Live from HHI

[Simba's Mom]

Here I sit in Big Murgie's Den after our first full day at HHI. We came in about midnite last nite, and the resort was all decked out in its holiday lights and decorations. We spent the first night in a HA studio, and if all HA studios at WDW were like this, I'll bet there'd be fewer complaints. There was a full size closet and actually counter space on the bathroom sink. Not a problem! Today we moved to a 1 BR, #1138, and all I can say about the view from it is-WOW!!! We just love it! After we moved rooms today, we ate lunch at Kenny B's, nice and casual, and noticed that one of our old favorites, Captain's Seafood, is no more. Guy golfed this morning at Eagle's Point, enjoyable and fairly easy course. Good thing he golfed early-it's poured the rest of the day. We haven't even ventured out to the General Store to look for Gordon (formerly,Chef Gordon) or Dottie. So we've admired our view mostly from behind the doors and windows. Hopefully, it won't rain tomorrow-Guy's golfing at Heron Point (in Sea Pines) and I'm riding along in the cart.
Oh-I just remembered about Kenny B's. We'd never been there, so we had to try to find it. "No problem-it's behind Wild Wings" Remember HHI signage? We never even saw Wild Wings, and I don't know how we everfound Kenny B's. We're glad we found it.
That's it for tonight. Any questions?

 

[dvcnewgirl]

Sounds great! ( except the rain part ) I am worse than the kids, I want to go on vacation now! Can't wait to get to Hilton Head on Wed. Have fun!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Thank you so much for your trip report. We can't wait to hear more. Regretfully, we needed to cancel our HHI ressie for this weekend. We have too much going on right now to go. However, we WILL be going to WDW New Year's. Your trip report will help us cope with not being able to be there. Thanks.

 

[dis-happy]

Ooh, sounds like fun. I really enjoy Kenny B's, plus if you want to order take-out from there they have a drive through window on the side of the restaurant.

Hope the rain clears soon!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm glad you got a WOW view!!!

Bobbi

 

[BCV23]

Have a great Thanksgiving vacation. Looking forward to reading your report.

 

[jamie@dvcstore]

Hi Simba's Mom,
Thanks for the live report. Those are the best! Sounds like you are having a great time even with the rain. I do hope that the rain clears for you soon. Have a great trip and I look forward to reading more updates.
________
PORNSTARS CASTRO

 

[DisneydaveCT]

Hello Neighbor!

Let me echo Simba's Mom's comments about HHI and its beauty. I am also here this week in a Grand Villa and a 2BR with my sisters, their families, and our Mom. The only one missing is my daughter.

Last night while it was heavily raining we enjoyed a nice fire in the fireplace with our homemade lasagna dinner.

This morning I sat outside on our deck surrounded by the trees enjoying my coffee with a great deal of solitude. One could truly enjoy the sounds of nature greeting the day. And while I beauty of the moment I began thinking that when I move down south, I may have to add some HHI points to my membership.

I hope Guy enjoys Heron Point. My DB-I-L and I golfed there two years ago. It is a beautiful but very challenging course.

 

[dvcfamily41801]

Any chance we can get some pictures of the resort decked out for the holidays!!!

Have a great time and please say hello to Rich (in recreation) for us!! We still have several months to go until we head down!!

 

[MinnieGi]

Always love hearing reports from HHI!!!! Have a great trip and keep the reports coming so we can live vicariously through them until we get there June 20th 2010!!

 

[Conan the Librarian]

Simbas, sorry I can't stir up better weather for ya!

We were talking about coming over on Friday for lunch before we go cut down our Christmas Tree, but, it doesn't look like that will happen now.

Have a great time!

 

[podsnel]

Oh, I soooooooo wish I was going to be there this week!! Have a GREAT vacation!!!! I truly can't wait to hear all about Thanksgiving in HHI!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Day 2 done. I'm lounging here in Big Murgie's Den,sipping warm apple cider and listening to the Big Band music, waiting for"In the Mood". Ah,yes-what a week! This morning was golf at Heron Point, DH playing and me riding along in the cart. Thankfully the rain's gone and it wasn't too cold, just cloudy and foggy. Afterward we went to Salty Dog for lunch, then did the T-shirt shopping. It was so mild we even stopped at the ice cream stand. DH had pumpkin ice cream,which I guess was pretty good, and I had Expresso. That one's only saving grace is that I haven't met an ice cream flavor I won't eat. Let's just say it wasn't my favorite. We did some beach walking in the PM. We've noticed it seems much busier this year. We also noticed 2 episodes of "What were they thinking" driving-a person going the wrong way on a one way street, and someone who stopped in the middle of an intersection. In season, you must take your life in your hands when you drive! We also took a walk by the marina and commented on how there are far fewer boats, especially big boats this year. The economy? Recommendation-if you grocery shop at Piggly Wiggly, they have a cheddar cheese bakery bread that's delicious! That and soup were our supper. Well, the cider's gone and I got to hear "In the Mood" now. Golf came early so I'm tired-DH insists on being there almost an hour before his tee time. Sunday,he had to wait for the guys in the pro shop to open. Tomorrow's our breakfast at Signe's. Sorry, no pictures til I return-forgot the cord.

 

[RobDoc]

Thanks for the report!

We won't get back to HH until February, but it's great to get these reports!

Have a great stay.

 

[sabrecmc]

Hello Neighbor! We're also here at HHI right now. We leave tomorrow though. It has been a great vacation. A bit of rain, but we're from Florida, so that hardly stops us, lol. We've spent quite a bit of time in the hot tub, which is HUGE, btw. Perfectly fine for my 3 year old to swim in. Everyone here at the resort has been so kind and helpful. We did go over to the beachhouse yesterday morning before the rain hit and had enough time to build a sandcastle. The sand is so different than what I'm used to at home, but we didn't come for the beach. It is so nice to have such lovely views out of our back porch and so different than what we are used to (Florida Gulf coast...think Destin/Seaside). The activities have been great for my daughter. She adored the campfire and kids' activities. I'm glad they have so much that include younger children and not just the 5-12 range.

We went to The Sandbox, a local children's museum, and quite enjoyed that. Very interactive. We also made it out to Lawton Stables for the petting zoo and pony ride, as well as down to Harbourtown, which has an awesome playground. The mall, right up the road, has a small indoor play area, which was nice for a rainy day. We've also taken advantage of the DVD rentals here. I think my daughter has watched Cinderella 3 about 10 times.

We'll definitely come back. It is nice to have a vacation that doesn't involve lines!

 

[DisneydaveCT]

What did Guy think of Heron Point? We heard yesterday that it is a bit softer to play than when my DB-I-L and I golfed there two years ago. We enjoyed the Arthur Hills course at Palmetto Dunes yesterday. Tomorrow we take on the Fazio course. Has Guy golfed at either of those courses?

My family has been having a wonderful time this week at HHI. We have enjoyed a fire in the fireplace the last two nights. And last evening I cooked out some steaks on the grill outside our units. It was a wonderful way to spend part of the evening surrounded by the tall pines.

Like Simba's Mom, I too have forgotten my card reader so I am unable to post any photos right now, but will do so when I get back to CT.

Today will be a quiet day for us, with golf planned for the next two days before I head back north Friday evening.

 

[Simba's Mom]

What did Guy think of Heron Point? We heard yesterday that it is a bit softer to play than when my DB-I-L and I golfed there two years ago. We enjoyed the Arthur Hills course at Palmetto Dunes yesterday. Tomorrow we take on the Fazio course. Has Guy golfed at either of those courses?

Yes,Guy also was told by a golf pro elsewhere that when Heron Point was first redone (formerly Sea Marsh),it was too difficult for so many that they redid it again to make it a little less intimidating. Yes,he's played all 3 Palmetto Dunes courses and enjoyed them,especially RTJ.
However,after the "What were they thinking" drivers we encountered tonite, hopefully we'll survive this year.Both cases were drivers coming straight at us, one on a one way street, one going the wrong way on the highway. This morning was our annual trip to Signe's for breakfast and our Thanksgiving dinner. It was excellent, but not inexpensive. Next year,maybe we'll try somewhere cheaper. I miss Cracker Barrel. Went over to Pinckney NWR, visited with Dottie in the General Store. We should see Gordon there on Thursday. Tonight we went to Captain Woody's for dinner, another first time spot. Tomorrow maybe we'll drive over and see the area in the daylight. It looked promising that it might be nice.
sabremc, I'm really sorry we missed each other.
DisneydaveCT, hope we run into each other some time. Tomorrow's the Member's Tour of the hidden mickeys of the resort. I'll no doubt take that-even though I've taken it 3 times, I never remember where they are. Oh, we tried out the sofabed. It's very comortable. Also, the HHI style of sofabed, a little unique, is available thru a company whose present name I don't know, but it used to be American Leather. No bar-nice and comfy!

 

[DisneydaveCT]

Hi Simba's Mom...two of my sisters and my Mom will be taking the Behind the Scenes tour today. Maybe you all will meet each other. If you see two 40-something women with their mom, then it is likely my family.

My DB-I-L and I are still debating whether or not to go golfing today with the threat of rain. We are also thinking of fishing off the pier. I will be the easy one to spot, I am often wearing a denim jacket with the old Disney Channel logo on the back of the jacket along with some type of Disney cap. Of course if I am carrying my photo gear with my lime green Mickey head dangling on the side. If you see me, please stop me and say hi. I always enjoy meeting fellow Disney fans.

 

[gracelrm]

Simba's Mom,

Just curious - you said you tried out the sofa bed and it's comfortable to sleep on. What about for sitting? We were there in Oct. and found the new couch to be an "ejecto-sofa" I kept sliding right off of it. Granted, I'm short and my feet didn't touch the ground, but my DH who is 6'4" was very uncomfortable sitting on it as well. We pulled it out and put it back in thinking somehow it didn't close up right. Our kids didn't complain about sitting on it - but DH and I didn't spend much time on it. I'd pull a chair over from the kitchen table to sit at before I'd sit long on the sofa. Just wondering what other people think.

 

[MinnieGi]

Simba's Mom,

Just curious - you said you tried out the sofa bed and it's comfortable to sleep on. What about for sitting? We were there in Oct. and found the new couch to be an "ejecto-sofa" I kept sliding right off of it. Granted, I'm short and my feet didn't touch the ground, but my DH who is 6'4" was very uncomfortable sitting on it as well. We pulled it out and put it back in thinking somehow it didn't close up right. Our kids didn't complain about sitting on it - but DH and I didn't spend much time on it. I'd pull a chair over from the kitchen table to sit at before I'd sit long on the sofa. Just wondering what other people think.

"ejecto-sofa"!! Love it! And here I thought it was just ours when we were there this summer, apparently not! Ours also looked as if it wasn't done up right b/c the cushions were sitting high off the couch. But no matter how we redid it, it never quite went into the sofa. I also didn't sit much on it. I liked the chair in the corner better.