Never been to HHI and going as my first Dvc member trip!

[discorsner]

Well we closed on our contract and we are using most of our points for a big wdw tgiving trip. We had some points that are gonna expire and we didn't think we would be able to use but ended up just booking a weekend in march for my sis in law, myself and my nieces and a girls only trip!

Never have done a girls only! Never have been to HH and first stay anywhere as a Dvc member! I'm so excited!

What things should I know about the resort? We have a two bedroom. What requests should I make. We have 5 adults and 2 girls ages 9 and 3. Also any advice for first Dvc stay? What if my membership card doesn't arrive beforehand?

Thanks!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Since I'm a lover of HHI, let me say I don't blame you for being excited. As far as a villa request, tho we've never had a 2 BR, I was lucky enough to see someone's view who was in building 31 top floor (I think that was the #) and it was beautiful. I see you're going to WDW for Thanksgiving. I've gotta recommend that you consider HHI for some Thanksgiving. We spend every Thanksgiving there and especially love that time.

 

[Tinks "SS"]

We LOVE HHI. we just went for our first visit in thanksgiving for a weekend visit. We left wanting more. I don't know of any great requests except maybe marsh view. We had a pool view and it was lovely. There are so many things for the kids to do there. The resort is very compact and easy to get around. Remember that it is a themed resort. it is a 1940's fishing/hunting lodge with very warm colors. We instantly fell in love with the theme. My DH wants to redo our bathroom in the colors they had. Allears.net has some great pics that you can check out as well so you can get a feel for it. The beach is approx 1 mile from the resort. The beach house is very neat and it was quite cool when we went but my boys still enjoyed the beach. We rented bikes and rode over to th beach and my husband and kids (who are very experienced bike riders) said it was awkward to get over there and not a nice ride. They have alot of activities planned at the resort and we will experince more of them when we go back. We did go on a nature beach walk with a guide and it was really nice. they took us off site and we found some great shells and the guide was very knowledgeable. We are going back in june and we can't wait to get back. Have fun!!

 

[debbieandroo]

We LOVE HHI. we just went for our first visit in thanksgiving for a weekend visit. We left wanting more. I don't know of any great requests except maybe marsh view. We had a pool view and it was lovely. There are so many things for the kids to do there. The resort is very compact and easy to get around. Remember that it is a themed resort. it is a 1940's fishing/hunting lodge with very warm colors. We instantly fell in love with the theme. My DH wants to redo our bathroom in the colors they had. Allears.net has some great pics that you can check out as well so you can get a feel for it. The beach is approx 1 mile from the resort. The beach house is very neat and it was quite cool when we went but my boys still enjoyed the beach. We rented bikes and rode over to th beach and my husband and kids (who are very experienced bike riders) said it was awkward to get over there and not a nice ride. They have alot of activities planned at the resort and we will experince more of them when we go back. We did go on a nature beach walk with a guide and it was really nice. they took us off site and we found some great shells and the guide was very knowledgeable. We are going back in june and we can't wait to get back. Have fun!!

A little OT here but, boy am I glad you said that about the awkward bike ride -- I am very in-experienced and out of shape but rented a bike when I was there a couple of weeks ago. Whew! I did enjoy the beautiful area that I wobbled through and the beach was gorgeous but wondered if I would have to call a taxi to take me back! Good to know that it's hard for more experienced bikers....I'm determined to be in better shape for my next trip.

And, to the OP, I cannot say enough great things about that resort. Even in the dead of winter [early January], there were plenty of things to do and, from what I've read, March is the perfect time to go. The activities will be fun for any age group [wish I would have done the Mickey tie-dye actually] and HHI has lots of great places to shop, walk, eat, etc. Any cast member will give you all the help you need navigating the island.

About your card, you should have it by then but, if not, just make sure you have your member number with you. I don't remember using it for my time there, perhaps only at check in.

Many DISers have posted information about HHI -- it's pretty easy to do a search for the best restaurants/activities around the island.

Have a blast! But you probably won't want to leave - it really is a special place.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I, too, am very grateful that you referred to it as an awkward bike ride. I remember a few years ago, right after a members' tour, where we heard about how unwelcome the resort initially was seen by the islanders, I was riding my bike, and under the main road, on the path there, I crashed head-on into an islander (I'm pretty sure they were local). I was so embarrassed!

I just remembered you might want to look into Captain Scott's Dolphin Tour. If not, be sure to at least keep your eyes out for dolphins in the waters around the resort. We always get so excited when we see them around.
Just watch out for the "ejecto-couch" in the living room.

 

[Tinks "SS"]

Thanks guys, My DH and sons race BMX and mountain bike race all the time so they are on their bicycles all the time (a 10 mile path ride is easy for them). I also suggest that if you might want to ride bikes to rent them there. We have spent alot of money on our bikes and the sand and salt is rough on the bikes. Hilton Head is a great place to ride. I so want to do the dolphin tours as well. OP, i would love to go with you and can't wait for our trip in June. I've been trying to make notes of resturants to try as well. Oh, things are quite hidden there as well. Make sure you are looking down as all the signs are low on the ground. My family is used to it as our town has no golden arches on our mcdonalds. Also there isn't alot of street lights around the shopping centers as well. Just be sure one person is looking eye level for anyplace you are looking for.

 

[Antonia]

Our first DVC trip was to HHI this past September. The resort was so laid back. We loved it. Play checkers in the den in the main lodge. Swing in a hammock. Grill out by the marsh. We loved making a meal and eating on our big balcony on a picnic table while enjoying the view of the marsh. We took a non-DVC dolphin tour by just walking to the other side of a canal and boarding a large boat there. It was very cheap and a good tour and we saw many dolphins. We fished in the creek from the pier. We loved the pool and the slide. Can't wait to go back.