HHI - visit without staying there?

[JennG]

We will be staying elsewhere (unfortunately) at HHI, but I was wondering if we could visit there to check out the resort as we have never been there. We would like to try and stay there another trip, provided we could get in at 7 months. Would this be doable without breaking any rules?

TIA!

 

[sleepydog25]

Absolutely! The staff members at Disney's HHI resort have the reputation for being the friendliest CMs anywhere, and it's deserved. They are incredibly friendly, helpful, and informative. When you show up to the resort, there's a small gate w/arm you have to get through. Just hit the button on the intercom to talk to a CM in the registration office, tell them you're members wishing to check out the resort, and they'll buzz you right in. The main building is straight ahead on your right, and there are plenty of visitor spots to use. Go up the steps in to the office (take a quick peek at Shadow's doghouse) and step over to the desk to speak with a CM. From there, go exploring at your heart's desire. We've done this a couple of times (I've also stayed there years ago) and grabbed Mickey waffles as it was morning. We walked around the grounds, bought a couple of items from the gift shop, and just soaked up the atmosphere. If you want to check out the beach house portion, you'll have to ask the CM about that. We drove over ourselves with our DVC member cards in hand and got in, but I wouldn't necessarily think that's a great method. Have fun!

Oh, as for the seven months out possibility, the odds are very low if you go during any of the typical peak times such as spring break, holidays, and most especially late spring through summer. Very tough to get in.

 

[KristiMc]

We just got home from HHI. The resort is beautiful and the cast members are truly the best. We have stayed twice booking at the 7-month window. Once in June and then just now for spring break. You have a better chance if you are booking a two-bedroom as there are more of them.

 

[JennG]

Absolutely! The staff members at Disney's HHI resort have the reputation for being the friendliest CMs anywhere, and it's deserved. They are incredibly friendly, helpful, and informative. When you show up to the resort, there's a small gate w/arm you have to get through. Just hit the button on the intercom to talk to a CM in the registration office, tell them you're members wishing to check out the resort, and they'll buzz you right in. The main building is straight ahead on your right, and there are plenty of visitor spots to use. Go up the steps in to the office (take a quick peek at Shadow's doghouse) and step over to the desk to speak with a CM. From there, go exploring at your heart's desire. We've done this a couple of times (I've also stayed there years ago) and grabbed Mickey waffles as it was morning. We walked around the grounds, bought a couple of items from the gift shop, and just soaked up the atmosphere. If you want to check out the beach house portion, you'll have to ask the CM about that. We drove over ourselves with our DVC member cards in hand and got in, but I wouldn't necessarily think that's a great method. Have fun!

Oh, as for the seven months out possibility, the odds are very low if you go during any of the typical peak times such as spring break, holidays, and most especially late spring through summer. Very tough to get in.

Thanks! Glad to know we can check things out and possibly check out the beach house. I plan to have our DVC cards too. Hopefully next year we can get in!

 

[JennG]

We just got home from HHI. The resort is beautiful and the cast members are truly the best. We have stayed twice booking at the 7-month window. Once in June and then just now for spring break. You have a better chance if you are booking a two-bedroom as there are more of them.

Glad to hear you've been able to get in twice and had a nice time. I did see right at 7 months but we weren't quite sure at the time. Thanks for the tip on looking for the two-bedroom!

 

[IndyToThere]

We literally just did this on our trip last week to Hilton Head. We parked at the public parking lot just outside of Disney's HHI and walked over. The cast members were very welcoming and the front desk gave us lots of info when we mentioned we just visiting and were looking around. Every castmember we met while walking around the resort was friendly and acknowledged us. I never thought I'd be interested in paying a premium to stay there over a condo rental, but now it's got me thinking of Disney HHI for a future visit.

 

[quinnc19]

The cast members there are really the best. My daughter and I have been going there for seven years and have really gotten to know some of them. Almost feels like family!

We literally just did this on our trip last week to Hilton Head. We parked at the public parking lot just outside of Disney's HHI and walked over. The cast members were very welcoming and the front desk gave us lots of info when we mentioned we just visiting and were looking around. Every castmember we met while walking around the resort was friendly and acknowledged us. I never thought I'd be interested in paying a premium to stay there over a condo rental, but now it's got me thinking of Disney HHI for a future visit.

 

[rnorwo1]

If you want to check out the beach house portion, you'll have to ask the CM about that. We drove over ourselves with our DVC member cards in hand and got in, but I wouldn't necessarily think that's a great method. Have fun!

We were able to stay there one week a few years ago and loved it. We just found out we will be going to Savannah in July for a college seminar, so we wanted to return since it's so close, but of course it was way too late to get a reservation; so, I just booked a VRBO near there. When you say you checked it out, did they just let you look in the beach house, or could you use it? I was hoping to grab lunch or something there, but I didn't know if it could be used by members not staying there, or just resort guests?

 

[Simba's Mom]

Glad to hear you've been able to get in twice and had a nice time. I did see right at 7 months but we weren't quite sure at the time. Thanks for the tip on looking for the two-bedroom!

Actually, you never know! At some times, strange as it seems, a 1 BR may be available but a 2 BR isn't. We were at HHI once when part of a family wanted to extend their stay. We heard the front desk telling them that although there was availability for them to stay, the 2 BR they had been in was't available, but a 1 BR was. Later I asked the CM, who explained that because the resort attracts lots of large family groups, sometimes the smaller villas are available.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

We are headed there mid-May for our first trip and were able to book it easily at 7 months. I bet the main summer months are difficult to book but May looked pretty good. Oh, and it is a 1 bedroom.