Can I get an overview on vacationing at VB and HH?

[Jen D]

We're looking into DVC, and I just want to hear a little more about vacationing at VB and HH. Having these options is a real plus to us, not least of which is that if we want to use our points one year but not to spend the money associated with a WDW vacation... theme park tix, swag, restaurants... we like the idea of a more laid back, beach all day and cook in the room at night kind of vacations.

I don't feel like I know too much about these places, although I've looked at the pictures. I am interested in what are the best seasons to go, when are the on and off seasons for the beach, what are vacations like if you go in the off-season and the beach isn't usable, what do you guys do on your vacations in these places, what are your likes, dislikes about these resorts, etc.

The idea of having these places as alternatives is very attractive but I need more info.

 

[gracelrm]

We have stayed at HH and VB, each on two occasions and really enjoyed both vacations. Both resorts allowed us a restful vacation where we could do as much or as little as we wanted. The resort at HH is not directly on the beach, but a beach house is a short drive or bike ride away. To some, this is a drawback, but to us it was not. We visited HH in Dec./Jan. and in Oct. The Oct. trip was wonderful weather and we enjoyed both the pools and the beach. The Dec/Jan trip was too cold for the beach, but we did enjoy the pools and the activities that were offered at the resort. There are many things to do while at HH, both at the resort and on the island. We've never been during the summer and have heard that it is difficult to get reservations at the resort in the summer months - Mid-June through August.

Both of our trips to VB were in October and it was wonderful. The resort is beautiful and right on the ocean. I'm not sure about busy months there, but would assume the winter and spring months are the busiest times. We are hoping to take a vacation there in June 06 to have a relaxing beach vacation.
I believe if you're looking for nightlife - there is little in the VB area. However, there are great activities for the kids at VB and within driving distance of several interesting activities.

HTH

 

[WDWNewbie]

We have been to DVC HH in October twice, and will go again this October. We just love it SO much!

For October 2006 we are considering Vero (although I can't stand the thought of missing a year at HH now) but it would be nice to try somewhere new. We can drive to HH but would fly to Vero.

At Hilton Head, we tend to do every possible activity the resort offers, especially the Nature activities, boogie board in the ocean, and then go out for dinner each night. We basically check the activities schedule each day and then sign up!

For those who have been to both--is DVC Vero the type of place where there's enough activities to keep you busy?

How far away is 'civilization'? When we went to Marriott Ocean Pointe in Singer Island, West Palm Beach, we found that the 20 minute drive to the closest grocery store or McDonald's to be too isolated. Is Vero more like this or more like Hilton Head where there's some 'commercial life' in the neighbourhood?

Also, any comments on how the actual beach/ocean compares would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!!

 

[Jen D]

Thanks for bumping my thread! It was buried. I've since found the HH Lovers thread... HH seems beautiful. I'm kind of in love with it. Even if I don't end up buying DVC I still am interested in a Hilton Head trip.

Would love to hear more about vacationing at these resorts.

 

[gracelrm]

WDWNewbie:
VB has quite a few activities for kids, but it doesn't seem like they have quite as many as HH, but I could be wrong - it's been a couple of years since I've been to VB. As for close-by civilization, it seems as I remember groceries and WalMart being maybe a 10 minute drive from the VB resort. We haven't been since Oct. 02. Maybe we'll run in to you guys at HH this October, I hope you've been practicing for Goofy Bingo!

 

[WDWNewbie]

Vero sounds great if 'stuff' is only 10 minutes away! I'm also glad to hear that your trips in October were wonderful. I imagine that being further south than HH the ocean would be even warmer.

We did 'practice' for Goofy Bingo last year--we were all excited about how we weren't going to be the 'worst' GB players again! ... and then the CM who was the caller didn't do any trivia--he just called out the characters on the cards! Oh well!