Hilton Head or Vero Beach?

[DaddyBrady]

We are contemplating combing a trip to WDW for Food & Wine with some time at either of HHI or VB. We'd be going in early October so I can run in the Race for the Taste. Questions:

• We'll be taking my partner's parents. His father is 80 and is still mobile, but not all that active. Is one better than the other for people watching, scenery, and slow-paced activities?
• We're in the Pacific Northwest, so I don't know these areas. What will the weather be like? Should we go late September (before WDW) or mid October (after)?

What about general ambience, activities in the resort or the area, etc? Would appreciate any experience or perspective to help decide if this would be a good trip with the in-laws.

Thanks!

 

[NYCDVClover2000]

I have never been to HH but have been to VB. I say go to VB to relax it is beautiful and very relaxing. We are planning on going on a cruise next summer and add a few days at VB just to come home relaxed..

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I am the opposite of the previous poster. I have been to HH, but not to VB. (Although I am going to VB for the first time in late July.)

If you get a marsh view, it is really nice. We could observe all types of wild life from rabbits to birds from our balcony. Really gorgeous and relaxing. Take binoculars!

Since you are bringing someone who is 80, why not call Member Services and ask which resort would be most accessible for someone that age? He may not want to climb a lot of stairs.

If you go to Vero this year, go to HH next year with your partner. The whole Island is a blast.

 

[Doctor P]

I think HH would be awesome in October. It is a very relaxing place and there is lots of nature and places to sit both at the resort and at the Beach House.

 

[vbalacek]

The weather that time of year is beautiful in both places....unless you get hit by a hurricane. Be forwarned that it is hurricane season and either of those places may be in a hurricane path.

With Orlando being inland, I felt a little more secure when we were there and a hurricane hit us. (Disney handled it wonderful ,and we only missed 1 day of fun and sun).

 

[PBB]

I have been to both HH and VB. It is very tough to choose between both. I would lean towards HH for your situation. Both resorts are great and vistas are spectacular. However, VB is limited in the amount of different views. HH you can enjoy the views with the Marsh, Marina and Beach. Where Vero is limited to a fantastic beach view. I would suggest that you explain the mobility issue to the MS during your reservation process and request a room in the main lodge for elevator use and such. All the 2 bedrooms in the rest of the HH resort have a flight of stairs.

In regards to weather in October. Has previously posted it is hurricane season and we have been to HH during a minor hurricane and a tropical depression at VB last year. Fortunately for us, they were both minor. However, it did not take away from the vacations. The ocean can be beautful when it is angry. Keep this in mind, the coastal area near HH and Savannah have not taken a direct hit from a hurricane for a long time where as VB resort did take a direct hit several years.

Either way you go you will not be dissappointed !

LOL.....right before I hit the submit reply button I reread your post. Since your trying to combine the trip with a WDW trip I would suggest VB instead of HH. Logistically, speaking it will be difficult trying to go to HH. I would imagine you will fly into Orlando and get a rental car. You can drive to VB in an easy 2 hours. Where as it would be 4-5 hours to HH. You can still keep your reservation out of MCO vs. flying out of Savannah and having to connect in ATL which will be problematic.

Sorry for the long winded change of mind.....LOL

 

[ccw]

I have been to both HH and Vero and would not go out of my way to spend time at Vero. I love HH, especially in the fall and spring. The Disney property at Vero is probably a little more luxurious than HH which has shown signs of age the last couple of times we were there but I just did not find enough to do and see in ...it was not any more special than heading to the NC/SC coast 3 hours from our home.. Most people love Vero...to each her own!

 

[mbhoxsie]

I would vote for Vero...

I have been to both, and IMO VB is more relaxing...

VB has two onsite restaurants, counterservice by the pool, and a bar with a great view of the ocean .. HHI has counterservice by the pool, and a poolside bar by the beach house... Since there are sooo many good restaurants within walking distance of HHI, DVC probabily feels that they would not get the traffic they need to sustain an onsite full service restaurant.

VB is right on the ocean.. HHI is not on the ocean, but has a beach house and pool about a mile away...

VB is a little smaller than HHI and it might be easier for seniors to navigate..

In October, VB might be quite a bit warmer than HHI...

VB is located in a quiet community... It's not really known as a tourist town... Whereas HHI is well... on.. Hilton Head Island... Much more tourism... Disney does a great job of trying to make you feel somewhat secluded while at the resort, but there is a difference.

That's my take... Both resorts are awesome, and I don't think you could make a bad choice by choosing either...