TGM Poster Rips HH

[RobDoc]

A bit sensitive are we? The fact that there is some subjectivity to even the most stringent of scientific study or resort rating system does not remove it's usefulness completely. Even the articles in the top Dental or Medical journal are tainted by big business and Pharmaceutical and hardware companies. And while one might agree or disagree on the ratings of Mobile, AAA or any other system, there is at least some objectivity in most of them and even when there's not and it's all subjective, taking a broader sampling will generally offer a more accurate evaluation. And dollars will ultimately tell the tale in most any area. Try offering a DVC HH rental vs a beach rental and see what happens.

If someone stays at DVC HH and no where else and loves it, that' is fine. They have nothing to prove to anyone else, are free to enjoy that experience and free to say how much they enjoy it. NO one said it wasn't a nice resort only that there were some even nicer overall. However, they have no basis to compare to any other resort or area unless they have some type of experience or specific knowledge to base it on. I believe many DVC members do not, many haven't even been to HH at all.

I don't know your opinion or experience with the Marriott's, I don't recall you've ever said other than you haven't stayed ocean front if I recall eliminating the best Marriott's. But if you have an opinion, I'd love to hear it and what you base it on and can promise you that it won't bother me at all no matter how bad it is. I've stayed at a number of resorts all over HH including DVC and Marriott's Harbour Pointe and Sunset Pointe just across the water, it's easy to compare rental rates within the Marriott system. Yet my opinion is still that, just my opinion. But it is certainly more informed on this subject than many DVC members, likely less than others, why does that bother you?

I suspect DVC resorts are not included in TST because they require non members to rate them and there just aren't that many non members who stay there. Unfortunately TST doesn't get nearly as much traffic in this area and they don't give you how the data was arrived at quite as much as TUG does. Even II and RCI do not do double blind, randomized, controlled, prospective studies in this area so if you want to discount all else but your own feelings, that is certainly your option. BTW, TST's 10 pt rating system used to be a 5 pt rating system.

Not a bit sensitive- as I'm very comfortable with my personal opinion and my experiences both with DVC resorts and a host of other timeshare locations. I do take exception with the arrogant position suggesting that some DVC members are not capable of having an informed opinion due to their lack of "other experiences". For the purposes of this site, everyone is entitled to express their opinion whether you feel they are adequate or not. Since this is a DVC discussion board, it might even be worth considering that there are other sites where you can tout the places you feel are superior to the DVC HH resort. You might want to try TUG. This site is not really a HH timeshare site, it's a DVC discusison forum and DVC just happens to have a resort at that location.

While I do have an opinion of the Marriott resorts, this is not the appropriate place to discuss that. If I want to discuss the HH Marriott locations I would go to other websites as this is not the place to discuss them. In fact, I'll even suggest that Marriott discussion is probably off-topic for this forum.

I don't understand your insistence on arguing that it's superior to the DVC resort. BTW- can you call Mariott 7 months ahead and reserve a single night at WDW? I can with my HH ownership - or at least I have been able to every time I've tried over the last 10+ years. That's one of the benefits of DVC ownership.

As for offering DVC vs a Beach rental - it really doesn't matter since DVC is not and has never claimed to be a beach resort. It's really tiresome that you insist on trying to compare DVC to beach resorts- get over it - DVC is NOT a beach resort. There are LOTS of people who go to HH for activities other than the beach and there are LOTS of people who could care less about the beach or the resorts positioned there.

I will concede to you that if someone is looking for a summer beachfront location, the DVC HH resort is not the best place for them. In fact, I'll even suggest that if they are really looking for a beach location, HH may not be the best place for them at all - at ANY resort. I can think of many beachfront locations that I consider superior to HH. I do, however, enjoy the beach at HH and have spent many hours there over the years. The DVC HH resort Beach House is a great facility and the beach there is wonderful. I don't see the fact that you have to travel a little ways to get there from the resort as a negative at all although I understand that some require and demand that convenience.

If you're looking for a beach vacation in January, better drop HH from your plans entirely. However, HH can be delightful in January if you aren't locked into the need to be on the beach and I'd much rather be at the DVC HH resort than any other.

 

[Sammie]

Interesting article about DVC at HHI, enjoy.

http://www.thetimesharebeat.com/special.htm

 

[bwbuddy5]

I will concede to you that if someone is looking for a summer beachfront location, the DVC HH resort is not the best place for them. In fact, I'll even suggest that if they are really looking for a beach location, HH may not be the best place for them at all - at ANY resort. I can think of many beachfront locations that I consider superior to HH. I do, however, enjoy the beach at HH and have spent many hours there over the years.

I totally agree with that. If the beach were my main priority, I wouldn't even be going to HH. Granted, I'm using my DVC to branch out from WDW a bit, and would never even consider another location. Plus, the peacefulness appeals to me. And, with the potential "marine life viewing" at the marsh, I'll be right where I want to be. I'll leave the beach to the college kids. They add a different dimension to the beachfront view any way.

 

[dumbo71]

Interesting article about DVC at HHI, enjoy the article.

http://www.thetimesharebeat.com/special.htm

Good article, I enjoyed reading it. Thank you.

Doc made some goods points and I hope this isn't turning into a HH bash. HH DVC has many fans as does most of the DVC Resorts.

I always suggest trying the resort for yourself to see if you like it.

 

[allforpooh]

My 2 cents for what it is worth. The first time at DVC HH was spring break of this year and we loved it. Since we knew we were not going to be right on the beach it wasn't a problem. I loved all of the activities for the kids and adults to include some really great kayaking. I also loved the atmosphere of the resort, it was exactly what I was looking for. That being said, we are also Marriott members and have stayed right on the beach which I also loved. It really just depends of what you want out of your vacation. For us, it was either vegging on the beach or relaxing at DVC HH. For DD13 her vote would be DVC HH...

We will definitly go back to HH, but depending on our mood at that time who knows where we stay.

Denise

 

[walter]

For several years now we have travelled to HHI on the off year that we do not visit OKW/WDW. We loved HHI/DVC but when we took a tour of Marriott's Surf Watch Resort, we just had to buy a week. Late in Oct., we visited the resort and we received a room in the building closest to the ocean. It was beautiful. Some year we will probably stay one week at each the DVC and Marriott resorts. Next stop OKW for two weeks beginning in late Jan. 2007!

 

[Dean]

Not a bit sensitive- as I'm very comfortable with my personal opinion and my experiences both with DVC resorts and a host of other timeshare locations. I do take exception with the arrogant position suggesting that some DVC members are not capable of having an informed opinion due to their lack of "other experiences". For the purposes of this site, everyone is entitled to express their opinion whether you feel they are adequate or not. Since this is a DVC discussion board, it might even be worth considering that there are other sites where you can tout the places you feel are superior to the DVC HH resort. You might want to try TUG. This site is not really a HH timeshare site, it's a DVC discusison forum and DVC just happens to have a resort at that location.

While I do have an opinion of the Marriott resorts, this is not the appropriate place to discuss that. If I want to discuss the HH Marriott locations I would go to other websites as this is not the place to discuss them. In fact, I'll even suggest that Marriott discussion is probably off-topic for this forum.

I don't understand your insistence on arguing that it's superior to the DVC resort. BTW- can you call Mariott 7 months ahead and reserve a single night at WDW? I can with my HH ownership - or at least I have been able to every time I've tried over the last 10+ years. That's one of the benefits of DVC ownership.

As for offering DVC vs a Beach rental - it really doesn't matter since DVC is not and has never claimed to be a beach resort. It's really tiresome that you insist on trying to compare DVC to beach resorts- get over it - DVC is NOT a beach resort. There are LOTS of people who go to HH for activities other than the beach and there are LOTS of people who could care less about the beach or the resorts positioned there.

I will concede to you that if someone is looking for a summer beachfront location, the DVC HH resort is not the best place for them. In fact, I'll even suggest that if they are really looking for a beach location, HH may not be the best place for them at all - at ANY resort. I can think of many beachfront locations that I consider superior to HH. I do, however, enjoy the beach at HH and have spent many hours there over the years. The DVC HH resort Beach House is a great facility and the beach there is wonderful. I don't see the fact that you have to travel a little ways to get there from the resort as a negative at all although I understand that some require and demand that convenience.

If you're looking for a beach vacation in January, better drop HH from your plans entirely. However, HH can be delightful in January if you aren't locked into the need to be on the beach and I'd much rather be at the DVC HH resort than any other.

I would agree with you on some points, disagree on others, we'll simply have to disagree on some of them. IMO, comparing DVC to other resorts in similar areas is totally on target, and appropriate for DIS whether it's onsite vs off site in Orlando, HH as in thread or VB to the surrounding area. Certainly DVC has never claimed to be a breach front resort. However, DVC HH is in an area where that is what most people think about when they consider a trip there, DVC members likely the exception. As for off topic, I though it was about someone ripping DVC HH, both the resort and location, thus this would be totally on topic as well related to those issues.

Obviously I've gotten under your skin but I don't believe I said anything that could be considered bashing DVC or DVC HH, maybe you disagree. Saying it is great but not the best is certainly not bashing and an attitude to the contrary certainly seems arrogant to me. And saying that someone who doesn't have other experiences to compare therefore does not have the info to make an informed comparison is not belittling their intelligence as you seem to suggest There are many things I don't have enough info to compare and I think I've been clear when I've posted about areas that applied when posting on DIS by stating specifically that I didn't have that knowledge or experience. As for your assertion I go somewhere else to talk about Marriott, this has not been about Marriott per se, just that Marriott happens to have the resorts in question to compare and no one else does for HH. That would be no different than saying one shouldn't compare a WDW DVC resort to a non DVC resort just because you didn't like what was being said.

As for HH not being a beach destination in Jan, I'd disagree there as well. ASAMOF, I think being ocean front is more important to me colder weather than swim season, it may not be a place to swim in the ocean but it's still a great place to walk on the beach many days or be able to see the ocean from the unit or balcony. But as long as you're happy with DVC HH, what do you care, that's why there are different choices.

 

[Sammie]

Dean, I would never assume to speak for Doc, he is certainly able to do that for himself, but if you have gotten under anyone's skin, it would appear to be more about the fact that it seems, whether intentional or not, that you and some others think if one prefers DVC HHI over other HHI resorts, it is because of being an uninformed traveler and being willing to settle for less than a quality product. I am not sure how you know for sure who is informed and who is not.

There are many things that determine a quality product and Doc and I and others think that DVC at HHI is that. A quality product. It is certainly not the only quality product offered on the island, it just happens to be the product we prefer over the others.

I can respect you might prefer another location at HHI than DVC, as that is your personal choice. However that choice does not make the resort you choose any better than DVC, or DVC any less because it was not chosen.

If one is discussing resale value then I will concede that possibly that DVC there is not the number one seller. But is that due to quality of the actual resort or the fact that its DVC.

As to guest satisfaction and travel reviews; DVC at HHI scores very highly along with several of your favorites.

As for myself I don't buy without being informed. We stayed at every DVC resort open several times before making a purchase. We stayed at several nonDVC locations at HHI before purchasing there. There were many reasons we bought DVC and being DVC was just one of them. Actually we prefer the location over any on the island. We love the Disney island, the marsh, Shelter Cove, the marina, the size, the feeling of being removed from one beach property after another.

I just think sometimes it is not so much what is being said as how it was presented.

 

[dumbo71]

Dean, I would never assume to speak for Doc, he is certainly able to do that for himself, but if you have gotten under anyone's skin, it would appear to be more about the fact that it seems, whether intentional or not, that you and some others think if one prefers DVC HHI over other HHI resorts, it is because of being an uninformed traveler and being willing to settle for less than a quality product. /QUOTE]


I certainly won't speak for Dean here but I happen to remember the reverse being stated in this thread. It was stated that the majority of people who don't like HH DVC don't like it because they were uninformed. They expected it to be on th beach, have on site dining, etc.

I took offense to that statement initially.

Now, reading the Dean/Doc posts I can't help think about celebrity boxing. In this corner we have a certain respected Webmaster and in the opposing corner we have the Timeshare expert.

Now I'd pay money to see that, forget whether we like or dislike HH DVC. My money would be on Doc, sorry Dean just a feeling.

 

[kdzgon]

FWIW, I started reading this thread to get a better "feel" for HH. Unfortunately (IMO) this thread contained at least as many thinly veiled barbs as it did helpful opinions. Had I started at this thread on my first visit to the boards, I certainly would have been less likely to visit, or at least less likely to expose myself to similar treatment by posting my opinions.

 

[RobDoc]

... Certainly DVC has never claimed to be a breach front resort. However, DVC HH is in an area where that is what most people think about when they consider a trip there, DVC members likely the exception.

What is your source for this? I would think that more people think of golf when HH is mentioned, but I must be wrong. Please cite the source for your statistic - unless it's just creative support for your opinion.

... As for HH not being a beach destination in Jan, I'd disagree there as well. ASAMOF, I think being ocean front is more important to me colder weather than swim season, it may not be a place to swim in the ocean but it's still a great place to walk on the beach many days or be able to see the ocean from the unit or balcony. But as long as you're happy with DVC HH, what do you care, that's why there are different choices.

As for the January beach destination, you are certainly welcome to your opinion that HH is a great winter beach destination. Most would prefer to be further south in January, but to each his own. If you say it's great on the beach, it sure must be. So, now it's only important to be able to see the ocean from the villa and even that's superior to seeing the lowly marsh from the villa? I doubt many would agree with you, but that's just my uninformed opinion.

Now that I think of it, those staying at the DVC resort also have access to that same beach- year round - and all they need to do is walk , bike, drive or take a shuttle to access the exact same location. I realize that driving at HH seems to be a major objection for you - so I'm glad you can eat all of your meals right in your perfect resort so you never need to venture out to sample the wide varity of restaurants available at HH. Curious why you never seem to tout the Marriott restaurants as among your favorites at HH but you do seem to have dined outside your resort. Is it just driving to the beach that is objectionable, but driving to eat is OK?

 

[Dean]

Dean, I would never assume to speak for Doc, he is certainly able to do that for himself, but if you have gotten under anyone's skin, it would appear to be more about the fact that it seems, whether intentional or not, that you and some others think if one prefers DVC HHI over other HHI resorts, it is because of being an uninformed traveler and being willing to settle for less than a quality product. I am not sure how you know for sure who is informed and who is not.

That would be a total misunderstanding of what I said and I believe a prejudice and not based in my words. What I believe I said and intended to say and whole heartedly believe is that many DVC owners, likely the majority, are not well informed of the general timeshare world. While it's been a while, I've seen people post on a couple of occasions that DVC was not even a timeshare. In this case, the comparison of other timeshare resorts in HH to the DVC resort there is the question. Many have made it clear in the past they don't care about other timeshares and don't have any interest in even learning about them. And that's perfectly OK, as long as they are happy with their options everyone should be happy. However, that doesn't mean their choices are the best ones and in some cases, likely not even the best choices for them but simply all they know. If anyone thought I said DVC HH was a bad resort or that if anyone preferred it, they were not informed because they held that belief, would be totally incorrect. I've stated it a couple of times but I'll do so again. Simply staying at HH and liking it does not make one informed, there must be some reasonable additional info/experience to compare to, plain and simple. However I never said that liking DVC HH was a poor choice. I've said several times it's a great resort, I've acknowledged that the flexibility improves it's appeal for many, I've stayed there and enjoyed it. I will likely stay there again and I'm sure I will enjoy it. Actually I've never had a bad stay at HH in a timeshare. However, I've seen several threads where if one didn't believe DVC were the end all, it's like you've insulted their sister. Same goes when comparing one DVC resort to another. There seems to be little room to believe there are other options beyond DVC and to have the right to compare them. BTW, if DVC ever has a HI option, we can have the same discussion for that area as well.

If one is discussing resale value then I will concede that possibly that DVC there is not the number one seller. But is that due to quality of the actual resort or the fact that its DVC.

And that is one of the major objective areas to compare timeshares along with rental prices of similar size units. I always find it interesting that everyone downplays location for HH and makes such a big deal of it for WDW. IMO, repeat my opinion, locations is more important for HH than for WDW, but that's just me.

 

[Dean]

What is your source for this? I would think that more people think of golf when HH is mentioned, but I must be wrong. Please cite the source for your statistic - unless it's just creative support for your opinion.





As for the January beach destination, you are certainly welcome to your opinion that HH is a great winter beach destination. Most would prefer to be further south in January, but to each his own. If you say it's great on the beach, it sure must be. So, now it's only important to be able to see the ocean from the villa and even that's superior to seeing the lowly marsh from the villa? I doubt many would agree with you, but that's just my uninformed opinion.

Now that I think of it, those staying at the DVC resort also have access to that same beach- year round - and all they need to do is walk , bike, drive or take a shuttle to access the exact same location. I realize that driving at HH seems to be a major objection for you - so I'm glad you can eat all of your meals right in your perfect resort so you never need to venture out to sample the wide varity of restaurants available at HH. Curious why you never seem to tout the Marriott restaurants as among your favorites at HH but you do seem to have dined outside your resort. Is it just driving to the beach that is objectionable, but driving to eat is OK?

I would agree that Golf is a major component as well but MB is actually a larger Golf destination than HH. As for Jan, I like it then but obviously it's not a major destination else one couldn't rent weeks through the exchange companies for less than the maint fees. However, if one is going to HH in Jan, I do feel that is a time to make ocean front with an ocean view a priority. And it's not hard to do for that time. You also incorrectly interpret my affinity for driving either at WDW or HH. However, I find driving to the beach or to a pool to be a poor choice but again, that's my opinion.

 

[OneMoreTry]

More subjective stew for the pot:

If I were going for the beach alone I wouldn't go to HH at all. The sand is like hard-packed mud and about the same color. There are too many rules. I'm an ocean lover, but not a beach lover. I spent my formative years on the ocean in a boat, which is really the only way to enjoy the sea IMHO. If I'm at the beach I want to stay in a tent with a grill and a fishing pole. Can't do that at HH can I? I CAN at Edisto Beach state park, where you'll see me once every year, Lord willing.

Now, if I do get a hankering for an ocean view condo, you'll find me in a 3BR at Ocean Gallery in St. Augustine. Not a time share. But unbelievably reasonable for a week's rental. Or someplace on the panhandle.

That said, we LOVE DVC at HH. It's become an annual for our family. A GEM to us. A couple days at the beach. A couple under the oak trees in the breeze. Playing cards in the condo at night or an old movie. Mornings on the balcony with a copy of coffee and a book. I'll be the one on a bike without a shirt.


If I want to know how popular DVC HH is, I'd find out how hard it is to book a room. Is it difficult to get a reservation? Then it's popular. If not, it's not. Does that make sense? I guess you could argue that DVC members are "forced" to stay there in order to use their points. To that I'd say, heck, sell the points if you don't like.

That reminds me, I gotta add our HH trip in May to my sig.

 

[RobDoc]

... You also incorrectly interpret my affinity for driving either at WDW or HH. However, I find driving to the beach or to a pool to be a poor choice but again, that's my opinion.

So, driving to the beach is a poor choice , but driving to dine is OK? Your opinion seens to change depending on what point you happen to be promoting at the time.

Since you chose not to respond to the dining questions from my last post, I can infer that the resorts you deem to be superior to the HH DVC resort may not have the best dining options on the island so you do actually choose to drive for that activity. Are there other activities where driving is a poor choice at HH or is the beach the only one - since the DVC resort is not on the beach?

 

[Dean]

So, driving to the beach is a poor choice , but driving to dine is OK? Your opinion seens to change depending on what point you happen to be promoting at the time.

Since you chose not to respond to the dining questions from my last post, I can infer that the resorts you deem to be superior to the HH DVC resort may not have the best dining options on the island so you do actually choose to drive for that activity. Are there other activities where driving is a poor choice at HH or is the beach the only one - since the DVC resort is not on the beach?

Sorry, didn't think there was anything to respond to about dining and just arrived in Daytona for a weekend at the beach.

IMO, driving to the beach is much different than driving to eat or other activities due to the fact that when going to eat you're usually cleaned up somewhat and all going at the same time while for the beach/pool, everyone in out group seems to be on different schedules to a degree, but it's just my opinion. Plus I don't want to get sand/salt all in the car, can I borrow your car for the trip? DVC HH does have the shuttle which is a nice benefit if it works out for you. Like DVC HH, not of the Marriott's have an onsite restaurant though they are generally closer and accessible to the places I prefer but it depends on which resort you discuss. Grande Ocean is definitely closer to many more nice restaurants, the other two top Marriott's are not but regardless you'd still need to drive to most of the restaurants. I know many like the shelter cover restaurants but to me they are simply OK so when I stay at DVC, I'm driving to restaurants there also.

BTW, I also usually drive everywhere at WDW whether it be to eat or the park (MK the exception) so it's not driving that's the issue.

 

[Dean]

If I want to know how popular DVC HH is, I'd find out how hard it is to book a room. Is it difficult to get a reservation? Then it's popular. If not, it's not. Does that make sense? I guess you could argue that DVC members are "forced" to stay there in order to use their points. To that I'd say, heck, sell the points if you don't like.

That reminds me, I gotta add our HH trip in May to my sig.

May shouldn't be difficult other than the holiday weekend. To be honest my impression is that HH is easier now than it was 4 or 5 years ago. I don't recall anyone saying they had trouble 7 months out if booking day by day and my impression and experience was that is was almost impossible before. That's especially surprising since you have a years worth of people who would generally want to go during a much shorter high season and would be competing with each other. Still, anything in mid summer (mid June to mid Aug) will be somewhat difficult. May is a great time to go, maybe the best overall to me. Good luck booking your trip.

 

[Sammie]

That would be a total misunderstanding of what I said and I believe a prejudice and not based in my words. What I believe I said and intended to say and whole heartedly believe is that many DVC owners, likely the majority, are not well informed of the general timeshare world. While it's been a while, I've seen people post on a couple of occasions that DVC was not even a timeshare. In this case, the comparison of other timeshare resorts in HH to the DVC resort there is the question. Many have made it clear in the past they don't care about other timeshares and don't have any interest in even learning about them. And that's perfectly OK, as long as they are happy with their options everyone should be happy. However, that doesn't mean their choices are the best ones and in some cases, likely not even the best choices for them but simply all they know. If anyone thought I said DVC HH was a bad resort or that if anyone preferred it, they were not informed because they held that belief, would be totally incorrect. I've stated it a couple of times but I'll do so again. Simply staying at HH and liking it does not make one informed, there must be some reasonable additional info/experience to compare to, plain and simple. However I never said that liking DVC HH was a poor choice. I've said several times it's a great resort, I've acknowledged that the flexibility improves it's appeal for many, I've stayed there and enjoyed it. I will likely stay there again and I'm sure I will enjoy it. Actually I've never had a bad stay at HH in a timeshare. However, I've seen several threads where if one didn't believe DVC were the end all, it's like you've insulted their sister. Same goes when comparing one DVC resort to another. There seems to be little room to believe there are other options beyond DVC and to have the right to compare them. BTW, if DVC ever has a HI option, we can have the same discussion for that area as well.

And that is one of the major objective areas to compare timeshares along with rental prices of similar size units. I always find it interesting that everyone downplays location for HH and makes such a big deal of it for WDW. IMO, repeat my opinion, locations is more important for HH than for WDW, but that's just me.

Prejudice against what?

I based my comments on comments from you such as this one.

I know many will have different views but I feel many try to rationalize this issue by stating what they wish to be true or have convinced themselves of and/or by forming an opinion without any direct knowledge or experience of the other options.

I did not realize we were discussing the general timeshare world, I thought we were dicussing options on HHI. Your statement above lead me to believe you feel that many prefer DVC HHI, due to lack of knowledge.

Is that not what you said?

 

[RobDoc]

Sorry, didn't think there was anything to respond to about dining and just arrived in Daytona for a weekend at the beach.

IMO, driving to the beach is much different than driving to eat or other activities due to the fact that when going to eat you're usually cleaned up somewhat and all going at the same time while for the beach/pool, everyone in out group seems to be on different schedules to a degree, but it's just my opinion. Plus I don't want to get sand/salt all in the car, can I borrow your car for the trip? DVC HH does have the shuttle which is a nice benefit if it works out for you. Like DVC HH, not of the Marriott's have an onsite restaurant though they are generally closer and accessible to the places I prefer but it depends on which resort you discuss. Grande Ocean is definitely closer to many more nice restaurants, the other two top Marriott's are not but regardless you'd still need to drive to most of the restaurants. I know many like the shelter cover restaurants but to me they are simply OK so when I stay at DVC, I'm driving to restaurants there also.

If you drive your car to that wonderful beachfront resort, how do you avoid the sea salt? It would seem to me to be no different than when I drive to the beach and park in the DVC parking garage. Maybe the fancy places like yours have a system in place to prevent sea mist from blowing in from the ocean?

Of course you can borrow my car - it's a '77 Dodge stationwagon, with a little rust (matches the color of the car, so it doesn't show too much), but I'll be happy to share it with you Dean. I usually either leave the keys under the floor mat (rear seat- passenger side) or in the ignition - but please don't tell anyone as I'd hate to have the car stolen - it's great beach transportation and I don't mind a little sand (or salt). We always use the shower provided at the Beach House anyway- so we don't really have a problem tracking sand into the car - you ought to try that sometime - it has always worked for me and Granny.

If we can't get the Dodge running (it's a bit tempermental at times, but I can usually get it to turn over by tweaking the carburator a little and kicking the door just below the handle - only takes a few minutes - but sometimes, Granny does have to push until I can pop the clutch to start it) then we either walk or take the resort shuttle. Since public transportation makes us feel right at home, we don't mind at all. (Many don't realize that when the resort shuttle stops for the day, there is also the Palmetto Dunes Buggy - a free service of the plantation merchants - where you can still get a ride to/from the resort.) We like using the free transportation and we can keep those bus tokens for when we get back home.

You're also welcome to drive our car to dinner, since I now know that you get all cleaned up for your meals. That's good to know and I'm sure the restaurants all appreciate it.

Sorry to hear that your resort doesn't have a restaurant - was it a fire, health department violation or did they never have one in the first place? Did they just use that extra space to put in more fancy rooms ... or something really cool - like a bowling alley?

I am glad for you though that Grande Ocean is closer to many more of the nice restauarants at HH - I know how important that can be. It seems we just have to keep driving farther and farther for good places to eat at our end of the island now that they closed down Cracker Barrel and I just haven't found many drive-thrus that do tater tots the way I like them (you know- a little crunchy on the outside and real chewy in the middle).

Do you have a chauffeur too or do you need to do all of that driving without any help? I know how tiring that can be.

 

[3DisneyKids]

This thread is quite a read....