How is Hilton Head?

[rawisericho]

As someone who recently purchased DVC, I was wondering what the HHI Resort is like. I've read a few reviews online but I wonder what the DIS community thinks about it?

 

[hhisc16]

As someone who recently purchased DVC, I was wondering what the HHI Resort is like. I've read a few reviews online but I wonder what the DIS community thinks about it?

Welcome Home!
As a HHI owner, the Disney Hilton Head Island Resort is great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere/beach.
You are welcome to check out the HHI Lovers Thread and HHI Owners and Beach Lovers Group Thread under DVC Resorts. It has lots of information.

 

[kirstenb1]

Its really nice!! I think it's hard to book at 7 mths anytime in the summer, but we've managed to grab 3 nights in a studio in early March. I love that they have pools at the resort, and at the oceanfront. Lots of fun activities, like kayaking and nature preserves. The villas have really nice sized porches.

The only concern I have, and its with HHI in general, not DVC, is that its hard to find anything at night if you're driving. A lot of the communities use the same color scheme: khaki and olive, and its hard to spot places, until I've pretty much driven past them.

 

[Simba's Mom]

In some ways, a trip to DHHIR is the opposite of a trip to WDW. There's really nothing to plan for-no park reservations, so no which day/which park. I guess if you go in the summer (we never have), a few restaurants need reservations, but certainly not 6 months (or even 60 days) ahead. I don't know if anyone reserves before they leave home (summertime people-want to weigh in?) We go every Thanksgiving, never make or need restaurant reservations. DH's only planning is his golf tee-times. There are lots of great family activities offered at the resort. And when Shadow gets back from her fishing trip, if she's not too tired, she'll be a pleasure to meet.

 

[Pens Fan]

We stayed at HH last Sep for the very first time. We loved it so much that we are in the process of purchasing a resale contract there just to get home resort advantage. It's a delayed closing, but we can't wait to get our points in the fall.

The resort itself is on a marsh and is just lovely. It's so peaceful and quiet. I thought I would miss staying right on the ocean, but I didn't at all. I loved just hanging out on our deck watching the birds and relaxing. As @Simba's Mom posted above, it's about as far away from a WDW trip as you can get! There is only a quick service place for food, but HHI is known for great restaurants and there are several places within walking distance over at Shelter Cove Marina. Disney owns additional property about 5 minutes away right on the ocean for day use. It was partially closed due to Covid restrictions when we were there, so I can't say exactly what is inside the building, but there was a nice pool, snack bar and beach access. There is a shuttle between the two resorts, or you can drive (limited parking) or bike.

For years, our beach vacations were taken in the Outer Banks of NC and we still adore that area, but we really just fell in love with the SC low country area in general. It's just so beautiful, laid back and don't even get me started about the food! I can't wait to go back. We didn't have time to go to Savannah but look forward to that on future trips as it's so close. Some friends of ours told us there is a ferry between HHI and Savannah, which sounds like a fun way to get there.

Check out these threads, for tons of HHI info:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/hhi-lovers-thread.3641326/page-50#post-62984764
https://www.disboards.com/threads/hhi-owners-and-beach-lovers-group-thread.3836805/#post-62985424
Edited: to add the new HHI owners thread that I can't wait to join when we close on our contract!!

 

[badeacon]

Its really nice!! I think it's hard to book at 7 mths anytime in the summer, but we've managed to grab 3 nights in a studio in early March. I love that they have pools at the resort, and at the oceanfront. Lots of fun activities, like kayaking and nature preserves. The villas have really nice sized porches.

The only concern I have, and its with HHI in general, not DVC, is that its hard to find anything at night if you're driving. A lot of the communities use the same color scheme: khaki and olive, and its hard to spot places, until I've pretty much driven past them.

The hard to find things at night is because of the sign ordinance. It may make signs harder to see but not having bright glaring signs all over is very nice.
Can't wait until there 6/5-12 in GV with family.

 

[sleepydog25]

As someone who recently purchased DVC, I was wondering what the HHI Resort is like. I've read a few reviews online but I wonder what the DIS community thinks about it?

To add to the others' thoughts, HHI is reminiscent of family vacations of yore: spending time together not dependent on rides, or the timing of park entrances, or fast passes or, dining reservations. Kids ride bikes; they play in hammocks; they fish/crab; they frolic on the beach; they swim. I saw a dad giving his kids piggyback rides on the grass near a beautiful oak; two other kids were playing corn hole; a family was playing giant checkers together. People decompress here. If you want the excitement of the parks, thrill rides, attractions, and the Disney bubble, this isn't it. If you want to relax and get a taste of Disney, then DHHIR is a marvelous place to spend time. Other than those things above, I have no opinion.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

HHI is our favorite place on earth! We both agree we would rather go there than WDW. In fact, I'm pretty sure we will be cancelling our WDW trip this fall to take a second trip to HHI. It is so beautiful and relaxing. A great way to unwind.

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Disney's Hilton Head Resort is awesome! Our kids loved it as much as WDW.
The only reason we haven't been back is I cannot secure reservation no matter how hard I try. I may see if I can buy some points there so I can have a chance at booking a stay.

 

[AnnaS]

We have taken two trips here both in May. It is a great time to visit (no more worries here with school schedules). Would love to try to get in the summer time. I honestly have not tried but know it is hard to get in if you are not a member.

We love it and wish we could make it a yearly trip. Very relaxing.

If you love to relax and don't need to be on the move 24/7, bike riding, fishing, golfing, tennis, you will love it!!!

 

[Henwen88]

It's absolutely lovely. Small footprint, beautiful oak trees, marsh/wildlife, and beach access thru beach house. It makes me want to live somewhere I can bike most places and makes me smile just thinking about our last trip there

Can't wait to go back!

 

[suebeelin]

I’m probably the only naysayer, and we wanted to love DVC’s HHI, but we didn’t. There’s a DVC for everyone and HHI was not for us. I’m so happy it is not our home resort, and we will never use our DVC points on HHI again.

Our friends stayed at the southern tip of Sea pines, walking distance from the beach, and we wished we rented there instead.

DVC’s HHI is on a marsh, 1-2 miles away from the beach (car ride/shuttle/bike ride away). Resort food options close at 4pm sharp. There’s little to do, you’re on the strip of a main road, near Whole Foods… it didn’t feel beachy to me. You had to drive or bike everywhere. Restaurants were packed. It didn’t feel that relaxing,

The one thing my kids did enjoy were the pool games, similar to the DW DVC’s. The CM’s were fine but honestly no nicer than the Orlando DVC cast members.

We decided not to do our annual Orlando trip this year and drive somewhere due to covid; so many ppl we know were doing HHI trips from where we live (10-11hrs away), so we gave it a try via our dvc points. I’m sorry to say, it’s once and done for us. If we go back to HHI, we will stay at the southern tip of Sea Pines, where our friends stayed.

Just be careful before you buy— you may love the property and island, or you may feel like we did. It may be worth trying it out before buying…

Good luck!!

 

[skorpie]

We just got back from a wonderfully relaxing vacation to HH. As others have stated, it is the opposite of a WDW vacation. This trip, I sat at the pool, went to the beach house and was able to read/finish a book. For me that is quite an accomplishment. We also had wonderful meals on the island. I found that making a reservation was needed for the more popular restaurants. We still managed to get to our favorites. Go and experience HH for yourself!

 

[sleepydog25]

I’m probably the only naysayer, and we wanted to love DVC’s HHI, but we didn’t. There’s a DVC for everyone and HHI was not for us. I’m so happy it is not our home resort, and we will never use our DVC points on HHI again.

Our friends stayed at the southern tip of Sea pines, walking distance from the beach, and we wished we rented there instead.

DVC’s HHI is on a marsh, 1-2 miles away from the beach (car ride/shuttle/bike ride away). Resort food options close at 4pm sharp. There’s little to do, you’re on the strip of a main road, near Whole Foods… it didn’t feel beachy to me. You had to drive or bike everywhere. Restaurants were packed. It didn’t feel that relaxing,

The one thing my kids did enjoy were the pool games, similar to the DW DVC’s. The CM’s were fine but honestly no nicer than the Orlando DVC cast members.

We decided not to do our annual Orlando trip this year and drive somewhere due to covid; so many ppl we know were doing HHI trips from where we live (10-11hrs away), so we gave it a try via our dvc points. I’m sorry to say, it’s once and done for us. If we go back to HHI, we will stay at the southern tip of Sea Pines, where our friends stayed.

Just be careful before you buy— you may love the property and island, or you may feel like we did. It may be worth trying it out before buying…

Good luck!!

It's always a good idea to try out a resort before buying. And, yes, there is a DVC for all tastes. Some don't like GF because it's too "snooty" and the points extremely high; some dislike BLT because it doesn't have the Disney "feel" and is too modern; still others don't like BW due to the noise or BCV because of the seemingly boring ambiance. HHI is a relaxing place, and while it lacks VB's actual location on the beach, the dining and entertainment options are far better. Again, it is a wise move to stay at a resort at least once before committing to a lifetime commitment.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

I’m probably the only naysayer, and we wanted to love DVC’s HHI, but we didn’t. There’s a DVC for everyone and HHI was not for us. I’m so happy it is not our home resort, and we will never use our DVC points on HHI again.

Our friends stayed at the southern tip of Sea pines, walking distance from the beach, and we wished we rented there instead.

DVC’s HHI is on a marsh, 1-2 miles away from the beach (car ride/shuttle/bike ride away). Resort food options close at 4pm sharp. There’s little to do, you’re on the strip of a main road, near Whole Foods… it didn’t feel beachy to me. You had to drive or bike everywhere. Restaurants were packed. It didn’t feel that relaxing,

The one thing my kids did enjoy were the pool games, similar to the DW DVC’s. The CM’s were fine but honestly no nicer than the Orlando DVC cast members.

We decided not to do our annual Orlando trip this year and drive somewhere due to covid; so many ppl we know were doing HHI trips from where we live (10-11hrs away), so we gave it a try via our dvc points. I’m sorry to say, it’s once and done for us. If we go back to HHI, we will stay at the southern tip of Sea Pines, where our friends stayed.

Just be careful before you buy— you may love the property and island, or you may feel like we did. It may be worth trying it out before buying…

Good luck!!

I agree that there is a DVC for everyone, but these statements are a little misleading. The resort is not on a main strip. You turn off the main strip and proceed onto Harbourside Lane, and then you go over a bridge to get to the Disney resort which is on a tiny island. It's the only thing located on the island. You cannot see the main strip from the resort unless you are in Building 11, and that is across a lagoon and from a distance. There are also plenty of things to do. We prefer to relax, but if you like adventure, there's lots to choose from.

 

[cpep42]

I used to go to HH almost every year. Just loved riding bikes on the beach, using the DVC pool area on the beach, fishing and going out in a boat for the dolphins. Definitely different from the parks but you can relax or play as much as you want.

 

[LPnerd]

Its really nice!! I think it's hard to book at 7 mths anytime in the summer, but we've managed to grab 3 nights in a studio in early March. I love that they have pools at the resort, and at the oceanfront. Lots of fun activities, like kayaking and nature preserves. The villas have really nice sized porches.

The only concern I have, and its with HHI in general, not DVC, is that its hard to find anything at night if you're driving. A lot of the communities use the same color scheme: khaki and olive, and its hard to spot places, until I've pretty much driven past them.

the lights are all dim due to Turtles, and environment. IT hard to get use to. took us about 6 months.

 

[LPnerd]

WE lived on Hilton Head for 4 yrs. we sold and moved ( due to work) about 3 months before Hurricane Mathew, which the island was not prepared for AT ALL! In the summer, there is some nightlife and fun things to do, but starting Sept. the place begins to shut down, and the residents come out , and it becomes a very quiet pleasant place to live.
We have stayed at HHR several times too. Young kids seem to enjoy it older kids ready for the beach , not so much. Jellyfish that sting like crazy are think some months, also before and after a storm they are just awful. ( when you get stung apply white vinegar to help with the sting), residents do not swim much June through august.
on the positive side, they have a couple great Dog Beaches, a dog park, you can ride your bike on bike paths all over the island, there are a couple bike rental places too as well as Disney rents them to guests. It is a foodie's paradise, too many good restaurants to name, both fancy, and local. to name a couple, Santa Fe, Crazy Crab,( we prefer the one as you come onto the island), check the app Open Table to make reservations and look at menus.
we love it as a place to sit back, relax with a book, sit in the spa, and go out to dinner.

 

[vinmar4]

In some ways, a trip to DHHIR is the opposite of a trip to WDW. There's really nothing to plan for-no park reservations, so no which day/which park. I guess if you go in the summer (we never have), a few restaurants need reservations, but certainly not 6 months (or even 60 days) ahead. I don't know if anyone reserves before they leave home (summertime people-want to weigh in?) We go every Thanksgiving, never make or need restaurant reservations. DH's only planning is his golf tee-times. There are lots of great family activities offered at the resort. And when Shadow gets back from her fishing trip, if she's not too tired, she'll be a pleasure to meet.

We just went this month and loved it!

How is the weather for Thanksgiving ?

When we went, it rained a few of the days that we were there.

 

[peacefrogdog]

Depends on what you are looking for. works Best if you want a slower paced vacay, with great casual and high end dining options. Agree with others that if you like the beach it may be better to stay right on it rather than the Disney property .