HHI & VB...what's the better choice?

[disneyfan2kids]

Maybe planning a summer 2008 vacation at HHI or VB.

What's the "highlights" of each and the overall "feel"?

I will have a 6yo and an almost 3yo at the time. Don't know much about either resort.

How about month? Is there big differences in June vs. July vs. August?

What's the difference in "Inn" room vs. Studio?

Is it worthwhile to get a 1 bedroom for the kitchen and just go grocery shopping? Will the point difference ($'s) be best used in the kitchen considering the $$ we'll save on eating out if we just used our kitchen?

So many questions...thanks in advance for responding!

 

[lovinthemouse]

If you are booking at the 7 month window HHI will be tough to get, not impossible, but tough. We have stayed at both and we prefer VB to HHI. I am not thrilled with the beach access being about a mile away from the resort at HHI. I love to open my door and hear it. Both resorts are beautiful and have lots of activities for kids. We did a 2 bdrm at HHI and we cooked alot. Last year we did an Inn room at VB and we did breakfast and lunch in the room and went out for dinner. This year we have a 1 bdrm as I plan to cook at least a couple of dinners. Good luck with your decision it will be a tough one.

 

[disneyfan2kids]

Thanks! What's the difference b/w an "inn" room and a studio?

 

[lovinthemouse]

The inn room is in the inn portion of the resort and has 2 beds. The studio are bigger but have 1 bed and a pull out sofa. We had OVIR and loved it. We opened our patio door and just watched the ocean. Very nice. I am not sure of the views with a studio.

 

[mbhoxsie]

"What's the "highlights" of each and the overall "feel"?"

Generally, when I am at VB, I "feel" as relaxed as I do as when I am on a cruise... You can close your eyes and feel the ocean breezes.. Palm trees and tropical flora surround you. Buildings are themed in more relaxed tones. There are poolside massages, etc...

At HHI, I reminice back to the days when I was a kid and went to summer camp... The resort has places to play horse shoes and hammocks all over. Buildings are randomly placed to give you the impression that you are at a hunting/fishing camp. You endlessly search for Shadow, hoping to catch a glipse, and if you are fortunate, some 8 year old may be "crabbing" out on the boardwalk. The ocean is a bit further away, but the sound of the bullfrogs at night makes up for it.

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"I will have a 6yo and an almost 3yo at the time. Don't know much about either resort."

I have a 6yo and 3yo as well... Both kids love both resorts... Both have a ton of activities for the kids, and IMO have the best CM's out of any Disney resorts. HHI's activities tend to be more nature based. My kids love the offsite resorts just as much as the WDW ones...

As a parent, VB may be slightly more managable only because it is smaller. Pretty much everything is centered around the pool/Inn area and is within walking distance. At HHI, things are a bit more spread out, and if you want to go to the beach or Signals pool, you need to drive or take the resort shuttle.

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"How about month? Is there big differences in June vs. July vs. August?"

HHI tends to run about 5-10 degrees F cooler than VB, but any of those months should be warm... While both are in hurricane zones, I would probabily hesitate a bit before booking an August VB trip. (I only say this because it got clobbered a few years ago by hurricanes Francis and Jeannene. The resort was closed for a few weeks while everything was repaired. That being said, I went back in August 2005 with no problems.)

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"Is it worthwhile to get a 1 bedroom for the kitchen and just go grocery shopping? Will the point difference ($'s) be best used in the kitchen considering the $$ we'll save on eating out if we just used our kitchen?"

This really depends on how much you plan on leaving the resort property... HHI has several fine restaurants within walking distance, but only counter service onsite. If you don't mind taking the kids offsite when its time to eat, then Studio room can work..

VB has three onsite restaurants plus counter service. Since the resort is smaller, its not usually a hassle to get the kids and go out and eat... There are several restaurants nearby, but you will have to drive to get to any of them.

Personally, I get the 1BRs when I go to either... Breakfasts are so much easier when no one has to rush while getting dressed...

 

[starbox]

How about month? Is there big differences in June vs. July vs. August?


June, July and August are peak season in Hilton Head - the "beach" season in SC is much, much shorter than it is in south Florida (where Spring is peak season). You'll likely find Vero much easier to reserve during those three months.

I'll be staying at HHI for the first time next week, but we really, really VB. I'm hoping to love HHI as well!

 

[R Dog Walt]

We liked the set up of VB better- being right on the beach was great. I loved being able to transition from the beach to the pool to the room!

However, I would go back to HHI before going back to VB. The beach itself at HH is sooo much better. It's softer sand and has much calmer waters. We went to both in June, and Vero had much rougher waters. At HHI I felt like I could safely play in the waves, but in Vero I felt less safe.

I also enjoyed the area surrounding HHI more than Vero. The local restaurants were better.

We stayed in a studio at both, I'm not sure what an Inn room is.

 

[starbox]

We stayed in a studio at both, I'm not sure what an Inn room is.

An inn room is a room in the main inn building with two queen beds. There is still the kitchenette. Inn room offer the option of a guarunteed ocean view. I am a huge inn room fan!!!

Pictures of the VB Inn Room:

A non-ocean room view:

The interior of the Inn:

Vero Beach =

 

[mikesmom]

I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but whatever you decide, move quickly just as soon as you have a window to book! HHI always, ALWAYS sells out in the summer months - there are the ocassional exceptions, but generally non-members are not successful at getting accomodations. And we have gotten reports on this board just this week that Vero is completely sold out of all size units up to September 2007. Granted, we are only a couple of months out from this summer, but it would be a good idea to move swiftly (AND have a backup plan) once you decide.

 

[Par8hed]

However, I would go back to HHI before going back to VB. The beach itself at HH is sooo much better. It's softer sand and has much calmer waters. We went to both in June, and Vero had much rougher waters. At HHI I felt like I could safely play in the waves, but in Vero I felt less safe. .

Waves are a direct result of the wind. Either locale can and does vary from sizable waves to lakelike conditions.

 

[La2kw]

We prefer Vero over HH. HHI is a lovely resort, but it's too far out of the way for us since we are already traveling across the country to get to WDW. I was not impressed by the beach at HHI, or having to get in a car to drive to it. We prefer a resort on the beach. IMO, there are much better beaches in Florida than Vero (or HHI) and we usually just pay cash to stay at a beach resort in Miami, Clearwater, or the Keys.

 

[La2kw]

Waves are a direct result of the wind. Either locale can and does vary from sizable waves to lakelike conditions.

Good point.
I have to chuckle when I hear folks calling those ripples at HHI or VB "waves". Come spend some time on California's beaches if you want to see some real waves!