“Wait,” you might be thinking. “Isn’t this a Disney site? Why would we want to go somewhere else?”
Just hang in for a moment – you’ll see. Sometimes, Disney just doesn’t work out, and you need to find another option.
The winter of 2014 was one of the worst in recent memory for those of us in New England (and most of the rest of the U.S.). By mid-February, after the 427th snowstorm, Disney Dad made a proclamation: “We are going somewhere warm for spring vacation.”
As we began researching destinations, though, it became increasingly clear that we would need to either win the lottery or take out a second mortgage if Florida was going to happen. Airfare alone for four people (from Boston) was more than to $2,500. As much as we would have loved to take a trip to WDW, we needed something a bit more affordable.
After practically breaking the Internet with endless searches for cheap flights and other destination ideas, Disney Dad has a moment of inspiration. A few clicks of the mouse later, we were booked for a week on Hilton Head, SC. Within driving distance of home, the island offered the right balance of relaxation, nice weather and things to do, without the high price tag.
You might be familiar with this low country paradise if you’re a DVC member, as there is a DVC resort on the island. If you’ve never considered a visit, or have been on the fence about using precious vacation time there instead of Disney, here are four reasons you shouldn’t hesitate to check it out.
It’s Surprisingly Affordable
DVC members will find that the point value for a week’s stay in a one-bedroom there is about the same as a standard view room at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Boardwalk Villas. If you aren’t a DVC member, you can rent points for Hilton Head the same as you would for any other Disney-owned resort. However, the Disney resort is far from your only option. We actually rented a privately owned condo right on the beach for less than $700 for the week; most places during the off-season run between $100-$200 per night or less; during high season (May through September) you’ll pay a bit more.
There Is a Ton To Do
Hilton Head might not offer character breakfasts and thrill rides, but you won’t be bored. The beach is the major attraction for the kids: The island has more than 12 miles of wide, sandy beaches. At low tide, the hard-packed shore is perfect for walking or riding a bicycle (in fact, bikes are the preferred mode of transportation on the island off the beach as well). The kids loved exploring the tidal pools that teemed with marine life, flying kites, boogie-boarding and building epic sandcastles. Beyond the beaches, Hilton Head is a premiere destination for golf – 25 courses dot the island – as well as kayaking, fishing, shopping, and more. We even took a short drive into Savannah, GA (about 30 minutes away) for dinner one evening followed by a walk through the historic district. In short, if you’re bored, it’s your own fault.
Or You Can Do Nothing At All
The main reason we fell in love with Hilton Head is the laid back vibe. We weren’t running through a park at rope drop to see a few popular princesses (ahem, we’re looking at you Anna and Elsa) or watching the clock for Fast Passes and ADR’s. In fact, in the whole week we had exactly one reservation, for brunch on Easter Sunday. There is nothing wrong with curling up with a good book in a beach chair or meandering along the shore looking for sand dollars. You won’t feel like you are missing something, or that you have to pack in tons of activities to get your money’s worth.
You Can Finally Get Some Peace and Quiet
If you are expecting to find flashing neon lights, a bustling boardwalk and wild nightlife, you’re going to be disappointed. The overall feeling on the island is one of relaxation and serenity; in fact, most of the buildings are designed to blend in with the landscape. Sure, it gets busy during the summer months and when golf tournaments are in town, but overall, you’ll find the peace and quiet you want on vacation here.
Hilton Head is just about a five hour drive from WDW, so if you don’t want to miss out on fun in the parks, it’s easy to combine a few days here with a visit to central Florida. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind and have some quality family time.
Stay tuned for some more advice on visiting Hilton Head!
There’s no shortage of stuff to do for everyone there that’s for sure. I don’t get down there enough unfortunately.