We have finally made it to the final DVC resort on our list, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. There is so much to love about this hidden gem of a DVC resort, we thought it would be fun to take you through some of the aspects that make this a great place to visit.
Atmosphere
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort doesn’t sit directly on the beach like Vero Beach Resort. However, that doesn’t mean the views are any less picturesque. It sits back on the inner coastal waterway/bay area where you can view beautiful marshes with lots of wildlife. It’s a quiet resort with beautiful big trees and a southern charm. There are many places around the island that are walkable, bike-able, or an easy drive away. The main resort houses a pool, quick service restaurant, gift shop, games like horseshoes, giant chess, etc., and activities put on by the resort cast members. The beach house, located directly on the beach, offers it’s own pool and activities, quick service location, and easy beach access. There is a free shuttle that runs between the two locations.
Cast Members
The cast members at the resort remind you of the old school Disney service many of grown to love. Every cast member seems to go above and beyond to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Accommodations
The rooms at Hilton Head were in the middle of a refurbishment when we were there, but we loved the size of the rooms and especially the beautiful large balcony. The rocking chairs on balconies add to the charm of a resort set in an area where life moves slower. Additionally, Hilton Head has some of the most affordable point charts during it’s off seasons where you can score a studio for as little as 6 points a night. Worried about coming in the winter? Did we mention the Three-Bedroom Grand Villas have fireplaces and are as low as 27 points a night in most of December and January? Even during it’s peak summer season, studios are only 15 points per night on weekdays.
Dining
While the dining at the resort itself only offers a few quick service locations, there are over 250 restaurants on the island. Furthermore, most of these are amazing local places and fresh seafood and a variety of options for any palate. Even if we stayed a month, we wouldn’t scratch the surface on all the amazing food offerings. Some of our favorites we experienced in our short weekend there were Hilton Head Social Bakery, Nectar Farm Kitchen, and Poseidon. There were a ton more we wish we had time to try.
Recreation
There are lots of options for recreation on the island. The resort offers typical activities like Mickey Tie-dye and other crafts, but you will also find opportunities for kayaking, dolphin cruises, and more. Outside the resort, there are tons of golf courses, pickleball and tennis courts, community parks, bike paths, shopping, breweries, tours, and more. The island also hosts regular events, farmers markets, and festivals throughout the year.
Let us know your favorite things about Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort! Stay tuned to dvcfan.com for the latest on all things Disney Vacation Club. Join in the conversation in the DVC Fan Facebook group. For exclusive content, check out our Patreon at patreon.com/dvcfan.
Hi Amy and Paul. I really enjoyed your videos on Hilton Head. We have never gone there but after seeing your videos it makes me want to go. We have been DVC members since 1993 and have only been going to the resorts in WDW, California, Vero Beach and Aulani. We live in SW Florida and thinking about taking the drive up. Did you drive straight thru or stop for the night? I also like that you eat at these different places and give your honest opinions along with the prices. Keep up the great work!!
Marie Montvidas
Out on the periphery of the Disney Empire, below the homogenizing, one-size fits all radar of Disney (mis)management, for about twenty years, there was a uniquely gifted entertainer who created some of the most treasured vacation memories that some lucky families will ever have. If you liked HHI now, you would have been over-the-moon to meet B’Lou Crabbe and Shadow (once, the Most Photographed Golden Retriever on the Planet), Mike the Pool Guy, and Gordon in the gift shop. My family was blessed to enjoy that Golden Era of the HHI resort. The pure love (no other term) dispensed by that cast of characters was precious, deeply personal, and irreplaceable.
I took the tour of DHH during my stay 2 summers ago (tours were a new wrinkle that weren’t around from the good ol’ days, along with breakfast and character visits). I asked about Shadow – and the cast member clearly wasn’t comfortable talking about it. Almost as if he was forbidden to acknowledge their previous presence. Our family called this the “We don’t talk about Shadow, no no no…” policy.
Agree 100%
Great report! Just to add (I guess the weather was nice during your trip), the Cast Members keep a great selection of family games, jigsaw puzzles (with no pieces missing) that they’ll gladly lend you for free. Nice to know on a rainy day.
And are those quiches at Hilton Head Social Bakery across the little bridge at Shelter Cove? I never knew that.
Thanks!