How Hard Is It To Get HHI?

[Kimmy]

Hi everyone! I'm in the process of purchasing DVC at BWV. How hard is it to get Hilton Head in the summer? I would like to plan a summer vacation there next year.

 

[mikesmom]

In my experience, darn near impossible.

 

[disissue]

Have tried for the last 6 years in a row at the 7 month window we never did have luck I always tried for the 2BR don't know if that made a differance but it is my understanding that there is a pretty large supply of them there...

 

[Disneyaholic]

Have tried for the last 6 years in a row at the 7 month window we never did have luck I always tried for the 2BR don't know if that made a differance but it is my understanding that there is a pretty large supply of them there...

Actually, there are not that many... There are 120-some units in all. 21 of them are 1 BRs, 21 are studios, and 5 are GVs; the remainder are 2BRs.

For purposes of discussion, let's assume that that 120-some is 125 (right in the middle ). (Sorry I can't remember the exact number, I'm sure someone else will know!)

125 minus 47 is 78 2 bedroom units. So relative to the number of studios, 1BRs or GVs, yeah, there are considerably more. Compared to other DVC resorts, not so much.

I have heard of people having better luck calling for a 2BR day-by-day right at 7 months. But studios and 1BRs are nearly impossible unless you have the 11-month window. And it's nearly impossible to get a GV even if you call day-by-day right at 11 months.

 

[marynvince]

2 bedroom and a studio calling day by day. It can be done. Good Luck.

 

[Laxmom]

Hilton Head in general is tough to get into in the summer for any of the timeshare resorts there. We were told when we bought our Marriott there that 80% of the people who own on the island, use their week there. That is why we have the Marriott every other year, and now hopefully, our DVC points there.

 

[gracelrm]

Although I have no personal experience going to HH in the summer (we go in October), it seems like I've read here that early June (maybe the first two weeks) is possible, particularly if you want a 2BR at the 7 month mark. But beyond that, you would likely have to use the waitlist and be really, really lucky!

 

[starbox]

I've tried to get July for three years running and have not had any luck. I will say that all 3 times I ended up just deciding to go to WDW/VB and not taking a chance with waitlisting - I don't know if it would come through.

But I've called at 9 am the day the 7-month window opens. The only thing that was ever open was 2-bedrooms on weekends.

My kids really like HHI - but it's not a beach or town I'm crazy about and I would not want to stay there if it were not for them. If they were smaller, or I personally loved HHI, I'd look to buy a small contract there to make summer possible.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I've tried to get July for three years running and have not had any luck. I will say that all 3 times I ended up just deciding to go to WDW/VB and not taking a chance with waitlisting - I don't know if it would come through.

But I've called at 9 am the day the 7-month window opens. The only thing that was ever open was 2-bedrooms on weekends.

My kids really like HHI - but it's not a beach or town I'm crazy about and I would not want to stay there if it were not for them. If they were smaller, or I personally loved HHI, I'd look to buy a small contract there to make summer possible.

Starbox, can you say what else you didn't prefer about it? You think alot along my vacations lines, do value your opinion!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We have been successful with early and mid June. I think July & August are near impossible. I'm with starbox on the beach. Too crowded and not enough waves for me, but we're nature geeks and we love the marsh.

 

[starbox]

Starbox, can you say what else you didn't prefer about it? You think alot along my vacations lines, do value your opinion!

I'll say that I do really appreciate what the beach has to offer for smaller kids: lifeguards, warm water, a very long gentle tidal plain that makes for gentle waves and no sudden drop-offs.

But, the beach does not have pretty sand, it's crowded, there are not good shells, and it's really developed. The town is very tourist/strip-mallish to me and the dining is on the expensive side. Honestly, it's just not the style of beach vacation I like - I enjoy the undeveloped-ness of places like Vero, Edisto Island, St. George Island - or towns with a lot of history/character like St. Augustine or Seaside.

Disney's HHI resort is a really great place though - and I would not hesitate to spend a week there in July (if I could get it). I have NO problems with the DVC at HHI - I just don't particularly like Hilton Head.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I'll say that I do really appreciate what the beach has to offer for smaller kids: lifeguards, warm water, a very long gentle tidal plain that makes for gentle waves and no sudden drop-offs.

But, the beach does not have pretty sand, it's crowded, there are not good shells, and it's really developed. The town is very tourist/strip-mallish to me and the dining is on the expensive side. Honestly, it's just not the style of beach vacation I like - I enjoy the undeveloped-ness of places like Vero, Edisto Island, St. George Island - or towns with a lot of history/character like St. Augustine or Seaside.

Disney's HHI resort is a really great place though - and I would not hesitate to spend a week there in July (if I could get it). I have NO problems with the DVC at HHI - I just don't particularly like Hilton Head.

Thanks for your comments. I grew up visiting Ocean City, MD beaches. I really dislike them now for all of the over development, crowded beaches, coastal highway traffic, bay bridge traffic, strip joint shops all the same every 1/2 mile, and yes, very expensive dining. Thats why I am having a hard time convincing myself to visit HHI. I read every trip report. But I would be heart broke to go there,and it be the same as up here as Maryland beaches! So thanks for your candidness.

 

[gppnj]

I booked at HHI once, but unfortunately I had to cancel, so I've not yet been there. I had no problem getting a reservation at the seven-month mark. However, I booked just outside the peak time. I figured most people consider "summer" to be Memorial Day to Labor Day. My strategy was to go one week before Memorial Day, and I got right in. I figured the weather would be the same. The next time I try to go there, I'll do the same thing: I'll shoot for the week before Memorial Day or the week after Labor Day.

 

[HUFF590]

I was able to get Labor Day weekend Aug 28-Sept 2 .

 

[Starr W.]

Thanks for your comments. I grew up visiting Ocean City, MD beaches. I really dislike them now for all of the over development, crowded beaches, coastal highway traffic, bay bridge traffic, strip joint shops all the same every 1/2 mile, and yes, very expensive dining. Thats why I am having a hard time convincing myself to visit HHI. I read every trip report. But I would be heart broke to go there,and it be the same as up here as Maryland beaches! So thanks for your candidness.

I've been to HHI 3x(2 in the spring and once in the fall), the traffic in the Spring was bad enough to convince me I sure don't want to go in the summer. I haven't been there in 10 yrs and I thought it was very commercial then, so I can imagine it now.

The first time I flew down, there was a convoy of rental cars leaving SAV airport.

DH wants to try it. He loves VB so I know HHI won't be to his liking.

HHI seems more popular with midwesterners as a spring/fall golf catch the last or first warm weather vacation spot.

I have a friend from Atlanta who spent his summers on HHI and raves about it, another couple of ATL buddies are Kiawah Island fans.

 

[starbox]

I've been to HHI 3x(2 in the spring and once in the fall), the traffic in the Spring was bad enough to convince me I sure don't want to go in the summer. I haven't been there in 10 yrs and I thought it was very commercial then, so I can imagine it now.

The first time I flew down, there was a convoy of rental cars leaving SAV airport.

This is true. The one road on and off the island makes for tough traffic during peak summer times. We were at a Marriott last July and the traffic leaving the island was crazy - 2hrs to go 15 miles - BUT the traffic to get onto the island was worse - backed up for miles as far back as on the interstate! This was the week of the 4th of July - so I think that was as bad as it gets - but I bet it took people at least three hours to get from the interstate to Sea Pines.

 

[LVSWL]

Thanks for your comments. I grew up visiting Ocean City, MD beaches. I really dislike them now for all of the over development, crowded beaches, coastal highway traffic, bay bridge traffic, strip joint shops all the same every 1/2 mile, and yes, very expensive dining. Thats why I am having a hard time convincing myself to visit HHI. I read every trip report. But I would be heart broke to go there,and it be the same as up here as Maryland beaches! So thanks for your candidness.

HH isn't anything like Ocean City. The "strip shopping centers" are very discreetly positioned within lots of trees with small signs to limit how abtrusive they might be. I don't remember even seeing any "high rise" hotels, nothing like what I have seen in Ocean City. Disney's HH resort is a wonderful resort and is very relaxing. As for the prices of the restaurants, I don't really know of any restaurants at the coast that wouldn't be a little pricey. Hope you enjoy your vacation, where ever you decide to go.
As for the traffic, we have been in early to mid June, and also September for the last 4 years and never experienced any of the traffic problems mentioned above.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

HH isn't anything like Ocean City. The "strip shopping centers" are very discreetly positioned within lots of trees with small signs to limit how abtrusive they might be. I don't remember even seeing any "high rise" hotels, nothing like what I have seen in Ocean City. Disney's HH resort is a wonderful resort and is very relaxing. As for the prices of the restaurants, I don't really know of any restaurants at the coast that wouldn't be a little pricey. Hope you enjoy your vacation, where ever you decide to go.
As for the traffic, we have been in early to mid June, and also September for the last 4 years and never experienced any of the traffic problems mentioned above.

Thanks for this info!! I really would like to visit HHI. This is very encouraging info, at least your familiar with what I am comparing HHI to. Ok, thats terrific. We also would visit either end of May or middle of September. Its only a 10 hr. drive too. Thanks again...I'm feeling much better about going!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I've been to HHI 3x(2 in the spring and once in the fall), the traffic in the Spring was bad enough to convince me I sure don't want to go in the summer. I haven't been there in 10 yrs and I thought it was very commercial then, so I can imagine it now.

The first time I flew down, there was a convoy of rental cars leaving SAV airport.

DH wants to try it. He loves VB so I know HHI won't be to his liking.

HHI seems more popular with midwesterners as a spring/fall golf catch the last or first warm weather vacation spot.

I have a friend from Atlanta who spent his summers on HHI and raves about it, another couple of ATL buddies are Kiawah Island fans.

This is true. The one road on and off the island makes for tough traffic during peak summer times. We were at a Marriott last July and the traffic leaving the island was crazy - 2hrs to go 15 miles - BUT the traffic to get onto the island was worse - backed up for miles as far back as on the interstate! This was the week of the 4th of July - so I think that was as bad as it gets - but I bet it took people at least three hours to get from the interstate to Sea Pines.

Ok, now I'm not so sure!! See, this is what I wanted to avoid, the traffic...I wonder if I stick to off season, this could be circumvented. However, the commercialism,,hmmm. I'll keep reading the trip reports for now, see if anyone posts any pictures of these strip malls!

 

[Laxmom]

We own a Marriott on HHI every other year and have been numerous times both in high season and off season. We are waiting ROFR on HHI DVC points so we can get there every year.

We love HHI. We have never experienced the traffic night mare either. Nor the crowded beaches. We don't feel that HHI is overdeveloped as a matter of fact, the city just bought all the car dealerships on the island and moved them off island. They are leaving the land as greenspace. They have strict controls on paint colors of businesses, use of neon is not permitted and buildings can only be 5 stories or less. The strip malls that are there are hidden from view of the main drag by bushes and trees.

I consider International Dr. or Virginia Beach overbuilt. HHI does not fit into that category at all. But then, that is just my opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own. I would say try it once. Form your own opinion.