Hilton Head 2022 Questions

[HermanTriplets+1]

Hi DISers and DVCers!
I know that there are no character meals or such at DVC Hilton Head, but also know that folks talk about "lots of Disney feels". Can you tell me things at Hilton Head that make you know you're at a Disney property? What are the things that make you feel the Magic? Thanks so much!

 

[tkd lisa]

The decor, all the art has a disne y vibe while still paying homage to the area. Also themed pools, which just says Disney to me. The community hall activities are all disne y themed. And the staff just have that indefinable friendly attitude.

 

[sleepydog25]

1) CMs--best in all of Disney. Many compare it to the golden era of Disney when the parks were less crowded, there were more CMs doing the little things to make the "magic."
2) Subtle touches to decor, buildings, furnishings, and even a few hidden Mickeys thrown in.
3) Music at the pools. While some of it is pop-based hits, you'll also hear Disney-themed tunes, as well, especially at the Beach House pool.
4) Dole whips
5) Mickey waffles
6) Pluto meets and greets
7) Activities geared around Disney, such as Mickey tie-dye t-shirts, animation classes, et. al.
8) Disney merchandise in the Mercantile including Mickey ice cream bars

It's a totally different vibe than visiting WDW or DL, one wherein you're almost required to relax, to soak up the low country ambiance, to enjoy family time doing activities together not running from ride to ride or park to park. You'll love it.

 

[hhisc16]

1) CMs--best in all of Disney. Many compare it to the golden era of Disney when the parks were less crowded, there were more CMs doing the little things to make the "magic."
2) Subtle touches to decor, buildings, furnishings, and even a few hidden Mickeys thrown in.
3) Music at the pools. While some of it is pop-based hits, you'll also hear Disney-themed tunes, as well, especially at the Beach House pool.
4) Dole whips
5) Mickey waffles
6) Pluto meets and greets
7) Activities geared around Disney, such as Mickey tie-dye t-shirts, animation classes, et. al.
8) Disney merchandise in the Mercantile including Mickey ice cream bars

It's a totally different vibe than visiting WDW or DL, one wherein you're almost required to relax, to soak up the low country ambiance, to enjoy family time doing activities together not running from ride to ride or park to park. You'll love it.

I agree with everything, but especially the cast members at DHHIR! They are the best cast members in the Disney company!

 

[rcs]

You forgot one:

9) The credit-card-breaking bill at the end of your stay

That makes it painfully clear you have stayed at a Disney property. Just kidding...

I definitely would agree that the cast members are the best. A quick story...

In late afternoon of the last day of our first trip there, we wanted to get Dole Whips (this is a mandatory part of any Disney vacation for us). We found out that they are only available at the beach house. So, we drove over only to find that the machine had already been turned off for the day. The CM apologized and suggested we come back tomorrow. But when we explained this was our last day, she said, "If you aren't in a rush, stick around for a little bit." OK, so we grabbed seats at the pool. About15 minutes later she came out with a tray full of small sample-size Dole Whips and handed them out to us and the 10 or so other people still at the pool. You couldn't help but smile and say, "Only at Disney would this happen." The cast members are what makes the stay so special.

 

[bbeagle]

Is Hilton Head a good stop for the night if you're driving to Disney from the north? We're coming from Buffalo, NY. It's an 18 hour drive, so we need to stop somewhere between Raleigh and Atlanta.

We would probably arrive at 5-7pm at Hilton Head and then be able to relax until 11am where we would drive 5 hours to Disney when our resort rooms would be ready.

Is Hilton Head worth it for just a quick stop, or should we just choose a Motel 6 where they leave the lights on for us?

 

[sleepydog25]

Is Hilton Head a good stop for the night if you're driving to Disney from the north? We're coming from Buffalo, NY. It's an 18 hour drive, so we need to stop somewhere between Raleigh and Atlanta.

We would probably arrive at 5-7pm at Hilton Head and then be able to relax until 11am where we would drive 5 hours to Disney when our resort rooms would be ready.

Is Hilton Head worth it for just a quick stop, or should we just choose a Motel 6 where they leave the lights on for us?

Short answer is "yes."
Longer answer is "maybe."

Based on your predicted route of travel, you'll hit the portion of I-95 that runs by HHI after roughly 12+ hours of driving. From that spot along I-95, it's at least 45 minutes to get to DHHIR. The resort is lovely, quiet, and relaxing which would make it an ideal place to recharge your batteries for a night. And, it would start your Disney vacation a day earlier. It's not an "in-your-face" Disney experience, but you will know that you've been welcomed "home." Many places deliver food to the resort, but there are several restaurants within a 5-15 minute walk (many others within a 10-minute drive). Tide Me Over is the lone QS on the resort proper, and it closes at 5 p.m. Depending on the time of year you're planning to come, rooms can be tough to book, especially studios and 1BRs as they make up only about 40% of the inventory at DHHIR.

Thus, on the one hand, you'd have a beautiful resort at which to stay for the one night, a little touch of Disney before hitting the World. However, you'll have to drive a bit out of your way to get there, might have trouble booking the room, and may have to book a 2BR--both of the last two items are time of year dependent to some extent.

Hope this helps!

 

[DonnerB]

We arrive tomorrow night and it's threads like this that have me super excited for our first visit!

 

[hhisc16]

We arrive tomorrow night and it's threads like this that have me super excited for our first visit!

We will be there on the 22nd!
You will love the resort!

 

[sleepydog25]

We arrive tomorrow night and it's threads like this that have me super excited for our first visit!

Just got off the water from kayaking with temps around 72. However, in full disclosure, beginning tomorrow and for the following week or so, temps are supposed to be below average. In fact, Friday and Saturday nights will see lows in the high 20s. We will just miss out on freezing rain from winter storm Jasper on Friday night if the weather prognosticators are correct: 15-20 miles north of us they ARE calling for freezing rain, though only a smidgen.

So, be aware that the pools won't open if the "feels like" temperature is below 50F; however, if you can take it, all the yard games around the resort should be open, as well as the pool table at Murggie's Den, the pool table at the Beach House (outside), and both foosball and ping-pong tables at the Beach House (also outside). While Tide Me Over will open every day from 8-5, Surfmen's Sand Bar is somewhat reliant on the weather in terms of being open or not. Check with the front desk each morning if you're wondering--they should know something. Most activities you can sign up for should also be accommodated. Enjoy the resort, kick back on your balcony, play games or watch movies in your room (you can check out games from the front desk or movies from the Mercantile), bike, walk, explore, and eat some fine low country cuisine. Enjoy!

 

[DonnerB]

@sleepydog25 - thank you! This is great info! We have already kind of tempered our expectations due to wanting to lay low thanks to COVID, so knowing we can still enjoy the resort is great . Will the hot tub also be closed if the pool doesn’t open?

Thanks to the great January points charts, we snagged a grand Villa for most of our days and are looking forward to that fire place!

 

[sleepydog25]

@sleepydog25 - thank you! This is great info! We have already kind of tempered our expectations due to wanting to lay low thanks to COVID, so knowing we can still enjoy the resort is great . Will the hot tub also be closed if the pool doesn’t open?

Thanks to the great January points charts, we snagged a grand Villa for most of our days and are looking forward to that fire place!

Wow, a Grand Villa! Well, you will also have a wood-burning fireplace in the GV, and the resort provides the firewood, the fire starters, and even a lighter if you need it. Generally, the hot tub remains open when the temps are below 50F, but I don't know if that's a hard and fast rule. I do know that if the "feels like" temperature is below 50F, yet the weather is otherwise nice--say, sunny and not too windy--the recreation CMs will still do things such as trivia contests and the like on the pool deck. As you've undoubtedly read on this thread and others, a vacation at DHHIR is unlike anything at the World. It's a truly relaxing, laid back, reconnect with family time. Biking is huge on the island, and there is something like 120 miles of bike trails that help you stay off the busy streets and roads. Yard games include corn hole, horseshoes (x2), putting green, basketball court, giant checkers, and bocci ball. Plus, there are 6-8 hammocks scattered throughout the property along with a half dozen propane grills, most of which are co-located with regular charcoal grills (you can request grilling utensils by calling the front desk). Enjoy your trip!

 

[DonnerB]

Wow, a Grand Villa! Well, you will also have a wood-burning fireplace in the GV, and the resort provides the firewood, the fire starters, and even a lighter if you need it. Generally, the hot tub remains open when the temps are below 50F, but I don't know if that's a hard and fast rule. I do know that if the "feels like" temperature is below 50F, yet the weather is otherwise nice--say, sunny and not too windy--the recreation CMs will still do things such as trivia contests and the like on the pool deck. As you've undoubtedly read on this thread and others, a vacation at DHHIR is unlike anything at the World. It's a truly relaxing, laid back, reconnect with family time. Biking is huge on the island, and there is something like 120 miles of bike trails that help you stay off the busy streets and roads. Yard games include corn hole, horseshoes (x2), putting green, basketball court, giant checkers, and bocci ball. Plus, there are 6-8 hammocks scattered throughout the property along with a half dozen propane grills, most of which are co-located with regular charcoal grills (you can request grilling utensils by calling the front desk). Enjoy your trip!

Perfect! Thank you!

 

[Travel60]

Is Hilton Head a good stop for the night if you're driving to Disney from the north? We're coming from Buffalo, NY. It's an 18 hour drive, so we need to stop somewhere between Raleigh and Atlanta.

We would probably arrive at 5-7pm at Hilton Head and then be able to relax until 11am where we would drive 5 hours to Disney when our resort rooms would be ready.

Is Hilton Head worth it for just a quick stop, or should we just choose a Motel 6 where they leave the lights on for us?

We do this both ways - we are at WDW now and will stop at HHI on the way back at the end of the month. As someone else mentioned, however, it is ~45 minutes off the interstate. Anyway you can leave a day earlier and stay two nights so you have time to enjoy? We are staying 5 nights, I think.

 

[tigger2002]

Anyone know the procedure for requesting room upgrades at Hilton Head Disney? We are in a studio for an upcoming trip. We have successfully used Touring Plans to get upgraded in the past.

 

[sleepydog25]

Anyone know the procedure for requesting room upgrades at Hilton Head Disney? We are in a studio for an upcoming trip. We have successfully used Touring Plans to get upgraded in the past.

There is no procedure. If the resort is overbooked in one category--studio--but underbooked in a 1BR, then you might get upgraded. However, that's unlikely to happen. Likewise, if your room is taken out of commission at the last minute--say, a huge water leak--and all that's available is a higher category, then you'd be moved. Again, this is unlikely to happen. While it does happen infrequently, there is no way to count or plan on it. If you show and a 1BR or 2BR is available, they will gladly book you into the higher category...as long as you have the points or the cash.

 

[Bearval]

Hi DISers and DVCers!
I know that there are no character meals or such at DVC Hilton Head, but also know that folks talk about "lots of Disney feels". Can you tell me things at Hilton Head that make you know you're at a Disney property? What are the things that make you feel the Magic? Thanks so much!

The prices.

 

[Simba's Mom]

The prices.

Actually, not at the resort, but eating around Hilton Head is so much less expensive than at WDW food. On-site, the QS, Tide me Over, isn't much different from Disney prices. Nor is the gift shop.

 

[kristenrice]

Just got off the water from kayaking with temps around 72. However, in full disclosure, beginning tomorrow and for the following week or so, temps are supposed to be below average. In fact, Friday and Saturday nights will see lows in the high 20s. We will just miss out on freezing rain from winter storm Jasper on Friday night if the weather prognosticators are correct: 15-20 miles north of us they ARE calling for freezing rain, though only a smidgen.

So, be aware that the pools won't open if the "feels like" temperature is below 50F; however, if you can take it, all the yard games around the resort should be open, as well as the pool table at Murggie's Den, the pool table at the Beach House (outside), and both foosball and ping-pong tables at the Beach House (also outside). While Tide Me Over will open every day from 8-5, Surfmen's Sand Bar is somewhat reliant on the weather in terms of being open or not. Check with the front desk each morning if you're wondering--they should know something. Most activities you can sign up for should also be accommodated. Enjoy the resort, kick back on your balcony, play games or watch movies in your room (you can check out games from the front desk or movies from the Mercantile), bike, walk, explore, and eat some fine low country cuisine. Enjoy!

SOOO Excited to see that the pool table, foosball and ping-pong tables are back up and running! When we went last April, the pool was operating at limited capacity (and it was full every morning by 9am...we got to swim ONCE in 5 days!) and the "table games" were shut down. My teenage daughters were so disappointed since those were their favorite activities. They couldn't swim (without getting up with an alarm), no ping-pong and no foosball. Plus, I totally dropped the ball and didn't book a fishing trip ahead of time so instead of a 5-6 hour trip like we'd hoped and planned for, we only managed to find a company that could get us a 3-hour trip.

We normally only do HHI every other year or every three years, but last year was so disappointing for us (some of which was our own doing) that we decided to try and redeem ourselves. I managed to piece together a 4-night trip for Spring Break this year, using our HHI points and a few AKV points, and some OTU points. We are going to try and do (2) 5-hour fishing trips in those 4 days this time! If we don't get to the pool, so be it...we are not setting an alarm (except to fish!) and we are just going to hang out and enjoy it. Now that the pool table, ping pong and foosball are open, the kids (and DH!) will be so excited to know that they will have something else to do at the resort.

 

[sleepydog25]

SOOO Excited to see that the pool table, foosball and ping-pong tables are back up and running! When we went last April, the pool was operating at limited capacity (and it was full every morning by 9am...we got to swim ONCE in 5 days!) and the "table games" were shut down. My teenage daughters were so disappointed since those were their favorite activities. They couldn't swim (without getting up with an alarm), no ping-pong and no foosball. Plus, I totally dropped the ball and didn't book a fishing trip ahead of time so instead of a 5-6 hour trip like we'd hoped and planned for, we only managed to find a company that could get us a 3-hour trip.

We normally only do HHI every other year or every three years, but last year was so disappointing for us (some of which was our own doing) that we decided to try and redeem ourselves. I managed to piece together a 4-night trip for Spring Break this year, using our HHI points and a few AKV points, and some OTU points. We are going to try and do (2) 5-hour fishing trips in those 4 days this time! If we don't get to the pool, so be it...we are not setting an alarm (except to fish!) and we are just going to hang out and enjoy it. Now that the pool table, ping pong and foosball are open, the kids (and DH!) will be so excited to know that they will have something else to do at the resort.

The pools opened to full capacity by early summer, and it was much easier to get into the main pool. The Beach House pool never closed, and it's not likely to given the numerous tables that sit on the pool deck under the roofing. Even at its busiest last summer, there were always open places to sit, though not always in a lounge chair in the sun. Have fun!