Disney VB or HHI

[poohbear6]

Thinking of doing something different what are the pluses and minus of both resorts. Never been to Vero, been to HHI in the winter but the the summer, so would be interested to hear about both resorts for a summer trip

 

[sleepydog25]

Both are very relaxed venues compared to WDW resorts with VB being the more laid back of the two in the sense that it's truly a beach resort. Though there are things to do at VB outside of the resort, the resort itself is the main attraction. Conversely, HHI sits off the beach (but does have the beach house) but has more readily available places to go, things to do, places to eat. That being said, if you don't own at HHI or VB, getting more than two consecutive nights could be an issue during the summer, especially at HHI. Both resorts are generally booked by the time the 7-month availability window opens up, again most especially HHI.

 

[poohbear6]

I assume both resorts offer the usual beach, golf, tennis, what other things are there to do there? Is it difficult to get around in a scooter for people who have mobility issues?

 

[sleepydog25]

I'm most familiar with HHI, but you can get around on a scooter there, and as I recall, VB. Beach at HHI is off site, but they run a shuttle every 20 minutes or so that's very convenient, and it takes you to the Disney beach house which has a private entrance to the beach. Golf is available at both places but none run by Disney. However, there are packages available or you can just call. Pretty easy to get afternoon tee times since the weather in the summer is oppressively hot. Not sure of tennis at VB, but there are no courts at HHI. There are some park courts at various places, and Palmetto Dunes has courts you can rent, I believe. Palmetto Dunes is the vacation "subdivision" directly across the Wm Hilton Parkway from Disney HHI. The courts get a lot of play from people renting in Palmetto Dunes, but I thought I read one time where they're open if you feel like renting. You can fish, go kayaking, take in tours of Savannah or Charleston, and bike ride as there are miles upon miles of paved bike paths at HHI.

 

[juncker]

We've been to both resorts and love both of them.

If hanging out at the beach is your plan, then VB makes a better choice as it's right on the beach. HHI you need to drive/bike/take the shuttle about 1 mile.
As for dining, if you're going to cook in your room, then no difference, but if you're going to want to 'eat out' regularly, then HHI is a better choice. For VB you need to drive 10-20 minutes for most restaurants that aren't onsite.
As for activities, you'll find more to do at HHI. VB is pretty remote with not a lot around. Sure you can drive 20 minutes to a movie theater, etc..., but things are more accessible at HHI. If you do choose VB, look into their Turtle program. Interesting stuff.

It really matters what you have in mind for your vacation. If you just want a beach where you can read your book, I'd pick VB. If you want to shop and go eat out every day, then I'd recommend HHI. You'll want a car regardless of which location you choose. Good luck!

 

[bbn1122]

I have been to both. To me, VB is all about the beach. There are tennis courts on property, but they are part of the recreation area that is across the road. You access via a tunnel. My son and husband used the basketball court over there on our first trip. It is scotter or wheelchair accessible.

HHI resort is easy to get around via scooter. Very shady. Tennis courts, I believe are near by in Palmetto Dunes, which is where the Beach House is located.

HHI has a lot more to do in my opinion. Tons of restaurants and shopping. Where VB is actually located about 20-30 minutes north of Vero Beach, either in Sebastian or just south. In VB it’s 15-20 to grocery and restaurants.
When at VB we usually venture out once to Squid Lips and we tend to eat at the resort. The Beach House is great, it has a beautiful room, I don’t know what you would call it. It is probably great In the off season, nicely furnished, games and cozy chairs for reading. The pool is nice, there is a shady area, billiards, ping pong, a bar and CS.

But I really love both Resorts.

I am heading with my family to HHi in 2 weeks. I could only get 3 nights in early August, Friday-Sunday. Our last trip I was able to get 4 nights but that was the very end of August. As mentioned, very tough to book in summer if you do not own.

I found VB a little easier to book, but not by much. My family usually goes to VB before a DCL cruise or after a stay at WDW. I won’t stay longer than 4 nights at VB, but I would love a week in HHI.

I am sure you will hear from others good luck.

 

[ktate82]

How busy is VB to book in October? We were looking at maybe getting a few nights next year before a cruise.

 

[juncker]

I wouldn't think you would have any problem with an October date at VB at the 7 month mark. They still have have some availability for October 2018 4 months out.

 

[KKKKCS]

Thinking of doing something different what are the pluses and minus of both resorts. Never been to Vero, been to HHI in the winter but the the summer, so would be interested to hear about both resorts for a summer trip

We have never been to HHI but we went to Vero 2 summers ago after a Disney cruise. We were originally booked in 2 two bedrooms, but were able to get a beach cottage after a couple of months on the waiting list so don't give up on getting the accommodations you want. We had a blast and the whole family agrees it was one of the most enjoyable and relaxing vacations ever. Cape Canaveral is a bit of a drive, but well worth the effort. Very interesting, and we were lucky enough to be there on a day that SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket. Restaurants and shopping are a 15-20 minute drive away. We thoroughly enjoyed the resort and really felt no need to leave other than to restock the fridge.

 

[PetePanMan]

Both very nice but would give edge to HHI as there is better sightseeing and more restaurants / activities nearby. We enjoy spending time in nearby cities / towns. VB is definitely nice for laid back beach holiday.

 

[hereforthechurros]

How busy is VB to book in October? We were looking at maybe getting a few nights next year before a cruise.

We just booked 3 nights in October renting DVC points without issue but obviously your mileage may vary. Going through the site to pay cash shows it’s booked however.

 

[Simba's Mom]

What I wonder about at VB, since from what people have said, it is better for a shorter vacation than HHI, do people combine a stay at VB with WDW or HHI? I can't justify going all the way to VB for only 3 days. When we go to HHI, we stay for 2 weeks.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

We’ve gone out to VB twice for a weekend. Our anniversary is near MLK day in January and a couple of times we’ve spent that weekend at VB rather than hang around WDW.

I could definitely see spending a week at Hilton Head but don’t think I could spend a whole week at Vero.