Vero Beach and HHI

[Tinkybell]

Hi
I am a fairly new DVC menber, and I was hoping for some input from some of the DVC veterans.

My family and I are thinking of going to either VB or HHI next year.
What are your opinions on these resorts?
Do you prefer one over the other?
Is one better for small children than the other?
I know HHI does not have a full service restaurant does it make a difference?

I have 3 children DS will be 7 and twins DS/DD will be 2 at the time of travel.

Thank so much in advance.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

If you have young children, then you should go to HHI Yes.. I'm saying HHI.... Both resorts are great with activities for the kids. Better than any other resorts... I think since these two resorts are not WDW based that they compensate with exceptional activities for the kids.

VB is a (as starbox puts it) wild ocean beach... the waves are strong and not for the young children. Though, VB is second to none when it comes to entertaining the children.

Nonetheless I would recommend you try HHI first... and look forward to eden at VB later.

Whatever you're choice... Have a great time

 

[Tinkybell]

Nonetheless I would recommend you try HHI first... and look forward to eden at VB later.

Whatever you're choice... Have a great time [/QUOTE]

Rob,

Thank you for your input. I am leaning toward HHI, but I am still having trouble deciding. I did not think the Florida surf got so rough, I live in NJ and I feel like our beaches can have some strong currents.

Teresa

 

[starbox]

Thank you for your input. I am leaning toward HHI, but I am still having trouble deciding. I did not think the Florida surf got so rough, I live in NJ and I feel like our beaches can have some strong currents.

Teresa

I'm seconding Rob's suggestion. As for the surf, most Florida surf does not get that rough. I've been to beaches from the panhandle to St. Augustine to Sarasota to Ft. Walton to St. Petersburg/Sarasota - I've never experienced anything like Vero Beach - you could actually surf at VB and most of the cute little Florida "surfer" boys I knew growing up were just pretending to be surfers because we all knew that there weren't really any waves.

I much prefer VB. My kids, age 8 and 10, prefer HHI. They can handle the waves and enjoy them at VB - but after about an hour of getting knocked around they are ready for a break. I would not be comfortable with smaller children in the water and not in my arms - there's a very sharp and almost immediate drop off in addition to the surf and riptide.

There are tons of activities at VB though, the best CMs anywhere, and it is absolutely goregous.

 

[Mahusky]

I'm seconding Rob's suggestion. As for the surf, most Florida surf does not get that rough. I've been to beaches from the panhandle to St. Augustine to Sarasota to Ft. Walton to St. Petersburg/Sarasota - I've never experienced anything like Vero Beach - you could actually surf at VB and most of the cute little Florida "surfer" boys I knew growing up were just pretending to be surfers because we all knew that there weren't really any waves.

I much prefer VB. My kids, age 8 and 10, prefer HHI. They can handle the waves and enjoy them at VB - but after about an hour of getting knocked around they are ready for a break. I would not be comfortable with smaller children in the water and not in my arms - there's a very sharp and almost immediate drop off in addition to the surf and riptide.

There are tons of activities at VB though, the best CMs anywhere, and it is absolutely goregous.

Starbox couldn't have put it any better..... if you are used to east coast beaches and undercurrents then no issues IMHO.

and yes the CM'S are ABSOLUTELY the BEST!!!!!

 

[Database]

We own at HHI. We really love it! I've read other threads were some of the DVC members have less than favorable opinion my home. We find HHI to be quiet and relaxing. When we retire, I see us spending most of our time at this resort.

You'd also have the ability to do day trips to Beaufort, SC or Savanah Georgia. Since you have school aged children... you can slip a little history into the vacation without them realizing it!

Either way... you can't go wrong with HHI or VB!

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

As others have stated, they both have their merits. Personally, I prefer VB, it is so pristine and beautiful.

However, with the ages of your children, I would choose HHI. There is a lot to do on the Island.

Good Luck!

 

[Lenc324]

Try them both as I did. Last yr we went to Vero and just loved it. And are returning in Oct. This yr we went to HHI in June and it was great. A whole different look and feel. More outdoorsy. Both are laid back wonderful resorts and I hope to return to HHI next yr.

 

[MagikMom]

So far have tried all the resorts except for VB and VWL (currently on waitlist for VWL for upcoming August vacation), we plan on trying all of them. I have never stayed at Vero but I will say that HH is great for young children. They have lot's of activites going on both night and day to entertain them. My kids were a little too old for the campfire sing along and rolled their eyes at it but your's a the PERFECT age. It is true that there is not on site restaurant. There is a snack bar at both the resort and the beach house but both close very early around 5:00. I'm assuming you will be getting a 1 or 2 bedroom as there are 5 of you so you will have your kitchen. There are also many outdoor grills to use. There are many restaurants within walking distance as well. We enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of HH so much that we are booking another trip in a few weeks for June of 2008 and taking my parents with us.

 

[Tinkybell]

Thanks everyone for the great replies. I would like to try both, but I think for this trip we will go to HHI. It sounds so great for the kids (and us adults too). Also I really love the idea of doing a day trip to Savannah, I have always wanted to visit there.

Thanks again for your advice, It's a year away and I am already excited. We just got back from SSR and I needed to start planning to combat the home from Disney blues.

 

[UConnJack]

Boy, that's a tough call, both are great resorts. If spending a lot of time at (and swimming in) the beach is a priority, I would agree HHI would be your best bet due to the kids ages. Of course, be aware that since the resort isn't beachside, there is more preparation involved to get to the beach with your stuff, especially with kids in tow. Plus HHI has endless dining options, lots of other off-resort activities, and two cool towns nearby to visit in Savannah and Beaufort. And if someone golfs, there is no question HHI is the place

But if you are more likely to spend more time at the pool, want easy occasional and impulsive access to the beach, want to spend all or most of your time at the resort itself, and don't mind more limited dining options (although the on-site restaurants are great), then go for VB. It is an amazing place and one of the few places I've ever stayed where I never felt the need to leave the resort.

 

[Lenc324]

Try them both. They are great.

 

[lovinthemouse]

Both resorts are great. We do prefer VB just because of beach access. I like to open my door and hear and see the ocean. The waves more rough but it is a wonderful resort. I think no matter which one you choose you will not be disappointed. Have a great trip.