Wishdrawals Travel: Disney's Hilton Head Resort: Labor Day Weekend

Over the past few years, we've shared a couple of blogs about Disney's Hilton Head Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, but after spending a long weekend there with another agent and her family, I want to go more into detail about this beautiful property!

Hilton Head Island is a 42-square mile barrier island with beautiful beaches and lots of pine trees--no palm trees here! The resort is made up of 21 buildings with villas--studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom grand villas. It sits on the marsh rather than on the beach with beautiful views from almost every balcony!

Upon arrival, you're welcomed first by a Disney sign and later by a Cast Member waving her Mickey hand. You check in on the second floor, and you may even see Shadow and B'lou Crab, the official mascots for Disney's Hilton Head Island (DHHI). Shadow is a beautiful golden retriever named, according to his "handler" B'lou Crab (pronounced blue crab!), because he follows you like a shadow!

The check in area is small but efficient and located in the building they call the Lodge. This is the only building with an elevator so all handicapped accessible villas are in this building. Also located here is a game room with comfy sitting areas, a pool table, and some other games as well as a table that holds a large coffee urn in the morning, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and lemonade in the afternoon.

Scattered throughout the resort are various games--horse shoes, shuffleboard, giant checkers, bocce ball--and a playground. They're all well-shaded making them usable even when it's hot outside! At the pool, there is a nice slide as well as a hot tub. Nearby are other fun activities--ping pong and foosball--a quick service location and a mercantile with various sundries, t-shirts, trading pins, and a large collection of Disney movies (including Marvel and Star Wars) that are free to borrow for two nights.

Making tie-dye t-shirts

There is also an recreation desk that handles all kinds of activities--both free and with a fee, on property and off property. They have everything from kayaks and fishing gear to bike rentals, nature walks and various arts and crafts classes. Our boys enjoyed making tie-dye t-shirts and pillowcases one day!

While the beach is not right at the resort, it's only about a mile away. There are bike paths that go over (and all around the island) as well as a shuttle that runs every 30 minutes (or less) to get you over there. At the beach area, there's another pool that seemed to attract older teens and adults playing volleyball or other water games. There's another quick service location here as well as pool bar. The beach is wide and lovely!

The resort is very serene overall. There are no character meals here and very rarely any Disney characters at all although Pluto does make a relatively regular showing. You definitely feel the Disney magic here with the special touches and great Cast Members, but this is a place you can relax!

Next week I'll talk a little more about the accommodations at DHHI, but take a look at some beautiful photos to hold you until then!