hmansure
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2002
Just returned from a week at HHI. This was probably our 6th visit since 1996 and at one point I took a few moments to reflect on some of the changes over the years.
First of all - the weather was unusually dry for the summer. Only one T-Storm and that was halfway through the Shrimp Boil at the Beach House. Other than that - hot & sunny.
Obviously over the years, as the units sold, the sales presence has disappeared. I remember our first visit - DVC reps were everywhere, a guard at the gate, etc. I think the Disney sign on 278 that used to be right before Harbourside Lane is now even gone.
We arrived around 12PM and a room was ready - pool view, second level (#2521). We never make specific room requests now that we don't need to specifically request non-smoking. We usually get lucky, arrive early, and take what comes up. This time, I felt, we were pretty lucky with the pool view.
I've seen a lot of posts about HHI parking. We always found a nice spot - we try to grab an end space because the spots are so small and the size of cars/SUVs we all drive are HUGE! Parking wouldn't be as big an issue there if people actually parked "better". Cars/vans taking up 2, even 3 spots was something we saw often.
We saw the usual chair/table "holding" at the pool everyday. From our view we actually were able to see people come in a leave their towels and so forth. One family actually would "reserve" two tables - one in the sun and another in the shade. On the days we went to the main pool - we were there early enough and never had a problem getting a chair or two. The resort was supposedly at 96% capacity, but it never really seemed that way except for the Star Bangled Tuesday night thing.
One or two families consistently challenged the no-smoking rule at the pool. One family tried to hide near the table by the kiddie-pool - which I thought was in poor form really (being next to the little kids). Someone must not have appreciated it though because as soon as they lit up a CM would come along.
The activities have changed a bit over the years. Haven't seen Goofy Bingo in the summer for awhile now!! Our kids really enjoyed making the pillows or should I say watching their parents and CM make their pillows! Watch out for that one - it's a lot of work (cutting and tying)! Many of the activities were not well attended though. My DS (8) and I were the only ones to go on a marsh walk for example. Dolphin cruise was great and the kayaking was also fun.
Room condition was okay. Carpets showing some wear, but overall they have kept up with most maintenance over the years. A couple of bulbs out and the hot tub had sand in it. Was it cleaned or perhaps the sand just didn't drain? I guess the previous guests didn't shower after leaving the beach or something.
All-in-all - the usual great, relaxing time. Most of the CMs were friendly, but there were a couple who didn't seem too happy to be there. One CM just seemed too "militant" at the lifeguard stand and in the few activities we saw her at.
After we left it was on to The Charleston Place Hotel for a few days. That was a whole other adventure that will be posted separately. Many, many issues came up - starting with a lost reservation.
First of all - the weather was unusually dry for the summer. Only one T-Storm and that was halfway through the Shrimp Boil at the Beach House. Other than that - hot & sunny.
Obviously over the years, as the units sold, the sales presence has disappeared. I remember our first visit - DVC reps were everywhere, a guard at the gate, etc. I think the Disney sign on 278 that used to be right before Harbourside Lane is now even gone.
We arrived around 12PM and a room was ready - pool view, second level (#2521). We never make specific room requests now that we don't need to specifically request non-smoking. We usually get lucky, arrive early, and take what comes up. This time, I felt, we were pretty lucky with the pool view.
I've seen a lot of posts about HHI parking. We always found a nice spot - we try to grab an end space because the spots are so small and the size of cars/SUVs we all drive are HUGE! Parking wouldn't be as big an issue there if people actually parked "better". Cars/vans taking up 2, even 3 spots was something we saw often.
We saw the usual chair/table "holding" at the pool everyday. From our view we actually were able to see people come in a leave their towels and so forth. One family actually would "reserve" two tables - one in the sun and another in the shade. On the days we went to the main pool - we were there early enough and never had a problem getting a chair or two. The resort was supposedly at 96% capacity, but it never really seemed that way except for the Star Bangled Tuesday night thing.
One or two families consistently challenged the no-smoking rule at the pool. One family tried to hide near the table by the kiddie-pool - which I thought was in poor form really (being next to the little kids). Someone must not have appreciated it though because as soon as they lit up a CM would come along.
The activities have changed a bit over the years. Haven't seen Goofy Bingo in the summer for awhile now!! Our kids really enjoyed making the pillows or should I say watching their parents and CM make their pillows! Watch out for that one - it's a lot of work (cutting and tying)! Many of the activities were not well attended though. My DS (8) and I were the only ones to go on a marsh walk for example. Dolphin cruise was great and the kayaking was also fun.
Room condition was okay. Carpets showing some wear, but overall they have kept up with most maintenance over the years. A couple of bulbs out and the hot tub had sand in it. Was it cleaned or perhaps the sand just didn't drain? I guess the previous guests didn't shower after leaving the beach or something.
All-in-all - the usual great, relaxing time. Most of the CMs were friendly, but there were a couple who didn't seem too happy to be there. One CM just seemed too "militant" at the lifeguard stand and in the few activities we saw her at.
After we left it was on to The Charleston Place Hotel for a few days. That was a whole other adventure that will be posted separately. Many, many issues came up - starting with a lost reservation.
