The ultimate list of Hilton Head questions

[The Parkhoppers]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the forum, and a future (don't have the money quite yet) DVC member, that is visiting Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort from May 19th - May 26th. This is my wife's and my first vacation away from WDW and since I'm normally a supper planner, I'm at kind of a loss when it comes to HH. I've scoured the web and got some info, but I still have lots of questions. I realize this is a whole lot to ask for a first post, but I would really appreciate any advice you could give.

Thanks in advance. Here it goes:

When renting bikes:
1. Where are they kept for the duration of your stay?
2. Are locks supplied and are there places around town to lock them up?
3. How much is theft an issue and what happens if the bike is stolen?

Visiting Charleston:
1. What is the best way to get there?
2. How long does it take to get there?
3. What is there to see?
4. Is it worth the trip?

If not a DVC member?
1. What “perks”are not included for non members that are included for members?
2. Is mousekeeping daily if you’re not a member or is it still once every four days?
3. Do they ever offer upgrades to a better room in exchange for a DVC pitch?

Beach House:
1. What hours do the busses run?
2. What are the prices for chairs and umbrellas?

For the time we will be there (05/19/07 – 05/26/07):
1. How crowded will it be?
2. Will the busses to the beach house be running pretty full?
3. Will the parking lot at the beach house fill up quick?
4. Will the beach house bar and restaurant be open?
5. Wil it be warm enough to swim?

Food and Drink:
1. Are there any fun bars within walking/stumbling distance of the hotel?

Resort:
1. Is broadband internet connectivity available anywhere on site?


Jason

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Good questions. We're headed there the first week of June and will be interested in some of these answers. If nobody else can, Webmaster Doc will be able to enlighten in all the areas I'm sure.

 

[Disneyaholic]

OK, having at least 20-30 Hilton Head trips under our belts, I'll do my best with your questions...

When renting bikes:
1. Where are they kept for the duration of your stay?

Most people keep them outside their villas. You can get a lock from the rental desk if you want. Some people have been known to bring them up to the landings on the stairways, but it's really not necessary.

2. Are locks supplied and are there places around town to lock them up?

Already answered about getting a lock, and yes, many places have bike racks where you can lock them. Hilton Head has lots of bike paths and is very bike-friendly.

3. How much is theft an issue and what happens if the bike is stolen?

Don't know about that. The bikes you rent are very basic and probably not high on the list of any potential thief.

Visiting Charleston:

1. What is the best way to get there?

You can either go to I-95 and go that way, but it is a bit of a drive from I-95 to Charleston itself. Our preference is the backroads. You get a beautiful scenic drive through the SC Lowcountry. However, the roads have been known to have a few accidents along the way. Either way (Interstate or back roads) will take you about 2 hours.

2. How long does it take to get there?

See above.

3. What is there to see?

Depends on how long you're there. Charleston is worth more than a day trip, IMHO. By the time you drive there and back, you don't have much time there. A carriage ride is a great way to get an overview of the city. You also should go to Market Street and see all the vendors there. And King Street has some great shopping. If you're there longer, there are also plantation tours on the outskirts of the city and some fantastic dining!

4. Is it worth the trip?

Definitely!!!

If not a DVC member?

1. What “perks”are not included for non members that are included for members?

Every Wednesday is "member day" at the resort and there are some discounts offered for members only. Sometimes, they have a special activity for members only, but not always.

2. Is mousekeeping daily if you’re not a member or is it still once every four days?

Depends on if you're paying cash or using points. If you have rented a member's points, you will be treated just like a member as far as mousekeeping goes. If you are a non-member paying cash, you will receive daily mousekeeping.

3. Do they ever offer upgrades to a better room in exchange for a DVC pitch?

No. There is no longer a sales staff at Hilton Head because the resort is sold out.

Beach House:
1. What hours do the busses run?

It varies with the season. Since you're going slightly before the true "high" season, my guess would be 10 am - 4pm. But check with the front desk for the exact hours.

2. What are the prices for chairs and umbrellas?

Not sure -- there are several threads on here where people have reported what they have paid. We have never rented them; we bring our own. We also spend more time at the pool than the beach anyhow. Again, since you're there before the official "high" season, not sure if they're even available? Maybe the resort can answer that question.

For the time we will be there (05/19/07 – 05/26/07):
1. How crowded will it be?

Probably not too crowded, since you're there before Memorial Day.

2. Will the busses to the beach house be running pretty full?

Probably not. You can always ask the resort how full they are and guage from there. But a lot of people drive or ride their bikes to the beach, as well. Or, they stay at the pool at the resort.

3. Will the parking lot at the beach house fill up quick?

At that time of the year, probably not.

4. Will the beach house bar and restaurant be open?

Yes, but even during high season, the hours are limited to approximately 10 am - 4 pm.

5. Wil it be warm enough to swim?

The pools are heated, so they will be fine. The ocean will likely still be kind of cool. It all depends on what you're used to. The air temps should be great!

Food and Drink:

1. Are there any fun bars within walking/stumbling distance of the hotel?

there are several restaurants within walking distance. There is an outdoor bar area at Scott's Fishmarket which can be a lot of fun!

Resort:
1. Is broadband internet connectivity available anywhere on site?

Only in some of the common areas -- Big Murggies Den, Community Hall, and the Beach House. As of most recent reports, it is not yet available in the villas, although it is supposedly "in the works".

Jason

Hope that helps. Enjoy your trip. (It would be hard NOT to!!)

 

[RobDoc]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the forum, and a future (don't have the money quite yet) DVC member, that is visiting Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort from May 19th - May 26th. This is my wife's and my first vacation away from WDW and since I'm normally a supper planner, I'm at kind of a loss when it comes to HH. I've scoured the web and got some info, but I still have lots of questions. I realize this is a whole lot to ask for a first post, but I would really appreciate any advice you could give.

Thanks in advance. Here it goes:

When renting bikes:
1. Where are they kept for the duration of your stay?
2. Are locks supplied and are there places around town to lock them up?
3. How much is theft an issue and what happens if the bike is stolen?

Bikes can be locked right outside your building and there are also bike racks around the island. Locks are usually provided with the rentals - whether at the resort or from a private company.

Visiting Charleston:
1. What is the best way to get there?
2. How long does it take to get there?
3. What is there to see?
4. Is it worth the trip?

It's about a 2 - 3 hour drive (I think). There are also flights right from the HH airport. Charleston is an elegant reminder of the Old South and there are many historical sites and tours available. It's a nice (but long) day trip from the resort. I'd probably suggest it as a stopping point on the way there or on the way home.

If not a DVC member?
1. What “perks”are not included for non members that are included for members?
2. Is mousekeeping daily if you’re not a member or is it still once every four days?
3. Do they ever offer upgrades to a better room in exchange for a DVC pitch?

All guests will have the full use of the resort and activities. There are some discounts (minor, IMO) for DVC members for some of the recreational programs, but non-members will not be excluded. If you are paying cash - not staying on DVC points - you will have daily housekeeping (they refer to it as "Showkeeping" at HH.) If there are villas available, they do sometimes offer upgrades for cash guests. You didn't mention what type room you are in or the size of your party. The 1BR villas are really nice. It cannot hurt to ask if they have any upgrades available when you check in. There is no longer any sales staff or model villas at the resort. The Sales Center there closed a number of years ago.

Beach House:
1. What hours do the busses run?
2. What are the prices for chairs and umbrellas?

I think the buses run from 10:00am until 4:00pm - but there is also a free shuttle provided by the Palmetto Dunes Merchants Association (the "Dunes Buggy) that runs before and after that time. Details are available at the resort. It's about a mile to the beach and you will get a gate pass to go there by auto. Chairs and Umbrellas are a bit pricey and are not rented by the resort but by the Lifeguards at the beach. I don't know the exact cost.

For the time we will be there (05/19/07 – 05/26/07):
1. How crowded will it be?
2. Will the busses to the beach house be running pretty full?
3. Will the parking lot at the beach house fill up quick?
4. Will the beach house bar and restaurant be open?
5. Wil it be warm enough to swim?

The resort will likely be near capacity - especially towards the weekend, but the beach shuttle will usually have room available. The parking lot can fill up in the mid afternoon (locals also use that lot- since the area is also a public beach access area), but we've rarely had any problem with parking and we've usually gone over July 4. Yes, the Beach House facilities should be open at that time and the air temperature will be warm enough to enjoy swimming. The pools are heated - even if the ocean is still a little cool (I think the ocean will be OK too by then).

Food and Drink:
1. Are there any fun bars within walking/stumbling distance of the hotel?

Resort:
1. Is broadband internet connectivity available anywhere on site?

There are about 6 restaurants - all with bars - within 200 yards of the resort - just across the bridge. Scott's Fishmarket has an outside bar with entertainment- and that's the closest one, but there are several others well within a stumble!

Currently, I understand that there is WiFi only at Big Murgies Den in the lodge (near the front desk). I know there are plans to add access thruout the resort, but I do not know the timetable for that. I have usually purchased a week of local dialup (they have special 1 week deals in the $10-15 range) - just make sure you have a local access number as any calls off the island are long distance and will have a pricey surcharge.

Have a wonderful trip! Please report back when you get back!

 

[The Parkhoppers]

Thanks for all your help! We're really looking forward to the trip, though I have to say it's hard to resist the pull of the Mouse toward WDW. I keep finding myself pricing flights to Orlando and then getting mad at myself for doing it. I have a problem.

This trip will be all about relaxation and exploring the region. I hope we can adjust to this new way of vacationing.


Thanks again.

Jason