Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort {Overview + Q&A Invitation}

As y’all know, we spent a splendid six days of our spring break soaking up the sun, making new friends, relaxing, and relishing all of the fun things to do at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.  I shared all of our fun family photos yesterday, and since I had a really hard time finding good information about the place before we went, I thought it would be great to share an overview of the resort as well.

THE RESORT
The resort is secluded on an island within Hilton Head Island, and is a nostalgic lot of vacation homes and a great lodge nestled under the shade of live oaks and overlooking Broad Creek.  You won’t find any characters or rides here, rather a laid-back low country lifestyle and Disney’s unparalleled service and attention to detail.   The main pool and accommodations are located overlooking the marsh and marina.  The private Beach House and beach area are about a mile away, accessible by shuttle, biking or driving (there is plenty of easy parking right on the beach).

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From the moment we arrived to check in at the Live Oak Lodge, we were smitten.  We were greeted by name by a cast member and the littles enjoyed lemonade and cookies while I got checked in.  The resort is beautifully landscaped, as one would expect from Disney.

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We were lucky enough to meet Shadow, the mischievous golden retriever, at check-in!  It is rumored that she won the hearts of the Imagineers building the resort and has served as mascot ever since. You will find her paw prints on sidewalks and little houses scattered throughout the property.

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THE VILLAS
We stayed in a wonderful and newly renovated one bedroom villa.  It was the perfect size for our family of four, as both the sofa and the chair pulled out to beds for the littles.  You could easily sleep five here.  The mudroom was darling and a great place to drop our wet towels and beach bags.  It was also home to a full sized washer and dryer.

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The kitchen had stainless appliances and was fully stocked with cookware and dining essentials.  I loved the banquette in the corner, which seats five.

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The bedroom had a luxurious king sized bed and opened up to our porch.  The two bedroom villas feature a second, even larger bedroom with two queen beds and a second full bathroom.  The master and living spaces are identical.

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The large bathroom has a whirlpool tub, full closet and a separate area with a small shower, toilet and second sink.

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We opted for a marsh view and had an extra long porch that extended the entire length of our room.  There were two rocking chairs and a dining table – both of which we used daily.

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The sweeping views were gorgeous.

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DINING
Disney Hilton Head offers a limited amount of onsite dining – for breakfast and lunch only.

Tide Me Over is near the Big Dipper Pool and dock area.  There are picnic tables on the deck, or they will bag it for you to take down to the pool, back to your room or to one of the many marsh side picnic areas.  The hours are only 8-5.  We all enjoyed the food – it is very casual, things like hot dogs, burgers, fish/turkey/bbq sandwiches, chicken fingers, etc.  The breakfast fare was pretty good too, with everything from Mickey Waffles, to banana bread french toast to eggs and bacon.  Kids meals are packed in cute little beach pails – just like at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
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Signals Seaside Cafe is located in the Beach House.  It’s only open for lunch from 11-4, and features the same sort of menu as Tide Me Over.  What makes it unique (and super fabulous), however, is the fact that you can get the divine Dole Whip right here in Hilton Head!!!!

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Edmund’s Family Low Country Boil is a seasonal event happening weekly in April, May, September, October and November.  While we were there it was on Thursday night.  The dinner takes place at the Beach House and features live entertainment by B’lou Crabbe (a face you will get to know if you visit), face painting, games, a cake walk and more.  You can even bring your swim suits, as the pool is open too.  In June, July and August, the Low Country Boil is replaced with a Pirates BBQ.

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Since we were in a villa with a full kitchen and knew going in that onsite dining was limited, we ate all but one of our breakfasts in the room and made most of our suppers on the marsh front grills.  There are tons of grilling and picnic areas scattered about the property.  I brought our meats already marinated and ready to throw on the grill.  And while Honey cooked, we relaxed in the hammocks and played horseshoes.  So nice!  There is a Kroger just a few minutes away for all of your grocery needs.
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There are also loads of local eateries and the concierge and staff are great resources for ideas on where to eat out.  We walked over to Scott’s Fish Market one night while the littles were at Kid’s Night In.  The view was stunning and the food was okay.

THE BIG DIPPER SWIMMIN’ HOLE
We spent the bulk of our time poolside, as the wind kept the beach pretty chilly.  The pools are heated and the littles couldn’t get enough of the slide.  There is also a Little Dipper baby pool, as well as a large hot tub that we all enjoyed!  The lifeguards were top notch and made a point to learn all of the kids’ names.  When the littles tired of swimming, they hopped out and ran for cover and a little ping pong and foosball.  We didn’t even have to get up out of our seats!

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THE BEACH HOUSE
As mentioned, the beach house is about a mile away.  There is private beach access, a pool, splash play area, arcade, ping pong, foosball, billiards, dining and a bar.  Beach chairs are available to rent, but we took our own.

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ACTIVITIES
One thing is for sure, Disney Hilton Head has many, many opportunities for good old fashioned family fun!  We enjoyed story times with B’Lou and Shadow, Goofy Bingo, made Mickey tie dyed shirts (fee), learned all about sharks and made shark tooth necklaces (fee), played corn hole, pool, ping pong, foosball and shuffleboard, enjoyed the playground, participated in the FUN campfire and s’mores night, sent the kids to Kid’s Night In (fee), played pool games, and watched outdoor movies on the marsh.  There was tons still that we didn’t do – including, fishing, crabbing, water sports, nature walks and more!  We signed up for the activities we participated in after we checked in to our room.

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THE MERCANTILE
The Mercantile is located next to Tide Me Over by the Big Dipper pool.  There is a nice selection of Disney paraphernalia, but we especially loved being able to get Mickey Bars and Ice Cream Sammies, and check out Disney movies (including the ones in the vault).

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That pretty much covers the resort.  Feel free to post any questions you have about Disney Hilton Head Island Resort in the comment section below and I will do my best to answer them in a follow up post!
xoxo

As an independent consultant with Glass Slipper Concierge, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise LineDisneyland® Resort,Adventures by Disney®, Aulani and other delightful destinations.
Start designing your dream vacation today!

Disney Hilton Head Island Q&A

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10 thoughts on “Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort {Overview + Q&A Invitation}

  1. Thanks so much for posting. We're spending a few days at Vero Beach this summer.

    Is there anything you wished you'd brought with you or anything you were delighted that you remembered?

  2. Looks like a great time and resort. I'm curious, would this appeal to a family with teens, or is it better suited for families with young children only?

  3. I thought we had done everything Disney except Aulani- didn't know this place existed! You're right, not much on website about it. Thanks for the info!

  4. We are going there around Christmas time with my 5 yr old girl and 2 yr old boy in HH for the first time. Any suggestions in terms of activities / events they have. can you rent Disney movies in your room or they are included in the rates.
    Thanks for the info its really helpful to read

    1. Hi – They had tons of activities during the spring, and I have a friend that goes for Thanksgiving and said they do lots then too. So, I would expect Christmas time to be no different! When we were there they had bingo, tie-dye, story time and more. They had movies to rent (I think) in the store. We brought our own from home though. Have fun!

  5. Can those staying at other hotels on the Island come and participate in the craft session? I am coming Oct. 16 to 19 and he is Intellectually Disabled (age 62), JUST TO DO SOMTHING FUN THERE?
    Let me know. Thanks

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