Hilton Head Island sits off the southern tip of South Carolina. This part of SC is known as the "low country" which is quite different from the mid state "sandhills" region or the far northwestern area known as the Blue Ridge region. The island is named after Captain William Hilton, who explored there in the mid-1600s on behalf of King Charles II.

The closest major airport is Savannah, which is about 45 minutes to the south of Hilton Head Island. Charleston Airport, to the north, is about two hours away from Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island also has its own airport, but flights are limited and more expensive than flying into Savannah. The resort is right in the middle of Hilton Head Island, which is about 50 minutes directly off I-95 at the southern end of South Carolina.

The island is boot-shaped and has about 42 square miles of land, just a bit smaller than land Walt Disney purchased in central Florida. Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort has its main resort in the middle of the boot. Disney also built an oceanfront Beach House for daytime usage. It is about one mile directly east of the main resort and offers direct beachfront access, a pool, snack bar, parking, a community room, arcade room, among other features.

All 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas have washer and dryer set-ups. Studio guest can use the free washers and dryers in building 12, right near the main check-in desk in Live Oak Lodge. The room is also right next to Big Murgies Den, so you can relax in there, watch TV and play pool while your using the washers and dryers.

Each Studio villa also has a small fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. A few paper products will be supplied in studios as well. Each villa sports a fabulous balcony, the largest balconies in the DVC family. Even studios feature balconies that have two rockers and a small table. 2-bedroom and grand villas will have a balcony with rockers and a full size picnic table.

One issue that should be noted is the ‘ruggedness’ of the resort. It is simply not a resort where one sees many wheelchairs, motorized scooters, folks using walkers, etc. Like most barrier islands, it sits only 10 feet above sea level. Thus, all rooms begin one story above ground. The only buildings with an elevator are 11 and 12, which is the main Live Oak Lodge and one adjoining building, which is also where the handicap accessible rooms would be found. The Beach House is similarly built one story above the beach, with an elevator to the pool area.

Demand tends to peak during the summer months. Booking a room at 7 months can be quite difficult between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

Also, 75% of the resort's room are Two Bedroom Villas, meaning that it can be particularly difficult to book a Deluxe Studio year-round. 

No. The main resort and guest rooms are located on a channel about 2 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Many rooms do have water views, but most face west away from the ocean. 

Disney does have a piece of beachfront land with facilities exclusively for resort guests. The Beach House is located along the coast. It features an in-ground swimming pool, restrooms, quick service dining, games and activities, and beach rentals. 

A complimentary shuttle bus runs between the main resort and the Beach House throughout the day. The Beach House also has its own private parking lot which guests may use if they wish to drive their own vehicle. Also, the island is very accommodating to bicycles. Bike rentals are available at the main resort and a dedicated bike route leads all the way to the Beach House. 

There is no central trash location. Throughout the resort there are regular trash receptacles. Guests use these to deposit trash from their villas. You'll find them outside every building and along the pathways.