It’s my understanding that they may actually have access to the PARKING LOT but not the building itself. Maybe they were confused or maybe they were playing dumb
The only way non-guests have access to the parking lot is that some have boats docked on the Disney side of Shelter Cove, but even they aren't supposed to stay more than either half an hour or so, enough time to load/unload their boats. The only instances when the time limit is strictly adhered to are fireworks nights, in particular, the 4th of July fireworks. I have seen cars towed in those instances. Additionally, there are some boat cleaning services who park there while providing service to a particular boat(s). All that to say, none of those people (owners, service providers) give a hoot about Disney pool access. I suspect those non-guests invading the pool areas know exactly what they're doing and, likely in some cases, are actually DVC owners who are staying at another resort and know how to sneak in from previous stays at DHHIR.
Thank you so much for clearing many points up for me. I didn't quite get that the GV were above some Studios. We definitely don't want that. 11 or 12 it is.
Lastly, any must hit restaurants in the area?
Others have hit some good ones, but I'll toss in my choices, as well.
SEAFOOD
- Fishcamp on Broad Creek is excellent, takes reservations, and has lovely views. (Drive)
- Skull Creek Boathouse and Hudson's: both are very good, have an extensive menu (esp. Boathouse), great views of the water, and neither take reservations so go early or be prepared to wait. (Drive)
- Ela's on the Water is located in Shelter Cove, although a five-minute walk from Scott's (which sits right over the bridge). Again, very good food and service, lovely views of the marina, and I believe they take reservations. (Walk)
- Scott's is the closest restaurant and solid. They won't wow you with the food or service, but they're decent and very convenient to the resort. (Walk)
NON-SEAFOOD
- OMBRA Cucina is a topnotch Italian eatery which routinely is selected by local readers' choice awards as one of the best restaurants on island, as is their chef. Small and intimate, you definitely want reservations. (Drive though only five minutes from the resort)
- Nunzio's also has excellent Italian fare and a much larger dining space that is open and airy, and a wonderful wine selection. (Drive, located just a minute or so past OMBRA)
- Farm in Bluffton. Truly superior experience though not sure kids would enjoy it as much as adults. Bluffton is the community you pass through just before the bridges to HHI, so it's about 15 minutes away, but it has a lot of great places to eat and visit--Farm is one of those. (Drive)
- Hilton Head Social Bakery has two locations, the most convenient one being very close to Scott's. They offer everything from pastries to sandwiches to quiche and all points in between, and they are expensive--but very good. Their second locations is 6-7 minutes down the main drag near Sea Pines--same food but better hours. (Walk and drive)
- For a donut fix, head to Bluffton on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. to Alljoy Donuts. Tiny little shop but with the best yeast-based donuts around, hands down. Worth the drive. (Drive)
- Finally, another place in Bluffton, just over the bridges, called Oddbirds Cafe. Superb pastries, sandwiches, biscuits, coffees, muffins, scones, and more, and cheaper than Social Bakery. Of particular note are their blueberry muffins (brown butter, lemon zest, and chock full of blueberries) and their Salty Malty Caramel cookies. Trust me on this. (Drive)
). There is a very useful map on Page 1 of this thread that shows the layout of the resort. There is a phone number to the resort, as well. In fact, there's a lot of good information on Page 1!
