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 Vero Beach Resort the one for you?
✔ Stunning Beachfront Resort on one of Florida’s most important turtle nesting beaches
✔ Relaxing beachfront atmosphere combined with Disney’s top-tier service
✔ Family Friendly Activities: So much to do here from mini-golf to character meet and greats
✔ Close enough to combine with a Walt Disney World trip as it is just 2 hours away but gives you a completely different Disney experience
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 tranquil beach resort with a spa
Adventures x Paradise Review
Both families absolutely adore this beachside resort! We love adding it onto the end of a Walt Disney World trip for a few days of relaxation after some busy theme park days. It works really well for breaking up a drive from Orlando to Miami too if you are getting some cheaper flights to Florida from the UK and grabbed a bargain flying to and from Miami.
The resort itself is located on a gorgeous stretch of beach. The Disney touches are subtle but the service here is absolutely what you have come to associate with the brand - exceptional!
TOP TIP - The character breakfast here is not to be missed. It is only on once a week (Saturday morning) but can be booked even if you are not staying at the resort! It features delicious dishes such as Bananas Foster French Toast.