We've been to both HH and VB, but always as vacations by themselves, so I don't know the distances from Orlando. IMO, if I had older kids (10+), I would choose VB. It seems to me the activities at HH are designed for those younger than 10. Note: my DS's (5.5 and 3.5), both loved each resort.
WDW to HH is about 6 hours drive. If you're planning a few days from WDW as a side trip I'd pick Vero, simply because you're not losing 10 hours or so on travelling. IMHO the two resorts are both first class and although each has slightly different strong points. I have a slight preference for HH, as HH IMHO has more going on for a longer break, but not enough to make me drive the extra distance for a couple of days. For a couple of days Vero has plenty to keep you amused.