Just Returned from HHI

[TinkHappy]

We just returned from a wonderful stay at Disney's HHI Resort. This was our first stay (we own at VWL).

We (DH, DD 14 & DD 15 and myself) stayed in a studio. Plenty of room and the pull-out sofa was fine. In fact we offered to let them sleep in the bed one night and they refused saying they were very comfortable.

It rained a couple of nights, but it didn't really spoil our plans. The only time it was an issue is when it rained on the Pirate Dinner night, but we ended up going and sitting next to a really nice family from Alabama-so it worked out well. The fireworks were also cancelled due to the rain - we were a little bummed out.

We took a day trip to Savannah it was HOT, HOT, HOT!!! But, we are glad we went. If you do plan on going to Savannah, don't go until you speak with Mike ("the pool guy"), he is from Savannah and has a lot of great information to share. We were very glad we spoke to him first.

We hung out at the beach and the pool A LOT!! We played mini golf one night and got ColdStones ice cream, yummy! We did a dolphin boat ride (through the resort). We rented bikes ($32.00 for the week, each). We wanted to kayak but my husband had back issues and didn't want to risk being out in the water and not able to move . We also went to Sea Pines, I thought it was worth the trip. After I found out the lighthouse wasn't a true lighthouse, we didn't bother. We have working lighthouses here in New England we have toured at Martha's Vineyard-so I didn't want to waste any beach time.

It was very, very busy. I was surprised at just how busy the entire island was. There was a wait for lunch and dinner pretty much every where. We had breakfast at the HH Diner, McD's and Stacks! All were good, but my favorite was Stacks-excellent breakfast. We did lunch at Panera, Salty Dog, Fuddruckers, at the HHI Resort beach house. Dinner we went to Scott's Fish Market right at the resort, it was very good and convenient. We also went to the Crazy Crab (it was ok, very touristy and a bit pricey), San Minguel's (good food), Guiseppe's (highly recommend!), it was so good, we ended up eating there twice. We also had dinner at Fuddruckers, can't beat their milkshakes! We tried to book a reservation at Dyes Gullah Finins, but couldn't get in (maybe next time).

The people at the resort were very friendly and we just had a nice relaxing vacation.

We drove from CT planning to stop at several colleges (DD will be a jr. in hs next year). That was a lot of fun and DD had the chance to cross a few colleges off her list.

We stopped in D.C. on the way home and toured the Museum of American History. They just re-did the entire museum and WOW. But, it was busy, busy, busy!!!!!

All and All a GREAT family vacation...now to plan the next one, hmmm where to go next? With DVC there are no limits!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm just curious-which studio did you stay in? We got "stuck" in a studio for 1 nite in the middle of our trip once when a 1 BR wasn't available. The next day we had to think twice about transferring back to a 1 BR because the view was so beautiful. I think we were in #1134.

 

[TinkHappy]

We were in 1136! Just next door.

I found the balconies to be huge!! We have stayed in studios, one bedrooms and two bedrooms. I didn't feel cramped in the studio at HHI. We were just happy to be there.

The only thing I really missed was the washer/dryer. I always do laundry before we leave. I don't like packing dirty clothes.

I never cook on vacation, but we do bring water, gatorade and ice tea so the fridge was very accomodating. We bring our own coffee (Starbucks). So really as far as a kitchen goes, while on vacation, all I need is a fridge and coffee maker.

 

[bobbiwoz]

What a nice report. So, are you a lucky one who was able to book a studio during the summer at 7 months?

DH and I have only visited HHI once and look forward to getting there again. We need more vacation time. I would love to drive and have our car.

Bobbi

PS. Doc, you certainly enjoy HHI a lot, don't you?

 

[TinkHappy]

Yes, we were definitely one of the lucky ones!

I thought we were going to have to cancel. My husband had some serious back issues. He has a history of a painful herniated disc and I thought the drive would be too painful, not to mention being away from home. It turned out to be muscle spams (still very painful), but not as (medically) serious.So the dr. prescribed him some muscle relaxers and we went on our merry way. I did the driving (the muscle relaxers helped him with that ) He was a trooper and to be honest, I think the vacation actually helped his back a bit.

It is absolutely necessary to have a car while staying in HHI

 

[Alyean]

Glad you had fun in Hilton Head. We have lived in Savannah for 10 years now and we love it down in this area of the country!

 

[RobDoc]

Thanks for the report. We are at HH right now and our children/grandchildren arrive tomorrow.

The HH studios are the largest in DVC at 455 sq ft so your sense of space was right on! The balconies are huge too!

Glad you had a nice stay!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Yes, we were definitely one of the lucky ones!

I thought we were going to have to cancel. My husband had some serious back issues. He has a history of a painful herniated disc and I thought the drive would be too painful, not to mention being away from home. It turned out to be muscle spams (still very painful), but not as (medically) serious.So the dr. prescribed him some muscle relaxers and we went on our merry way. I did the driving (the muscle relaxers helped him with that ) He was a trooper and to be honest, I think the vacation actually helped his back a bit.

It is absolutely necessary to have a car while staying in HHI

Wow, I'm glad it worked out for your DH!!!
Yes, we did have a car in HHI, but what I really meant is that I would love to be able to drive from home and have our own car.
We had a HA studio that was very convenient to check in. We went through the lobby, turn left and there it was. The little kitchen area was there when you walked in, you then turned into the room. I liked the layout and like you mentioned, the rocking chairs on the balcony. Even the HA shower wasn't inconvenient, no water ran into the floor. I would love to stay in HH again, and would take the same studio with no hesitation. Some year.

Bobbi

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

We were in 1136! Just next door.

I found the balconies to be huge!! We have stayed in studios, one bedrooms and two bedrooms. I didn't feel cramped in the studio at HHI. We were just happy to be there.

The only thing I really missed was the washer/dryer. I always do laundry before we leave. I don't like packing dirty clothes.

I never cook on vacation, but we do bring water, gatorade and ice tea so the fridge was very accomodating. We bring our own coffee (Starbucks). So really as far as a kitchen goes, while on vacation, all I need is a fridge and coffee maker.

You must have been there last week. We checked into #1136 this last Monday and just returned home about an hour ago. I take it this was your first trip. I hope you enjoyed it. I do have to say I was disappointed in the room though. Last year, we were in Building 12 in a 1 BR and faced more of the marsh (actually, a tree blocked quite a bit of our view, but it was shaded and secluded and nice!). The balcony on #1136 gets all the morning sun, so no shade! My DH and I love to sit on the balcony but we never could until later in the afternoon. We also had problems with the refrigerator humming LOUDLY in the middle of the night. I reported it to the front desk. From now on, we are going with 2 BRs since we'll have our kids with us, so no chance of getting that room again (thank goodness).

BTW, my husband has back problems, too. He had back surgery a couple of years ago and has pins and screws in his back. He fell this last spring and bruised it and is having some problems with it. You're right about HHI helping you to slow down. He had some discomfort during the trip, but nothing like he would have back here on our farm!

 

[FunFive]

Thanks for the great tips on HHI TinkHappy.
We are roadtripping to HHI tommorrow and it sounds like we better be prepared with side munchies to curb the restaurant waits this time of year. We were planning a side trip to Savannah also. Did you take the trolley tour?
We are also crossing our fingers on the Pirate Dinner hoping that the rain holds out next week. But either way there is probably alot to do regardless of the weather.....counting on that Disney magic!

 

[TinkHappy]

DisneyStarWisher - I understand what you are saying about rm 1136, but we really didn't spend much time in our room and we were just happy to be at HHI and have a water view (oh, and our neighbors were quiet-BIG PLUS!!). It was quite warm in the morning reading the paper, but I just turned my chair around.

FunFive - I am sorry, I just read your comment. With this weather, my computer has been "moody" to say the least. We did take the trolley tour and with the weather it was a MUST! It takes about 90min to make the full loop, then you can get on and off at certain locations. Hope and your family are have a great time!!

 

[tbay]

thanks for the post so glad you had a wonderful time

 

[Anal Annie]

Thanks for the report. We are at HH right now and our children/grandchildren arrive tomorrow.

The HH studios are the largest in DVC at 455 sq ft so your sense of space was right on! The balconies are huge too!

Glad you had a nice stay!

Yay! We go in just under 3 weeks for the first time...taking DS an air mattress since we're driving so he won't have to sleep on the sleep sofa (he always hates them). Glad to hear it sounds like there's plenty of room for it. We tried an OVIR at Vero last summer & thought those were huge too. Do they compare in size?? That would be great!

I requested to be in the main building 'cuz that had sounded like it would be the most convenient...not sure how those rate for views.

 

[JBx3]

Yay! We go in just under 3 weeks for the first time...taking DS an air mattress since we're driving so he won't have to sleep on the sleep sofa (he always hates them). Glad to hear it sounds like there's plenty of room for it. We tried an OVIR at Vero last summer & thought those were huge too. Do they compare in size?? That would be great!

I requested to be in the main building 'cuz that had sounded like it would be the most convenient...not sure how those rate for views.

We really enjoy the main building but it is actually for convenience of walking to Shelter Cove almost out your front door! If getting a studio or 1 BR your request chance is very good! Most views are good and of the marsh or at least marsh and Broad Creek coming towards Shelter Cove area. We enjoy the main building for walking downstairs to the den and hang for coffee and reading. Marsh side of main building has a hammock a few adirondach chairs and a barbecue, all great to have. Our only draw back was you are further from the pool and recreation area but not too bad of a walk. You will also have a shot at underground parking as well if assigned the main building!

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

DisneyStarWisher - I understand what you are saying about rm 1136, but we really didn't spend much time in our room and we were just happy to be at HHI and have a water view (oh, and our neighbors were quiet-BIG PLUS!!). It was quite warm in the morning reading the paper, but I just turned my chair around.

See, we like to spend A LOT of time on the balcony just relaxing. In fact, we like to set up our lounge chairs on the balcony and take afternoon naps. We just couldn't do that this time. It probably didn't help that the heat index was 105 most days. The reason I told you about my disappointment with the balcony was not to disagree with you, but to let you know that if you were happy with this studio, there are other studios that I think you will be even happier with. Judging from your post, I'm sure you will be back.

 

[TinkHappy]

DisneyStarWisher - I totally understand what you are saying ! It was quite hot and we could only be out there for a little while.

Anal Annie (love the name ) - We have never been to Vero, but I can tell you with two teenage DD's (one 5'9 135 lbs and one 5'11 135lbs) there was plenty of room, even in the bathroom! for the three of us at once (poor DH-unless he woke up at 6 am, he was waiting

tbay - thanks! we had a great time!! i always enjoy reading information other diser's have experienced, so i thought i would offer my own thoughts.