HHI--Tell me more!

[BlakeNJ]

Just trying to fill my head with more DVC info. HHI looks GREAT! I would love to hear more about the resort from those that have stayed. Theme? Restuarants? Activities? What is the "Disney" presence? Charecters? Thanks so much. If we buy, I think I would like HHI to be our first visit "Home"!

Blakely

 

[tor]

We went in July it was great but HOT does not begin to describe it, even the ocean was hotter than a warm bath. The snack bar at the beach house was surprisingly good and not expensive. The bike ride to the beach house was a nice ride and much better than by car. The barbeque was ok, but the campfire was great, the kids still sing the songs from it. B'Lou Crabbe put on a great show very funny. The water slide closed to early and the resort was very quiet. Sounds like a mixed review but we are looking to go again as it was a great vacation.

 

[missymouse]

Just trying to fill my head with more DVC info. HHI looks GREAT! I would love to hear more about the resort from those that have stayed. Theme? Restuarants? Activities? What is the "Disney" presence? Charecters? Thanks so much. If we buy, I think I would like HHI to be our first visit "Home"!

Blakely

Not sure about all the questions but will take a stab at it.

Theme: 1940s hunting and fishing lodge

Restaurants: Snack Bar at Beach House (Signals) Tide Me Over (Breakfast and Lunch). Lots of off-site sit down restaurants.

Activities: Campfire, B'Lou Crabbe shows, Barbeque, Crabbing, Beachcombing, Dolphin watching, Kayaking, Pools, Work-out Room, Community Hall with DVD's to borrow, games, pool table, Arcade, Nature education programs, Goofy Bingo, Gyotaku (Fish Painting), and lots more. There are also lots of off-site things. Type Hilton Head Island into a search engine.

Disney Presence: Mascot "Shadow" is a Golden Labrador, his footprints are around the resort, Mickey & Minnies initials carved in benches, Disney "Behind the Ears Tour".

Characters: None (at least not from WDW or Disney movies) B'Lou and Shadow are considered characters I think by some.

We bought HHI points but haven't been there yet. We just weren't sure we would go back to WDW all the time but could see ourselves going to HHI for many years to come. Did tons of research on Disney there and the area.

 

[klaubaugh]

We went for the first time this past August. Loved it so much we came home and bought 65 points there! It's a GREAT family vacation - so different from the "World" but same great quality and customer service.

Our daughters - 9 & 6 - had a great time, loved the ocean - very warm, pool time, made lots of friends with other kids there. Good activities - great recreation staff. Obviously - we fell in love with it - but it's not WDW!

 

[CarolA]

I have stayed there and I am in the minority on this board.... I never have to stay there again.

The rooms were very nice, the resort is beautiful. However, IMHO the draw of HH is the beach and this resort is NOT anywhere close to the beach.....

I have stayed at several other places on HH that offered equally good accomdations, kids programs etc and were either ON or within a short walk to the beach.

 

[twinklebug]

the draw of HH is the beach and this resort is NOT anywhere close to the beach.....

That's a huge shame. When I think of SC, I think beach, not even to swim, but to walk for miles, look for seashells and build little castles.... and if the kids want to they can too

 

[CarolA]

That's a huge shame. When I think of SC, I think beach, not even to swim, but to walk for miles, look for seashells and build little castles.... and if the kids want to they can too

BINGO. I love that gentle sloping beach at HH. I can walk on it and daydream for hours!

 

[nrsgrl]

We were at Hilton Head a few days ago. We will probably not go back. I didn't like that it was not near the beach. The resort area itself was very nice, but we felt like there wasn't much to do. We are used to the hustle and bustle of Boardwalk or Beach Club. It was much too cold to swim when we were there, too, so maybe if it had been summer I would have a different viewpoint.

Mary

 

[reesecup]

Well, I will just have to speak up for the HHI resort because we LOVE it. I mean, it's not THAT far from the beach. People make it sound like it's 30 minutes or something and the bike ride over to the beach has always been the highlight for us. We enjoy the beautiful view and take our time b/k that is what it is all about. Once we get to the beach (which takes about 10 minutes tops bike riding), we can walk the beach for as long as we like. Plus, the pool there at the beach is awesome. Very fun layout and perfect for volleyball games, etc. Food was very good also for a laying by the pool kind of food.

Funny. We took my mother and my sister on two seperate trips and they talk about HHI all the time now. They had a wonderful time.

Just waking in the morning to ride our bikes across the bridge for breakfast by the Harbor view or for the entertainment at night was very nice to us. Looking in the shops, etc. is also fun. And we are just as happy with the view of the harbor. After all, we see the ocean almost all day long.

If you are looking for non-stop action, then HHI is not for you. Maybe Vegas is.

This is a VERY relaxing trip. With great cast members; esp. B'lou. We always try to make it to all of his magic shows and are never disappointed.

The ONLY thing that we can think of that we are a little disappointed is that the ocean is just a little different from our NC coast where the kids (and we too) love riding waves. It's a lot more calm there.

Anyway....we own at BWV and have not been there yet (this will be the first year) but we've been to HHI several times since our ownership. That should say something about the resort.

Also, if you are early risers like we are, the sunrise is amazing over the marsh!!! And take a little time to go crabbing or fishing off of the pier.

You won't find Mickey or Minnie in character but all you need to do is open your eyes and ears, and you will experience so much more. Don't get me wrong though we do love WDW...they just are different, that's all. Don't expect characters and rides, etc.

WE LOVE HHI!!! And often wish we would have gotten our points there.


In fact, I think I'll go make a ressie for this spring. Hope it's not already booked.

The only way to know if you will like it , is to experience it yourself. Have fun.

 

[Ellester]

We just got back from three nights at HHI and we loved it! (I'm actully uploading our photos as I type this!) I liked it so much better than the time we spent at the Crowne Plaza last year. It's not on the beach, but that didn't matter to me. We went over to the beach one day (drove, 5 minutes) but it was a bit chilly once the clouds came out. The beachhouse was very quiet. I much prefered the resort itself. The kids loved the pool, I loved the atmosphere, the birds, hammocks, trees, marsh, etc. I really liked the "lodge" theme. Our 2br was very spacious, I was surprised. The kitchen was not well stocked, but I expected that. We had one meal at the snack bar which was very good and moderately priced for a huge portion! There is no sitdown restraunt, but there are a million near by. We walked to Kingfisher one night (so-so) and drove to the Sea Shack the next (very casual, but AWESOME seafood!). As mentioned, no characters per se but I felt the Disney vibe everywhere. There were several activities each day, some free some with a fee. We saw B'lou Crabbe's magic show one night and my mom took my older kids to his "scary" storytelling later that night. Our campfire was rained out, but we played Goofy bingo instead. The staff was great, they were all super with the kids. My older two went on the "kids' night out", they had pizza and they took the DVC van to the movies. Overall, it was a very relaxing long weekend. I would love to go back for a week next time. We met several families that make it a yearly trip. If you have any other specific questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them.

 

[CarolA]

I am going to say that I had been going to HH for years before DVC showed up. I think that my expectations of HH were formed by those experiences. I pefer to be inside the plantation gates at all times and I perfer to be closer to the beach.

I think Disney came in TOO late here and did not get prime real estate. Look at the real estate Marriott has.. top locations!

 

[reesecup]

Just wanted to add a couple of things. I would imagine in the pretty cold months, HHI may not be near as wonderful as in the warmer times. But my family are avid golfers and so that has that appeal there even if it is a little cooler. In fact the weather right now is ideal for the golfing.

We, unlike CarolA had not really visited HH all that much b/k we have friends who own a beachfront condo at Wrightsville that we go to for our long yearly vacation and we usually get there at least two other times during the year. Soooo..... that being said, if we did not have that to go to, then maybe I would think differently about HHI resort not being on the direct beach.

I still disagree though with the location. I think it's a great location....next to being directly on the beach. And if you are there on Tuesday nights in peak time or warmer weather, watch out b/k Shelter Cove gets PACKED. Lots of entertainment for the kids and booths set up. Fireworks are that night as well.

A girl that taught fitness classes with me at the Y used to live there and she says she is going to give me a list of great rest's, etc. One she did mention right off was close to the resort but more up on the main highway...it's a Mexican/Southwest type I believe and is on the left if you turn to go towards Sea Pines. My husband and I were riding bikes by it one day as they were getting ready to open and it looked very nice and a great menu but we didn't eat there for some reason.

We liked Scott's OK which is right over the bridge...you can walk or ride your bike. Heard it is better than KingFisher.

We also liked Signe's. Very small and quaint but good food .
But we enjoyed the Parrot Cove right there on the harbor a couple of mornings bright and early.
Oh, and as far as characters go...my children and I have had just as much fun trying to find Shadow, the resort dog.

If I think of any other things, I'll let you know. Maybe I can get some of our pics. on. I'll see if my kids can help me get them on here. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[flechette]

I stayed for 4 days in May and loved it I knew in advance that it wasn't directly on the beach so that wasn't disappointing. We had a wonderful marsh view. It was about a 20-25 min walk to the beach with us loaded down w/ gear and taking a wrong turn LOL (okay and me being out of shape) Shuttle back was maybe 5 min drive

One very important detail I haven't seen mentioned- no resort restaurant serves dinner, everything closes up around 5pm - you will have to cook dinner yourself or walk across the Marina and eat there. or drive elsewhere. Not really a hardship and my hubby still talks about wanting to go back and grill out

I'd say try it first and see, it's not for everyone. Either a rental here or check travelocity or expedia for a deal

 

[RobDoc]

I would agree with those that expect a beachfront resort - do not go to DHHIR since it is NOT on the beach and has never claimed to be.

It is not themed as a beach resort, it is a South Carolina Low Country fishing lodge. It is located on Broad Creek, a tidal marsh within Hilton Head along with many very luxurious private homes- some owned by celebrities. The marsh is home to a wide variety of animal life. We have seen dolphin, river otter, manatee and a variety of sea birds right from the resort on many trips.

Many activities at the resort are water based including canoeing, kayaking, shelling, swimming, fishing, sailing, crabbing, parasailing, Dolphin tours and several others. The resort itself has a nice selection of age appropriate activities for all ages - including adults - as well as family based programs. While the resort itself does not have a full service restaurant, there are about 6 within 200 yards of the resort and over 300 dining options within a short drive.

In addition to the water activities, there are miles of bike trails at HH, many tennis courts and a number of great golf courses plus horseback riding and nature walks and lectures. In the summer months, there are concerts and fireworks provided by the Shelter Cove Harbor merchants (DVC is a member of that group).

In addition, for those wanting still other activity - the Atlantic Ocean is 1 mile from the resort- accessed by private auto, bike, on foot or by shuttle provided by the resort. The beach is beautiful white sand with a very gradual drop off, minimal rip currents and opportunity to walk in pleasant conditions along 8 miles of beach.

We've been going to HH since the early 80's and the DVC resort since it opened in 1996 and have never stayed "on the beach", but have totally enjoyed the ambiance and history of the area, the variety of activities available on the island and the wonderful hospitality offered by the entire area.

If you must stay on the beach, try VB. If you want a great place for a family vacation - that includes access to a great beach - then HH is worth a stay. it's certainly not for everyone, but has been great for our family.

 

[twinklebug]

Just wondering, it's been said HH is not anywhere close to the beach, and yet you still have access to the beach...

so,

how do you get to the beach and how long does it take to get there?

 

[RobDoc]

DVC owns and maintains a Beach House accessible thru Palmetto Dunes Plantation. It is a mile from the resort and the resort does provide a shuttle bus thru the day. There is a pool and snack bar at the Beach House and some of the resort programs take place there. Resort guests will get a parking pass which allows access to the Beach House thru the security gate for Palmetto Dunes. There is a paved bike path to the beach and it is an easy walk if the temps aren't too bad- we've done both a number of times but usually drive or take the shuttle.

The Beach parking area is shared as a public access point , but the Beach House is available only to resort guests - your room key will open the gates and locks to the Beach House.

We usually go down early each day for a walk on the beach, an ocean swim and a dip in the Beach House pool before returning to the resort - and then repeat that in the late afternoon. When grandkids are along, we may spend several hours in the surf and building sand castles at the beach, but generally enjoy the resort facilities during the heat of the day.

Enjoy!

 

[twinklebug]

We usually go down early each day for a walk on the beach, an ocean swim and a dip in the Beach House pool before returning to the resort - and then repeat that in the late afternoon. When grandkids are along, we may spend several hours in the surf and building sand castles at the beach, but generally enjoy the resort facilities during the heat of the day.

Enjoy!

Thank you WMDoc! HHI sounds nice now that you've explained this - I can live without the beach view, we just *need* the ocean acessibilty KWIM?

 

[DizneyNutz]

From our first trip this last Sept. We will go back

In front on the beach house

Pool at beach house

Pool at Resort

Old Trees around Resort

Pathways through Resort

Marina in front of Resort

Entry to Resort

 

[sigillaria]

I would agree with those that expect a beachfront resort - do not go to DHHIR since it is NOT on the beach and has never claimed to be.

It is not themed as a beach resort, it is a South Carolina Low Country fishing lodge. It is located on Broad Creek, a tidal marsh within Hilton Head along with many very luxurious private homes- some owned by celebrities. The marsh is home to a wide variety of animal life. We have seen dolphin, river otter, manatee and a variety of sea birds right from the resort on many trips.

Well said!
Hilton Head is a treasure-a place to relax and unwind-a place to be in tune with nature-a real star in the Disney crown.

Oddly enough I bought pre-constuction in 1995..but have only stayed there a few times. We have had to cancel last minute several times-Hurricane Frances being one reason.
We have been using our points at WDW mostly..but I plan to start making an annual (or more) trips to HH.

 

[DizneyNutz]

A few willing subjects at HHI