Hilton Head here we come--what not to miss??

[trampslady]

My hubby and I leave next week for our first visit to Hilton Head. I purchased a small addon just before points slipped away last year. We can't wait to get there!! I realize that this is definitely the off season but I'm hoping to find plenty to do anyway. Also, we are going to be there the week after Christmas so I'm a little interested in seeing what the outlets might have in the way of reduced pricing.

Anyone care to share your tips on what to see and do while at HH?

 

[paults]

Hilton Head here we come--what not to miss??

your flight

have fun

 

[trampslady]

Okay, I admit I giggled! Actually, we will be experiencing Road Trip 2003. This is the first time we have driven so far (from Dallas) over a holiday. I actually work for an airline and we usually fly everywhere. We are looking forward to taking a "VERY" scenic route (ie long way) to get there. We are leaving the afternoon of Christmas Eve (Wednesday) and driving up through Arkansas to Memphis...Nashville....Knoxville (after a side trip to Lynchburg home of Jack Daniels distillery).....Charleston....THEN WELCOME HOME MATT AND THERESA to Hilton Head arriving on Sunday, December 28. Whew! We spend five nights there and head back on a more direct route west on I-20. It should be fun!!!!

 

[canda]

I don't know what time you will be traveling around Asheville, NC. But if you need a stop, that is a great town to hang out in for a rest before you get to I-26 and head to Charlestown. Lots to see and Do.

 

[vanstoj]

I used to live in Hilton Head so I hope I can help you out. We have also visited the Disney Resort twice. Go to anything that Blu' Crabbe does. He is a fantastic entertainer and you should really enjoy him. Also the bird walk with Chris is very good since there is such a variety of wildlife around the resort. The two best shopping malls are off the island in Bluffton. You will see them on your right hand side as you are going into Hilton Head. I would check those out. I have heard that the Private Affair with Chef Goron is wonderful and I have also heard good things about the dolphin tour. If they are having the Frogmore dinner or the low country buffet, I would skip it as it was overpriced $19.00 per person for what you got. try the early bird special at Magnolia's instead. It is reasonably priced and includes appetizer, meal and desert. I would also suggest that you visit Savannah. A truly charming city that is about 1 hour or less away from the resort. I think they have good tours including a Midnight in the Garden of Eden tour and a ghost tour. The resort can probably clue you in. Mostly, relax and enjoy the beauty of the resort. Since i once lived in Hilton Head I swore I would never buy an interest in a resort there, however, after visit Disney's HH resort, we promptly added on 80 points. It truly is a hidden gem.

 

[trampslady]

Wow Vanstoj, that really says something for the resort if you decided to buy there after living in the area before. I'm so excited about experiencing what the resort and the area have to offer. We are definitely planning to spend a day down in Savannah as well. Thanks for all the advise; we truly appreciate it!

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

I second the "Savannah" trip, it is well worth the drive.

 

[pmcpmc]

were ther last I noted not to arrive in the dark.
Hilton Head is a low light area and It can be Difficult to find the Site because the signs are not Like Orlando.
I believe it was obscured by "something.
Got the tour of the town on the first night.
Charleston we found was also a charming city to visit,civil war and all.
I enjoyed at trip there on the aircraft carrier Uss Yorktown.
I believe in Hiton Head the Golf course you see on the Us tour is Harbourtown.
Fantastic view of the course from the "inland Lighthouse"
This little village has lots of quaint shops.
YOU will not starve in this area as there are lots of fine restaurants.

 

[Laurabearz]

I second not arriving after dark... LOL

The resort is very layed back... rent bikes... walk the marina... take things slooooow. you will have a great time!

 

[Tommy]

Click on my web site to find out some things about HHI and the things to do and see. Golf is really cheap this time of year if either of you play. I play in January for $25-30 with cart if I wait until after noon. Look for specials in the golf books.

If you go North via Savannah there is a great information Rest Area just as you enter South Carolina with all sorts of books, maps, etc. Pick these up and check them out in your room once you settle in.

Weather will be cool, but a good windbreaker will allow you to walk the beach and look for shells. Alligators are out on the golf courses, so you might spot one of them.

Pelicans are fun to watch as well. And you can sometimes catch dolphins playing right off the point of DVC's island.

Some resturants might be closed, so call or check with CM's before you drive too far.

Beaufort is about an hour away and charming. Lots of movies filmed there like Prince of Tides and parts of Forrest Gump. We took the boat from Harbour Town to Savannah for a quick afternoon trip. It gave us a boat ride plus a few hours in Savannah.

 

[Jimbo]

Originally posted by Tommy
And you can sometimes catch dolphins playing right off the point of DVC's island.

But please release them if you do!

 

[trampslady]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I love the idea of a boat ride to Savannah. Any website have details on the cost and hours for this excursion??

 

[TCPluto]

Trampslady,

We'll see you there! We are checking in on the same day. I think we are in the Inn, in a 1 bedroom.

We're really looking forward to the trip. Savanah is a must do, so I'm told. The holiday decorations are supposed to be great.

See you at check in...

 

[RobDoc]

Here are the current HH discounts and activities from the Member's site:

Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort Recreation Discounts




Disney Discovery Club at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Members' children, ages 3-12, receive a $5.00 discount on this 3-hour program. Participants learn about local environmental issues, wildlife, and create a crafts project or they can play a round of junior golf. A light snack is included. On select days, lunch can be added for an additional cost. Reservations recommended. Please ask for current schedule at check-in. Member cost: $20 per person.



olphin Excursion Tour at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
On Wednesdays, Members receive a $5.00 discount on this fun-filled 1½ hour boat ride on Broad Creek. All ages are welcome. Please ask for current schedule at check-in. member cost: $21 per person.



Kid's Night Out at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Members' children, ages 5-12, receive a $5.00 discount on this 3-hour evening program that includes dinner plus one of these events: a trip to the movies, miniature golf, or games. Reservations recommended. Please ask for current schedule at check-in. member cost: $20 per person.



Teen's Night Out at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Members' children, ages 12-17, receive a $2.00 to $5.00 discount on a variety of events. Events may include kayaking, billiards, beach volleybal, bowling, miniature golf, or dolphin cruises. Please ask for current schedule at check-in. Member cost: $10 to $21 per person.



Beachside Trail Ride
Members, ages 8 and older, receive a $5.00 discount on this 2½ hour guided-trail ride on horseback along an undeveloped beach where you'll learn about Hilton Head Island's interesting history. Don't forget to wear jeans or long pants and to bring your camera! Please ask for current schedule at check-in. Member cost: $35 per person.



Kayaking Excursion
Members receive a $3.50 to $7.00 discount on this 2 hour guided kayaking tour where you'll learn all about the coastal marsh ecology while paddling through the beautiful waters. Please ask for current schedule at check-in. Member cost: $28 per adult and $14 per child (ages 4-12) if sharing with an adult. If child is in kayak alone, the adult rate ($28) will be charged.



Miscellaneous Member Recreation Discounts at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Members receive discounts on the following rental options. An adult must accompany children 18 and under when renting bikes.
$4.00 discount on a Bike (daily rental) - Member cost: $16.00 per person
$2.00 discount on a Bike (hour rental) - Member cost: $10.00 per person, for 4 hours
$10.00 discount on Bike (lenght-of-stay rental) - Member cost: $50.00 per person
$2.00 discount on a Fishing Pole (daily rental) - Member cost: $5.00 per person




Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort Mouse -ellaneous Discounts




"Behind the Ears" Tour of Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
This 1-hour walking tour is complimentary for Members and includes a brief history of the resort and the chance to find some "hidden Mickey's" throughout the resort. Please ask for current schedule at check-in.



Longview Arts& Crafts at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Explore your creative genius in this arts & crafts program. Members receive a $2.00 discount on activities ranging from painting your own birdfeeder or butterfly house to Gyotaku (painting with fish!). Ages 5 and older. Please ask for current schedule at check-in. Member cost: Ranges from $3 to $10 per person.



Video Rental at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Members can check out their favorite Disney classic overnight at no charge.

 

[hoosiergirl]

trampslady & TCPluto,

We'll be there too! Can't wait! TCPluto, how do you know where your room will be? I thought they didn't tell until check-in.... I'd love to know where we'll be but hey! I KNOW we'll be at HH and out of the Midwest!

 

[TCPluto]

Confused Hoosier Girl living in the land of the Buckeye,

We are in a handicap accessible room, and I think all of the accessible rooms are in the Inn. I could be wrong though.

 

[RobDoc]

You are correct ... all accessible rooms are located in buildings 11 and 12 - the only ones serviced by the elevator. There are a total of 21 studios and 21 1BR villas and 16 of each are located in buidlings 11/12. The remaining 5 are found under the GV's in other buildings.

Enjoy!

 

[TCPluto]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
You are correct ... all accessible rooms are located in buildings 11 and 12 - the only ones serviced by the elevator. There are a total of 21 studios and 21 1BR villas and 16 of each are located in buidlings 11/12. The remaining 5 are found under the GV's in other buildings.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the info Doc.

Do you mean there are 21 studios and 21 1 bdrms that are H/A?

 

[RobDoc]

No- 21 of each TOTAL!

There are only 3-4 of each that are HCA and there are no dedicated 2BR's or GV's that are HCA.

Here is a report about<a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=226883"> the HH resort</a> that may help.

Enjoy!

 

[hoosiergirl]

Confused Hoosier Girl living in the land of the Buckeye,

LOL, TCPluto! I wonder how many others have thought that! I was born and raised in IN and only moved to OH a few years ago. So--I'm still a "hoosiergirl" at heart! (Especially since I graduated from IU--the home of the "Hoosiers"!)