HHI Trip Report

Ballybunion3

<font color=darkcoral>It's kind of like WDW's grea
Joined
Dec 13, 2001
Messages
106
We went to Hilton Head because our son was graduating from USMC bootcamp in Parris Island SC. I received several tips on Disney's HHI Resort from the good folks on these boards - thanks to all of you!

We received a 20% off rate for a two bedroom villa with a coupon from Birnbaum's WDW Guide (again thanks to posters on these boards).

We arrived from Seattle on time and drove from the Savannah Airport directly to the resort. It is located in Shelter Cove, right off RT278 on Hilton Head Island. After buzzing the front desk at the security gate, the voice said "Welcome Home, we've been expecting you!" A nice greeting. Tigger & Pooh shrubs were outside the Live Oak Lodge, and we checked in with typical Disney hospitality - very friendly, efficient, and helpful. The Lodge is richly appointed in a rustic sort of way, and a game room called Big Murgie's Den is on the same floor as the check in desk. Coffee, Lemonade, and cookies were available frequently in the lodge lobby (usually in the afternoon).

We were assigned room 2712, right next to the pool and community hall, campfire pit, fishing pier & rental booth. An excellent location with gorgeous views of Calibogue Sound. The resort appeared to be just about empty. The rooms are very rustic, but very comfortable, with distressed furniture. Full kitchen, 2 full baths plus a jacuzzi tub. The 2 BR Villa sleeps 8, and we used it all with the rest of the family coming down in a couple of days. The kitchen was so well equipped that we were able to cook a complete Thanksgiving turkey dinner for our family. Since we would not all be together on the actual Thanksgiving Day, we decided to have our own Thanksgiving a couple of weeks early. It was a truly blessed event, one that we'll never forget. Wonderful accomodations!

We rented bikes for the length of stay, our youngest DD went to Campfires every other night where there was singing, dancing, story telling, & S'mores. She loved that. She also participated in Nature walks and bird watching tours. We enjoyed riding our bikes to the beach and to the Resort Beach House, about 1.5 miles away in the Palmetto Dunes area. This beach house also had a pool, game room, snack bar, and private beach access.

Much of our time was used going back and forth to Parris Island to visit our son for Family Day and graduation, but it was nice to have such a great place to return to. Our son the Marine was able to relax after graduation for a couple of days, soaking in the Hot tub next to the pool. The weather was anywhere from 60-80 during the day, but low 40s at night. Clear all week! Warm enough to swim most of the week.

This is a very different type of Disney experience - very laid back with interactive, hands on experiences like nature walks, arts & crafts, campfires etc. for families to do things together. Probably not great for teenagers - I would imagine it could get a little boring. But laid back was just what the doctor ordered for us. Just don't expect the rush-rush of a WDW vacation!


Anyway, if anyone has questions, I'll be glad to help!

Dan
_________________
Disney Village - August 1995
Shades of Green - June 2001
All Stars Sports - April 2002
We're overdue.....:p
 
Thanks for your trip report, and "Congratulations" to your son. Thank him from all of us for serving our country!

It's been over 3 years since we visited HH. But, while we were there, we drove up to the guard gate at Parris Island, and they welcomed us in to take a free bus-tour of the island.. it was great! I'm sure security has been greatly increased since September 11th... Do you know if they're still offering the public tour?
 
Glad you had a great trip.

Congratulations to your son.

HH is certainly getting some wonderful reviews on this board lately. Everyone who goes seems to be having a wonderful time.

Can't wait to go next year.

Thanks for sharing. :D
 
As far as I know, yes they are! You have to show proper Drivers License/ID and insurance papers, and they will give you a pass. Of course, your car will probably be thoroughly searched as well. No big deal, but just be prepared for it.

We are so proud of our son! Parris Island is very impressive, and what those Drill Instructors do with those kids is absolutely phenomenal.

HHI was a fantastic place to wind down. We are not DVC members, but would like to be.... we are a military family, and unfortunately our lifestyle doesn't really support owning a timeshare like DVC - yet. Maybe after my retirement????? :p

Thanks for the kind words for our son.

Dan
 

Hi,

Thanks for your report!!!! Glad you had a good time!!! Congrats to your son!!!

Allison an associate
 



















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