Wait list for Hilton Head?

[TinkGirl]

We bought our points at SSR last Feb. My husband's hometown is Hilton Head, so we visited the resort last Easter when we were on the island anyway. When we explained that we had just bought points and wanted to check out the resort, the CM was very friendly. He gave us the welcome home package that guests receive when they check in. It is a very small check-in place--I wouldn't even call it a lobby, so he couldn't leave it un-manned to give us a tour. We walked around and saw the pool and resort store, but that's about it. He said we could not even see the beach or beach house unless we were staying that visit. We did think we would probably only stay there if we had not used our points for the year elsewhere. The II offerings that are ocean-front are beautiful. There is one that is brand-new and right on the beach--I think it's one of the Marriot ones. We usually go to HH every year and rent a three BR condo in Sea Pines.

 

[maddie]

We experienced the same thing, could not get a 2 bedroom in HH May through August so we just rented a penthouse in Harbourside (right across the marina) for $1200 for 7 nights. It sleeps 8 and you have use of the Disney poolhouse at the same beach. Now I am wondering why we even use our points at HH. Any thoughts?

 

[Disneyaholic]

I would double-check your rental about using the Disney poolhouse. Yes, you do have access to the same beach (it's a public beach for Palmetto Dunes and the entire Shelter Cove area is considered part of Palmetto Dunes.)

But as far as the beach house, you can use the outside restrooms and the outside window to Signals (the snack bar), but I doubt you can actually get INTO the beach house or use the pool. You need a Disney room key for that and especially during busy times, the cast members DO check for keys.

 

[Judique]

I would double-check your rental about using the Disney poolhouse. Yes, you do have access to the same beach (it's a public beach for Palmetto Dunes and the entire Shelter Cove area is considered part of Palmetto Dunes.)

But as far as the beach house, you can use the outside restrooms and the outside window to Signals (the snack bar), but I doubt you can actually get INTO the beach house or use the pool. You need a Disney room key for that and especially during busy times, the cast members DO check for keys.

They are not supposed to get into the beach house or use the pool, but, I've seen people at the door waiting to slip in when someone with a key comes by. This happened when we were there last March. After a minor incident in Signals, the people were asked to leave by a castmember, after they couldn't produce a guest ID. The castmembers at HH get to know their guests. Strangers do stand out to them. I also saw two couples one afternoon get asked to leave as they were getting ready to walk down the pier....the castmember explained to them that the resort was for guests only, and that they could not just look around on their own.

 

[linco711]

We went to HH in Sept 2002 and I hated it - well actually I hated the beetles. Don't think we'll be going there again unless there is a time of year when the beetles are not in evidence!

Anyone know please?

They're not beetles, but are actually cochroaches, or more correctly Palmetto Bugs. They're here year round. They would be especially prevalent at the Disney Resort because it is very close to the marsh. Also because resort guests tend to keep they're sliding doors open, and invite them in.

 

[CMedley78]

Palmetto bugs, and all other sorts of creepy, crawly creatures are always in the South. I am surprised you never came across anything in FL. I have seen PLENTY of little creatures that are indigent to FL. It is just something to get used to. I live in New England, so I have my fair share of bugs during the summers, but down South, it is all year long. Much different from the climate in the UK.
Colleen

 

[fishermouse]

I was 'assured' by Disney staff they aren't cockroaches they are palmetto bugs - don't care - they are beetles and i have a total phobia about beetles. We even cancelled a holiday to Australia in 2003 cos I decided i couldnt cope with them after our trip to HH.

Sounds like the staff member was trying to ease your fear the "palmeto Bug" is the state insect of SC. which is the palmeto State, They are everywhere and can get pretty big and yes they are a member of the cockroach family. To keep it in laymans terms it is a great big flying cockroach. On the bright side it is not a beetle! just ignor them they are not dirty indoor loving bugs like there smaller cousin they're more like, well a beetle. Sorry couldn't resist

 

[susieh]

From the dictionary - A palmetto bug is a colloquial name (or perhaps more precisely a euphemism) for a species of cockroach, Periplaneta americana, particularly common in Florida and other coastal areas of the southeastern United States. Palmetto bugs are characterized by particularly large bodies and the ability to fly short distances. They are probably named from being found in palmetto palms.

also found - Coleoptera
An order of insects having the anterior pair of wings (elytra) hard and horny, and serving as coverings for the posterior pair, which are membranous, and folded transversely under the others when not in use. The mouth parts form two pairs of jaws (mandibles and maxill[ae]) adapted for chewing. Most of the Coleoptera are known as beetles and weevils.

So 1) It's OK to call the horrid things beetles and 2) they are a species of cockroach and 3) the worst bit! they are particularly common in Florida (even though I have been fortunate enough NOT to see one there yet!)