summer, when is when you'd presumably want to come more often, HHI proper does get more crowded. Oh, it's still a great vacation spot and it's nothing like the crowds at the World, but it does get way busier than you saw when you were there a few weeks ago. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[peder]

Tough call to be sure. It's a great resort for all the reasons you listed. However, as you point out, 2042 looms and no one knows just what Disney will do with their resorts that will be aging out in the next couple of decades. The biggest con, beyond the expiring contract, is as Mort1331 says: dues. They will continue to climb and likely at a higher rate than non-beach resorts--it does sit in the path of hurricanes from time to time.

I believe the actual key for people in making this decision is how often will you make the trip to HHI? If you come often enough over the next 15+ years to make it worthwhile, then I think points there are a real option. For me, I think the deflection point would be at least twice a year giving me at least 30 trips. I think that might be enough. Personally, anything less than 25 or so trips in the next few years would "talk me out" of buying points there. Keep in mind that during the summer, when is when you'd presumably want to come more often, HHI proper does get more crowded. Oh, it's still a great vacation spot and it's nothing like the crowds at the World, but it does get way busier than you saw when you were there a few weeks ago. Just something to keep in mind.

I'd actually like to use the points for possibly even Grand Villa stays during low seasons. Even if I had a 200+ point contract, it still wouldn't cover that many days, but it would be nice to have an 11-month booking advantage for Spring Break.

We're up in Nebraska, and summers are already plenty warm up here, so we don't usually head to warmer places like South Carolina during the summer months. We do majority of our travel in the December-March timeframes. We're already owners at Riviera and Aulani (pending). My hesitation would be having too many points to use during just a few months of the year and overindexing on vacations within the Disneysphere. But at least these points would only be around til 2042, so it's not an entire lifetime of vacations elsewhere that we'd miss out on.

 

[sleepydog25]

I'd actually like to use the points for possibly even Grand Villa stays during low seasons. Even if I had a 200+ point contract, it still wouldn't cover that many days, but it would be nice to have an 11-month booking advantage for Spring Break.

We're up in Nebraska, and summers are already plenty warm up here, so we don't usually head to warmer places like South Carolina during the summer months. We do majority of our travel in the December-March timeframes. We're already owners at Riviera and Aulani (pending). My hesitation would be having too many points to use during just a few months of the year and overindexing on vacations within the Disneysphere. But at least these points would only be around til 2042, so it's not an entire lifetime of vacations elsewhere that we'd miss out on.

I did mean to add--I'd already hit POST--that if you do plan to travel in off season or at least not peak season, then you'd more likely to enjoy the trips slightly more just because you wouldn't have to deal with the huge summer crowds. Now, the resort itself is also busier, but since it's so small and the CMs are so wonderful, you don't get that sense of rush, rush, rush. HHI proper? It is definitely busy and grabbing a meal at your favorite spot to eat can be a bit more difficult. Certainly, it's nothing like navigating the parks and LL and ADRs, though. One other thought--if you can't use your points in any given year, then you could easily rent them, especially during the summer months. Sounds like you may be making an offer soon. . .