HHI what exactly is there to do?

[minnie2]

I know there is a the beach and golf but what else? My DH really wants to go next year but the kids and I are HUGE let's go to WDW people and he wants a more relaxing vacation. Which I totally understand but I am afraid I will be bored out of my mind!
What kind of restaurants are at the hotel itself?
Is there a dining plan like at the parks?
What is there to do for a 8 and 10 yr old?

 

[chum]

I love the parks too but I love Hilton Head more!

The island in a lot of ways reminds me of WDW.

Hilton Head and surrounding area (Beaufort, Savannah, Charleston) are all naturally beautiful.

If you love the water then you'll love the beach, marinas, fishing, crabbing, shelling, kyaking, dolphin cruises or just rent a boat and float around.

Hilton Head controls the building and sinage so there is uniformity and a "fit in with nature" look. Example: You can't see Walmart from the road as it's tucked behind a buffer of oaks and pines. The golden arches can't be displayed atop a tall sign either.

The town likes a neat and clean place for visitors and residents and spends a ton of time and money to keep the public spaces looking good.

The island caters to family's looking to have a nice vacation. Biking here is super as there are bike paths all over the place. You can even bike 12 miles of the hard packed sand, on the beach, during mid to low tide.

There are a TON of restaurants (2 counter service at DVC) so no one can complain about lack of choice.

Crime is low here with many of the communities having guard gates and private security.

History buffs will thrive in the Low Country. Great stories of the Revolutionary and Civil wars played out in these parts. Black Beard, William Tecumseh Sherman and Robert E Lee found themselves here.

There's shopping too but most folks hit the outlets or grab a souvenier from The Salty Dog Cafe.

Did I mention no snow!

I can go on but remember that Disney choose Hilton Head Island for a reason and that says a lot.

 

[EpcotBill]

How far is the nearest beach access?

Or maybe I should say, how far is the best beach?

 

[CMOORE185]

How far is the nearest beach access?

Or maybe I should say, how far is the best beach?

Disney has a Beach House with a Beach access about 1 mile from the resort. There is not a public access to Disneys beach area within miles so it kinda of feels like a private beach. They also have a nice pool at the beach house.

 

[EpcotBill]

Thanks.

 

[hannah's dad]

We tend to think of the resort as "Camp Disney". We spent a lot of time at the beach and at both pools - one at the Beach House (which is usually pretty empty prior to about noon) and the main pool at the resort. What makes the resort special are the cast members - they are akin to camp counselors as they lead many different activities, the campfire, kids night out...the list of activities is quite long, and we observed many kids in the 8-10 year old range enjoying themselves. Biking around the resort was especially fun for my 7 year old.

The resort is small, so it is pleasant to walk all around it. There is no table service restaurant at the resort which is fine becuase there are many, many good restaurants on the island. Becuase of this, no dining plan but they do have the refillable mug.

 

[minnie2]

Thanks you! Ok another question.

Does any one know any names of restaurants in the area?
My DD has Celiacs so she needs to be gluten free and one of the reasons we joined DVC was because of how amazing Disney is with food needs. So This scares me. Now we aren't the kind that don't ever go out to eat because she might get sick BUT I like to be prepared because we tend to only go to places that can accommodate her. The last thing I would want is her to get sick on vacation! Or to have to cook all vacation because no place can accommodate her!