HHI questions

[Disneyaholic]

I don't like the DVC at HHI.

Start bashing! LOL!

Tempting as that may be, I'm not biting. I have made my point and will be glad to respond to any other questions regarding DHHIR!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We have been to the Disney resort an average of 3-4 times a year since it opened. (That would make it at least 40 times in all.) We absolutely LOVE the marsh. And that the resort is nice and quiet. We don't want or need to be involved with all the noise and the crowds that come with being directly on the beach.

In fact, we like the marsh so much, we are in the process of buying our own villa right in Shelter Cove! We will have beach access through Palmetto Dunes (although we will no longer be able to take advantage of Disney's Beach House unless we're using points there) and I can relax on "my" marsh all I want! There is nothing like sitting on my porch, drinking coffee and reading the Island Packet every morning. You can do that "a few blocks inland", but you might as well be back home then.

DH and DS golf a few times each trip and have never had a problem with driving to a golf course. In fact, they never play the same course twice in one trip. And as far as being a "real" golfer, DS had to choose between playing golf and playing baseball in college. It was a tough decision, but he went with baseball. (Fortunately, he's a pitcher, so he doesn't have to bat, so he can still golf in his down time! )

As far as who gets the car, I often drop them off at the golf course and then do my own "thing" for the approximately 4 hours I know it will take them to finish. Then I go pick them up. Not a hardship for me or for them. After 4 hours, I've had about enough of shopping or the beach.

I don't like the resort just because it's "Disney", although that sure helps! I like it because it offers our family two vacations in one.

I'm sorry you don't like the Disney resort, but it definitely is not the "hardship" location that you have painted it to be.

This is actually what I find very appealing, I don't care really about being on the beach. I am intrigued by the "nature" flavor of the resort, and would love to utilize HHI as a fall getaway. And if it is as quiet as you say, well I'm sold. I still want to get there before I consider buying any points. Do you have any pics to post?

 

[Laxmom]

That is what drew us there too. We love HHI and look forward to 2 different types of vacations with our 2 ownerships there. I keep telling DH, we only need to be enough weeks or pts to cover the other 50 weeks of the year for when we retire and travel full time.

 

[Grandbuddy]

Ill-tempered post deleted by normally mild-mannered poster.

 

[podsnel]

It's funny- when we go on my favorite beach vacation, to LBI in NJ, I HAVE to be on the beach. One off, maybe. That's it, as far as I want to go. Mostly, I think, it has to do with the kids- close access to the bathroom, feel like you're at the beach even when you're in your house. But when I booked our trip for this summer to HHI, I was thinking of it as more of a camping without the camping trip, if you know what I mean. Wasn't really thinking of it as a beach vacay, more of a rustic and pretty place with a ton of family oriented stuff going on and WOW there's a beach nearby with
a place for us to cool off if we need to, or swim in a pool if we would like. And a bathroom by the beach, of course! And I admit, in LBI, if I didn't have kids, I'd probably be on the bay for the gorgeous sunsets and boat scenery. Not that I'm knockin the Atlantic, by any means! But maybe, I'm looking for a different experience from DHHIR than the regular beach vacation, and that is why I am very hopeful we will really enjoy ourselves.
And DH expects to drive to many different golf courses on vacation, to play a variety, so that doesn't bother us either.
Hope I can post a great trip report in August- but if I can't - hey! I tried and if it's not for us, there's lots of other D vacations we will love!

 

[tammymacb]

Sorry...my bad.

That cut and paste will kill you every time...

 

[WolfpackFan]

We love HHI DVC and I understand what folks say when they post that they love being on the marsh. But I really wonder how many really mean it. If you could pick up the DVC resort and just move it a mile towards the ocean, wouldn't you be more happier with it? I know when we toured Vero Beach a couple of years back I kept thinking, I'd give anything if the Vero Beach resort was on HHI. There is just something about being within an easy walk of the beach. I understand why DVC couldn't have located the resort on the beach - the cost of land would have made the points sky high, even if that amount of land could have been purchased. We just have to be satisfied with what we have, but there have been many times I wish we were right on the beach.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We love HHI DVC and I understand what folks say when they post that they love being on the marsh. But I really wonder how many really mean it. If you could pick up the DVC resort and just move it a mile towards the ocean, wouldn't you be more happier with it? I know when we toured Vero Beach a couple of years back I kept thinking, I'd give anything if the Vero Beach resort was on HHI. There is just something about being within an easy walk of the beach. I understand why DVC couldn't have located the resort on the beach - the cost of land would have made the points sky high, even if that amount of land could have been purchased. We just have to be satisfied with what we have, but there have been many times I wish we were right on the beach.

So why did you not entertain purchasing VB? I know its much more secluded, but this is a much more affordable beach resort for us to own than up East here. I am dying to get to HHI.....wonder why its been such a hard sell?

 

[Dean]

and at 1 mile to the beach, how close do you need to be? I've heard this property is very relaxing with lots of activities available for kids. The fact that it is sold out throughout the summer means it is a disirable property! I am an avid golfer that goes on multiple golf trips every year. Some amount of driving to a course is expected and not an undue burden to "real" golfers.

I've been to HHI a number of times and stayed at the DVC there as well as a number of other locations. For me, I need to be on the beach, preferably to see the ocean from the balcony most trips. Rental pricing of condo's, housing and timeshares would suggest that the majority of visitors to HH and similar areas have the same thoughts. DVC at HH is a nice resort but there are a few others on the island that are, IMO, a little nicer. And that's true if DVC were sitting side by side on the beach as well. Not to take anything away from the DVC resort there but it's sold out because it's Summer at HH and because it's a small resorts in DVC with growing membership. DVC had trouble selling the resort out (VB also) even at $15 a point less than the other DVC resort at the time.

But like the two Marriott's directly across the water, it has it's following as it should be.

 

[WolfpackFan]

So why did you not entertain purchasing VB?

Mainly because HHI is only 5 hours from where we live. DW actually purchased our HH points. She wanted to be able to go to the beach at least 1 week a year. She is not the big WDW fan I am. She goes along but all things considered she would much rather be laying out on the beach at HHI than being down at WDW.

And please don't get me wrong - we do love the HHI DVC resort. That's why we bought points there and looking forward to our annual visit in a few weeks. But all things considered I sure wish it was on the beach. But life is all about compromises.

 

[CarolA]

Sorry...my bad.

I stand by all my statements. My question is.... why did you feel the need to do this? (Are you just bored? )

And you might notice that NONE of the charming quotes you found have ANYTHING to do with DVC.

This is truly entertaining. Apparently if I say anything but "DISNEY CAN DO NO WRONG" you are going to trash me.

So to give you some fuel.

Disney Deluxe hotels are RIP OFFS. When compared to industy standards they DO NOT measure up in any real area with the possible exception of location and the DEFINITE exception of "price" . However, I don't think that I am the only poster on this board who feels that way. I have seen other posts on this issue.

And if you LOOK at independent hotel ratings you will see that I am not alone in my thoughts. MOBIL gives the GF THREE STARS. It gives the Marriott Birmingham the same ranking! The only "independent" to give the GF a great ranking is AAA and considering how much Disney they sell one must wonder about thier "independence"

However, I am enjoying your attacks (which I doubt is what you thought I would say) so bring it on!!!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

.......

 

[WolfpackFan]

However, I am enjoying your attacks (which I doubt is what you thought I would say) so bring it on!!!

Please don't bring it on. Mods where are you?

 

[Laxmom]

Not sure why someone felt the need to hijack this thread to preach about why she doesn't like HHI when know one cares and it wasn't the point of this thread. This thread is supposed to be about advice for the OP about their upcoming stay or a possible stay there. Can't we just keep our personal opinions about the resort aside and answer the questions at hand tohelp this fellow Dis'er with their questions? After all, isn't that was this board is supposed to be about?

 

[haleofafamily]

As the OP, I have received the answers I needed. I have appreciated all the responses. I happen to agree that a Disney deluxe is not the equivilant to other resort deluxes, but I still love staying on Disney property and will continue to do so.
How do I get this thread closed?

 

[Laxmom]

How does HHI compare with WDW DVC properties? If we want to go in July this year, how difficult will it be to get a reservation? How far of a walk from rooms to pool/s? Is there on-property beach/ocean access? I know very little about this property so any info would be very appreciated.

Trying to get back on topic....

I think this resort compares quite a bit in theming to VWL. It reminds me of a Adironak camp like atmosphere. There isn't quite as much Mickey theming as at WDW. The property is full of old oaks and trees. The paths meander thru the property. It really is lovely.

As far as reservations, HHI is a tough one in the summer months unless you own there for any timeshare and DVC is no exception. Not impossible but difficult. You would be hard pressed to find anything, anywhere for this July. It isn't too soon to start planning for next year.

There is a shuttle or you can rent a bike and ride to the beach house. The resort is actually on the marsh and marina so it is surrounded by water but not beach. There is a pool on property but the beach house/beach pool are approximately a mile away. It is really a nice facility.

Think about it, Disney is really careful about what they put their name on. They wouldn't build a mediocre resort; their standards are higher than that. If you are looking for luxury, you might be disapointed but if you enjoy Disney quality meets a terrific non Orlando location, go for it. We love it there. Good luck with your plans.

 

[Dean]

Not sure why someone felt the need to hijack this thread to preach about why she doesn't like HHI when know one cares and it wasn't the point of this thread. This thread is supposed to be about advice for the OP about their upcoming stay or a possible stay there. Can't we just keep our personal opinions about the resort aside and answer the questions at hand tohelp this fellow Dis'er with their questions? After all, isn't that was this board is supposed to be about?

Actually it was the point of this thread as I read the OP.

How does HHI compare with WDW DVC properties? If we want to go in July this year, how difficult will it be to get a reservation? How far of a walk from rooms to pool/s? Is there on-property beach/ocean access? I know very little about this property so any info would be very appreciated.

 

[Grandbuddy]

Post deleted by Grandbuddy...even though it may well live on in the "quotes."

 

[CarolA]

Simply pointing out it is difficult to find a thread in which you have been positive and upbeat...using only your words, not mine. I'm not at all interested in hurting you in any way. I hope you have a wonderful day and that you will figure out how to get rid of that annoying "sponsor" designation.

I am glad you aren't interested in hurting me... because you haven't. However, you seeem very selective in your post search. I routinely post good things abour CBR and the value resorts for example, but NONE of those made your cut... (That of course would have defeated your argument!)

To respond to others. The OP asked "how does HH compare to other DVC resorts" My original post which was hijacked was that while I find HHI a GREAT place to vaction, I think that there are other options besides the DVC resort that MAY be better for some families. I don't think it compares favorably to other DVC resorts. I paid a premium for DVC in Orlando due to location... DVC in HH wants that same preimum for what I consider a location that is not "premium" Apparently it's BAD to mention that there are other places on HH besides DVC. I am not going to apologize for that "bad behavior" So go ahead and attack!

I love HHI. IMHO it's a wonderful place to vacation and I will be there tomorrow. However, if someone is planning a vacation there and is mainly intersted in beach I would not send them to the DVC resort. If someone asks a question about HHI apparently the ONLY acceptable response is 'DVC is wonderful and you should only stay there, it has no flaws' (Did I get it right that time?)

 

[Laxmom]

How does HHI compare with WDW DVC properties? If we want to go in July this year, how difficult will it be to get a reservation? How far of a walk from rooms to pool/s? Is there on-property beach/ocean access? I know very little about this property so any info would be very appreciated.

Actually it was the point of this thread as I read the OP.

My point was to try and answer this person's questions by trying to keep this thread on topic and some people seem to want to argue. You seem to want to contribute to that. I personally feel for the op who asked a simple question only to have the discussion go way off track. Why not try to be helpful instead of arguementative? Just answer the question and compare the resorts to WDW DVC not compare other HHI properties. The op was trying to put it in reference to something they know; the WDW resorts not a critique of HHI resorts.

People come to these boards for advice why not give it and be helpful? The op didn't ask a question that should have led to a couple of the posts on this thread.