When you decide to take a Disney vacation, going to the beach might not be your first thought. But did you know that there are two Disney Vacation Club resorts that are beachside? Disney’s Vero Beach is located in Florida roughly two hours southeast from Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is located in South Carolina on Hilton Head Island. But which Disney Beach resort is right for you?
Disney’s Vero Beach
This relaxing beachside resort is located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, roughly two hours southeast from Walt Disney World. Room choices include studio rooms that sleep up to 4, and also 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas that sleep up to 12. If you choose an ocean view, you will be facing the beach. You can watch the sunrise from your room and perhaps even spot a few sea turtles during nesting season.
There is a variety of dining options at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort including character dining with Wind & Waves Grill. There is quick service dining with Wind & Waves Market, the Green Cabin Room (a lounge-style bar), and the Wind & Waves bar as well. There is a convenience store on property for groceries and other items you might need, and the resort also accommodates for grocery delivery.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is located near many golf courses that are just a short drive away. There is a Mickey-shaped pool and slide, and a splash zone for the little ones. There is also a miniature golf course onsite, bike rentals, outdoor movie showings, exercise room, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, and many activities and craft opportunities daily. The beach is just a walk away, so be sure to spend plenty of time in the sand. With all of these offerings, it will be difficult to become bored at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is located in South Carolina on Hilton Head Island. This resort is approximately a 5 hour drive from Walt Disney World Resort. While this resort is near the beach, it is not located on the beach. The resort has shuttles that will take you to and from the beach.
Choose from either a deluxe studio, or a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villa. These rooms have either a woodlands or water view. The deluxe studio can sleep up to four, with the 3-bedroom villa sleeping up to 12. All rooms come with a fully equipped kitchen, with the exception of the studio which comes with a kitchenette.
As for dining options, there aren’t any sit-down restaurants located on the property, however Shelter Cove Harbor is a quick drive across from the resort and features many fine dining experiences. There are two quick-service locations on property: Tide Me Over, and Signals.
You’ll find many recreational activities located in this resort’s community hall such as board games, crafts, and card games. There is Disney’s Beach House which is home to an arcade and a place to catch the big game. There are two pools: The Big Dipper and The Little Dipper. Rent bikes, fishing gear, play tennis, workout at the fitness center, relax at the lodge, join in on a campfire, and of course take a shuttle to the beach. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is near many golf courses as well.
Which Disney Beach Vacation is Right For Me?
Both Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort are great options when you want a beach vacation with an extra sprinkle of Disney Magic. But which resort is right for you?
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will definitely have more of a Disney feel, with its character dining experience, and also its proximity to Walt Disney World. You can take a day to visit Magic Kingdom if you wish and be back on the beach by sunset. There are more onsite dining options and entertainment. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is a good fit if you want to remain onsite at the resort, or if you want to take a side trip to a Disney Park. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is also located right on the beach. You can walk to the beach from your resort, and you don’t have to drive.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is a good option if you want to explore more of Hilton Head Island itself. If you don’t want to stay on property and would rather venture off and explore South Carolina’s restaurants, bars, and other beaches then Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is a better choice for you. At this resort, you can’t walk to the beach and you do have to take a shuttle. If you are looking for the special “Disney Touch” but you don’t want to stay at a resort all day, you might end up enjoying Hilton Head Island over Vero Beach.
You Can’t Go Wrong With A Disney Beach Vacation!
If you really can’t decide which resort is better for you, don’t fret. You really cant’ go wrong with a Disney Beach Vacation. Either resort will give you that Disney experience that you crave. You will have pixie dust with every detail, and you will have a magical time at your Disney beach resort!
Featured image from Disney
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her two toddlers. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
