Our First Trip to Hilton Head, Y'all! We are SOLD!

[MEK]

Podsnel directed me over here to read your TR. I am going to HH Oct 23rd for 5 nights and I am really looking forward to it. I got a phenomenal deal on a member cash rate for the last 4 nights of the trip. $150/night for a 2BR. What a deal! I kept my points in the bank.

It's a girls trip and I would like to make a basic itinerary of things we want to do. The Dolphin tour sounds fun. We are also going to try to drive to Charleston and Savannah for day trips. There's so much I want to do and such little time.

Thanks for all your info so far.

 

[Love That Mouse]

We are also going to try to drive to Charleston and Savannah for day trips. There's so much I want to do and such little time.

Thanks for all your info so far.

Thanks for the kind comments and welcome!

We did a day trip to Savannah as well! That is coming soon (including why fried chicken is a southern delicacy!). Look for it soon!

 

[Love That Mouse]

So after our Dolphin Tour, it was time for DS2 nap.

Because this was a "resort day," after nap time we headed down to the resort pool for some swimming and relaxing. All week that lighthouse sliding board had been calling my name. . . . My DS12 does not like "closed sliding boards" so he wasn't going to do it. . . My main concern was. . . well. . . quite honestly. . . my size. I'm 6'6" and weigh 310. . . My biggest concern was I would start down the slide and get "stuck" like a cork! Talk about a Disney memory! And let's face it, if I did get stuck, how in the world would they unstick me? Smear butter all over me??? This is Paula Dean land, so maybe. . . . Plus, what would happen when I hit the water. Talk about a Typhoon Lagoon wave pool!!!!

Anyhow, my DW said I was being ridiculous and SHE went down the thing first. DS2 thought that was the funniest thing ever, so I decided to take one for the team. Of course my DW was absolutely correct, my fears were ridiculous. This slide is FUN! I mean REALLY fun! I hooted like a little kid the whole way down (my apologies to anybody staying in the buildings close to the pool if you were attempting to take a mid-day nap). Well, of course after I went down the slide, who do I see going up the steps? My DS12. . . His fear of closed slides over. . . . WOO-HOO! What fun! I must have gone down that thing at least six times! It really is great for the whole family!

The rest of the afternoon was lounging by the pool. My DS 12 decided to head out to the pier to see what was going on out there. By now he had become friends with a couple of kids close to his age, so they were out there as well.

While I was cooking dinner that evening, the DS12 came back to the room all excited. "Crab fishing is cool"! They spent the rest of the late afternoon catching crabs. Which was, from all accounts, quite successful. Being a Maryland born and raised kid, DS12 knows his crabs and loves crabs. I think they give you a dose of Old Bay the day you are born here in MD. Thank goodness he had enough sense to return the crabs to the marsh (we had no way of cooking them)! Try crabbing if you are there! For the $7.50 it cost for the crab trap and bait, it gave my DS12 HOURS and HOURS of fun!

After dinner, DS 12 and I decided to try out the local Putt-Putt place. Bit of advice, stop by the front desk. They have discount coupons available for the putt-putt. If you go before 6, it's half-off! After 6, it's .50 off. It's pirate themed and really quite "Disney like."

The putt-putt is within walking distance of the resort. Although take my advice and TAKE A CAR! There is no "simple" way to get to the putt-putt place as there is not a dedicated path there. As we were walking TOWARDS the putt-putt place, the game "Frogger" came to my mind. Okay, so I didn't have to cut through any major traffic, but I did have to hop from one parking lot to another.

When we arrived we had a choice: Standard, somewhat easy putt-putt -or- challenging putt-putt. Because it seemed like the entire island decided to putt-putt that evening and the line for "standard" was six groups long just to get started, we opted for the challenging course. I'm not quite sure who designed the challenging course. . . . somebody with a sick, sick mind who enjoys torturing people's calm and sanctity. . . . When they say challenging, they should say, nearly impossible. Let's face it, the fun of putt-putt is the CHANCE for a hole-in-one. Many a girl and boy can quickly recall their first putt-putt hole-in-one. It's one of those things you never forget. If you are looking for that excitement, do NOT do the challenging course! Way too difficult. My other problem with the course is it is not very exciting. No waterfalls and cool props to get through. Just a bunch of impossible holes. . . My DS 12 kicked my butt (although I did give him a few mulligans). But, alas, not a single hole-in-one. Not even close. My advice, stick to the standard course. It has to be better than the challenging course. Totals cost for both of use playing 18 holes was $17.50, so certainly not ridiculous. We had a good time and I would recommend if you are looking for some family fun. But not a "must do".

We returned to the hotel and DS 12 wanted to go and swim until the pool closed.

No problem, but we needed to be up early the next day. We had a reservation for the Beach House Breakfast Buffet the next morning. . . More about that next time. . . . .

 

[vanstoj]

I love your trip report! Seeing all the comments on this board, it is easy to see why there are so few resales available for HHI, especially the small points contracts! I actually lived in Hilton Head for a year and a half and hated it, but once I moved away, on a whim, my family decided to schedule a trip to the Disney resort around Labor Day. The next thing I know, we were adding on 80 points for HHI! The Disney Resort is exceptional and unique. The only place we are considering adding on in the future (if we can find another 50 points at a reasonable cost) is HHI. We won't be going this year, but I've already got it on my agenda for next June.

 

[conciergekelly]

Can't wait to try it!!!

 

[maureenmac]

We want to plan a trip for maybe next Spring and hope to get in a 7 months. We don't own at HH, so have to use the 7 month mark. If not then early fall 2012. We would bring our DSs, DDILs, and 2 DGC. They are babies so we can go when schools are in. I would appreciate some advice from the veterans here about the best time to go when the weather would be warm enough to swim. We would probably drive there from 3 different locations. I have looked at flying and it seems to be high from NY, NJ and MA airports. Arriving and departing on flights around the same time would be difficult. Then renting more than one car would add up also. Any info would be appreciated. Love you report.

 

[sssteele]

Podsnel directed me over here to read your TR. I am going to HH Oct 23rd for 5 nights and I am really looking forward to it. I got a phenomenal deal on a member cash rate for the last 4 nights of the trip. $150/night for a 2BR. What a deal! I kept my points in the bank.

Where did you find SUCH A DEAL? Can't you just hear Barbara Streisand saying that?

DH and I absolutely LOVE HHI! It isn't one of our home resorts, but we've been lucky enough to get in several times at our 7 month window. Heading down there in September to celebrate my Birthday. Third year in a row for this.

Did you talk with Mike, The Pool Guy? He is a wealth of information about the area and so friendly.. Well...gee...it's Disney, right?

I would love to have some points there, but DH keeps saying "NOOO MORE POINTS".

 

[Tinks "SS"]

man, your Tr is really making me reconsider our trip to the world and BCV this oct. We live in Atl so it should be an easy drive for us but haven't tried it before. We really want to try VB and HHI but just haven't tried it yet. Hopefully soon. Please keep it going..... it's really good and thank you for the activity sheets.

 

[MEK]

Where did you find SUCH A DEAL? Can't you just hear Barbara Streisand saying that?

Long story - invited some girlfriends to go to WDW this past May with me paying with points. They backed out, but I went anyway. With my point supply depleted I told them I could cover two nights at HH in a 2BR, so I checked expedia just for fun. Saw it at $180 there starting October 24th, so I called member services figuring it would be a lot more. Even the CM was shocked at the price.

I really love this TR and everyone's comments because its really helping me plan a nice trip and I can't wait to see this place myself.

 

[saintstickets]

I am going to HH Oct 23rd for 5 nights and I am really looking forward to it.

It's a girls trip and I would like to make a basic itinerary of things we want to do. The Dolphin tour sounds fun. We are also going to try to drive to Charleston and Savannah for day trips.

We'll see you at HHI! DW and I will be there 10/25-10/29/11. We are looking at some of the same activities while there. Maybe we will see you there!


Thanks for all the info Mike and Susan. This thread has been great. Can't wait for more!

 

[Love That Mouse]

Hello followers!

Just thought I would take a quick pause from the trip report to post some "stuff" you may find useful if you are a "first-timer" to HHI. Just some of the paperwork we received at check-in.

Once again, I apologize for the size, but I wanted to make sure you could read the fine print. . . .

Enjoy!

First up, a scan of the brochure about the "Nature Tours" I mentioned earlier (including the dolphin tour). This is the front and back of the brochure.

Next up, the brochure about the Pirate BBQ mentioned earlier.

Finally, the menus from the Beach House quick serve (Signals) and the resort quick serve (Tide Me Over)

Finally, a funny picture I forgot to post in my "dolphin tour" review. This happened at the tail end of our dolphin tour out on Broad Creek and the Sound.

If you have a baby, you understand the power of "Car Narcolepsy" on a baby. . . Who knew there was a thing called "Boat Narcolepsy". . . .

Coming up next, a day exploring the islands, including spotting One Hot Mama on the island. . . .

 

[andijean]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I am just loving your fun and entertaining trip report. We are headed there for the first time in a few weeks and reading about your experiences has made me sooo excited for our HHI trip! It is soo different from planning a WDW trip and we are not the laid back type either. It was so encouraging to hear your impressions and experiences and I think my family will also LOVE it! I will definitely report back. I hope it is all good! I will definitely be following your report to the end. Thanks!

 

[petbren]

I'm looking forward to reading more details about your trip. DS12 and I are going to HHI for the first time in late August for a guys-only trip.

Hi there, fellow Canadian here
What dates will you be there? We are there Aug 21-25

Just started reading, only on page 2, but going to read it all.
DH is NOT a sit on the beach kind of guy, so I'm hoping our upcoming trip will go well. Would love to leave with the thought of add-on in DHs head

 

[Love That Mouse]

Let me start this post by saying right up-front: I've never met a breakfast buffet I didn't like. I've had some great ones in my life: The Sunday brunch at Station Square in Pittsburgh is amazing; We LOVE the Boma Buffet at AKL; We have never been disappointed at Crystal Palace; and we have a local buffet here in Frederick, MD that is usually quite good called Dutch's Daughter. In other words, we're an easy audience. If it's got bacon and sausage gravy I am in! Make it a southern breakfast buffet with grits, and I am running my large frame quickly to the front of the line with my butter and sugar ready to go!

Unfortunately, the Beach House Breakfast Buffet was not one of those. . . not even close. . C'mon Disney!!!!! I'm an easy target! I'll stomach a Golden Corral feedbag spectacular with coffee swill on the side and find SOMETHING I like.

What went wrong? Well, the devil's in the details, right. . .

Hang on for the ride. . .

When we checked in to the hotel here was the flyer that advertised the Beach House Breakfast Buffet:

Now to be completely honest, my wife had read on these very Disboards how, shall we say, disappointing this breakfast buffet was.

"But honey," I said. "It has grits and sausage gravy! Plus, it will give us a chance to meet some DVC'rs!. . .Sausage Gravy, honey!. . . Grits, honey!. . . ." "Please. . . "

My DW, always willing to give it a try for the team, reluctantly agreed.

Guys, at some point we have just got to learn to TRUST THE WIFE'S instinct when it comes to food and parties! They have some sort of internal radar that can spot a lame party/food that we just do not have. Don't try to understand, just appreciate it. . . .

We show up at 9:00 and look around. . . nobody there. . . Surely, the crowd must be hiding somewhere ready to yell "WELCOME". . . Hello. . . .anybody. . . Oh look, honey, there's two people right there. . . .That's it honey, two people and B'Lou. . . Suddenly, this buffet just turned into a BAD middle school dance.

The good news, we got to meet a GREAT DVC couple that morning. The bad news: we only got to meet two DVC'rs. Somebody got the memo that the buffet was awful. My wife just gave me the "told you so" look. . . Guys, you know the look, right? Remember:

Now, let's talk about the buffet. . . .

If any of the following appeals to you, let me direct you to a Disney breakfast buffet at Hilton Head: over-microwaved pancakes; ham that is "curled" on the edges from being out too long; bacon that is half-cooked; sausage gravy with a dark "film" over them; grits that are clumpy and sticky; and danishes that are more sugar than danish. . . Folks, I tend to be somewhat "forgiving" when it comes to Disney and food. To me it's a matter of ratios: I've had far more great meals than bad meals. But this was completely unacceptable.

The best food on the buffet? The bottled orange juice. . . .

In their defense, there was only 6 of us eating off the buffet. Then perhaps, just "blue skying" here, they should have just cooked for each of us separately? Heck, I can make a pretty good breakfast for 6 people. They've got a griddle and deep fryer right there! Head over to the Piggly Wiggly, buy some eggs, pancake mix, hash browns, and bacon and start taking our orders! Folks, there's no other way to put this. . . The buffet was awful. . .

B'Lou (the BEST part of the buffet breakfast) came over and started chatting with us. He's a great guy and a great people person. A true southern gentleman who knows how to tell a story and to keep conversations going. Plus, he plays a mean mandolin, ukelele and fiddle. I convinced myself that the almost $40 I paid for this party helped, in some way, to pay for B'Lou. He really is a shining star! Here's some pictures from his portion:

At one point while B'Lou played some great music, a cast member told DW and I that "we're still trying to figure out the whole buffet thing and what people want. . ."

(Sarcasm alert): I've got a good start for you. . . Serve food that people will actually want to come to! You may be surprised at the instant results! (Sarcasm over).

Look folks, I don't ever want to tell anybody to NOT do something, because your experience may be different. But, proceed with caution. . .

And, guys, listen to your wife's inner-"lame" radar. It's why in high school the hot, fun girls never showed-up at the lame parties you suffered through. . . .

They just knew. . . .

Next up: One Hot Mama's! Talk about a complete 180 on the food scale. . . .

 

[Love That Mouse]

OOPS, I forgot. They told us that the breakfast buffet is a trial event for the summer that is replacing the shrimp boil..now if someone would tell the cooking cast member that it's not a bacon boil, we might have a decent buffet

 

[cslittle999]

Hi there, fellow Canadian here
What dates will you be there? We are there Aug 21-25

Just started reading, only on page 2, but going to read it all.
DH is NOT a sit on the beach kind of guy, so I'm hoping our upcoming trip will go well. Would love to leave with the thought of add-on in DHs head

We're there Aug 30 to Sept 2. Just a quick trip on the way back from WDW. I'm not a sit on the beach person either. I know that my son and I are going to do some cycling and the kayak tour but haven't decided anything beyond that.

 

[mm522]

Love reading your report, it's disapointing to hear about the breakfast buffet replacing the shrimp bol. Now the shrimp boil!!! That was a great meal!!! My family would actually pay for that one, it's ashame that they aren't doing it anymore.

 

[Love That Mouse]

After our interesting buffet experience, we stuck around the beach house and did some swimming and relaxing.

It really is a great, refreshing pool!

Went back to the hotel for DS2 nap. DS12 headed back to the pier for some more crabbing (I told you he loved it). DW and I spent more time on the great balcony of the room reading and just LOVING the atmosphere.

DS2 woke up and we headed to "One Hot Mama's" for an early dinner. We had heard good things about the restaurant and, as previously mentioned, I love BBQ. Although we do not follow the show, the restaurant's owner is Orchid, who is appearing on "The Next Food Network Star" on the Food Network. From the "Restaurant" magazine the front desk gave us, we literally drooled at the menu. Plus, the prices! Incredibly priced. Surely, this place is "too good to be true." Folks, this place is a complete winner on EVERY front: atmosphere, food, portions, taste, service, cleanliness, etc. AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING! And the prices! Incredible! If you've got a fan of BBQ, you MUST head to "One Hot Mama's"! The pulled pork sandwich was the best I've ever head. Not just the pork and the sauce, but the bread! Orchid makes the bread homemade everyday at the restaurant, and it shows! Absolutely incredible. I'm drooling on the keyboard just thinking about it. The ribs were amazing. Perfectly smoked and prepared. Too many restaurants serve ribs that are falling off the bone and impossible to eat. This place makes ribs any KCBS judge would love! I'm rambling now, but you get the point. "One Hot Mama's" is located just before the entrance to the Sea Pines. Seek it out! You will not be disappointed. Orchid, the owner, was there on the day we were there. But, alas, she was out on a catering job.

After that incredible dinner, we headed out to Sea Pines to see the lighthouse and the little shopping villages. We parked in the little parking area and took the trolley into the lighthouse area. I recommend that as parking can be a bit hard-to-find. Cost is $5 to enter the Sea Pines area, although it will be refunded if you spend some money with their merchants (check the materials given to you at the guard station).

In Sea Pines, we headed right to Harbor Town and the light house. Word of caution, you have to WALK up the light house and down and it is 144 steps (I think that was the number). Carry a 2 year-old and you will break out in a sweat. It costs $3.50 to go to the top and there are things to read and explore on the way up. The view is SPECTACULAR:

Who doesn't love those binoculars!

After the light house, we headed to the southern tip of the island and the land of "The Salty Dog." We did not eat there, but we really enjoyed the charm of the shops and the area. Sea Pines was a great experience and beautiful. Definetely a "Must Do" if you find yourself at HHI.

The next chapter of this trip report will be the last one. . . sniff sniff. It's a report on our day trip to Savannah and eating at Paula Deen's place. Needless to say, I'll try to get the report done before the butter induced coma kicks in. . . .

Until next time. . . .

 

[Salome]

Love your trip report! I sooooo want to go back

Do you think the dolphin cruise is available year round?

 

[apulk]

Love your report. Making me long for "home." Also love the Pittsburgh references. We are heading to DVC HHI (our home resort) this weekend -- check in on Sunday -- for what will be our 15th summer (and 20+ trip). We are really lucky that even our big kids (DD21 and DS19) want to go back each year and the "little girls" (DD 14, DD12) love the place too. Now -- none of them will do ANY of the activities anymore but it has become such a great tradition we'll have tons of fun anyway.

Thanks for the review of One Hot Mama. We try to add one new eating out place each year and that was on our list of a place that everyone might like. You sold me. I actually was thinking of NOT cooking any dinners in the room and just eating out all week. My kids all said -- no, way, you have to make your special chicken and pasta. Trust me -- nothing special about it...just 14 years of it and I guess we have a tradition. B'Lou is a gem for sure. He used to do the story telling at night under one of the old Oaks....now that put you in the mood for ghost stories. Probably freaked out too many 2 year olds though.

Glad you enjoyed your trip and thanks for the excellent review. I'm ready to go now.