Hilton Head Island Resort Guide
Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort offers DVC members a peaceful beachside retreat on South Carolina's beautiful barrier island, providing a distinctly different vacation experience from Disney's theme park properties. This charming resort combines coastal elegance with family-friendly amenities, creating the perfect destination for members seeking relaxation, beach time, and outdoor recreation without the theme park crowds.
Island Location and Coastal Charm
Located in Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island, the resort sits nestled among maritime forests with easy access to the beach, shopping, dining, and Hilton Head's renowned golf courses. The property's design reflects classic Lowcountry architecture with wooden boardwalks, marsh views, and nature-focused amenities that celebrate the island's coastal ecosystem.
Hilton Head Island offers 12 miles of pristine beaches, world-class golf, tennis facilities, water sports, fishing, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families wanting to slow down and enjoy quality time together. The resort provides the ideal home base for exploring all the island has to offer while enjoying Disney's signature service and hospitality.
Vacation Home Accommodations
The resort features one, two, and three-bedroom villas designed as vacation homes rather than hotel rooms. Each villa includes full kitchens, washer/dryer, screened porches or patios, and residential-style furnishings perfect for extended beach vacations. The home-like atmosphere encourages families to settle in and truly vacation rather than just visiting.
Unlike Disney's theme park resorts, Hilton Head emphasizes the vacation rental experience with larger kitchens, more storage space, and layouts designed for comfortable week-long (or longer) stays. Many members use Hilton Head for summer beach vacations, spring breaks, or winter escapes from colder climates.
Beach and Recreation
The resort provides complimentary beach shuttle service to access Hilton Head's beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches. On-property recreation includes an outdoor pool, Community Hall recreation center, fitness center, bike rentals, and nature programs educating guests about the island's unique ecosystem and wildlife.
Fishing excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding, and dolphin-watching tours operate regularly from the resort and surrounding area. The property's location provides easy access to golf (Hilton Head features over 20 championship courses), tennis facilities, and shopping at Shelter Cove Harbour and other island destinations.
Dining and Island Flavors
Tide Me Over (seasonal) offers quick-service breakfast and lunch with Lowcountry-inspired options, though many families cook in their villa kitchens taking advantage of the full kitchen facilities. The island features dozens of restaurants ranging from casual seafood shacks to upscale fine dining showcasing fresh local seafood and Southern cuisine.
The community grills and picnic areas encourage outdoor dining, perfect for grilling fresh fish from local markets or enjoying family cookouts. The residential atmosphere and full kitchens mean many members grocery shop and prepare meals, adding to the vacation home experience while managing vacation costs.
Points and Affordability
Hilton Head contracts represent some of the best values in the DVC system, typically selling for $75-95 per point on the resale market. Contracts expire in 2042, providing 17+ years of use. Point requirements are very reasonable, making it possible to enjoy week-long beach vacations without depleting annual point allocations.
The resort's affordability and point efficiency make it popular for members seeking beach vacations as alternatives to Florida theme park trips. Many members use Hilton Head points for relaxing getaways, saving larger point expenditures for Walt Disney World or Disneyland stays.
Who Should Choose Hilton Head?
Hilton Head appeals to DVC members who enjoy beach vacations, outdoor recreation, and peaceful settings over theme park excitement. It's ideal for families with older children and teenagers who can enjoy beach activities, water sports, and island exploration. The resort also attracts empty nesters and retirees seeking relaxing escapes in beautiful coastal settings.
For members wanting diversity in their DVC vacations beyond theme parks, Hilton Head provides the perfect counterbalance - same great Disney service and accommodations in a completely different environment. If your family enjoys both theme parks and beach vacations, Hilton Head adds valuable flexibility to your DVC ownership.