Disney Resort at Hilton Head Island

We bought into the Disney Vacation Club back in March of 2005 and since then we’ve had many memorable vacations. Since the DVC is very versatile and connected with the time share company RCI we are able to travel to places other than Disney Resorts. So far we’ve visited Destin, FL (RCI), Coco Beach, FL (RCI), Orlando, FL (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), Lake of the Ozarks, MO (RCI), and now Hilton Head Island, SC (Disney HHI Resort). In the near future we are taking a Disney Cruise through the DVC as well.

Our recent visit to Hilton Head Island, SC with Disney Hilton Head Island Resort accommodations was nice. We had a two bedroom condo in building 18 on the property. Here are the pros and cons to the resort:

Pros:

It had that Disney touch with plenty of activities for the kids, sporadic surprises around the pool (free snow cones, candy for answering Disney trivia, etc.).
Definite family atmosphere with outdoor kid areas, scheduled activities, two pools, and my favorite is the safety due to a gated resort.
Shady & Quiet
Spacious 2 bedroom condo layout
The Disney Beach House with pool was nice.
Nice deck attached to unit with a picnic table on it. It was connected to the master & family room via separate doors.

Cons:

Parking is a challenge
On-site food options are at a minimum and closed early
On-site shopping for Disney merchandise is minimal.
Not much info given upon arrival (such as pool/beach towel service, what’s located on-site, open & closure times of Disney amenities, etc.)
Not on the beach.
The layout of the family & kitchen area is strange with the TV tucked under the kitchen island facing the family room. Nice space saver, but sucks if you’re the cook.
The couch is very uncomfortable, but thankfully is a hide-a-bed so we opened it up for the week.
Needs a bigger sign on Route 278 from the North, and a sign on Route 278 from the South.

Hilton Head Island amenities:

The boys & Memaw

Bring your bikes! Plenty of paths for safe biking.
Plenty of things to do to full up your vacation.
Restaurants galore! 250+ on the island alone. We ate at IHOP, Dunkin’ Donuts, Nick’s Steak & Seafood, The Dunes Cafe on the beach, The Salty Dog Cafe, Kingfisher Seafood & Steakhouse, and yes even McDonald’s.
There are things to do on unfortunate rainy days.
Clean beaches & friendly locals.

I will say though finding locations of things on the island was quite challenging. HHI is overgrown with trees so the signs for restaurants, stores, etc. are hard to find. We had to turn around many times to get where we needed to go because we passed it.

All in all though we had a great time and plan to return. My farm boys loved it and asked if we can return in the future. I think this vacation spot will be one we continue to return to for years to come.