*HHI Owners and Beach Lovers Group Thread*

[Moonspinner]

I also noticed today at dhhir that the new tv format matches wdw.

Dhhir also no longer “rents” dvds anymore. Found that out last night.

Today was ms carols last day for retirement!

That’s awful about the dvds, why? We usually “rent” one every night.

 

[hhisc16]

That’s awful about the dvds, why? We usually “rent” one every night.

Dhhir now recommends signing into disney+

 

[Moonspinner]

Dhhir now recommends signing into disney+

What do they recommend if you don’t have disney+ lol? We dropped our subscription after the first year when we realized they weren’t actually putting any old movies on it, just all the new stuff that we don’t like.

 

[sleepydog25]

Alright Islanders, I need your thoughts. I am a little torn. We just got back from 5 great days on the island. One afternoon in the lobby we witnessed a tense check-in. We were in the lobby for the 3PM cookies waiting for the tray to be restocked. It was busy and several parties were checking in. For 10-15 one party kept most of the staff preoccupied. They were INSISTING on a marsh view room and refused to have "resort view". They kept demanding to all cast members they would only accept marsh view. It escalated to all the main lobby staff and pretty much stopped all other activity (including cookie restocking). They refused to accept, "we are 100% booked", "we do not have separate reservation pools", "all marsh view are occupied", and "there is never a guarantee of march view, but we always try to accommodate requests" as an answer. Ultimately, in order to appease them, they were given a "resort" view for night one and the resort staff would relocate all of their goods to a new marsh view for the rest of their stay. While they likely kept this guest "happy", this means housekeeping does an extra full clean and staff relocates all their stuff. Ultimately, "we the members" are baring the cost of these accommodations. I have stayed with resort view when I have requested marsh and never thrown a fit. I kinda wish staff would have stood up to the unreasonable/unjustified DEMAND, not request, even it would have resulted in an unsatisfied guest.

I have some actual insider knowledge on such matters at HHI. It makes for good reading if you're interested, though it may be a bit long-winded. . .

HHI long operated on the fringes of the DVC resort system--same for VB. For many years, they barely covered their "bills," let's say. Thus, they did most anything they could to make guests feel satisfied and loved, and truly it's part of the training there to be particularly aware of guests' needs and happiness. It's now part of the DNA of the resort, and I think it's great. . .mostly. Fast forward to post-pandemic, and HHI and VB were the first resorts to reopen, and when they did--especially HHI--they were booked solid for the first time in many years. Once the secret of how genuinely personable the CMs were there and how relaxing a vacation HHI is, it's remained well-booked through the year now.

That personalized, do-anything-possible service first borne out of near desperation continues because a) it's part of the culture and b) it's now demanded by some guests. A little secret here. There are some who are considered VIP guests and not because they are from Disney or associated with some company. No, most of these "special" guests are simply long-time patrons of HHI and got used to a certain level of service, plus a handful of them make giant waves when things don't go their way. I don't know if this group you mention was one of those special guests, but it wouldn't surprise me. While the CMs at the resort sincerely wish to make the vacation memorable for visitors, they also hold a few of these VIPs with low regard because they are PITAs, through and through. These few feel entitled, and no one wants to deal with them.

Obviously, the question is why put up with anyone who makes a scene? I can't really provide any insight other than what I mentioned above, and perhaps there's a bit of CYA going on from management's point of view. Rank and file CMs do not like that aspect. They would much rather do as you mention--stand up to the guests who demand something that is never guaranteed and let them be unhappy. You're also correct in that housekeeping has to do another full clean in that room and then have a housekeeping assistant, custodian, or even grounds supervisor haul these entitled persons' things to a new room.

CMs are always doing special services for guests. You have a GV and want firewood hauled up 35 steps (two or three loads to fill the wood bin)? No problem. Grilling utensils delivered to the grill outside Bldg 28? Got it! Sixteen extra towels for a party of four? On the way. Help carry your luggage to your room even though there is garbage to haul and linen to pick up? No worries--garbage and linen can wait. But, pull the CM out of a busy rotation because you demanded special treatment to begin with? Clenched teeth and a measured stare. PITA.

Other than all that, I have no opinion on the matter. . .

 

[RapunzelRN]

That’s awful about the dvds, why? We usually “rent” one every night.

Agree!! I’m sad about the dvd rentals going away but not surprised. When we were there in March in a studio, we rented a dvd for in room movie night and went back to the room to find no dvd player! I looked everywhere and nothing, so called the desk and they sent maintenance to deliver and install. Oddly enough, I had to call from my cell because the phone wasn’t working either …maybe this became the problem. New refurb, no dvd players. So they got rid of the issue- dvd rentals.

 

[hhisc16]

Just wanted to congratulate our DHHIR owner/lover page on the 4 years!
I see that we have more view/responses/pages than the other two DVC beach resorts!
Glad to see our DHHIR lovers and owners active on our thread!

(DHHIR is the smallest DVC after VGC!)

 

[muppets3d]

After about 4PM today I will be a points owner at DHHIR, once we close on our resale contract.

 

[mort1331]

I have some actual insider knowledge on such matters at HHI. It makes for good reading if you're interested, though it may be a bit long-winded. . .

HHI long operated on the fringes of the DVC resort system--same for VB. For many years, they barely covered their "bills," let's say. Thus, they did most anything they could to make guests feel satisfied and loved, and truly it's part of the training there to be particularly aware of guests' needs and happiness. It's now part of the DNA of the resort, and I think it's great. . .mostly. Fast forward to post-pandemic, and HHI and VB were the first resorts to reopen, and when they did--especially HHI--they were booked solid for the first time in many years. Once the secret of how genuinely personable the CMs were there and how relaxing a vacation HHI is, it's remained well-booked through the year now.

That personalized, do-anything-possible service first borne out of near desperation continues because a) it's part of the culture and b) it's now demanded by some guests. A little secret here. There are some who are considered VIP guests and not because they are from Disney or associated with some company. No, most of these "special" guests are simply long-time patrons of HHI and got used to a certain level of service, plus a handful of them make giant waves when things don't go their way. I don't know if this group you mention was one of those special guests, but it wouldn't surprise me. While the CMs at the resort sincerely wish to make the vacation memorable for visitors, they also hold a few of these VIPs with low regard because they are PITAs, through and through. These few feel entitled, and no one wants to deal with them.

Obviously, the question is why put up with anyone who makes a scene? I can't really provide any insight other than what I mentioned above, and perhaps there's a bit of CYA going on from management's point of view. Rank and file CMs do not like that aspect. They would much rather do as you mention--stand up to the guests who demand something that is never guaranteed and let them be unhappy. You're also correct in that housekeeping has to do another full clean in that room and then have a housekeeping assistant, custodian, or even grounds supervisor haul these entitled persons' things to a new room.

CMs are always doing special services for guests. You have a GV and want firewood hauled up 35 steps (two or three loads to fill the wood bin)? No problem. Grilling utensils delivered to the grill outside Bldg 28? Got it! Sixteen extra towels for a party of four? On the way. Help carry your luggage to your room even though there is garbage to haul and linen to pick up? No worries--garbage and linen can wait. But, pull the CM out of a busy rotation because you demanded special treatment to begin with? Clenched teeth and a measured stare. PITA.

Other than all that, I have no opinion on the matter. . .

Some of this makes sense...but this March I was pkeased to meet some of these "VIP"s. Having morning coffer in the main lodge,,there were a couple of them sitting by the fire. Got to chatting and found out there is prob at least 20 families that stay there the month of Jan and sometimes Feb. They have been there from day 1. They know staff all by name, help out, talk about having pkt luck dinners and superbowl parties in the main lodge. They always have the same room every year. I will say..they did not seem at all like PIA people,,they were very helpful and pleasent.
I am thinking this family was just one of those that seem to think the louder you scream the more you get. Sad really.
I hope some day to be part of those lucky families to spend a month there and relax. If your one that reads these boards and are from Rochester,NY...Thanks for your help and chat.

 

[hhisc16]

Some of this makes sense...but this March I was pkeased to meet some of these "VIP"s. Having morning coffer in the main lodge,,there were a couple of them sitting by the fire. Got to chatting and found out there is prob at least 20 families that stay there the month of Jan and sometimes Feb. They have been there from day 1. They know staff all by name, help out, talk about having pkt luck dinners and superbowl parties in the main lodge. They always have the same room every year. I will say..they did not seem at all like PIA people,,they were very helpful and pleasent.
I am thinking this family was just one of those that seem to think the louder you scream the more you get. Sad really.
I hope some day to be part of those lucky families to spend a month there and relax. If your one that reads these boards and are from Rochester,NY...Thanks for your help and chat.

How many points to stay at DHHIR during the month of January/February?
And these people have been doing it since 96/97?!?
Wow. I am impressed.

 

[eticketplease]

How many points to stay at DHHIR during the month of January/February?
And these people have been doing it since 96/97?!?
Wow. I am impressed.

You would have to do a split stay since you are only allowed 30 consecutive days but 1/1 check out on 2/1 is very doable.

Studio 246, 1 bed 484, 2 bed 650, 3 bed 957

Or you could do a bungalow for the same time period at 3,900 points

 

[mort1331]

How many points to stay at DHHIR during the month of January/February?
And these people have been doing it since 96/97?!?
Wow. I am impressed.

You would be suprised..
So Jan 4 to 31 2026
Studio 205
1bdrm 413
2bdrm 561
Great deals..1 bdrm for even 2 poeople..month off..cook most meals in room..relax..ahhh

 

[hhisc16]

You would be suprised..
So Jan 4 to 31 2026
Studio 205
1bdrm 413
2bdrm 561
Great deals..1 bdrm for even 2 poeople..month off..cook most meals in room..relax..ahhh

Sounds like snowbirding at DHHIR is not crazy priced.

 

[hhisc16]

You would have to do a split stay since you are only allowed 30 consecutive days but 1/1 check out on 2/1 is very doable.

Studio 246, 1 bed 484, 2 bed 650, 3 bed 957

Or you could do a bungalow for the same time period at 3,900 points

I would curious to see how many people do this similar pattern at DHHIR during the "cheaper" point seasons.
Sounds like there is a group that does it yearly?

 

[mort1331]

I would curious to see how many people do this similar pattern at DHHIR during the "cheaper" point seasons.
Sounds like there is a group that does it yearly?

The ones I met do..actuaaly one couple does a month at HH and then a month at OKW

 

[eticketplease]

I would curious to see how many people do this similar pattern at DHHIR during the "cheaper" point seasons.
Sounds like there is a group that does it yearly?

Sounds like a few do.
January is definitely the time to do it.
I wouldn't mind the fireplace in the GV at 27 points a night S-TH or even 39 for F-Sat

 

[mort1331]

Just wondering now,,,if you get a resort mug for length of trip..is it good for the whole 30days..then it would be worth it...they already put coffee out in the lodge in the am,,and cookies in afternoon.

 

[hhisc16]

The ones I met do..actuaaly one couple does a month at HH and then a month at OKW

Well that sounds nice!

 

[hhisc16]

Sounds like a few do.
January is definitely the time to do it.
I wouldn't mind the fireplace in the GV at 27 points a night S-TH or even 39 for F-Sat

Future plans?

 

[eticketplease]

Future plans?

Yup planning to close the resort down so I'm booking that time period in 2042 and then going home sad.

 

[Judique]

Just wondering now,,,if you get a resort mug for length of trip..is it good for the whole 30days..then it would be worth it...they already put coffee out in the lodge in the am,,and cookies in afternoon.

I've had the Hilton Head mug (2024 Thanksgiving) and was able to use it also on my Disney World trip right after. Wish I could remember exactly what the expiration was but it wasn't a month. More in the two to three week range.