HHI or VB? Which is best for young kids?

[gotribe]

Taking into consideration the resort itself, the beach, and the off-resort activities, is Vero or HHI better for kids?
Ours are ages 9,4,and 3.

Thanks....

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Whew. Tough call, but I'd go with VB.

 

[BWVDenise]

Keep in mind that I have never been to VB, but my kids are 9, 6, and 5 and they absolutely LOVE HH!! We just returned from there and the kids can't wait to go back. I asked them if they like HH better or WDW, and they couldn't answer. They love both for different reasons. I believe the beach at HH is much more kid-friendly b/c it slopes so gradually. The CM's at HH are great!! Good luck deciding!!

 

[poj7]

Hi.

What time of year do you want to vacation? That may influence the decision.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

We have been to both. They are both excellent. With the ages of your kids I would give the slight edge to VB. Mainly because everything at VB is within a 3-5 minute walk(beach,pool,restraunts,tennis,putt-putt,etc).The resort at VB is right on the ocean. At HH you have to drive to the beach house to go to the ocean.
HH gets the edge for more restraunts closer to the resort.VB has 2 restraunts right on property.

P.S. gotribe......like your username.

 

[PinkConch]

I've never been to VB. Been going to HH since 96 when it first opened, when my son was 7. There is one thing about DHHIR that I really like, is that I feel comfortable for my son to go out(within the resort) and ride his bike by himself(starting the second trip, maybe). The resort is small and all the car traffic are on the perimeter(really one side).
There are lots of other kids rollerblading, biking also, with or without parent(s). That was a freedom he did not have at home in the big city at that age.

 

[gotribe]

Thanks for the replies so far

We would be going in the off-peak summer (late May or late August).

I get the impression that HHI is more closed off from the surrounding community. Are there really (minor) safety concerns at VB with proximity to traffic and invasion of non-guests?

 

[gracelrm]

I have three kids (DD 10, DS 7, and DS 3). We've been to VB twice; once in Oct. 01 and in Oct 02. We've been to HH twice; Jan 03 and Oct. 03. Our kids love both places. When I asked my two older children which they like the best, they both voted HH. They really like renting the bikes and riding together as a family. Unfortunately, we don't get much family time unless we are on vacation - so that is such a treat for all of us. They also really enjoy the activites at HH. But to be honest, we never really tried many of the activities at VB to compare them to. From a mother's point of view, VB was nice because it was less work for me to get the kids to the beach each day; but I like the beach better at HH! So, if I was giving advice I would say if you plan on spending a great deal of time at the beach, go to Vero; if not, go to HH. But you really can't go wrong with either choice.

 

[BobH]

We have been to Hilton Head (once - 3rd week of May) and Vero Beach (twice - June & Oct). Hilton Head is farther north and you can expect cooler temperatures there so I believe "when" you travel is as important an issue as which resort you go to. They are both exceptional. The beaches are different - Hilton Head is very flat and wide and hard packed. You can ride bikes on the beach. The beach at Hilton Head slopes much more gradually into the water than Vero - but the kids have a good time at Vero in the surf.

 

[BobH]

Try this website to get an idea of the temperatures you might encounter. There are always exceptions to the aerages but at least you'll be making an informed choice. We had unusually cool weather in May (50's)at Hilton Head and we had great weather at Vero just this last Oct. (80's). Hope this helps.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/weather/historical/historical.htm

 

[Beast fan]

The family loved each resort for different reasons.
On-site, HHI seemed to have more activities for children. However, we (not just the kids) liked the lesser walking distance to the pool (we were in a 1BR each time) at VB.

How important is it to be at the beach? If it isn't that important, I would choose HHI (since it's a good mile to the beach from your room).

We loved each resort, but for completely different reasons!

 

[RobDoc]

Both are great resorts and I'm sure your family would enjoy either/both.

VB will have better weather from Nov-April and it sits on the beach. There are two restaurants right at the resort. You will need to drive for other dining and shopping options. There is a good recreational program for children and the pool is great with nice slide and snack bar facility. The beach is nice and the area has an active Turtle Watch program. The beach is narrow and does have a steep drop off with concern for rip tides at times. There are diveable shipwrecks nearby and winter league baseball camps are also in the vicinity.

HH sits on an island and is about 1 mile from the beach. The island sits in Broad Creek and is home to dolphin, sea otters and even manatee (often viewable from the resort). The resort provides a shuttle to the beach house about 6 hours per day- but driving is convenient (you can also walk or bike). There is an exceptional recreation prgram for all ages. HH has no onsite restaurant (there is a snack bar near the pool). There are about 6 local restaurants within walking distance (less than 1/4 mile) and several boutique shops in the same area. The beach is a wide, white-sand beach with very gradual drop off. There are miles of paved bike trails all over HH and bike may be rented right at the resort.

No bad decision here.

Enjoy!!

 

[DVCPAT]

I would also give a slight edge to VB. The resort is more consolidated which makes it easier for entertaining the little ones. My kids are older and they seem to prefer HH for the bike trails and multiple pools. HH also has some unique shopping areas they like to visit.

Both resorts are great.