So NOW I get it, HHI lovers!

[LVSWL]

Thanks for the report Jean! It makes the wait easier! Off to pack my battery lantern for our porch-we like to sit outside and eat and play cards!!

 

[WolfpackFan]

I'm near Greensboro. It's such a nice drive to HH from NC - just about 5 and a half hours. It always seems so much shorter than the trek to WDW!!!!!

I agree. We live in Cary and the drive is not bad at all from here either. We are heading out Saturday for a week at HHI. We are really looking forward to it. This time we're really trying to do something different. We are going to be cooking a lot more meals in the unit (1 BR). Also, I plan to cook out on one of the grills one night.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

How was the traffic coming into the island? Did you arrive on a Sunday? My one real big question is about the traffic.

 

[Laxmom]

Jean can let us know how it was for her trip but we haven't really had any issues unless you arrive on Friday. The rush hour coincides with check in at the timeshares. When we get there on Sat or Sun, we try to arrive earlier than 4 pm, just in case. Never been an issue - I Drive is much,much worse. We just pack our suits and hang out at the pool until our room is ready. We find the real traffic jams in the grocery isles as everyone heads there to stock up for the week!!!

 

[srandsr76]

We are planning to eat in our 2BR unit @ least 5-6 nights and then eat out the rest. We love to be able to cook and enjoy the resort.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I think Laurbearz said there was a piggly-wiggly supermarket on the way in. Is it far from the DVC resort?

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Anyone have more information about HHI? I am very curious about going, but haven't read much about it yet. Pictures?

 

[RobDoc]

I think Laurbearz said there was a piggly-wiggly supermarket on the way in. Is it far from the DVC resort?

There is a Piggly-Wiggly at the Shelter Cove Mall area - you will drive past it on the way to the resort. It is about 1/4 mile from the resort. We enjoy pizza at Giuseppi's which is in the same section of the mall complex. It's very convenient to the resort and has a pretty good selection. There is also a nice place for ice cream next to Giuseppis. These places also usually offer a discount to guests of the DVC resort.

Here are a few photos from the resort.

 

[Laxmom]

Great photos!! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[jekjones1558]

Checking in after a perfect day at the beach! The temp was about 80° with refreshing breeze and low humidity. The water was coolish but definitely warm enough to swim. The beach had lots of people (Memorial Day), but it didn't feel crowded because it is so big.
I posted on another thread regarding pool towel policy here. We took our own towels, as instructed, and were told to change them out at Signals (fast food) but it turned out that the exchange was at the pool bar. Unfortunately the bar was out of towels so we had to wait a while. No big deal because it was so nice and warm. There were NO towels just lying around on the beach or chairs, so apparently the policy is working.
We made noisemakers near the rental center for the Memorial Day parade. This activity was no charge and DGNiece loved it. Here they are:

We also made a shell necklace at the Beach House. As disney1474 said, DGNiece was underage for the activity but was allowed because I was with her to help her make the knots. This activity was $10 for members.

Tonight we plan to do some of the Memorial Party stuff by the resort pool. My DSis and I were going to Savannah tomorrow, but that may change if we are up too late tonight. It feels great to not be over-planned, as too often happens when we entertain guests at WDW.
Many of the activity CMs have been here a while--Rich, Stephanie, Brittany have all been here at least 4 years. Supposedly there is a waiting list of WDW CMs who would like to work here. I don't know if this is true but it does seem that the staff here is very happy.

Off to the watermelon seed spitting contest. Bet some of you have kids who would love to compete when they visit HHI (and will be practicing at home until then!)

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I am glad you are loving HHI. We did a 6 night stay at spring break because we had extra points- and ending up loving it so much we added 100 points there! It is a wonderful place.

Anyone have more information about HHI? I am very curious about going, but haven't read much about it yet. Pictures?

My DD(12) took this photo on our last trip- dolphins with the resort in the background.

 

[disney1474]

The shell necklace looks nice. Glad to hear your having a good time. We really loved the resort and really look forward to visiting again!

You are so right about the cast members. They were all very nice and helpful. It made a great vacation even greater

One thing about the beach....try and get there for low tide. You can find many starfish, hermit crabs and sometimes sand dollars. I'm sure your niece would love to see them. My kids did.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

So because of the lack of restaurants issue, is it customary to have to get a car when going?

 

[Laxmom]

It really is pretty necessary. There are some restaurants around the marina area but they may be pricey - haven't eaten there to say for certain. We just love exploring the island and usually drive so we always have our car.

 

[Disneyaholic]

You will definitely want a car when you're at Hilton Head. Not just for the restaurants, but in general, to get the "most" out of your trip.

We just got back from two nights at HH. It was what DH calls "Chamber of Commerce" weather. Absolutely PERFECT!! It was really tough leaving today.

Jean, I hope you enjoy the rest of your week. We will be back for a week for July 4 and can't wait!!

 

[Laurabearz]

Checked in Saturday. Just on my way to church but had to do a quick post. This resort is amazing! Love the rustic, relaxed feel. Love the size of the room. Love the cast members. Love the peaceful marsh. Wish DH could be here because he is crazy for marina life. I will post later but I just had to give kudos to those of you who discovered this place long ago!

Our family thinks HHI is like DCL on land! We love it so much and are missing it this year :-(

 

[jekjones1558]

How was the traffic coming into the island? Did you arrive on a Sunday? My one real big question is about the traffic.

We arrived on Sat. afternoon. We had one bottleneck not too long before we got to the resort, but I think it had to do with construction. I had heard that traffic can back up, so I was pleasantly surprised.

 

[Laxmom]

Our family thinks HHI is like DCL on land! We love it so much and are missing it this year :-(

That is a great analogy!! I love it and may have to use it!!

 

[JVL1018]

Thanks for the report, Jean-I'm loving it!
We leave on Saturday for HHI-checking in on Sunday June 1st-can't wait!!!!

 

[BeckyV]

We leave this Friday for a week. How many families will be there for next week?