Disney's Hilton Head Resort About This Page:

[stretch2864]

Has anyone ever stayed at Disney's Hilton Head Resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina? My DD and I are looking at somewhere to go for a few days in August, and I would love to know anything about it. Is the Disney quality and magic which we have come to know and love at WDW evident in this resort? What kinds of things are there to do here? Any input would be great!!!

------------------
It's a small world after all!

[HiddenMickey]

I haven't stayed with Disney at Hilton Head, but we have vacationed in on HHI frequently, and bought a timeshare there this last year (we'll be using it for the first time when the kids get out of school). We LOVE the beaches and biking paths in HHI! I have read a couple trip reports that have included vacationing at the Disney resort and the writer wrote highly of the activities, the rooms (many different kinds and sizes) and the staff. I would go for it if I were you. I wish I could give you more info. Try looking for reports on Brian Bennett's trip report site...I think there might be some there. -HiddenMickey

[All Ears]

Yep! DH & I stayed there in August of '98!
It is a beautiful, relaxing resort! Now, there aren't any characters or anything like that -- but the theming to the area is wonderful.
It is part of the DVC, but you do not have to be a member to stay there. The rooms are roomy and ours even had a little mini-kitchen with sink, refrigerator, cupboards, and counter space. I believe there was also a toaster & coffee maker. (?) We had a balcony that overlooked the boardwalk area. The pool is very nice with a little slide. As for shopping, there is only a tiny little general store with an itsy bitsy bit of Disney merchandise -- then just other basic items (swimsuits, sunscreen, snacks, etc.)
They offer some group activities for a fee -- like a social, boat outings, etc. I would HIGHLY recommend taking the sunset ride on the schooner. WOW! It is something. The captain even let me take my hand at the wheel for awhile!
If you do make the trip, it is the most relaxing vacation you will ever experience. We spent our time there visiting Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC, as well. You definitely need to take a peak at Savannah. (it helps to read "Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil" to get your anticipation up!)
I could go on & on about Savannah & HH! DH & I hope to eventually move to one of those places!
If you need any advice or have any questions -- ask away. I can tell you about some good places to eat, shop, etc. I will do my best to help you out with anything I can.
Have fun!
All Ears

[stretch2864]

Thanks to All Ears for the great info on Disney's HH Resort and on Savannah. I tried to book a room at Disney's HH Resort for a few days in August, but nothing was available for the days we are going. However after looking at the wonderful photos on Disney's website and researching South Carolina and HH on the net, we decided to stay at another resort on HH. Savannah sounds like a great place to visit as well. Any recommendations on places to eat, places to shop (DD is 14!), and interesting places to visit would be appreciated. I was reading in a guidebook that there are carriage rides through some of the older sections of Charleston and was wondering if this was true for Savannah also. I think I will have to rush out and pick up a copy of "Midnight in the Garden of Good &Evil" to get me in the spirit of things. Thanks for assuring me that we made a good choice in picking HH as our summer vacation destination.!


------------------
It's a small world after all!

[This message has been edited by stretch2864 (edited 03-21-2001).]

[All Ears]

Stretch,
Hurray for you! You are going to have such a great trip!
In Savannah, you MUST try "Mrs. Wilkes" restaurant. It is mentioned in "Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil." The dining hours are very limited & this place fills up fast! I believe it is open for breakfast & lunch only. (we ate lunch here) People literally line up to eat here! The food is served family style and you are seated at large "family tables" with other guests. The fare is very southern & VERY delicious! You can take carriage rides or trolley tours in Savannah that show you all the wonderful old houses. They are amazing -- also many are referenced in Midnight... (the book)
The Savannah Historic district offers some quaint riverside shopping. There is also the "Savannah Mall" for more regular shopping. (it is a typical mall -- rather nice)
In Hilton Head, the Hilton Head Brewing Company serves some wonderful pizza & good brew -- if you like microbrews. (I don't like beer, but DH does). It is a "TGI Fridays" like atmosphere with about the same type of fare -- burgers/chicken/pizza/salads/etc. We also enjoyed the "Hilton Head Diner." This place serves EVERYTHING imaginable! The food is like diner fare -- but IMHO, better.
Near Disney's Hilton Head are "The Shops at Shelter Cove Harbour." These are a lot of upscale gift-type shops full of novelty items, glassware,/etc.
There are some nice shops "At the Village at Wexford." We particularly liked a little bookstore called "Authors" and a wonderful icecream shop called "Frozen Moos."
Try to book a trip on the "Welcome Schooner." It is a 62' vessel that will take you over by the lighthouse, etc. They have a wonderful sunset cruise that lasts about 2 - 3 hours. They serve light refreshments, and you can also bring along beverages of your own.
People swear by a little bar called "The Salty Dog Cafe." We didn't check it out -- but we have known others who raved about it.
You have to check out the outlets. There are on your right-hand side as you are driving over the InterCoastal Waterway. They have a Disney outlet! They sell deeply discounted merchcandise from the catalog/stores/etc. Like any outlet, you never know what you may find there. I bought an $80 Ariel doll there for $10! DH was able to buy a $75 watch for $25. It is certainly worth checking out.
History buffs (like my DH) will want to check out Ft. Sumter in Charleston, SC, & Ft. Pulaski in nearby Tybee Island, GA.
Tons of movies are filmed in the Hilton Head/Savannah/Charlston area. In 5 days, we managed to see TWO movies being filmed alone! We saw them filming "Forces of Nature" (Sandra Bullock & Ben Affleck) & a TNT movie called "The C.S. Hunley." This was pretty neat to watch them filming! So get your autograph books ready. We also heard Arnold Schwarzenegger & Leo DiCaprio were in the area doing some shoot work, as well.
Bring lotsa sunscreen! The sun here is brutal. After only a few hours on the beach, I was MAJORLY burned. (I had on suncreen -- but only like SPF15). It is also HOT here. Very hot...
Since HH has many gated communities, many areas are "off limits" to the general public. This can be a bit annoying -- but you get used to it. Basically, you cannot drive through neighborhoods.
Also with HH's city ordinances, all signs/buildings have to be a certain height requirement/etc. You will notice what a difference this makes -- it really gives the island such a charming look/appeal. It also makes it harder to locate a McD's -- without HUGe yeallow arches in sight! Hee! Hee!
I hope I have helped -- any more ?'s, just ask away...
I would recommend picking up a guide book to help get you around, too. (you may even find a good one at the library, which is where I borrowed mine from)
Have fun!
All Ears