Just back from HH

[keenercam]

Spent 11/27 - 12/1 at Hilton Head. The resort and CMs far exceeded our expectations. Here are just a few of the highlights:

DH(39), DD(14), DS(9), and I (39) left Delaware Tuesday at 9pm and after several rest stops and a relaxing breakfast at Cracker Barrel, arrived at HH at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. Greeted at the gate by a friendly voice directing us to the checkin and a "Welcome Home" (I know it is not important to some, but since this was our first trip "home," it was nice to hear the greeting"). Our villa wasn't ready yet, which was expected and reasonable. We parked near the marina and DH napped for 2.5 hours, while the rest of us read and I made a bunch of calls from my cell phone.
At about 12:30, checked out the pool, and then off to WalMart for last minute items.

At 2, when our room was still not ready, we explained the situation to the front desk (driving 13 hours) and begged for anything available. Ended up in 1912 (building 19, 1st level)--it was awesome!!! Everything about the villa was fabulous, from the beautiful, themed decor, the HUGE jacuzzi tub, and the balcony that ran the length of our unit. And we were just a short walk from the mercantile, the community room, the pool, rentals, etc.

We brought all our groceries with us, including all fixin's for Thanksgiving dinner (the turkey defrosted nicely overnight in a cooler) and we found absolutely everything we needed in the kitchen to prepare and serve our thanksgiving feast--we prepared all our own meals, except one lunch at Tide Me Over and an adult's dinner out at an awesome restaurant--Spartina (less than 10 minutes from the resort and recommended by several CMs).

The activities we did: nature kayaking (DD14); giyatokou (DD9); santa's workshop (Christmas crafts) (DD9) and I did the one for teens and adults; campfire (all); a night of magic (all); Shadow's Tales (all); kids night out pizza and movie (DD9); teens' night out movie, snacks, pizza (DD14); 7th annual turkey bowl (football on the beach--DH and DS played; DD and I and a couple of friends had a blast hanging out on a blanket, and watching the three games). Both of our kids LOVED bicycling the resort, though we have learned that next time we will rent the bikes as soon as we arrive, as they were sold out by the second day and we waited for bikes to be returned. The rental fees were very reasonable and the kids made great use of the bikes. Our daughter loved hanging out with the teens at Murgie's Den; our son loved the great pool with the awesome slide; both made sure we got our money's worth from the refillable mugs.

The CMs were awesome -- I cannot begin to say how much the amazing staff added to our stay, and I cannot thank so many of them for paying so much attention to each and every child, making sure every one of them felt special and welcomed. The CMs I remember at the moment are Bryan, Todd, Stefano, Cathy, Heather, Pam, and Brian. B'Lou is probably the most interesting person we have ever met--we loved his stories, his musical talents, and his magic. And we all love Shadow.

The mercantile was great with lots of wonderful DVC and WDW merchandise; great selection of stocking stuffer type souvenirs, and groceries.

I've babbled long enough. Absolutely love the place--we are returning for Christmas week, though the kids don't know it yet. Can't wait to get there.

I'll be glad to answer questions!

 

[dizneeluvr]

Thanks for the report, we were there last Easter and are returning next year at the same time....It is a beautiful resort and I agree with your assessment of the CM's, they were all fantastic. B'lou is my personal favorite as well, We didn't miss a thing that he was involved with!

 

[ZerasPride]

We left Hilton Head last Tuesday morning headed for Old Key West. I thought the CMs at HH and OKW were great! I enjoyed the "welcome homes" too though I know its not necessary, with this being our first trip "home" it was nice to hear at both resorts. We were in the building next to yours (18). We were on the second floor and I thought it was a pain at first but we quickly got used to it and the stairs weren't so bad. It sounds like you had a blast and you are so fortunate to be able to return so soon. We are hoping to spend the entire Thanksgiving week at HH next year (pending approval from my work - they ususally do not let you take the same holiday period two years in a row - but I've got a nice office manager so I hope she bends the rules for me a bit).

Anyway, thanks for sharing your trip with us! I felt almost like I was back at HH again.

 

[Candace]

Thanks for the great report. I have considered going at Thanksgiving some year - those low point-costs are really tempting! Glad to hear you enjoyed Spartina Grill - that is definitely one of my favorite restaurants there. I would be interested in hearing what the weather was like whle you were there. Thanks! Candace

 

[cgcw]

I thought you would enjoy HH and it certainly sounds like you did. It's probably our all time favorite vacation spot. Glad you had a wonderful trip. Are you looking forward to the Christmas trip even more now that you know what HH has to offer? What a wonderful surprise for the kids!

 

[keenercam]

Candace-- the weather was in the high 50s , and may have hit 60 one day during our stay. During the day, in the sun, it was very pleasant. The night of the campfire it was pretty chilly. For the most part, we were in sweatshirts and jeans, which is perfectly fine with us. DS didn't mind swimming in the heated pool and DD said the weather was great for kayaking.

cgcw-- Now that I have been to HH, I cannot wait to go back. We booked both vacations without knowing anything about the resort. Figured if we weren't thrilled at Thanksgiving, at least we would be with our dear friends Christmas week. I am so glad we all loved it so much and I can't wait to share the experience with our friends!
Also, there were so many activities we wanted to do but didnt' have time, and it is great to know the kids won't be bored when we are there for 6 whole days.

BTW, DD couldn't understand why I wasn't depressed at the end of vacation, as I usually am. Told her I knew we'd be back someday and was just glad for the chance to have been there. Hard to keep a straight face on that one.

 

[carriep1657]

Cam, thanks for the report. I loved reading it. We just joined DVC. HH is our home resort. I booked our first trip on Monday. We'll be there in July. I can't wait.