HHI or VB?

[DoryDorito]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the boards as we just became dvc members last month. I've always been a huge Disney fan and have wanted to do dvc for years. My DH is more go with the flow but agreed to dvc only every other year. He refuses to do Disney every year but is interested in HH or VB.

We have two young kids. A 6 yo and almost 5 yo. We don't know if we're beachy type people because we've never done a beach vacation but honestly sitting in the sun and surf all day doesn't appeal to us. We are open to doing both HH and VB but tell me, what is appealing about vb for a family like us? I know at HH there is quite a lot for kids and families in general. Plus, I love the idea of being able to do a quick drive to GA.

What will I love about these two resorts? Which would you recommend for first timers? Give me all your advice, good and bad.

 

[RobDoc]

VB is right on the ocean, although most rooms do not have an ocean view. The surf tends to be a bit heavier at VB year round with a steeper drop off and potential for rip currents as compared to HH. There is an active Turtle Watch program at VB and there can be opportuities to see turtles nesting and hatching during summer months. VB does have a couple of onsite restaurants plus more options a short drive away. There is also an active recreation staff at the resort.

HH is located on a small island in a tidal marsh (Broad Creek) about a mile from the ocean. There is a Beach House at the ocean with showers, pool and snack bar. The beach itself has a very gradual drop off with mild surf and minimal (if any) rip currents except during heavy storms. The resort has only the beach snack bar and another at the resort. There is also a pool at the main resort in addtiion to the one at the beach. The recreation staff is outstanding with lots of programs available for all ages.

Both are great resorts!

 

[CruznLexi]

We have done both. We do not have kids. We go in the summer to HH part points/cash. We go with my cousins and Mom. We think there is much more to do at HH than VB. there are 2 pools at HH one by the Beach house and one by the community hall. The CM were so much better and tons more activities for all ages. VB has an awesome pool and slide plus mini golf. There are three places to eat not including counter services. HH just counter services. We love both places but we prefer to use VB prior to our cruisers and HH for longer vacations

 

[Starr W.]

It's been 15 yrs since I have been to any resort on HHI, so I can't help the OP with that. Must be one of the few in Ohio that doesn't regularly go to HHI .

We have been VB owners since 07, kids were 7/12 on our 1st trip and they love it. Both boogie board so the rougher ocean works better for that. Not sure who was more excited about me making the spring break reservation for next yr DH or the boys. My youngest enjoyed the craft projects/unbirthday party and the kids night out program. I think he'll be too old for the unbirthday party next yr.

To me it's the resort reminds me of the FL I remember as a kid, not big or crowded in with high rises. We don't mind the drive to get to a restaurant.

We go to relax, we are not looking for a lot of activites other than being at the ocean.

 

[bobbiwoz]

So far our DGC, now 7,8,9, have only been to VB. They've been going for 4 years and have loved every visit. They've enjoyed the slide races, pirate ship water play area when they were younger, unbirthday parties, mini golf, sport and craft activities. We've all enjoyed the campfire and movies at the pool.

Their dad had been a lifeguard when he was younger, and they do go into the ocean with him, but last year we took a (rather long time travel) day trip to the state park beach, Bathtub Reef, for some easy snorkeling that we all enjoyed.

There's a very nice bike path, the Historic Jungle Trail nearby. If you're there in weather suitable for bike riding, that's something to do. Also, the Environmental Learning Center has some great programs and boat trips!

bobbi

 

[SLM]

We also like to alternate trips to WDW with HHI or VB. We prefer HHI for the warm water and gentle surf. HHI also has boat tours every day-either through Disney (and you will get a discount on certain days with DVC membership) or just a short walk away in the marina. The restaurants in the area are reasonable and great seafood. I'm sure the children's programs are both very good (we enjoyed watching what was going on every day). The kids love crabbing from the pier. We enjoyed VB very much (and I think everyone should visit at least once) but when our grandson is a little older our first choice will be HHI. You will have a great vacation at either one!

 

[iloveokw]

Belong at both and love both. Besides the pluses and minuses listed above you need to know that Hilton Head is a smaller resort and is made up mostly of two bedroom units. It is much more difficult to get a reservation at Hilton Head during the summer months at the 7 month mark. Your children will be happy at both resorts with their activities and cast members.

 

[MinnieGi]

I think you'll like both alot!

Now we go to HHI every summer and have been for the last 6 years. Our kids are now 7 & 11 and look forward to HHI as much as a Disney trip and DH likes it even better than a Disney trip!! I really enjoy it too. Their beach is terrific for kids. The water is calm, no riptides and you can float around and relax in the ocean. They have a wide beach with great hard, compacted sand that is great for building sand castles, forts etc... My kids also enjoy their pools, activities like making Mickey tie-dyes, nature walks in the marsh, pool party, and pool games. They have a fantastic rec staff. Plus the island is filled with outdoor activities as well as restaurants and shopping.

And for us the drive to HHI can be done in one 12 hour day!

 

[JennStar]

We LOVE VB!! We have a 9 and 7 year old and this summer will be our 3rd going there. Lots of activities for them! I call it "Mickey on Island Time!" It's on te beach, but honestly we spend more time at the pool. For DVC, there are a lot of free or minimal-fee activities. You will love it there!

 

[dizzneebabe]

We've been to both (HHI 2x and VB 1x). We love both. VB is right on the ocean, so that makes it convenient.

However, if you're not beach people, there's not much to do RIGHT around the resort in VB, other than the resort activities (there are a lot). Whereas in HHI, biking is a HUGE island activity, with over 50 miles of bike trails. There's plenty of shopping, sightseeing (dolphin tours) and restaurants to explore outside of the resort.

We can EASILY spend a week (or more) in HHI. It's just such a beautiful island.

VB is great for a few days before or after a WDW trip.

Availability is going to be a problem at HHI during the summer. We used the cash discount both times and were just thinking that might be in the works again for next summer.

 

[BigEeyore]

We love HHI . We just were there last weekend! After our first trip there, I had to do an add-on for HHI points so we could be sure to come back every summer.
We are not the type to just camp on the beach all day, so HHI is perfect for us because there is so much else to do. I love that the resort is about a mile away from the beach, set on that beautiful marsh. The recreation dept is fantastic, they have so many activities for the kids every day, and things for kids of different ages (certain activities just for teens, or geared to toddlers, etc).
The beach is perfect for us - gentle waves, tide pools perfect for exploring - and the beach house is a great place to take a break from the sand.
Only downside is the dining options - just the two counter service places with pretty limited choices - but there are plenty of great restaurants within a 10 mile radius of the resort.
I can't speak for VB - we love HHI so much I don't know when we'll get there!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I am a VB lover foremost. That said, children as young as your's are much better suited to be playing in the HHI sands. The VB surf is more powerful and the undertow can be a problem for small kids. I would strongly suggest you take your next step at HHI. It is a wonderful resort with a LOT of wildlife experience. The Lifeguards are top notch and great with the kids. You can't go wrong with HHI.