Vero or HHI with kids?

[dez1978]

We are trying to plan a beach trip. 3 years ago we went to Gulf Shores with our family and my Sister in laws family and had a great time. My kids have been begging to go back to the beach ever since. I don't know much about the DVC beach properties. Which would you recommend for a summer trip with 4 boys? Current ages are 6,6, 9 and 12. Would probably plan for end of May early June 2022. One day I dream of going to Aulani, but thats going to have to wait until the kids are just a bit older. The 5 hour time difference and 10 hrs of flying would be a bit much for my kids right now.

 

[MrsBooch]

So - Hilton Head resort is located on the marsh side of the island but they have a beautiful beach house across the street which is accessible by shuttle or driving less than 2 minutes.

Vero Beach is ON the beach.

That being said - Hilton Head is like a family summer camp vibe - there are SO many activities all day - both paid and unpaid - even now during COVID.
Dolphin tours leaving from the DVC boat dock that is steps away from the main pool - there are two pools - one in the main resort with a slide and one "quiet" pool at the beach house.

Vero beach also has a fun pool, fun slide, and some activities but not as many as HHI for the kids. Plus HHI - the actual island - has a ton of other things going on very nearby again even during COVID -

If all anyone wants to do is be on the beach the majority of the time - Vero is your best bet. Just keep an eye on the little ones bc the water is VERY rough on that beach sometimes and there are no lifeguards on duty.

If you want to do anything else AND have a beach option - Hilton Head.

 

[dez1978]

So - Hilton Head resort is located on the marsh side of the island but they have a beautiful beach house across the street which is accessible by shuttle or driving less than 2 minutes.

Vero Beach is ON the beach.

That being said - Hilton Head is like a family summer camp vibe - there are SO many activities all day - both paid and unpaid - even now during COVID.
Dolphin tours leaving from the DVC boat dock that is steps away from the main pool - there are two pools - one in the main resort with a slide and one "quiet" pool at the beach house.

Vero beach also has a fun pool, fun slide, and some activities but not as many as HHI for the kids. Plus HHI - the actual island - has a ton of other things going on very nearby again even during COVID -

If all anyone wants to do is be on the beach the majority of the time - Vero is your best bet. Just keep an eye on the little ones bc the water is VERY rough on that beach sometimes and there are no lifeguards on duty.

If you want to do anything else AND have a beach option - Hilton Head.

Good to know. Thank you. Sounds like HHI is a better option. While we want to enjoy the beach, we'll want to do other things as well.

 

[Travel60]

I'd go with HHI. Even though lodging is not on beach, the marsh side is beautiful and offers fishing, crabbing, kayaking, SUP. From the resort you can bike on trails to mini-golf, playgrounds, restaurants, grocery store, etc. There is not a full service restaurant on site but the quick service will do for breakfast and lunch. Also beach house has quick food service and a bar. A small shopping center across the little bridge from Disney's Island has a couple of eating places including a to-die-for bakery.The beach is very wide and flat so younger kids are safe playing in the flats.

Vero is nice but as mentioned, the beach is very narrow and very rough surf. I would not let a child play freely. It is also a 10-15 minute car ride to any off site amenities, restaurants, groceries.

Both resorts have Disney programming (curtailed somewhat by Covid) and both are Disneyesque.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

If you do not own HHI it can be a tough get at 7 months for summer. VB is easier.

 

[princesscinderella]

I second HHI the tidal flow there is really cool I think the kids will enjoy it. We did the dolphin kayaking there and saw so many dolphin and their babies. Vero has very rough seas a friend of ours broke his shoulder in a few places boogie boarding there a few years ago.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

If you do not own HHI it can be a tough get at 7 months for summer. VB is easier.

Very true. A 2-BR will be easier to get at HHI than a 1-BR or studio. If you are planning for this May, everything may already be booked. But HHI would definitely be my choice if I had young kids due to the rough waves and isolated location at VB. HHI is amazing!!! Good luck getting it booked!