Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort was the third property added to the timeshare program and a cherished vacation spot for many members. But the lack of a nearby theme park isn't the only aspect that separates Hilton Head from the likes of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and the Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel.
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Seasoned veterans of Walt Disney World or Disneyland have a tendency to assume that operations are similar across all Disney destinations. In fact, the opposite is often true; what works in Orlando or Anaheim doesn't necessarily translate to other locations. With that in mind, let's examine some of the unique aspects of Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort.
1. MagicBands? What are MagicBands?: While Walt Disney World's FastPass+ service continues to be a hot button topic for park guests, most have embraced other aspects of the My Magic Plus initiative. Features like MagicBands and touch-to-pay are completely absent at Hilton Head. Even touchless payment systems like ApplePay have not yet made their way to the resort.
Remember these?
The absence of MagicBands stands-out at this seaside destination. Whether you're swimming in the pool, playing on the beach or biking across the island, keeping track of an old fashioned Key to the World card is much less convienient than having your room key and payment medium strapped to your wrist. You might want to dig those old lanyards out of a drawer to help store the room key during your stay.
2. Know your transportation options: For the benefit of those who have never visited Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort, be warned there are two separate facilities. The main resort is located somewhat inland along the marsh. Disney's Beach House is a separate building on the Atlantic coast, about 2 miles away from the main resort and its guest rooms.
Given the separation between the main resort and the Beach House, there are challenges involved in a stay at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort. Due to the distance, walking will not be an option for most.
Renting bicycles is a great way to get around Hilton Head
It stands to reason that most people arriving at the resort will have their own car. Loading your beach chairs, umbrellas and other paraphernalia into the car and driving to the Beach House is one solution. (Note: Parking at the Beach House is open to the public and the lot is prone to fill up during summer months.) Disney provides shuttle service which runs about every 30 minutes.
Another option is to ride bicycles between the main resort and Beach House. Disney rents bikes by the day or for length-of-stay. Additionally there are numerous vendors on the island who will deliver to--and pick-up from--the resort for less than Disney charges. Bike racks are scattered all around property and rentals typically include locks and helmets.
3. Unimpressive resort dining: Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort is a smallish vacation property with easy access to surrounding businesses and restaurants. As such, the dining options are hands-down the worst you will ever find at a Disney resort. Tide Me Over, located at the main resort, is a no-frills burgers and chicken tenders food window which makes Old Key West's Goods to Go seem like haute cuisine by comparison. Its hours are also surprisingly limited, closing by 7pm nightly even during peak summer season.
Tide Me Over food window (left)
Signals at Disney's Beach House has a better menu and setting, but the hours are even more limited (11am - 4pm during summer; closed out of season) and its remote location renders it impractical for anything other than poolside dining. It is not destination dining.
4. Local merchant discounts: Quite a few Hilton Head businesses offer discounts to Disney Vacation Club members. At Walt Disney World, guests may be accustomed to presenting their DVC ID card and asking about discounts. Well, it doesn't hurt to do the same at Hilton Head. The DVC member website currently lists no fewer than a dozen restaurants which provide discounts to owners. Materials given during check-in include other promotional offers and coupons.
If you plan to dine around the island, spend a few minutes checking for locations which offer discounts and don't be afraid to ask when the check arrives.
5. Convenient BBQ facilities: If dining out isn't your thing, there are at least a half-dozen barbeque grills scattered around resort property. And these aren't just random grills sitting in the middle of a patch of grass; each has a nearby picnic table and leisure equipment like a hammock or horseshoe pit.
One BBQ pavilion with picnic tables and horeshoe pits
Be warned: these are all charcoal grills so prepare accordingly. Local grocery stores have charcoal available. Grilling tools and matches are available at the resort front desk.
6. Free drinks? Really?? Stop by the Live Oak Lodge (check-in building) in the early morning hours and you'll find complimentary coffee & tea available. Just like most other mid-priced hotels, a large pot of fresh brewed coffee sits off to the side waiting for guests. In the afternoon, free lemonade typically replaces the coffee and tea.
7. Luggage carts: Yes, you can actually wheel your own luggage 40' from parking lot to villa without doling-out $20 worth of gratuities!
Luggage carts available for guest use
8. Activity programs: Without a nearby theme park, Hilton Head needs to offer its own unique entertainment to resort guests. That's where the resort truly shines. Activities range from storytelling to arts & craft projects to kid-friendly sporting competitions.
Below is a sample of the type of resort activities offered on a regular basis. Most are offered at no charge but some require a modest fee. Compare to the schedule for a resort like Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa for the same timeframe.
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Hilton Head Activities |
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This list isn't even comprenensive--it omits a number of other activities coordinated by the resort including kayaking tours, paddleboarding, golf lessons, fishing pole rentals, ping pong, foosball, cornhole and more.
9. Some of the nicest Cast Members you will ever meet: While Disney Cast Members are known for their courtesy, it is not an exaggeration to say that Hilton Head staff members consistently exceed guest expectations. Nearly every employee encountered during a recent stay offered a smile and a warm greeting.
Much of this can certainly be traced laid-back setting and location of the Hilton Head property. With fewer than 150 rooms, this Disney property is a world away from the 1000+ room mega resorts in Florida. Still it's a tribute to resort management and the employees themselves that they are able to maintain such high quality standards, even during their busiest time of the year.
Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort is a charming destination which provides plenty of entertainment and leisure opportunities for members looking to leave behind the hustle-and-bustle of the Disney theme parks.
