Trip Report -

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

August 2008

Submitted by “DisneyAnna” Anna DiMare

In 2007, our family was planning on a huge trip to Disney World. We were planning to go for 2 weeks and possibly even visiting the water parks since all 3 boys could now swim. Due to devastating circumstances beyond our control, we had to bank our points. As Disney Vacation club members, you can bank and borrow points, which is a great benefit. We'll just plan the Big One for 2008. Well... The Big One didn't happen in 2008. We did not get to visit Disney World again! Instead, our family was blessed in June with a Princess of our very own, Gianna Mariella. Thanks to everyone for thinking pink. Our problem now was how we were going to go with 3 boys and a new baby girl. I was barely on my own feet and we all desperately needed a vacation.

Since we had already banked our points from the previous year, we had to use them. We had a brilliant idea, let's check out Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort. I have to admit, I was skeptical. What is Disney without characters and attractions? What kind of fun were we going to have? Since we were going to drive there, I figured if we didn't like it, we'd cut the trip short and come home early.

After driving for about 17 hours (including stops), we arrived onto Hilton Head Island late at night. It was love at first sight, even at night, and we hadn’t even reached the resort yet. The next morning we arrived at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort and in true Disney fashion, we were greeted with "Welcome Home". Oh, it?s great to be home and honestly I never get tired of hearing those words. I knew right from the start that we would not be cutting this trip short. Instead we were trying to figure out how to move to HHI without getting family and friends mad at us. Yes, it is that beautiful.

The Villas are beautifully appointed. The second bedroom was huge. There was plenty of space. There are trees everywhere. There aren’t any buildings on the island built taller than the trees? imagine that! In fact, there were stores and strip malls that were practically hidden due to the lush landscaping of the island and the local laws prohibiting large signs. I really loved that look! The resort has so much to offer guests. The kids did not get bored for one second. I really don?t think the information given in the Members book does the resort justice. Not only did the boys go swimming, they rode rented bikes all week, participated in arts and craft classes, went to the movies ? which were supervised by counselors, and fished off the pier. On our last day, Mike and Michael went kayaking and saw dolphins. How cool is that? On Tuesdays, the resort celebrates the 4th of July with a barbeque, games, and pool party and, of course, fireworks. The beach house was a 5-minute drive away and was amazing. The pool was H shaped and it overlooked the ocean. The beach was clean; the sand compact and there was always an ocean breeze, which was very refreshing. We were even able to push the stroller on the beach.

There are plenty of supermarkets nearby to stock your kitchen. There are also many delicious restaurants in the immediate area. Our kids still want to know when we are going to Sticky Fingers again for the best ribs south of... anywhere. We even found a great diner just down the street. Southerners are indeed hospitable. Oh and by both pools, there were quick service food counters for your convenience.

  
I thought I was going to constantly be asked, "Where's the rides" You know, I did not hear it after the question was asked once. Yes, we did miss Mickey and Friends but the time we spent there was so enjoyable. It was a busy, relaxing, on the go, just hanging out and being silly, very fun vacation. I recommend Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort and will visit there again in the future.