I just returned from my first DVC trip, which was to HHI. In summary, my expectations were exceeded, which seldom happens as I am very demanding.
We own points at VWL and VB and while my family was able to take a trip to Vero Beach this spring (I was called away at the last minute for business), I have not been to a DVC resort since our purchase in spring 2001.
The Positives.
1. The resort setting was magnificent. The villa buildings fit in beautifully with the setting and are interspersed among old oak, pine and palmetto trees and draped in spanish moss. This contrasts nicely with the nearby beach and marsh provides respite from the summer sun and with scattered hammocks and horseshoe courts and marsh set a relaxing mood.
2. The accomodations were luxuriously spacious with plenty of room for our family of 7 in a 2 bedroom. The kitchen was well equipped, the bedrooms large with lots of closet space and the in room laundry made packing a lot easier. The rooms were functionally superior and more comfortably decorated than any hotel room, condo or timeshare I have stayed in.
3. The recreation facilities were excellent and well designed. The main pool was smallish, but had a very good waterslide. There was a pier/walkway to the marsh for crabbing and fishing that was covered and included a sink. The beach house was very nice and had an air conditioned room with a pack and play so that we could let the baby sleep without having to go back to our room.
4. The resort activities were well planned, interesting and fairly priced. Our kids had plenty to do mixed in with the pool and the beach. This was in contrast to my family's Vero Beach vacation, where you had to line up every morning to sign up for any activities and they all filled up within 15 minutes.
5. The cast members were friendly and treated us and everyone very well.
6. Hilton Head is a big, highly developed island and offers a lot of dining, activities and shopping alternatives.
There were very few negatives and I am nitpicking to list these, but in the interest of balance:
1. The location on Hilton Head is a little awkward with the need to hop in a car or shuttle to travel back and forth to the beach facilities.
2. Hilton Head itself seems way overdeveloped to me with heavy traffic at certain times. I didn't particularly like the island nearly as much as the resort.
That said, I loved Hilton Head and the vacation validated for me our DVC purchase. In fact, I wish now that we had allocated our VB points to HH because of the resort and the easier access. I can't wait until we get to one of the WDW resorts, but clearly, I have been spoiled for DVC.
We own points at VWL and VB and while my family was able to take a trip to Vero Beach this spring (I was called away at the last minute for business), I have not been to a DVC resort since our purchase in spring 2001.
The Positives.
1. The resort setting was magnificent. The villa buildings fit in beautifully with the setting and are interspersed among old oak, pine and palmetto trees and draped in spanish moss. This contrasts nicely with the nearby beach and marsh provides respite from the summer sun and with scattered hammocks and horseshoe courts and marsh set a relaxing mood.
2. The accomodations were luxuriously spacious with plenty of room for our family of 7 in a 2 bedroom. The kitchen was well equipped, the bedrooms large with lots of closet space and the in room laundry made packing a lot easier. The rooms were functionally superior and more comfortably decorated than any hotel room, condo or timeshare I have stayed in.
3. The recreation facilities were excellent and well designed. The main pool was smallish, but had a very good waterslide. There was a pier/walkway to the marsh for crabbing and fishing that was covered and included a sink. The beach house was very nice and had an air conditioned room with a pack and play so that we could let the baby sleep without having to go back to our room.
4. The resort activities were well planned, interesting and fairly priced. Our kids had plenty to do mixed in with the pool and the beach. This was in contrast to my family's Vero Beach vacation, where you had to line up every morning to sign up for any activities and they all filled up within 15 minutes.
5. The cast members were friendly and treated us and everyone very well.
6. Hilton Head is a big, highly developed island and offers a lot of dining, activities and shopping alternatives.
There were very few negatives and I am nitpicking to list these, but in the interest of balance:
1. The location on Hilton Head is a little awkward with the need to hop in a car or shuttle to travel back and forth to the beach facilities.
2. Hilton Head itself seems way overdeveloped to me with heavy traffic at certain times. I didn't particularly like the island nearly as much as the resort.
That said, I loved Hilton Head and the vacation validated for me our DVC purchase. In fact, I wish now that we had allocated our VB points to HH because of the resort and the easier access. I can't wait until we get to one of the WDW resorts, but clearly, I have been spoiled for DVC.
. 
