Just back from a wonderful week at HH (long)...forgot something, pg 2

[KarenB]

WOW...where do I start to describe our trip. This was our second stay at HH. DH, DSs and a friend each (equals a 13, 14, 14, and 14 year old), my mom, and myself. We had a 2 bedroom and drove from PA.

June 8-Checked in Sunday 11 am and room was ready! #1611
Great room nestled in the live oaks across from the marina. The porch was always nice and shady and a welcome relief from the sun. Hit the beach and within 5 minutes we rushed our 13 year old DS to the emergency room for a sting ray sting!!!!! YIKES...be careful! It can put a damper on your stay! DH and DS spent three hours there then searched for a pharmacy that was open late on a Sunday. If you ever need one, Walgreens on the south end is the place to go! Did grocery shopping, Guisseppi's (sp) for a late dinner. (10% off for DVC)

June 9-Monday- A pool then beach then pool then beach then pool etc.....kind of day. Just spent the day relaxing, exploring, got the boys bikes. $70 for four bikes for length of stay!!! A great deal!!

DH, my mom, and I went to the outside bar at Scott's while the boys went shopping at Shelter Cove then crabbing. We had a few drinks, oysters on the half shell, and the best gumbo I have ever had!!! Oh....10% off for DVC!

The boys caught a few crabs that were big enough to eat. Had those and burgers on the grill.

June 10- Tuesday- We headed to South Beach to shop and have lunch at Salty Dog. The heat was brutal that day with no wind, but we stuck it out. Salty Dog had a mister outside and our waitress was excellent and kept our iced tea and waters constantly filled!!! I think the Salty Dog gift shop is the best place for souvineers!! Great prices and cool, useful items.

We headed over to Harbour Town for a little more shopping. DH and the teens took a charter boat out from 1-5pm. Caught a few spanish mackeral, about 10 sharks, and youngest DS caught a 30 lb, 50 inch King Mackeral!!!!! They had a blast!

My mom and I headed back to the resort and took the Dolphin Cruise. Our captain was great, we saw about 20 dolphin including Nick, Cleo, and Blackbeard, and we stayed out about 20 minutes longer than our limit!!!

Dinner included fresh corn, red potatoes, and fresh mackeral. Yummy!!!!! Wrapped up this fantastic day with the fireworks.

June 11- Wednesday- another pool and beach day. In between we did the Behind the Ears Tour and Pirates of the Calibogue.

DH and I went to the Member Micks "Ear". OMG......you have to do this....we had SO much fun!!! It is at the Beach House with Chef Gordon and Anna Mae, the southern socialite whose purpose in life is to attend cocktail parties! Lots of wine, yummy hors d'oeuvres, and great company. We met some wonderful people there, including a DISer (hi Kathy!) and a cast member. There were about 15-20 of us there, we were made so welcome, never rushed when it was over. Actually, most of us moved the mixer to the resort pool! Gordon shared a copy of one of his recipes and there were 2 trivia questions in which the winner won a print. (Scupper was one of them) All for $15/person...we got more than our moneys worth.

June 12-Thursday- We did all kinds of resort activities-Bird Watch, Shadow's Tales, Catch Me If You Can, and swam in between. We went to a local place to eat called the Sea Shack, ice cream at Coligny Circle, mini golf for the boys and shopping for mom and I.

Oh yeah.....we decided to stay an extra night! Got to keep the same room!!!!

June 13-Friday- Beached it from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Had lunch at the Beach House. Swam, crabbed, rode bikes......just soaked up the resort for the last time this trip!

Went to Captain Seafood and bought shrimp, boiled it in the room. It was delicious!

June 14-Saturday- on the road by 7:15 am. Got to PA about 8:30. Discussed our nest DVC vacation on the way home!

If you have any questions, please ask!

Karen

 

[David in Manassas]

That was a great report. We've been to Hilton Head 4 times but never to the Salty Dog. Can you give general directions from the resort? Also..I have never heard of "South Beach". Is it an actual beach there?

Can you say a little more about the "mixer" with Chef Gordon?

Did you guys see any sharks in the water?

We are going for 5 nights starting July 6....won't be long now.

David in Manassas VA

 

[RobDoc]

South Beach is the marina area at Sea Pines. There is a beach there (just before you reach the marina area on the left), but the real attraction is the marina area and the Salty Dog!

Sea Pines has a nominal charge to allow autos into the area (it's a gated community) so while you're there be sure to visit Harbourtown (visit the lighthouse, Cafe Europa, shopping, golf course), Lawton Stables, Tennis facility (Stan Smith is the pro), and just enjoy a drive around the area on the way to South Beach.

Enjoy!

 

[KarenB]

Hi David!

If you leave the resort and go to the traffic circle, follow the signs to Sea Pines, South Beach, Harbor Town. Follow the signs to South Beach and you will come to a cluster of shops, marina, etc. The Salty Dog is there. You have to pay the $5 entrance to Sea Pines, but can easily spend part of a day between Harbor Town and South Beach. There is not a public beach there that I know of, but I may very possibly be wrong! If you need more specific directions, let me know. If I can find it, anyone can! They have a website:

www.saltydogcafe.com


The mixer was in the Beach House. Just a very casual gathering. Wine was Chardonay, Zinfindal, or Merlot. There was also pink lemonade. Food included, strawberries and chocolate sauce, tort chips with an awesome green slasa, veggies and dip, brie with a relish and crackers, grilled chicken with a peanut sauce (the best!!), etc..... Gordon kept the food flowing and mingled with all of us, Anna Mae kept everyone in stitches and made us feel so welcome!! She was great!

No, we saw no sharks in the water, except what DS and teens caught 5 miles out in the ocean.

Have a wonderful trip!!

Karen

 

[cgcw]

Sounds like a great trip --- with the exception of the sting ray. Jellyfish, sting rays and sharks are my biggest worry when it comes to the ocean. I'm sorry your son had to go through that experience. Was he brave enough to go back in the ocean afterwards?? Not sure I would be.

Salty Dog is one of our favorites too.

Looking forward to our trip to HH next month!!

 

[KarenB]

Hi cgcw!

All 4 boys were very hesitant about the ocean for the remainder of the trip. Each of them did get back into the ocean water, but they were very, very cautious. My oldest DS had a "skim board" which was fun and used in only inches of water. Plus they had bikes and we took all kinds of beach toys that allowed them to still enjoy themselves. When they wanted to take a good swim, they just walked up to the Beach House pool.

HAve fun on your trip!
Karen

 

[pigget74]

If you do not mind how much was the dolphin trip.
We are thinking about taking my parents in a year or two and just wanted to get am idea of the extra costs. My children will be wo and 7 then--is there enough to keep this age group entertained? Thanks for letting me know.

 

[KarenB]

Hi!
The dolphin trip from the resort was $30/person. It is scheduled to last about 1 hr 45 min. We did this on this trip and two years ago. Both times our captain was great.

The time flew past. I think children of all ages would enjoy this, not only for the dolphins, but the boat ride itself. A few of the dolphins, Nick and Blackbeard, came right up to the boat. You can also pack a cooler and snacks if you wish.

There are other dolphin cruises in the area for less and my mom and I noticed a few things about them. They are on a large boat, use a microphone, don't stop at the dolphins, no way to ask questions, very impersonable. The dolphin cruise from Disney is very intimate...I think it is limited to 6 people, the captain chats with you the entire trip, you can ask any questions, when you see a dolphin they slow down and allow you to experiece them close up.....big difference and I think worth the extra $$.


Happy planning!
Karen

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks for the report. Confirms our reaction after 1 visit-a week at HHI is a wonderful week! Isn't Anna Mae a riot? Was Bryan (the naturalist) still there?

 

[Dizzie]

Great trip report! I am so excited for our first trip to HH!

Did you have to make a ressie for the Beach House affair with Chef Gordon? How often do they have that? It sounds like something right up my alley.

We are going with 1,4,7,8&9 yo. Does anyone know if there is a safe babysitting service in the area?

If a person was likely to get sea sick, is the shark fishing out of the question?

I think we will be doing a lot of beach and pool relaxing!

 

[TIdoublegaER]

Just wanted to add about the dolphin cruises. When we were there a couple of weeks ago, you could save $5/per person if you went on Wednesday, which was member day. Saved us $30.

We have done both the cruise through Disney and the ones on the bigger boats. The experiences were very different, but I enjoyed both of them but for different reasons. The one through Disney is totally worth $30/per person though!

 

[Disneyaholic]

I would call the front desk of the resort to see if they have the names of anyone who might be able to babysit for you. I'm sure that there are people/services like that available, but the cast members there would probably know best which are reliable. The staff does a Kids' Night Out once or twice a week; they usually take the older kids to a movie or miniature golf, and the younger ones stay at the resort to watch a movie. But I don't think they can take a 1-year-old for that.

You do need to make a reservation for the member "Micks Ear" with Chef Gordon -- I don't think it's so much as that he has to limit the number of people, as he needs to know how many to plan for. He puts on a great spread and it's a lot of fun! The "Micks Ear" is usually once a week, I believe. If you're talking about the "Private Affair" with Chef Gordon (which was not mentioned in this report), should probably be reserved before you even arrive at the resort, as this can only be done for one family or group per night. Any of Chef Gordon's programs are well worth the time, money, and effort to attend!!!

As far as the seasickness thing, I think you have to just use your judgement on that and see what the seas look like. If there's a tropical storm moving in, even those who don't normally have a seasickness problem might want to save that trip for another day. I am very prone to any type of motion sickness and I have done the dolphin tour several times. Of course, I'm sure the shark fishing trip goes much further out than we ever did...

Can't wait to see how your first trip to my favorite resort goes!

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by Dizzie
Great trip report! I am so excited for our first trip to HH!

Did you have to make a ressie for the Beach House affair with Chef Gordon? How often do they have that? It sounds like something right up my alley.

"A Private Affair" is offered only a few days each week. Advance resevations are suggested as it does fill quickly. It is a wonderful event and Chef Gordon is the consumate host.

Here is some information about :

“A Private Affair”

Imagine yourself sipping a glass of wine, enjoying the breathtaking views and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean, while a delicious meal is prepared just for you by your very own Private Chef. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort now offers you this extraordinary opportunity. In this unique dining experience, you may choose your appetizers, entrees, desserts and wines from our list, or if you prefer, our chef will assist you in designing your own special menu. The best part of this magical evening is sitting down to enjoy the sumptuous feast that you helped to create!


Dial 843-341-4166 for further information
(or touch 42 on your villa phone)
One or Two Guests $150.00
Three or more Guests $50.00 per person
To allow for proper preparation of your event, a
minimum 24-hour advance notice is required.

Appetizer Selection

French Onion Soup au Gruyere or
Sea Island She Crab Soup
Recommended: Madeira
Alternate: Chardonnay

Lowcountry Barbecued Shrimp Sate
Recommended: Pinot Noir
Alternate: Zinfandel

Daufuskie Island Crab Cakes with
Devil’s Elbow Dressing
Recommended: Chardonnay
Alternate: Sauvignon Blanc

Baby Spinach Salad with
Warm Bacon Dressing
Recommended: French Colombard
Alternate: Pinot Grigio






Entrée Selection

Filet Mignon with
Lemon Butter Brandy Flambé
Recommended: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alternate: Merlot

Tilapia Provencale with
Blue Crab Stuffing
Recommended: Chardonnay
Alternate: Sauvignon Blanc

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with
Vidalia Onion Confit
Recommended: Merlot
Alternate: Cabernet Sauvignon

Herb Crusted Sautéed Grouper
Recommended: Sauvignon Blanc
Alternate: Chardonnay


Dessert

Vanilla Caramel Flan
Recommended: Champagne
Alternate: Port

Chocolate Pots-de-Crème with
Grand Marnier Cream
Recommended: Madeira
Alternate: Champagne

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
Recommended: Port
Alternate: Muscat

Classic Crepes Suzette
Recommended: Champagne
Alternate: Madeira

 

[KarenB]

Sorry for the delay in replies....I could not get onto the DIS for a day and a half.

dizzie..great question about babysitters. I have never really seen anything mentioned about this service, except the Kid's Night OUt that another poster mentioned.

When DH and the boys went fishing, they were 5 miles out. (not the shark fishing) I think each person is different along with each day. One DS friend did get seasick, BUT it was very very hot that day and we all just had lunch before they went out. Plus he has never been on the ocean before. It was a very clam day, but the next day was a bit choppy. You just never know.

disneyaholic....thanks for sharing your info while the DIS was down at my house!

Karen

 

[MiaSRN62]

Enjoyed the report Karen. Makes me really want to check out HH now. Maybe one day.
Congrats to your son on his 30 lb catch too. Is he the same one that got stung ? Hope it wasn't too bad. How far is the nearest ER btw ? And to think, I'm planning on snorkeling with these things on our next Disney cruise !??

 

[KarenB]

Hey Marie!


Yup...same son that got stung caught the trophy fish!!!

DH first went to take him to the clinic (that DH went to for the same reason two years ago! ) but it was a SUnday and closed. The clinic is only about 5 minutes away. I'm not sure how far the ER was. I'll have to ask DH, but it took about 3 hours total.

Don't let this keep you from snorkeling. Things like this can happen anywhere when dealing with nature. I would not hesitate to snorkel with sting rays and neither would DS!!

B'Lou Crabbe talked to DS that got stung for a while. They were creating quite a story to tell his friends when he got home.....saving his grandmother from Nazi Frogmen was part of the story!!!!!

Karen

 

[CarolA]

Having been to the HH Hospital ER in the past, I can say that they area fairly efficient. However, as at all ERs they prioritize. I went with Hives (Not cuased by anything at HH) and was there a while because two potential heart cases came in while I was there.

 

[MiaSRN62]

B'Lou Crabbe talked to DS that got stung for a while. They were creating quite a story to tell his friends when he got home.....saving his grandmother from Nazi Frogmen was part of the story!!!!!

Too cute of a story.....his friends back home are going to think he's really too cool to have "survived" a ray sting

 

[RumpleMom]

Thanks for the trip report.

This is very helpful for me. as I am the family's WDW trip planner. DH wants our first trip to HHI to be all planned, just like WDW and I keep telling him this is a beach vacation- you know, time to relax. He isn't good at relaxing. With your info I can tell him some of the things to anticipate, thanks again.

 

[KarenB]

I was looking through our pictures and I forgot to add something.

When we walked into our 2 bedroom for the first time after checking in, we spotted something pretty cool on the kitchen "island".

It was Minnie!!! Housekeeping had taken the towels and created an awesome Minnie Mouse for us!!!!!!

aahhh.....that Disney touch!!!



<img src="http://www.wdwinfo.com/dvc/images/Hilton%20Head%20Vacation_0111.jpg">

I have it on my digital camera. If anyone can PM me VERY simple directions on how to post a picture I can show it to you.

Karen