Which Of DVC’s Beach Resorts Is Better For Families With Teens?

Not many people realize that there are DVC resorts beyond the Disney parks. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort are DVC beach resorts, perfect for a magical beach vacation. Families with teens might especially enjoy a Disney beach vacation, and a break from the busyness of the Disney parks. But between Disney’s Vero Beach and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, which resort is better for families with teens?

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is a low-key beachside resort that is located on the east coast of Florida which is about 2 hours away from the Disney World parks. This resort is quiet and has a unique vintage aesthetic, and the resort itself is on the smaller side which makes it feel less crowded than other beachside resorts. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort has everything you need so you don’t have to ever leave the resort unless you want to!

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is home to a sit-down restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, Wind & Waves Grill. If you need something quickly for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can dine at Wind & Waves Market. This quick-service restaurant also sells snacks and any toiletries you might need during your visit. The Green Cabin Room and Wind & Waves Bar are both great places for parents to unwind, serving a variety of cocktails and mocktails too. The Green Cabin Room also serves coffee and breakfast items in the morning.

Teenagers will be happy to learn that Vero Beach is also home to a large heated pool, complete with twisting waterslide. Parents will love the whirlpool spa nearby, as well as the fitness center and full-service spa onsite! Vero Beach has a Community Hall that is great for teenagers and families because of their rotating schedule of crafts and activities, as well as DVD rentals and games. Eb & Flo’s rentals will provide you with the equipment you need to play on Vero Beach’s mini-golf course, as well as bike rentals and the equipment needed to play basketball or tennis. Gear for water sports can be rented here as well! And with a nature trail located across the street you and your teenagers will never run out of fun things to do during your stay!

Perhaps the biggest attraction to Disney’s Vero Beach is its miles and miles of private and pristine beach. The beach here is clean and extremely well-kept, and cabana and chair rentals are available for the entire day. There’s even beachside food and beverage service available so you truly never have to leave your spot. Disney’s Vero Beach is also a protected sea turtle nesting ground, and learning about Disney’s conservation efforts for these animals is a fantastic educational opportunity for your teenagers.

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

Located on the coast of South Carolina, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort may not be close to any Disney parks, but it still has that Disney-vibe that makes it feel like home! Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is made to feel like a vintage hunting and fishing lodge, taking the outdoors and merging it with the comforts of the beach. This resort is waterside, however the actual beach is a short 5 minute shuttle-ride away.

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is full of activities that will keep your teenagers busy and entertained. This resort is equipped with three pools, one of which contains a fun waterslide. A variety of family activities take place on Hilton Head Island including Mickey tie-dye, movies  under the oaks, campfire activities, and fishing and crabbing excursions. Guests can even book a dolphin boat tour for 45 dollars per person. Bikes and other rentals are available, and a Community Hall as well as a lounge with a pool table are onsite as well.

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort runs an internal complimentary shuttle that takes guests to and from the beach, but guests will feel welcome to stay at the beach all day long with Disney’s Beach House. Disney’s Beach House is located on the beach and consists of an air-conditioned lounge, umbrella and chair rentals, towels, and its own heated pool.

Hilton Head Island itself is also full of shops and activities for the whole family.

Which Is Better?

So which resort is better for families with teenagers? Disney’s Vero Beach is great for a laid-back vacation, however Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is more packed with activities and opportunities for teenagers to explore. Both resorts are excellent family resorts, but some teenagers might enjoy the excitement of Hilton Head Island a bit more than the tranquility of Vero Beach. The answer to this question really depends on your family and what your teenagers tend to enjoy on vacation. Either way, you can’t go wrong in choosing a DVC beach resort for your next family vacation!

Featured Photos: Emily Murray.