Should you choose Disney’s Hilton Head Island Read or Disney’s Vero Beach Resort? We’re comparing the two Disney Vacation Club resorts.
Everyone knows about Disney’s on-property resorts in both Florida and California, but did you know Disney also has several beach resorts? Bringing Disney magic seaside, you can combine your love for Disney with your love of the beach at three beachside locations, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai‘i, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina, and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Florida. As I’ve had the pleasure to visit both East Cost locations (Aulani is definitely on my list, though!), here’s my personal comparison and recommendation of which of Disney’s East Coast vacation destinations make for the best vacation.
[metaslider id=”96331″]
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort vs. Vero Beach Resort
Resort Theming
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. Photo Courtesy of Disney.
While both resorts offer a unique charm, I personally prefer Vero Beach’s beachy, lighter vibes to Hilton Head’s low-country hunting and fishing lodge furnishings. Plus, if you’re looking for that unique Disney feel, Vero Beach certainly leans in more toward the Disney magic, whereas I sometimes forgot I was at a Disney resort at Hilton Head.
Beach Access
Disney’s Vero Beach. Photo Courtesy of Disney
I also prefer Disney’s Vero Beach Resort when looking for beach-side access. Not only did I find Vero Beach’s coastline cleaner (despite both being situated on the Atlantic), but Vero is also located directly on the beach, whereas Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is not. While not far, guests at Hilton Head have to either drive or take a shuttle to access the nearby beach—which I wasn’t personally the biggest fan of. At Vero Beach, however, the sand is steps from your hotel room, and convenience is a huge plus for me.
Pool Time
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. Photo Courtesy of Disney
Both resorts offer great pool areas, but I’d have to give Hilton Head the win on this one. Vero Beach offers one large feature pool, while Hilton Head offers a large feature pool on resort property as well as an exclusive beach-side pool, where you can enjoy relaxing pool-side while listening to the waves from the nearby ocean.
Recreation
Disney’s Hilton Head Resort. Photo by Dani Moritz
While both resorts offer recreational options, what’s best for you is really dependent on if you prefer to stay at the resort or venture out. Vero Beach offers a number of activities right at the resort, including Sea Turtle Observation tours, miniature golf, water sports rentals, and more. Hilton Head offers your basics, including recreational rentals and some places to play games like horseshoes and bocce ball, but you have to be willing to explore Hilton Head Island to take advantage of many recreational activities. If you don’t mind exploring, though, Hilton Head Island really does have lots to offer, including plenty of Dolphin tours.
Dining Options
Wind & Waves Grill. Photo Courtesy of Disney
Another benefit of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is its dining options right at the resort, including Wind & Waves Grill for a sit-down meal, Wind & Waves Market for something quick and—my personal favorite—the Green Cabin for yummy appetizers and beverages. (The outdoor section of this location offers the most beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.)
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, on the other hand, really only offers pool-side dining options for something quick. There are, however, tons of restaurants located nearby, including some great ones within walking distance. Still, I personally prefer Vero Beach’s culinary options.
The Final Verdict: Hilton Head Island Resort vs Vero Beach Resort
Both resorts are great, but Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is definitely my favorite of Disney’s East Coast beach resorts. It’s calm and peaceful, and I can find everything I need right at the resort (which, as someone who doesn’t love to drive around, is ideal for my vacations.) Plus, it’s close enough to Walt Disney World that you really can enjoy both the beach and Disney World if choose to. (I certainly wouldn’t recommend doing this while staying at Hilton Head, since it’s approximately six hours from Walt Disney World property.)
[metaslider id=”49039″]
