VB vs HH

[imaginejck]

We just purchased SSR and are excited! Being new I have a few questions...

June 07 we wanted to go to HH, but it was booked so we have waitlisted for either 1 or 2 bedroom the 24 - 29th. What are our chances of getting that?

Since we couldn't get HH, we booked a 1bed at VB for that same time.

We live in IA and will be driving with a 6 yr old and 2 yr old... so some questions...

Which is the better place to go with 2 girls that age? What activities are there etc? What about temp both places? We could change weeks at VB if there would be a "better" week / time of year to be there. We're mostly limited to spring breaks/winter/summer vacations right now and were concerned that mid march would be way to cold for the girls to swim.... am I right or wrong on that?

Is there a certain "location" we should request? I read some about beach houses vs inn at VB, but don't really know what that means...

I know VB is the longer drive...

Also, we were thinking of going to OKW during Spring Break - what will the temp be like then? warm enough for swimming - I mostly concerned about it being warm enough for a 6 and 2 yr old!

Please help me with the choices!!!

 

[Dasha]

VB is on the beach, has more activities than HH for kids, has on resort restaurants, and is warmer as it is in Florida. You never have to leave the property if you don't wish to.

HH requires you shuttle to the beach, walk off property to restaurants, has lees activities than VB, and will be cooler than FL for spring break. You have to leave the property to go to the beach (HH does have it's own beach a mile away) and dine.

Kids can swim outside during spring break in Orlando.

 

[Starr W.]

Just put our deposit down today at SSR !

Imaginejck, I have been to HH(not disney) a few times and for the life of me, can't figure out what the big deal is. Been down in March, warm for us Midwesterns, but locals bundled up in parkas. Spring break, early April, still too cold to swim. October rainy. I was at business conferences and the golfers were foaming at the mouths but it just goes over my head.

From what I have read about VB and how my boys(5 & 10) love the beach. It would be my choice.

Our first trip will be a long 4 day weekend in early May at SSR. Boys get May election day off, something with keeping the kids safe, but more to placate the bus drivers who have fits that voters park in the bus lanes.

 

[gracelrm]

We have been to both HH & VB and love them both. We enjoy all the activities at HH and particularly renting bikes and riding around the island. Our kids (13,10, &6) really love HH. You must bike, drive or ride the shuttle to the beach house, but we enjoy the beach house and don't mind to even walk there. There are so many food options at HH that we don't mind not having a restaurant at the resort. Our trips to HH are very relaxing. We took our 3rd trip to VB this Oct and we love it as well. The beach access is nice, the activities are great and the resort food is fine. While staying at VB, we usually venture out for our evening meals anyway. If I had to pick a favorite, it would have to be which ever one I had just returned from. Both places suit our family and we're always excited to go and relaxed when we come home. I should add that the CM's at both resorts are top notch and generally make our stays special!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I think perhaps with young children VB might be the better choice only because everything (beach, pool, restaurants, etc.) is so close. So even if you're down at the beach and somebody needs a diaper change, or to use the bathroom, or just to get some lunch you can walk back to your own room in 2 minutes.

The Inn rooms are fantastic when you have an ocean view, but with a couple of younger children the 1 bdrm is the way to go with a full kitchen and laundry. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Keep in mind, with VB, you're pretty much stuck at the resort. There is very little around the resort to see or do. At HH, you have many off-site dining places, many golf courses, shopping, Harbour Town, South Beach Marina and a short drive away is Savannah. So I guess it comes down to what you want. If you want just the beach and eating meals on-site or in your unit, VB would be the better choice. If you prefer to venture out and see and do other things, HH would be the better choice.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I agree if you like restaruant dining then HH is the better pick. We tend to make most of our own meals. Keep in mind at HH there is no resort restaurant open after 5pm, so you have go off site. I don't know about HH but Shutters/Sonya's at VB will let you order carry out. We find the entrees are big enough for 2 people so DW and I will order 1 entree & 2 salads between us. This way we cut the meal cost to less than half considering there is no tip involved. A good chef prepared meal in the comfort of your own room.

Frankly, I think there is more for children to do at VB than HH. They have a nice pool & Lighthouse waterslide, a hot jet pool, miniature golf, exercise room, ping pong, bike rentals, The Green Cabin Room (bar/restaurant) has 2nd floor covered deck that has a fantastic view of the ocean and is a nice place to relax with your favorite beverage. It also has live entertainment in the evenings. At night they have a campfire / s’more roast (bring the Cutter Advanced to fend off the No-see-ums). You can rent a small catamaran or jet-ski for ocean fun. Across the street they have a lake, picnic tables, nature trail, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Disney built a private tunnel under the road to access this area.

And you're not stuck at the resort:

Five minutes away is Pelican Island and a wildlife education center. Also minutes away is Sebastian Inlet were the Indian River meets the ocean. There are many good fishing spots around the inlet, and there are river boat excursions and kyaking where you can see dolphins, manatee, and tons of other types of wildlife, or go parasailing. About an hour away is Cape Canaveral, (where the Magic and Wonder are docked), the Kennedy Space Center, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge with walking and driving tours.

Obviously I'm biased, but in fact our next trip is to HHI in June. So I'm not married to VB.