Although the Disney Hilton Head Island Resort may be located more than 330 miles from Walt Disney World in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, this Disney Vacation Club property is still a magical place to stay with its own unique style of pixie dust.
Not sure if a stay at this charming beach resort is right for you and your family? Read on as we explore everything the Disney Hilton Head Resort has to offer, from inviting accommodations for families of all sizes to beachfront access.
Rustic Beach Vibes Meet Southern Charm at the Disney Hilton Head Resort
When most people think of a Disney resort, Hilton Head, SC probably isn’t where first springs to mind. Nestled on Hilton Head Island roughly, an hour northwest of Savannah, Georgia, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is a five-hour drive from The Most Magical Place on Earth.
In spite of the distance, however, there’s no shortage of the enchanting touches that Disney resorts are known for, such as thoughtful theming, friendly Cast Members and fun activities the whole family will love. Here, Disney’s famed guest service combines with Southern hospitality and Hilton Head Island’s abundant natural beauty to create a relaxing retreat you won’t soon forget.
The Disney Hilton Head Resort sits near the heart of the near 70 square-mile Hilton Head Island along the picturesque coastline of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, a place known for its laidback attitude, rich history, pleasant climate, fresh seafood and beautiful scenery. Needless to say, if you’re looking for the kind of beach vacation with a bustling boardwalk, tons of people and cheesy souvenir t-shirts, this isn’t it.
Rather than cram as much as you can into your day like you would at the theme parks, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort invites you to leave your frenetic world behind, slow things down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.
Drink in the views of the salt marsh over your morning cup of coffee. While away the afternoon in a lazy hammock. Be one with nature (instead of your cellphone) as you pedal beneath palms and weathered oak trees dripping in Spanish moss. Leave your device back in your room and go for a barefoot walk on the beach. Marvel at a pod of playful dolphins. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure sort of vacation – unplugged.
Staying at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Idyllically situated on a small island overlooking Broad Creek, the Disney Hilton Head Resort offers a secluded atmosphere made for relaxing. Surrounded by verdant marshland and towering trees, the views are incredible at this serene retreat. You especially won’t want to miss the sunset over Broad Creek from the resort’s pier when the sky and water sparkle to life with a riot of colors.
Inspired by the sweeping views of one of the Lowcountry’s postcard-perfect salt marshes, the resort itself takes its style cues from the rustic hunting and fishing lodges of the 1940s. (Don’t worry, the beach is just a short drive, bike ride or walk away.) Picture a cozy combination of the Beach Club and Wilderness Lodge resorts at Disney World, complete with exposed wood beams, wicker and whitewashed furniture, and nature-themed art.
Disney Hilton Head Island Resort Studios & Villas
Like the rest of the resort, the lake cottage-like guestrooms are inspired by the bucolic beauty of the Lowcountry. Awash in subdued hues of blues and greens, natural touches like branchlike lamps, roughhewn headboards and warm woods keep the space grounded and inviting.
While the vibes around the resort are decidedly more rustic – think a grown-up, sophisticated summer camp – the deluxe studios and villas at the Hilton Head Disney Resort are comfortably appointed with all the comforts of home. Naturally, each studio or villa features its own private porch or balcony, making for the ideal spot to kick back, relax and appreciate Mother Nature for a few minutes.
In-Room Amenities
Standard amenities in each include a flat-panel TV, DVD player, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, alarm clock, voicemail, complimentary Wi-Fi and an in-room safe. And, for guests traveling with a baby, portable cribs are available upon request.
Each studio and villa at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort also comes with a cooking space, from a basic kitchenette to a fully equipped kitchen. Kitchenettes in deluxe studios are outfitted with all the essentials, including paper plates and bowls, plastic utensils, a small refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker.
Disney Hilton Head villas, meanwhile, feature a complete kitchen stocked with everything you need to make a home-cooked meal (minus the groceries), such as dishes, glasses, utensils, pots and pans, a stove and oven, toaster, microwave, coffeemaker, full refrigerator and dishwasher.
But, the homey upgrades don’t stop there. Villa bathrooms are ready for relaxation with a whirlpool tub. Or, if you’re hoping to travel light and do your laundry onsite, just take advantage of the in-unit washer and dryer.
Room Types
Disney Hilton Head Deluxe Studio
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Comes with 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-sized Sofa Sleeper
- View of woodlands or water
Disney Hilton Head 1-Bedroom Villa
- Sleeps up to 5 adults
- Comes with 1 King Bed, 1 Queen-sized Sofa Sleeper and 1 Twin-sized Sleeper Chair
- Views of woodlands or water
Disney Hilton Head 2-Bedroom Villa
- Sleeps up to 9 adults
- Comes with 1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds, 1 Queen-sized Sofa Sleeper and 1 Twin-sized Sleeper Chair
- Views of woodlands or water
Disney Hilton Head 3-Bedroom Grand Villa
- Sleeps up to 12 adults
- Comes with 1 King Bed, 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-sized Sofa Sleeper
- Views of woodlands or water
Disney Hilton Head Island Resort Rates
Like Disney’s other hotels, room rates for the Hilton Head Island Resort vary according to several factors, including what season you’re visiting in, the days of your visit and how much space you need. For example, you can expect the rates to be higher during the popular summer months. Or, travel on the weekdays during the cooler winter months from November through March to stay on the cheap.
Alternatively, since the resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club, Hilton Head Island Resort guests can also opt to stay using DVC points. Not a DVC member? That’s ok! You don’t need to be a Disney Vacation Club member to stay at the Hilton Head Resort. However, you can choose to rent DVC points from members if you’d rather not pay the rack rate for your room.
To give you an idea of what you might pay to stay at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in 2023, here are the DVC point ranges for the various room types. (Keep in mind that if you choose to rent DVC points, you can typically expect to spend between $15 to $22 per point.):
- Deluxe Studio – 6 to 27 DVC points
- 1-Bedroom Villa – 14 to 52 DVC points
- 2-Bedroom Villa – 20 to 66 DVC points
- 3-Bedroom Grand Villa – 27 to 111 DVC points
Disney Hilton Head Resort Restaurants, Recreation & Other Amenities
Similar to other deluxe villa resorts and deluxe resorts at the Disney Parks, you’ll find enough activities to keep you entertained all vacation long. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to the Lowcountry without some tasty food to eat. Here’s everything on offer:
Disney Hilton Head Dining
As with most Disney deluxe villa resorts, the Hilton Head Island Resort is home to an assortment of dining options. Surprisingly, however, no table-service hotel restaurants are available. Instead, hungry guests can choose between two different quick-service outlets: Tide Me Over and the seasonal Signals.
Tide Me Over
Part of the main resort area next to the Broad Creek Mercantile, the cheekily named Tide Me Over cooks up casual American cuisine with a bit of Carolina flair. Order some Mickey Waffles, a burger, sandwich or salad from the walk-up window. Then, make your way to the open-air seating overlooking the pier to drink in the views between bites. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Signals Seaside Grill
Located at Disney’s Beach House, the resort’s separate oceanside recreation area, Signals is open seasonally – the restaurant closes in January and parts of February – and is reachable by bike, shuttle or on foot. This quick-service location offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a palate-pleasing mix of casual beach fare, such as burgers, sandwiches, chicken strips and salads. Open for breakfast and lunch
Hilton Head Disney Resort Recreation
One of the perks of staying at one of Disney’s deluxe resorts is the slate of recreational offerings, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is no different. Here, families can choose from a whole range of outdoorsy activities, whether cooling off by the pool or beach, searching for dolphins, learning from the resort’s resident naturalist or cooking up s’mores before bed.
For many, it wouldn’t be a vacation without some time in the water. Fortunately, with the Atlantic Ocean just a short bike or shuttle ride away and three pools to choose from, there’s no shortage of refreshing options. While the resort itself isn’t directly on the ocean, its separate recreation area, Disney’s Beach House, is.
Located roughly a mile from the resort, it’s a picturesque place to unwind under a beach umbrella or beat the heat in the air-conditioned Surfmen’s Station lounge. Wanting more chlorinated fun? Make a splash in the Beach House Pool or head back to the resort to zip down the Water Tower Slide at the Big Dipper Pool instead.
Walt Disney was a great admirer of nature and wildlife, and you can enjoy plenty of both at Disney’s Hilton Head Resort. Intrepid guests can set out in search of dolphins on an hour-and-a-half boat ride or take part in the resort’s impressive nature program, from guided nature walks to immersive activities designed especially for kids. Or, live the Lowcountry lifestyle with rental fishing equipment or crab nets.
Looking for something a little less adventurous? Hop on a bike rental – each outfitted with fat tires made for cruising the beach – and explore the hundreds of miles of trails that the island has to offer. Or, get some friendly competition going with a game of basketball, bocce ball, ping pong, shuffleboard or tennis. Then, end your night in true summer camp fashion with a crackling campfire.
Hilton Head Island Disney Resort Tips & FAQs
Ready to reconnect with your family in the great outdoors of the South Carolina Lowcountry? Before you make your way to the blissful shores of the Atlantic Ocean, read on for the answers to some commonly asked questions, as well as some useful tips for making the most of your vacation.
Are there Disney characters at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort?
Sadly, although the Hilton Head Island Resort is a Disney property, you won’t be able to see any Disney characters, at least not in a meet-and-greet or character dining experience. Here, the focus isn’t on Mickey Mouse and his pals – it’s on the beautiful natural landscapes just out your window. Instead, snap a group photo with the resort’s Disney character topiaries, including Bambi’s titular deer and his fluffy sidekick Thumper.
How far is the Disney Hilton Head Resort from the beach?
Although the Disney Hilton Head Island Resort is close to the beach, it isn’t actually on the beach – or at least the main part of the resort isn’t anyway. Rather, guest accommodations, the resort’s main pool area and one of the dining outlets are located just over a mile away.
That said, although you may not be able to see the Atlantic Ocean from your villa, the Disney Hilton Head Resort does enjoy beach access. Disney’s Beach House is just a short, 1.25-mile walk or bike ride from the main resort and offers beachgoers everything from umbrella rentals and quick-service dining to indoor games and a heated pool.
Does the Hilton Head Island Resort offer a shuttle to Disney’s Beach House?
Don’t want to make the hike down the bike path to the beach? It’s your vacation! Skip the workout and hop on the free Beach House shuttle instead. Schedules vary, so talk to a Front Desk Cast Member for the current times. Typically, shuttles leave every half hour or so.
How far is Disney Hilton Head from the airport?
Flying in for your rustic beach vacation? The Disney Hilton Head Island Resort is around an hour from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and only 15 minutes away from the smaller Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH). However, please note that no airport shuttle is available.
When is the best time of year to go to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort?
It really depends on what you’re looking for, whether that’s some budget-friendly fun or adventures in the great outdoors. The summer months are easily the most popular, bringing ideal conditions for dolphin watching throughout the month of June. However, they’re also the most expensive.
November through March, meanwhile, are the cheapest months to visit. Although, they’re also the coolest, averaging between 40 to 70 degrees. For the perfect balance of balmy weather and affordability, stick to the shoulder seasons. Temperatures in April and May hover between the mid-50s to low 80s, while September and October tend to be slightly warmer, climbing from the low 60s to the mid-80s.
Well, beach bums and nature lovers, that’s the end of our tour around Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. Have you ever experienced the Southern charm and natural beauty of this rustic yet refined retreat? Let us know in the comments! Then, find out how you can save on your next Disney adventure with our discount theme park tickets.
