Disney Magic & Dole Whips Are Back! Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort Is OPEN

Jamie SylvesterJune 15, 2020

4 minutes read

Yes, Disney friends… today, I had a Dole Whip AND a Mickey Ice Cream Bar at a Disney Resort! I know you all understand my sheer excitement over something as simple as Disney snacks, right?! It’s been months of closures due to COVID-19, but finally, the first two Disney Resorts reopened today (June 15) including Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Check out the details and photos from our visit at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.

First, we must say, we were super impressed with reopening day to say the least. We weren’t totally surprised because we tend to expect the best of the best from Disney, but once again, they didn’t let us down.

Since we weren’t staying the night, we were not allowed to enter the main clubhouse where check in takes place. We did however have a chance to walk the grounds, enjoy some food, and check out the overall feel of the resort.

The iconic Disney Hilton Head Island Resort sign welcomes guests with classic Disney charm, framed by lush landscaping and an inviting bridge, all bathed in bright sunshine—setting the stage for a magical getaway.

Right from the get go, you’re greeted by a masked Cast Member waving from the second floor at the main clubhouse for check in. Two signs regarding COVID-19 and safety precautions were very apparent. Guests were asked to walk up one side of the stairs to enter and exit down a different set of stairs. We even saw as a guest was unloading some luggage without a mask, a Cast Member asked them to please put a mask on. We did notice no masks were for sale in the gift shop. A Cast Member told us Disney is sending them but they have not yet arrived.

White sandwich board sign at Disney World highlighting health and safety guidelines—face masks, temperature screenings, and physical distancing—to help keep the Disney Magic alive for all visitors. — Signs as soon as you enter the resort

It was odd to see the waving Mickey statue we’re used to seeing next to Shadow’s doghouse as you enter the resort was removed, leaving a green space. This is likely to avoid a high touching place where many would normally gather for a photo op.

A small doghouse with a bright red roof rests on vibrant grass just off the sidewalk, surrounded by cheerful flowers and shrubs—a scene straight out of Hilton Head Island Resort at Disney, bringing to mind the carefree charm of savoring a refreshing Dole Whip under sunny skies. — Missing Mickey Statue

We asked about Shadow, the beloved golden retriever that is the resort’s character/mascot. A Cast Member informed us that Shadow is on vacation! She’s off fishing with Baloo and having a grand time! We believe it’s because of the problem of crowding around which wouldn’t work well for social distancing. Never heard of the story of Shadow? Click here.

A whimsical doghouse with a bright red roof labeled “Shadow” stands in a colorful garden filled with flowers and lush grass, evoking the enchanting atmosphere of Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. — Shadow is on vacation!

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Masks are to be worn throughout the property unless you are eating, drinking, or in the pool. The pool and spa were open and several guest were enjoying a dip. We will say we felt bad for the Lifeguards as they too wore masks despite the South Carolina heat. There are still fun pool games taking place such as the Disney Song Trivia we heard while dropping by. Everyone stayed in their pool chairs or in the pool to play as there was no gathering around for the game that was lead by a Cast Member with a microphone. It was super exciting to hear Disney music being played at a Disney Resort once again! We also noted seeing signs that asked guests not to move the table, chairs, or lounge chairs from their current location. They were spaced appropriately for social distancing.

Soak up the fun at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, where a lively outdoor pool with a curving water slide awaits. Guests splash and swim beneath the partly cloudy sky, surrounded by swaying trees and rows of inviting lounge chairs. Enjoy signature Dole Whips while relaxing poolside, all with that unmistakable Disney magic enhancing your vacation experience.

We found that there were several Cast Members walking around with cleaning products in hand. They sprayed handles, picnic table tops, and just about everything that could be touched regularly, even in the pool area. There were social distancing signs, hand sanitizer stations, and “please stand here” markers on the ground.

At Hilton Head Island Resort, guests relax poolside with Dole Whips in hand, while a Cast Member tidies the railing and a swimmer enjoys the sparkling water—Disney magic infuses every moment of this laid-back coastal escape. — Constant cleaning

Tide Me Over, a great place for snacks or meal, was open. The usual set up for seating was different however. All the stools and tables have been removed from the deck to make room for social distancing while waiting to order or enter the gift shop. There was seating located at the base of the deck however. Tide Me Over had a modified menu as included in the pictures below.

Guests gather on the porch of a rustic wooden mercantile adorned with vintage Coca-Cola signs, soaking up the laid-back, nostalgic atmosphere that echoes Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort—where a touch of Disney magic hangs in the air as sweetly as Dole Whip during summertime. — Table and chairs gone for social distance space

We ordered our Dole Whips. The Cast Member attempted to use the machine with no luck. No Dole Whips! We were in the Disney spirit however and said it would be no problem and instead picked up a couple of Mickey Ice Cream Bars from the gift shop. As we exited the shop however, a super friendly Cast Member brought us a Dole Whip! The machine was up and running. We tried to offer to pay for it but she insisted that she hasn’t been able to create Disney magic for months now, so let her do so! All Cast Members were friendly and truly seemed happy to be back among the resort guests.

A swirl of soft-serve ice cream sits on a railing overlooking a tranquil marsh beneath a cloudy sky, instantly evoking memories of enjoying iconic Dole Whips at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, and bringing a touch of Disney Magic to the scene. — YES! Dole Whip

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is broken into two sections. The main resort side is on the other side of the highway from the beach. You can take the Disney bus transportation to reach the beach and second resort pool or ride a bike. Bikes were available and being washed down regularly by a Cast Member. The bus transportation was also running. Since we weren’t overnight guests, we weren’t permitted to enter the beach side of the resort.

Disney Hilton Head Island Resort’s signature green shuttle bus waits by the sidewalk near a charming bridge, framed by lush trees and a clear blue sky, offering guests an inviting glimpse of the laid-back Disney Magic that defines this beloved vacation destination. — Bus Transportation to and from the beach

The resort typically has plenty of outdoor activities including horseshoe tossing, bocce ball and more. Those items were unavailable. The playground was also closed. Guests were welcome however to enjoy the hammocks and picnic tables throughout the resort grounds. Cast Members were also planning to host regular resort guest activities in the clubhouse where each family would have their own table and supplies.

A green-fenced playground sits closed with a sign at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, framed by trees and a cloudy sky—capturing the rare, tranquil pause in the Disney Magic before guests return and laughter once again fills the air. — Playground closed

A pin trading board was located next to the gift shop. Since only 4 people are allowed in the small gift shop at once, it makes sense having the board outside. There were however pin trading guidelines to follow. They had their usual shop trivia question for the day but no candy which is usually offered for those participating in the shop trivia.

Overall, everyone seemed happy and at ease. Guests were following the mask policy and watching for the social distancing guidelines. It was a enjoyable visit and we still felt that “Disney magic”. Enjoy our photos here!