Beach vacation? Vero or HHI?

[mommykds]

Which would be a better choice for a family of 5 (3 kids) for a beach vacation? Vero Beach or Hilton Head? I know nothing about either one & am not sure where to start. Thank you.

 

[curan69]

1. VB is actually on the Beach, where HH is a short shuttle ride.
2. VB has a bigger pool and bigger slide. VB also has a cool Pirate ship splash pad area (depending how big your kids are)

Depending on the time of year it is likely to be warmer at VB as it is considerably more South.

Both are very nice. HH had more to do in the area such as Mini Golf, Bike rentals. VB is in more of an isolated area.

I would suggest VB if you really want a "Beach Vacation"

 

[mommykds]

1. VB is actually on the Beach, where HH is a short shuttle ride.
2. VB has a bigger pool and bigger slide. VB also has a cool Pirate ship splash pad area (depending how big your kids are)

Depending on the time of year it is likely to be warmer at VB as it is considerably more South.

Both are very nice. HH had more to do in the area such as Mini Golf, Bike rentals. VB is in more of an isolated area.

I would suggest VB if you really want a "Beach Vacation"

Does Vero have kids activites? My kids are 14,10, & 9. I know my family would love a trip where we were not on the go so much (like at Disney) however I would like enough to do to keep busy (games, tours, etc)

Thanks

 

[disneystick]

Does Vero have kids activites? My kids are 14,10, & 9. I know my family would love a trip where we were not on the go so much (like at Disney) however I would like enough to do to keep busy (games, tours, etc)

Thanks

I cannot speak for VB...since I have never been there. However, just got back from HHI with my teens and 8 yr. old niece and we loved it. There was so many planned activities during the days, lots of arts and craft (ex..making a shark tooth necklace, pillows, story boards), story telling/campfire, kayaking, dolphin tours, riding bikes, nature activities, ping pong, basketball, fishing. If we just wanted to stay at the resort...there was definitely enough to keep my kids entertained and we were there for 6 full days. So basically, at HHI, you can be as busy as you want or as relax as you want. And we liked the fact that mini-golf was right around the corner from the resort and the short shuttle ride to the beach. We saw lots of sand dollars and star fish at the beach that were still alive. And one of those days we visited Savannah..just about 45 min. away. Great historical city to visit. Plus, HHI has lots of places to eat out if you don't want to cook.

 

[disneychic]

We've been to both and I have to say that although we do enjoy HHI, Vero Beach is one of our all time favorite places to stay. There are pleanty of activities, but the best thing about VB is the beach! Unfortunately we're not getting there this year (I get sad just thinking about it), but we will be going next spring

 

[Gelfling_Jen]

So basically, at HHI, you can be as busy as you want or as relax as you want. And we liked the fact that mini-golf was right around the corner from the resort and the short shuttle ride to the beach. We saw lots of sand dollars and star fish at the beach that were still alive. And one of those days we visited Savannah..just about 45 min. away. Great historical city to visit. Plus, HHI has lots of places to eat out if you don't want to cook.

Is there a shuttle bus to Savannah as well or did you drive? Is there a fee for the shuttle buses? Do they come right up to HHI? Thanks in advance.

 

[La2kw]

Since HH is not on the beach, I would say Vero. When I'm vacationing at the beach, I want to be on the beach, not a short drive from the beach. Plus, I think Vero is nicer and you don't have to contend with cyclists on the beach like at HH.

 

[delaneyc52]

I'll vote for Vero. Easy beach access, great pool and Bernie the one man show at the Green Cabin Room

 

[5forDiz]

Have stayed at both many times since 2000 with our 3 kids; we like Vero Beach (very much) but HHI. Our kids preferred it more than VB at that get-go and still do now. We never find going over to the Beach House at HHI to be out of the way - it's walkable or bike/take car or resort shuttle which is free of charge, to our family it's like having two great vacation locations and at Beach House there's a great pool, other amenities etc. located there in addition to the pool at main resort location. Overall our family thinks HHI has better activities/events planned. More to do in close proximity outside of HHI resort compared to VB too. You can't go wrong with either resort but for DH & I & kids HHI has the advantage over VB.

 

[disneystick]

Is there a shuttle bus to Savannah as well or did you drive? Is there a fee for the shuttle buses? Do they come right up to HHI? Thanks in advance.

We had our own car and we drove. However, there was touring company on HHI that the front desk could help you book that would take you to there and back for a fee.

And in the other direction north, a 1hr away...we drove to Parris Island...to see a active Marine Military Base. It was free to get in and they have a museum there. My DH's uncle was a Marine based there during WWII and did his training there. Pretty cool, if any one likes military or history.

 

[DizGirl20]

Great thread! I have been debating the same decision for next year's vacation... think we are going to try HHI (assuming we can get a room)!

 

[JeanC]

We have ownerships at both HHI and VB (in addition to OKW). We much prefer HHI. So many great activities for adults and children. The actual beach is about 5-10 minutes away from the main resort by bus or car, but it is a much wider beach and never seems crowded. There is a beach house, pool and snack bar at the HHI beach. There is also a slide pool at the main part of the HHI resort. In addition, there are so many convenient and good places to eat at HHI. We find it a pain to drive quite a distance to find somehere else to eat at VB (other than the resort which has the usual Disney high prices). Dolphin cruises and other boat excursions are available at HHI --also fireworks at night (Tuesdays, I think) at HHI which is great! They are both nice resorts, but we rarely go to VB and hit HH every year.

Jean

 

[grumpynprincess]

Do they have any disney character activities (meals, signings, etc..) at HHI

 

[Lezlee]

We have not been to Vero but have toured Hilton Head and if you are wanting beach vacation would have to say try Vero...

 

[MinnieGi]

While we haven't tried Vero, we LOVE HHI!!! You have a whole island of fun activities and beautiful surroundings in addition to all the fun resort activities. We go every summer and my family looks forward to it just as much as a WDW vacation. You can be on the go as much as you want with a full day of activities or just relax around the pool and on the beach.

We love HHI's beach. It is very wide with wonderful compacted sand great for sand castle building. During low tide the tidepools and teeming with cool small sea life that the kids just love to explore. We do not find the ride to the beach detracting at all. It is just across the main rd in Palmetto Dunes plantation - a 5 min. ride. Disney has a wonderful beach house with pool, quick service counter, bar, game room an plenty of tables and chairs. We spend lots of time on the beach and love to go cool off at the beach house.

There are loads of restaurants on the island to please everyone along with golf, tennis, horse back riding, boating, biking, kayaking, fishing, crabbing - such a fun place.

The main resort's pool is loads of fun too with a spiral slide and a very fun Tues. night pool party that my kids just adore. HHI has the most friendly and helpful cm's.

 

[JeanC]

Unfortunately, no Disney characters or meals at either DVC's VB or HHI resorts.

 

[Torgue]

We are trying to decide on a beach vacation too. How long is the drive from Orlando airport? We really don't want to rent a car and wondered if a shuttle is offered?

 

[JeanC]

No shuttle that I know of to get to VB from Orlando airport. It is probably about 1-1/2 to 2 hours driving time from the airport to the resort.

Jean

 

[DVCconvert]

Unfortunately, no Disney characters or meals at either DVC's VB or HHI resorts.

Actually....VB DOES host a character breakfast every saturday morning in shutters. Goofy and Donald are normally there.

HTH

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We have been to both many times. If you have young kids (say under 10) I would suggest HHI. The beach at VB is much more for the older kids (like me) and has big waves (usually). That said VB is ON the beach and is sooo easy to move from the room to the beach and to the pool. Need to use the bathroom or change a diaper (2 minute walk to the room). Too hot on the beach, the pool is 1 minute away. We typically set up our beach camp and move as desired from the beach to the pool to the room and back. Don't have to pack lunch when the room is a two minute walk away.