HHI or Vero and when to go...

[princesses2]

which is a better Summer month to go to HHI? Early June or early August? What about Vero? Which resort would be better for kids ages 1-8 with lots of fun activities for them to do? I read over the info on the website but there is nothing like hearing it from those who've been there and done that.

Something else I couldn't really find it how to get to HHI from the airport. It looks like Savannah, GA airport is the closest? There doesn't seem to be direct flights from the midwest. And the resort appears to be about an hour away? I'm wondering how easy it will be to get there with 5 kids in tow. It appears Vero has Melbourne airport nearby and is quicker to get to. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Macnjac87]

Hi-
We've been to both resorts twice and will be heading back to HH in April. We have three kids- now ages 15, 12 and 8. While VB is lovely, our family prefers HH. DH and I will go back to VB for a "couples" trip, but HH is definitely our family favorite. Lots of activities for both adults and kids; some have referred to HH as a cruise on land! We drive from the Northeast, but I do know that Savannah Int'l airport is about 45 mins. away. Some other airports to keep in consideration would be Charleston, Columbia and Jacksonville, FL. The resort is well worth a couple of hours' drive imho; it's just fabulous! HH gets my vote!

Also, we've been to HH in April and July, both times the weather was excellent; April obviously not as humid and hot, but temps in the low 80's, July was hotter and more humid with brief thunder showers everyday. We've been to VB in February and June, we had great 80 degree weather in February ( I think that was a little unusual) and June it was hot hot hot.

 

[alwaysrunning]

We have been to both (with children ages 1 - 9) and I would say go to Vero. The fact that the VB is right on the beach makes all the difference in the world with a 1 yo. HH is mile away from the beach. Both resorts have very similar activities. Vero beach has a pirate ship water play area that toddlers love. At Vero everything is right there - beach, pool, pirate ship, and even mini golf. My kids liked Vero hands down vs. HH. HH does have more dining and shopping options in the area - but my kids could care less about that.

 

[TW1]

We visited both before buying and we bought in HHI. Mainly because we knew we could get there more easily (driving from PA).

Both are wonderful, you can't go wrong. But each has its own particular charms as well as a drawback or two.

Yes, Vero is on the beach and at HHI you have to drive with kids your ages. But the beach is nicer at HHI. The pool slide in VB is bigger and the kiddie pool is more fun, but HHI has a second option in the pool at the beach house. This seems to divide the resort crowd equally and, while busy, the pools as bearable.

Vero has on-site full service restaurants, a big plus. HHI just has snack bars for breakfast and lunch, but hundreds of great restaurants in the vicinity and grocery stores close buy so you can cook in your room.

My feeling is there is more to do in HHI beyond the beach. In HHI we enjoy the wide variety of activities, some for just the kids, some for the whole family. For instance, the programs with the HHI Naturalist, Christopher, are wonderful. Chris is a very knowledgeable guide and offers a number of programs for learning about the natural wonder of the island.

Both have campfires and structured activities for the kids as well, and HHI has fireworks on Tuesdays.

Yes, Savannah is your first airport choice and is about one hour away. Never flew to Melbourne, but it does seem easier.

We'll be at both this summer and look forward to them. Again, either way, you can't go wrong. These two offer great family vacation value with that extra special Disney flare.

Let us know what you do and don't forget to post a report.