Hilton Head Availability Question

[gppnj]

Hi, all. I'm doing some long-range planning, and I'd like to get some opinions.

My parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in February. As my gift to them, I'd like to take them on a trip for about a week. They've never been to Hilton Head before, so I thought that would be a nice place for me to take them.

As far as the timing, I don't want to bring them there in February right when their anniversary is because they wouldn't enjoy the weather there then. I've also heard that June through August is very busy there, and reservations are hard to come by (especially considering HHI is not my home resort), so I didn't think that would be the best time. (Rooms also cost the most points at that time.) As a result, I thought the best time for me to try to bring them there would be late May - maybe a week or two before Memorial Day weekend. The reason I'm thinking that might be best is that the weather should still be very good, but it's not as busy or costly (in terms of points) as it is in the official peak time.

Here are my questions:

1. The weather at Hilton Head in the second half of May should be plenty warm enough to sit around the pool and perhaps swim, right?

2. What are my chances of successfully booking a two-bedroom unit at this time? (It's just the three of us, so we don't really need a two-bedroom, but this is a special occasion, so I thought a two-bedroom would be nice.) Since I want late May, I'd be calling to try to book it in October. I figured I'd get Sunday night through Thursday night because five nights with them are probably as much as I can take, and I'd be avoiding the much-more-expensive Friday and Saturday nights.

Thanks in advance for any help you are able to provide.

 

[RobDoc]

The weather in May will be nice. The ocean may still be a little cool, but the pools are heated if that's the case.

You should be fine getting a 2BR for that time period at 7 months. The resort has mostly dedicated 2BRs and they generally have availability at 7 months- even for the busy summer months.

Enjoy- it's a great resort for a special celebration and there will be plenty to do in May.

 

[gppnj]

The weather in May will be nice. The ocean may still be a little cool, but the pools are heated if that's the case.

You should be fine getting a 2BR for that time period at 7 months. The resort has mostly dedicated 2BRs and they generally have availability at 7 months- even for the busy summer months.

Enjoy- it's a great resort for a special celebration and there will be plenty to do in May.

This is very good news. None of us would probably have been going in the ocean anyway, so if that's the only negative, we're in good shape. Thank you!

I know for sure I'll want to take them to see Savannah one day. Other than that, once it gets closer to the trip, I'll start researching the other things to see and do.

 

[JohnNJ]

Enjoy- it's a great resort for a special celebration and there will be plenty to do in May.

We've been thinking about HH also. What are some of the things to do there with kids?

Thanks.

 

[RumpleMom]

We are thinking of taking a boat from HHI to Savannah. I have been looking at vagabondcruise.com. They have several cruise options and are located in Sea Pines. They also have a new dinner cruise that leaves from Shelter Cove. HTH

 

[sleepydog25]

WebMasterDoc's comments echo what we found the first week of June (obviously close to the second half of May): availability for 2BRs is fairly good, the weather is nice, and ocean and pools are both about the right temp for swimming or wading. It's a quieter resort than most in WDW since you don't have the added excitement of the parks, but the atmosphere actually makes you feel like you're more on true vacation.


JohnNJ also asked about activities for kids. Certainly, the ocean and the pools (one at the resort proper and one at the beach house the resort operates) are major attractions, but additionally there is:
- bike riding
- fishing
- crabbing
- kayaking
- campfire complete with storytelling, songs, and sumores right at the resort
- magic show
- nature tours
- dolphin sight-seeing tours
- arts and crafts
. . .and the list goes on and on. The CMs at HHI can fill you in much better than can I. The restaurant scene at HHI is very family-oriented, even the upscale restaurants usually advertise a kids' menu. My DW and I took our DD4 along earlier this month and she really enjoyed it. I'm guessing you would, too.

 

[RobDoc]

In addition to sleepydog's great list the recreation staff also offers:

horseback riding, canoeing, shelling, Kid's Night Out, Teen's Night Out, Shadow's Tales, Shadow's Bunny Hunt, Gyotaku (fish painting) and many other options.

There are over 200 restaurants on HH and most are geared towards families. Plan to visit Harbour Town, the lighthouse, the Salty Dog Cafe (and T-Shirt shop), plantation ruins, Old Fort area, all sorts of water related activities, plus many adult recreational activities- including cooking with Matilda, wine tasting and the Behind The Ears (DVC member tour). There are several outlet malls, as well as the nearby Shelter Cove Mall for those who find relaxation in browsing thru boutique shops or catching the wonderful Shannon Tanner family shows right at Sheler Cove across from the resort. During the summer, there are fireworks every Tuesday evening.

We arrive in 7 days and will report any additional programs!

Enjoy!

 

[Dgentrysim]

You can do as much or as little as you want. We've been many times over July 4 (which we are doing this summer), over New Year's, and the middle of January. The majority of the time, the weather is great.....in January it was 67 degrees. We went into the pool (it's heated) and had a ball! So if you go in May, should be perfect, less humidity. Hope you and your parents have a great time for their 50th Anniversary. When you make reservations....see if they can send you come kind of card with the Disney Vacation Resort Hilton Head Resort on it so you write something in it about surprising them with the trip to HHI. They'll love the resort.

 

[mousekids05]

Hilton Head sounds great. We are new dvc members and have our first reservation scheduled for the beginning of Nov. We are hoping for decent weather. Hopefully not too cold. It's great to hear all the good advise. Thanks

 

[dougmatt]

One postive thing to consider in earlier May about HH is the rain... May is the 2nd least "rainiest month" next to Nov per the weather channel 2.95 " avg vs 8.23" in Aug. (though I have been toroughly DRENCHED on my BD - May 19). The crowds are minimal, the sunset menu's are in full swing, and it's "usually" warm enough to swim during the afternoon hours! Just wanted to warn you

 

[Ksp]

You can do as much or as little as you want. We've been many times over July 4 (which we are doing this summer), over New Year's, and the middle of January. The majority of the time, the weather is great.....in January it was 67 degrees. We went into the pool (it's heated) and had a ball! So if you go in May, should be perfect, less humidity. Hope you and your parents have a great time for their 50th Anniversary. When you make reservations....see if they can send you come kind of card with the Disney Vacation Resort Hilton Head Resort on it so you write something in it about surprising them with the trip to HHI. They'll love the resort.

Do you happen to remember what is going on at the resort (activities) in January and February?

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We are thinking of taking a boat from HHI to Savannah. I have been looking at vagabondcruise.com. They have several cruise options and are located in Sea Pines. They also have a new dinner cruise that leaves from Shelter Cove. HTH

We're going to be there first week in June (dancing smilie should be here). Anyone ever done a dinner cruise or a wildlife cruise from HHI?