Disney's Hilton Head Resort
Disney's Hilton Head Resort
Disney’s Hilton Head Resort is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort located on the coast of South Carolina (and is about five hours north of Walt Disney World and just an hour from Savannah).
Opened in 1996, this is one of just a few Disney Resorts not located close to a theme park. It’s a wonderful property by the water themed after a hunting and fishing lodge and has a lovely relaxed and cosy vibe, as well as all the classic Disney magic.
Like Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, which it’s probably most similar to, the Disney theming is quite subtle at this resort. However if you want a little bit more of a Disney fix you don’t have to look hard for the hidden Mickey’s, or enjoy some of the Disney themed activities and character meets that are held regularly in the resort.
Being located a little way from Florida, Hilton Head doesn’t make it onto a typical Florida parks itinerary. However it is a great addition if you fancy a road trip either after a Florida break or as part of a deep-south vacation. Hilton Head in general is a lovely area and you can combine it with visits to Savannah, Charleston and Atlanta so it makes for a great family vacation.
Rooms
Hilton Head is a Disney Vacation Club resort and so offers Deluxe Studios (sleeping up to 4), or 1 - 3 bed villas sleeping up to a maximum of 12.
Rooms are located in the main lodge or in one of the 31 other buildings spread across the resort. Despite this, it’s actually a relatively small resort and so does book up quite quickly. Therefore if you want to reserve a stay book early, or plan to visit over the winter when the crowds (and weather) dip.
Dining
Hilton Head only offers quick service options which are relatively limited. However, because of it’s location near Shelter Cove harbour, which is within walking distance, there are a multitude of dining options right on your doorstep.
Tide Me Over (Quick Service)
Located in the middle of the main resort area near the pool and pier.
Serves your usual fast food - pizzas, burgers etc.
Signals (Quick Service)
Located down at Disney’s Beach House, separate to the main resort, giving you an option if you’re having a beach day
Again serves your usual fast food - burgers and chicken strips.
Pools and Beach
This is where Hilton Head is a little different to say Vero Beach in that the main resort isn’t located next to the beachfront. Hilton Head is situated by Shelter Cove harbour which looks out over the water. However if you want to visit the beach this is the other side of the island, just a 10 minute drive away.
Disney then have a beach house which is almost an extension of the main resort. This has it’s own pool area, Signals quick service (see above) as well as a pool table, bar and lounge area. It’s a really unique and special addition to the resort and is connected to the beautiful beach. This makes it very easy to spend a full day down here enjoying both the pool and the beach. In terms of getting here you can walk, drive or Disney also operate a regular shuttle bus service.
If instead you just want some pool time you can just relax in the main resort and the Big Dipper Pool. This is the main pool on site, and while perhaps on the smaller side for a Disney resort, it’s still a lovely spot, and includes a slide and whirlpool.
Recreation & Activities
As with any Disney resort there’s loads to do here including miniature golf, corn hole, horseshoes, a kids playground, a basketball court and even a butterfly garden. If you want to get out on the water Disney offer Dolphin watching cruises out on the bay. These are held several times a week but you can pre-book with an independent operator if you prefer as there are loads located on the island. There are also kayaking excursions available too. Make sure to pick up an activities sheet when you check-in so you don’t miss everything that’s going on.
Family Activities
• Character Meet and Greets: Not as plentiful as other resorts but you can sometimes meet Mickey and friends around the resort.
• Community Hall: Indoor recreation centre with arts & crafts, board games and many other activities.
• Campfire: S’mores by the fire.
• Crafts: There are loads of family friendly activities held on a regular basis that you can enjoy.
Is Disney’s Hilton Head Resort the one for you?
✔ Beautiful Resort by the water making for a very relaxed stay.
✔ Amazing beach house meaning you can easily combine and beach and pool day.
✔ Family Friendly Activities: Loads to do here including pool time, crafts, character meets and even dolphin watching and kayaking.
✔ Located away from the parks so gives you a chance to enjoy some ‘quieter’ Disney time close to fun cities such as Savannah, Charleston and Atlanta. This also gives you the option of flying in/out of Atlanta which can be cheaper than Florida.
Who Should Stay Here?
DVC members: This is an excellent resort to use your points for something different.
Families looking for a Disney vacation without the crowds or stresses the theme park can bring.
Couples & adults looking for a more relaxed resort and stay or who perhaps want to combine it with some sight-seeing.
Adventures x Paradise Review
Paradise Falls Family absolutely loved this resort! It has such a cosy and relaxed vibe that, for us, put it slightly ahead of Vero Beach. Unfortunately we did have terrible weather when we visited but we can imagine with the sunshine out it would an idyllic place to stay. We were really impressed with the Beach House and could imagine spending a perfect family day here.
We were also really impressed with Hilton Head, which is a lovely island and just an hour from Savannah which is a beautiful city to visit. So overall, there’s loads to do in the area. We partly booked this stay because we were flying back from Atlanta to save some money. This was quite a drive but worked very well, so keep this in mind as an option to combine with a Florida stay. I think next time we’d stay longer than 2 nights though!
TOP TIPS - Disney offers dolphin watching cruises out into the bay but they don’t advertise their schedule online. So don’t be afraid to book with an independent tour operator if you want to get something booked in advance. We always check Viator (https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00106682&mcid=42383&medium=link) and Get Your Guide (https://gyg.me/YWHfVHma) for our excursions.