Vero Beach Trip Report w/ pics

[tomandrobin]

Just go back yesterday from our Memorial Day weekend trip to Vero Beach. This was a wife and I, no kids trip! :hug: It has been a long winter and spring for us and were looking forward to some alone time at the Beach. Robin had surgery on her foot in January and is finally back to about 80% usage. This was our first trip to Vero Beach and were really looking forward to our stay.

Day 1

We wanted to get to Florida as soon as possible, so we had our flight booked for 6:05 am. Our alarm clock goes off at 3:00 am, we get up, shower, dress and leave for the airport by 4 am. By 8:30 am, we are in our rental car and starting the vacation. Originally we had planned to go straight for Vero Beach, but last minute we decided to hit WDW for the morning! Yes, bonus to our trip. My wife knew it was killing me to be in Orlando and not going to the parks, plus with the Toy Story Mania having the soft opening. We zipped on over to SSR , caught the first bus to DHS. We head to guest services to renew our AP's the make a beeline to Midway Mania. There was a 40 minute wait for the ride. Now normally I would pass and go find something else to do, but not today. We did our time and in the end, felt the wait was worth it. We both really liked Toy Story Midway Mania. It was better then expected. The 3D effects and the interactive play was alot of fun. We both are looking forward to playing again in July.

After we finish our ride, we headed over to Brown Derby for lunch. Another bonus for the trip. Brown Derby is one of our favorite restaurants, but its been a long while since we have eaten there. We had to wait to 11:30 am for lunch service to start. We added our name to the wait list, within 5 minutes we were seated. Lunch was fantastic, service was terrific (even for lunch) and we left lunch extremely satisfied. The only thing bad about eating at Brown Derby was it set the bar for our dining the rest of the trip, more later.

After lunch, we head back the rental car at SSR and head to Vero Beach Resort. Traffic was light, and we were there in no time. Check-in was fast, we were in room 2224. Second room from the Green Cabin, facing the ocean. Room was in great shape, no problems.

Check-in

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Pics of the room.........

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We had a great view from our Balcony!

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We got settled in, unpacked and read thru the resort activity sheets, etc. We go explore the resort to get our bearings. Stop at the Green Room and got a few drinks, while sitting on their balcony. Afterward, we headed to the room and freshened up for dinner at Sonya's.

Sonya's was not busy, maybe 1/5 full on a Friday evening. We thought is was strange to that you had to walk thru Shutters to go in to Sonya's. I'm just going to summarize dinner with out all the details. It was ok. It wasn't bad, but after Brown Derby, it wasn't good either. The service terrific, but the food was blah. We finished off our wine and decide to call it an early night. My wife loves getting up early and walking the beach when we are away. Who am I to say no.

pic of entrance to Sonya/Shutters

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[glypnirsgirl]

Good start TOm. The room looks spacious, is it?

Elaine

[tomandrobin]

Day 2

6:30am......We are up! Wife makes our morning coffee and tea, I take morning picture.

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Coffee/Tea in hand, we head down to the beach. The resort only has one beach access across the dunes. (Actually there is two, but both are off the same ramp and within 50' of each other) Its located directly across from the pool area.

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There is a rental booth after you cross the dunes, and stairs to the left and a ramp to the right, to get down to the beach.

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We take the stairs. We decide to head north on the beach, tomorrow we'll head south. There is a lot of shells on the beach. Those of you that collect shells will have a field day. The beach heading north in front of the resort is short. Just past the resort is a public access point, and beyond that is all private housing. The beach becomes fairly narrow at the private houses, with a big steel sea wall for protection. I didn't have my camera, so I don't have any pics of this area.

After are morning walk, we head to the pool. The pool water felt great. The pool and surrounding deck is very nice. Plenty of chairs, tables and shade if you wanted it. We noticed that the CM's really tried to enforce the "no saving pool chairs" policy. That should make some of you happy out there. The resort also had a CM at the pool entrance check resort ids. No resort id, entrance to the pool.....I actually liked seeing that enforced.

[tomandrobin]

Day 2 cont

Pool pics

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They is also a playground and a nice pirate ship themed water play area for little kids.

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After swimming, we decided to catch a light bite to eat and rent bikes. Bike rental is $5 per hour for DVC members. They gave us a very undefined, hand drawn sketch of two bike trails we could take. We were told the first one was 3 miles, and the second trail was 10 miles. We are stupid and took the 10 mile trail. Its noon time, 85 degrees out with 90% humidity. We head out, per the CM's directions, heading south. We ride, and ride and ride......the first part is suppose to be 3 miles in length (so we were told) we rode about 2 miles south on A1A, went thru some off street.........no trail. We go back to the resort to figure out what is wrong. Well the first CM was off in her directions. The first trail is not 3 miles long, its 6 miles long. The access road is 2.3 miles down A1A. At that point point we decide to go back out and hit the Jungle trail, and head over to Pelican Island. That trip is suppose to be 10 miles round trip. This time we head north. We find the directions are much better this time. We ride on the trail, and ride some more, and ride even more. Where the heck are the Pelicans? We give up and head back. Its hot, were tired and ran out of water. We got back to the resort, and checked our map we realize that the CM's have no clue on distance and need a new map to pass out to guest. We probably only made it half the distance to Pelican Island.

Once back at the resort, we rehydrate and eat! We went to shutters, requested a seat under one of the ceiling fans, a cold beer and a frozen pina colada for the misses (and two waters too). I had a burger, the wife ordered a salad and asked if they had any fruit plates. The waitress brought here a fruit plate that is normally served during breakfast. Lunch was good and we were refreshed. After lunch we decide to catch a little nap. Once in the room we look out and see the resort is planning a wedding on the croquet lawn. There were two weddings this weekend at the resort.

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After our nap, we decide to head out and do some exploring of the local area and eat dinner. We ended up driving up the beach road (A1A) for about 10 miles, then headed over to the town of Sebastian where we were planning on dinner at Captain Hiram's. We quickly discover there is not much around, except for private communities, private country clubs and private golf courses. Things in Sebastian are not much better, but at least there is some "public" places and life.

We find Captain Hiram's - thank you GPS. It is busy, but its also the only game into town. We add our name to the wait list and go to the bar to wait. We order a round, and wait. We order a round and wait some more. Finally after an hour we go and ask how much longer......happy hour buzz was starting to kick-in! They said that they were "buzzing/paging" us but we didn't come to the podium. We were 25' away from check-in, could it hurt to verbally call our name? Anyway, we get promptly seated at a table, over looking the river. It was a great seat and on hind sight, worth the extra wait. There were dolphins literally 30'-35' away, off shore. By the time dinner was served, the sun was setting. Dinner was good, not great, but the atmosphere more then made up for the actual dinner. Actually, my wife's dinner was very good, mine was less then good.

We head back to the resort and call it a day. Need to be up bright and early for our morning beach walk!

[tomandrobin]

Day 3

We are up bright and early today. We do a repeat of Morning 1.....coffee/tea/picture

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Left over from last night's wedding....

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This morning we plan on heading south on the beach. As we descend the stairs, after crossing the dune, we see the "turtle patrol" Disney conservationists marking a site, next to the stairs. The Disney conservationist shows us that a turtle had came a shore last night a laid eggs in the sand. They had just finished marking off the nest and recording everything into thier "turtle nest" log. She was great and gave us a little lesson on the turtles and the Disney effort to help protect the sea turtle nesting grounds. For $50 you can sponsor a turtle nest, with the funds going towards the program. We sponsored that new nest that was found that morning. So anyone going to Vero, the first nest just to the left of the stairs going down to the beach is our sponsored nest. We are real happy to be helping out and are now part of that program.

turtle conservationist
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turtle tracks in sand
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picture of nest from stair landing
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[BWV Dreamin]

Hi Tom, love your report!! I'm going to VB in August for the first time. How is the water? Have you seen any jelly fish? Try this restaraunt called Squid Lips. Pics look great, room looks great, we're in an OVIR as well. Can you get a pic of the porch itself?

[JimP]

Tom.... spectacular photos. I will have a 2nd look this afternoon after my meetings.

/Jim

[tomandrobin]

Day 3 cont

After our turtle lesson, we get back on track and head south. The beaches going this direction are very nice. We see a few more turtle tracks, but none ended in a nest. Apparently the turtle got spooked before digging the nest. There are some condo buildings, but it looked as if most were empty. We had a great walk!

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We get back to the room and head down to the pool. Robin wanted some more sun, and I just like to swim/float. I have always been a water guy, not a lay the sun and fry my body kind of guy. Sunburn hurts and pealing sucks! The rest of the morning is kind of lazy, no stupid bike rides today. Pool break finishes up, we go freshen up and head out to explore the town of Vero Beach and get some lunch.

The Town of Vero Beach is a bit more built up then any of the surrounding areas. More shops, more dining options, but still lacks in general entertainment. We stop at a restaurant called Bono's. The sign out front reads best barbecue in Vero. This was our best meal while staying in Vero Beach. We both highly recommend this place. You don't find to many barbecue places, at least here in Maryland. After lunch, we rode around town a bit more and eventually head back to the resort.

We play the miniature golf course at the resort. Walk around the resort and bit and eventually end up relaxing in the room until dinner time. Tonight we ate at Sonya's for dinner. Again, we had great service and dinner was good. We had a couple of drinks and strolled around the resort, walking off dinner. By this time it was dark out and it was getting late. We head up to the room to start packing. Just like our first day in Florida, we decide to hit the parks on the way to the airport.

[mkhurley]

Great pics and report, it all seems so familiar to me.......like I'd just been there....oh wait, I was....:hyper:....we enjoyed it also. Didn't do the walks on the beach as you did, with my back walking distances are hard enough, adding sand into the mix makes it painful, if I didn't know I'd be laying on a Hammock for 6hrs I'd never make the walk out to Serenity Bay either.

The weddings at Vero seem to be a habit they have, there was one while we were there also. We sat on the porch out back (at ground level) and watched it, then headed into Shutters for dinner. Was nice to find out they took the DDE card, we got a few more uses out of it before it expired.

[Daitcher]

Thanks for the report and the pics. Tom.:thumbsup:

VB is one of our favorites and the CM's there are wonderful!!!!

We love a restaurant in VB called the Tides. Check it out at www.tidesofvero.com
That restaurant would be a once a week for us if it was here, food, service and atmosphere are superb!

Thanks again.


DAVE

[DVC Mike]

Great pictures!

[tomandrobin]

Day 4

Wake up is at 5:00am, no alarm clock required. By 6:15am we are on the road heading to WDW! We pull into SSR at 8:00am, tarrific was great with no delays (or tickets). We stopped in Artist Pallet and picked up two chocolate pastries for breakfast, we really love those pastries! We catch the bus at Grand Stand and we get to the security bag check at MK as the rope drop cermony is starting, its 9:00am.

We head straight to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This is my wifes favorite MK ride. There is no line and we ride the train three times straight. She just smiles and laughs the whole ride, everytime ....... life is good with her! After BTMR, we head over to Haunted Mansion. The ride is a walk on also. After the ride we decide to push our luck and head over to Buzz. On the way over, I decide to a litlle pin trading. I have great luck, I must have traded about 8 pins as we made our way over to Buzz Lightyear. Just like the first two rides, Buzz was a walk on. Now Buzz is my favorite ride at MK, so the wife was returning the favor to me. I am not saying I'm competive or anything, but I always win. Its what I do. But today, I wanted to give her hints/tips so that the next time we come with the kids, she can beat them. Well I must be a good teacher, that first game I lost. I took a picture as proof to the kids.

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Well, she is feeling good about herself, so Robin wants to play again. Its my favortite game and I just lost.....so game on girlie! Let me tell you, she had the game of her life. Before today, Robin has only scoored over 150,000 points once before. The game was 1/2 the way thru and she had scored 999,999! What the hell! I only had 350,000........with third of the game still to go I laid it on! As we left the last scene before the tunnel, I did it........999,999! Wow, what an amazing game for both of us!

I was so happy for her when she hit 999,999 that I stopped shooting and took her picture.

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Then my score........

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And together.......

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After our career Buzz Lightyear day, we headed over to Columbia House for lunch. This was our first time eating here, it was nice change of pace for an in-park CS. Time was running out on our day, so we slowly headed out of the park. I traded some more pins, took some pictures, watched the glass artists make a vase and cuaght the flag cermony for Memorial Day in front of City Hall.

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[DisDaydreamer]

Thanks for the great report and photos :yes:

[tomandrobin]

Conclusion

We had a fantastic trip! Vero Beach Resort was better then expected. The resort is definately top notch for a beach side resort. The CM's at the resort were some of the best at a Disney Resort that have encountered. They were always pleasant and very happy. Everyone of them we saw and met wished us a good morning, good afternoon or engaged us in sort of postive conversation. The resort seemed to have a very good activity program for kids, with activites scheduled all day long. The Beaches are shelly, and the water was rough most of the time we were there. The ocean water was too cold for us. I like the water temp to be over 80, and they water temp seemed to be more like 73.

I do think there are some negatives that needs to be pointed out. Dining options are limited and expensive. Same for drinks, we ordered two drinks at the bar and the bill was almost $20. I think the resort is great for young kids, but is really lacking in things to do for teenagers. The only adult activities I saw to do were drink or watch your kids.

I can see why resort failed to meet its original design. While the beach location is great, the lack of surrounding restaurants, shops and entertainment really hurts. We go to Wildwood, Cape May, Ocean City and Myrtle Beach. Those places/destinations have all the other things that keep families coming back year after year. Vero Beach reminded me of a Mountain Lodge retreat, but on the beach.

We will be going back. We loved our trip and high recommend the resort, especially if you have small kids or want a romantic getaway.

[tomandrobin]

Good start TOm. The room looks spacious, is it?

Elaine

It was a typical hotel room. Bigger then the AKV room we stayed in during April.

[tomandrobin]

Hi Tom, love your report!! I'm going to VB in August for the first time. How is the water? Have you seen any jelly fish? Try this restaraunt called Squid Lips. Pics look great, room looks great, we're in an OVIR as well. Can you get a pic of the porch itself?

We did go in the Ocean, too cold for us. The waves were rough during our stay, lots of rip tide warnings.

We had Squid Lips on our list of possibles, but didn't make it there.

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[tomandrobin]

Miscellaneous Pictures!

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[DVC Mike]

The only adult activities I saw to do were drink or watch your kids.

We go to Wildwood, Cape May, Ocean City and Myrtle Beach. Those places/destinations have all the other things that keep families coming back year after year. Vero Beach reminded me of a Mountain Lodge retreat, but on the beach.


Since I've never been to VB, how does it compre, specifically, with Myrtle Beach (which is just called "The Beach" here in Charlotte, NC).

[tomandrobin]

Since I've never been to VB, how does it compre, specifically, with Myrtle Beach (which is just called "The Beach" here in Charlotte, NC).

In Maryland, "The Beach" is Ocean City.

Comparing Vero Beach to Myrtle Beach is tough. First, there is no Resort in Myrtle Beach, like Vero Beach Resort. Almost all the ocean front resorts are mid-rise or high-rise, Vero is four stories tall. No resort has a Beach Cottage on the Ocean, Vero has six. You can rent a house on the Ocean, during the summer for $6,000-$12,000 for the week. But it won't have a staff or resort pool. Vero Beach has alot of lush vegetation every where at the resort, and everything is spread out. In Myrtle Beach, All the resorts are built to maximize the land they sit. If it wasn't for PUD, there would be half as many trees planteed along the resorts and highway. In Myrtle Beach, after a day at the pool/beach you have over 2,000 restaurants to eat. Vero Beach is sorely lacking in offsite dining options. I did not see any family oriented activities at Vero Beach. At Myrtle Beach you can go see a show, shop, play minature golf, go to Hard Rock Park, Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, go get ice cream, or just wait to night and watch the illegal fireworks!

Bottom line, Myrtle Beach is a tourist destination in every sense. Vero Beach is an escape destination.

Myrtle Beach has better beaches, too. You don't have that quick drop off and you can walk out 100 yards and only be chest deep.

[Ghost]

What a nice report and great pictures. Now I want to go even more as I wanted before (if that is even possible)... but I got to wait till 2009

[TW1]

In Maryland, "The Beach" is Ocean City.

Comparing Vero Beach to Myrtle Beach is tough. First, there is no Resort in Myrtle Beach, like Vero Beach Resort. Almost all the ocean front resorts are mid-rise or high-rise, Vero is four stories tall. No resort has a Beach Cottage on the Ocean, Vero has six. You can rent a house on the Ocean, during the summer for $6,000-$12,000 for the week. But it won't have a staff or resort pool. Vero Beach has alot of lush vegetation every where at the resort, and everything is spread out. In Myrtle Beach, All the resorts are built to maximize the land they sit. If it wasn't for PUD, there would be half as many trees planteed along the resorts and highway. In Myrtle Beach, after a day at the pool/beach you have over 2,000 restaurants to eat. Vero Beach is sorely lacking in offsite dining options. I did not see any family oriented activities at Vero Beach. At Myrtle Beach you can go see a show, shop, play minature golf, go to Hard Rock Park, Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, go get ice cream, or just wait to night and watch the illegal fireworks!

Bottom line, Myrtle Beach is a tourist destination in every sense. Vero Beach is an escape destination.

Myrtle Beach has better beaches, too. You don't have that quick drop off and you can walk out 100 yards and only be chest deep.

This is a very accurate summary and a good way to get a perspective on VB. Thanks for sharing and your photos are fab. We've been twice and I agree with the points of your post. VB is really beautiful and unique compared to so many places you can rent at up and down the eastern seaboard. But the fact that the city of Vero Beach is hardly a tourist attraction, in the sense of Myrtle, or Ocean City, or Daytona, Ft Lauderdale, or Key West, etc, always made me wonder why Disney put this very nice resort in this very strange location. I'd recommend a VB get-away to anyone, as long as you have a car.

[Daitcher]

, in the sense of Myrtle, or Ocean City, or Daytona, Ft Lauderdale, or Key West, etc, always made me wonder why Disney put this very nice resort in this very strange location.



Buy cheap land, charge guests top dollar = large profits. See HH for another example of this.



DAVE

[tomandrobin]

Buy cheap land, charge guests top dollar = large profits. See HH for another example of this.

DAVE

Was the the land that cheap?

Everything we saw advertised in that are was very expensive. I know we had a housing boom, but what was the purchase price?

How much did they sell the lake front property for?

[TW1]

Buy cheap land, charge guests top dollar = large profits. See HH for another example of this.
DAVE

Were these land purchases that cheap? In the state of FL, was VB beachfront really that much cheaper than say Jacksonville or Boca or Delray? And in HH, they had to buy two sites, Longview Island and the oceanfront beach house. And at least HH has an abundance of restaurants.

[disneyfreak89]

Enjoyed the report Tom and LOVED the pics!! :clappingh

Was your room a DELUXE INN ROOM OCEAN VIEW or a STUDIO? Just wondering what the difference in size/amenities since they are both the same amount of points.

[newjerseynick]

Thank you for the great pics and info!

Nick

[Daitcher]

Was the the land that cheap?

Everything we saw advertised in that are was very expensive. I know we had a housing boom, but what was the purchase price?

How much did they sell the lake front property for?



Yes, the land was MUCH cheaper in VB than the other more well known locals you mention. Think about it, the closest major airport is what over an hour away. That in itself has kept that a sleepy little town even with Spring Training baseball. Purchase price I can't recall but they got a deal on it comparatively. If sales hadn't flopped so badly we'd see an even biggger VB Resort. That land was of course sold for condos I believe.

HH, same idea. It certainly wasn't cheap but I'm talking compared to a prime piece of real estate like some of the Marriott Timeshares sit on. Disney bought a relatively undesirable piece of land at a fraction of the cost of those oceanfront resorts.

Smart business, really. Just like when I get back into the restaurant business. I won't pick some high end town to open a place. I'll look for cheap rent locale and tailor a menu to fit that area. Disney has done the same really.


DAVE

[tomandrobin]

Smart business, really. Just like when I get back into the restaurant business. I won't pick some high end town to open a place. I'll look for cheap rent locale and tailor a menu to fit that area.

DAVE

OT - My firm does A/E services for comercial and retail projects. We do alot of restaurants, both chain and local. I can tell you before the restaurant ever starts construction wether it will succeed or fail. One of the biggest problems that owners don't see is spending to much money on the building and location. The ones who succeed are debt free and realistic on expenses/costs. Good food will sell itself, but you need time to establish a following.

[tomandrobin]

Enjoyed the report Tom and LOVED the pics!!

Was your room a DELUXE INN ROOM OCEAN VIEW or a STUDIO? Just wondering what the difference in size/amenities since they are both the same amount of points.

It was the Inn Room. The Inn has two beds in the room, the studio has one bed and sofa. Both rooms are only 10 sq ft apart in size. You can go to the home page and view both room types.

[BWV Dreamin]

Conclusion

I can see why resort failed to meet its original design. While the beach location is great, the lack of surrounding restaurants, shops and entertainment really hurts. We go to Wildwood, Cape May, Ocean City and Myrtle Beach. Those places/destinations have all the other things that keep families coming back year after year. Vero Beach reminded me of a Mountain Lodge retreat, but on the beach. .

Tom, having grown up visiting "Ocean City", its just these things you mention is why I can't wait to get to Vero Beach. I am quite done with the crowds, traffic, Sunsations on every corner, etc. As you also know, you could never get these types of accomodations in Maryland for the price we are paying as DVC owners. Just love all your pictures, and I too will post a trip report in August!:sunny:

[tomandrobin]

Tom, having grown up visiting "Ocean City", its just these things you mention is why I can't wait to get to Vero Beach. I am quite done with the crowds, traffic, Sunsations on every corner, etc. As you also know, you could never get these types of accomodations in Maryland for the price we are paying as DVC owners. Just love all your pictures, and I too will post a trip report in August!:sunny:

As I mentioned above, we absolutely loved the resort. I was just pointing out that I can see why it never sold to its potential. The resort is so laid back, so peaceful, so lush.....none of those above beaches have anything like it.

[glypnirsgirl]

Fabulous trip report ---- my husband always beats me at Buzz also --- fine revenge to learn some hints and go with it. GO ROBIN!!!

Elaine

[lvtink]

I have never been to Vero Beach. But it sure looks fantastic. Sorry I'm new to this and dont quite know all the abbreviations but this seems to be a fantastic place to find information no one around here has. Las Vegas is close to Disneyland but too far from Flordia for me.

Thanks for the information and pictures.

[Laxmom]

Thanks so much for the report! I hadn't been able to find many pics of VB before. You did a great job. It sounds like a terrific place to me. We bought our HHI contract as an annual getaway for DH and I. We may have to think of using them at Vero once in a while. The biggest decision I like to make while on vacation is, pool or beach!

[Lisa]

Great trip report and pics!!

One of the reasons I love VB is the architecture of the resort. Staying in a high rise is not my idea of a beach vacation and it's a bit pricey to rent a ocean front home (can't really call them cottages!). We stayed in a BC this April and loved it!

[tomandrobin]

Great trip report and pics!!

One of the reasons I love VB is the architecture of the resort. Staying in a high rise is not my idea of a beach vacation and it's a bit pricey to rent a ocean front home (can't really call them cottages!). We stayed in a BC this April and loved it!

Those beach cottages are the best bang for the buck, when compared to ocean front homes along the east coast.

The architecture and layout of the resort really make it one of a kind.

[Tink22]

Great trip report and great pics! Thank you. You really provided a great description on VB. I have a DD14 and was wondering if it would be worth it to add a VB stay onto our next trip. I think maybe a couple days would be enough and maybe she should bring a friend to hang out with. Either that or just go with DH and make it a couples only trip. Your info was great! We have been to Myrtle Beach a couple times and my DH doesn't like the congestion and crowds so it sounds like VB would be great for us.

[Daitcher]

OT - My firm does A/E services for comercial and retail projects. We do alot of restaurants, both chain and local. I can tell you before the restaurant ever starts construction wether it will succeed or fail. One of the biggest problems that owners don't see is spending to much money on the building and location. The ones who succeed are debt free and realistic on expenses/costs. Good food will sell itself, but you need time to establish a following.


I completely agree. Too may people get caught up in having to be in the popular town or area. They also go crazy during the build out eating up any reserves they will ultimately need.


DAVE

[Daitcher]

As I mentioned above, we absolutely loved the resort. I was just pointing out that I can see why it never sold to its potential. The resort is so laid back, so peaceful, so lush.....none of those above beaches have anything like it.



Exactly. We love VB because we want to get away from the typical Myrtle Beach type madhouse. BUT just because we love it doesn't mean that it doesn't have problems especially from a sales standpoint. Disney made the right decision to keep it the current size and to sell off the remaining land.

VB is great for a 5 day getaway or less, IMO. Anymore than that and I can see being rather bored.


DAVE

[lmm1516]

Loved your pictures. Living on the Jersey Shore I never had much interest in going to VB because I have the ocean at my backdoor. After seeing the pictures I would definately visit someday. Thanks:howudoin:

[doombuggy]

The photos & trip report were great! Glad you had a good time (except for the bike thing).

I went to VB last year and it definately is a relaxing resort. yes, you need a car to get anywhere around there. It's sure not like going to the shore......

I was considering going back in the fall by myself just for a little get away. Working 7 days a week requires something like that every once & ahwile. :sunny:

[tomandrobin]

The photos & trip report were great! Glad you had a good time (except for the bike thing).

Thank You!

We had a great time at the resort. The bike ride was good, it just didn't turn out as we planned.

[disneyfreak89]

It was the Inn Room. The Inn has two beds in the room, the studio has one bed and sofa. Both rooms are only 10 sq ft apart in size. You can go to the home page and view both room types.

Great, thanks, I will. :burn:

[AFMom]

Too bad about the bike riding - we had a great time following the map they had that went along a swamp and a bayou (I think) but yeah- it was like a 7 or 8 mle ride, and alot of it is on a bike path or sidewalk next to a road. They could really use better maps! Beautiful pics! Making me want to go back so bad!
As for the pro's and con's of Vero - I do think it's all about what your expectations are and what sort of vacation you're wanting.
We LOVE the way the water drops off on the ledge as it is MUCH better for surfing and boogey boarding. Had some of the best boogey boarding we've had in FL there. We live on beaches that go flat forever - and like to get away from it.
We also live on beaches that are way over developed and touristy - well - let's be honest - tourist traps. Vero was a much more beautiful, natural beach - without having to listen to everyone partying at beach bars. It did help that we had a 1 bdrm with a kitchen and ate breakfast in our room everyday - we didn't miss the variety of restaurants as much.
We did not want to be entertained - although we did participate in a few of the pool games (water slide races, for example). We spent a lot of time at the pool, the beach, played mini-golf 5 or 6 times, and borrowed the rec staff's bocce ball and croquette set, played tennis, etc. It certainly isn't a place to go for an action packed vacation, though!! We only left the resort once - on bikes - in the 5 days we were there - but could have easily spent another 2 or 3 days there enjoying ourselves.

[DVC Chiefs]

Tom,

Another great Trip Report. Vero Beach looks great and relaxing. How was the pool? Was it very crowded or pretty laid back.

[TinkLover]

Pictures are great, we hope to go there some day. Its nice to see what it looks like.

[JimP]

VB is great for a 5 day getaway or less, IMO. Anymore than that and I can see being rather bored.

DAVE,

We generally spend about 2 or 3 weekends per month (typically Fri/Sat/Sun nights) at the coast overlooking the ocean... and we never get tired of it.

Furthermore, we spend 8 additional weeks (4 on the beach... 4 perched above the rocks) and those 7 night stays are even better. Our views are so incredible, that we generally do not even go out to eat very often... we just love being in the condo.

The point is that while most of us love our busy WDW vacations.... relaxation on the ocean is really fantastic too... and IMHO... the less you do... the more enjoyable it is.

/Jim

[Laxmom]

I have to agree with Jim. That is why we will soon own points and a Marriott on HHI. We love the relaxation thing. We don't eat out much while there because kids don't want to take time away from the pool or beach. We may do one big thing like rent wave runners but then....maybe not. We just hang out and spend time together, relaxing. It sounds like a great place to me. A lot like HHI but warmer in the winter! Everyone has their preferences but a do nothing vacation sounds heavenly right now - it has been a rough year.

[JimP]

I have to agree with Jim. That is why we will soon own points and a Marriott on HHI. We love the relaxation thing. We don't eat out much while there because kids don't want to take time away from the pool or beach. We may do one big thing like rent wave runners but then....maybe not. We just hang out and spend time together, relaxing. It sounds like a great place to me. A lot like HHI but warmer in the winter! Everyone has their preferences but a do nothing vacation sounds heavenly right now - it has been a rough year.

Sometimes I will try some more strenuous activities. Leading the list are:

1) Opening a bottle of wine
2) Lighting the fireplace (wall switch)
3) Changing the Jimmy Buffett song on the iPod/Bose Speaker system
4) Variation on item #1... getting a Landshark Lager from the fridge

/Jim

[tomandrobin]

Tom,

Another great Trip Report. Vero Beach looks great and relaxing. How was the pool? Was it very crowded or pretty laid back.

Thanks Steve!

The pool was crowded at noon time, especially when the DJ was playing. The pool was great, 3'6" around the edges, 5'-0" in the middle. I didn't do the slide this time, didn't feel like waitng in line with the kids...lol. The counter service/bar/mug refill station is pretty convenient. The is only one hot tub, but it does have bushes all around it for privacy.

The resort is very laid back, which is a huge plus for us. Its one of the reasons we like SSR, its a great place to unwind and relax.

Tom

[tomandrobin]

Too bad about the bike riding - we had a great time following the map they had that went along a swamp and a bayou (I think) but yeah- it was like a 7 or 8 mle ride, and alot of it is on a bike path or sidewalk next to a road. They could really use better maps! Beautiful pics! Making me want to go back so bad!
As for the pro's and con's of Vero - I do think it's all about what your expectations are and what sort of vacation you're wanting.
We LOVE the way the water drops off on the ledge as it is MUCH better for surfing and boogey boarding. Had some of the best boogey boarding we've had in FL there. We live on beaches that go flat forever - and like to get away from it.
We also live on beaches that are way over developed and touristy - well - let's be honest - tourist traps. Vero was a much more beautiful, natural beach - without having to listen to everyone partying at beach bars. It did help that we had a 1 bdrm with a kitchen and ate breakfast in our room everyday - we didn't miss the variety of restaurants as much.
We did not want to be entertained - although we did participate in a few of the pool games (water slide races, for example). We spent a lot of time at the pool, the beach, played mini-golf 5 or 6 times, and borrowed the rec staff's bocce ball and croquette set, played tennis, etc. It certainly isn't a place to go for an action packed vacation, though!! We only left the resort once - on bikes - in the 5 days we were there - but could have easily spent another 2 or 3 days there enjoying ourselves.

We are looking forward in going back to Vero Beach. I would like to go back for a weekend this summer.

[pollymn]

Great trip report Tom. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photography.:sunny:

[tomandrobin]

The point is that while most of us love our busy WDW vacations.... relaxation on the ocean is really fantastic too... and IMHO... the less you do... the more enjoyable it is.

/Jim

Our number one travel destination is anyplace where we can overlook the ocean, walk along the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves!

WDW is second!

[Daitcher]

I have to agree with Jim. That is why we will soon own points and a Marriott on HHI. We love the relaxation thing. We don't eat out much while there because kids don't want to take time away from the pool or beach. We may do one big thing like rent wave runners but then....maybe not. We just hang out and spend time together, relaxing. It sounds like a great place to me. A lot like HHI but warmer in the winter! Everyone has their preferences but a do nothing vacation sounds heavenly right now - it has been a rough year.



I should have had a qualifier on my post. I'm going under the assumption that most vsitors to VB have kids with them. I shouldn't assume that. With kids, the kiddos could look for a bit more variety. For us, I'll take relaxing with a glass of wine or a cold beer gazing at the ocean anyday. No boredom for the wife and me.

By the way, nice choice with Mariott on HH. Marriotts are FAR superior to DVC HH, IMO, in every way, rooms locations, service.


DAVE

[Laxmom]

I like them both for different reasons. We own at Barony every other year so we will be going every year and possibly twice every other. I like the flexibility of the points at DVC. We stayed at Surf Watch in Feb but could only go for part of the week. The unit sat empty for the last couple of days of the week.

Our kids just don't get bored at the beach but they are older. We are land locked here in Ohio so they cherish every minute spent on the ocean. Me too.

Kids do change the vacation habit, don't they? DH and I went to the Celebration Hotel last year - wouldn't take the kids even now.

I agree with the walks on the beach and the sounds! aaahhh. We were in Aruba one year ago today. sigh.

[Lisa]

We had a great time at the resort. The bike ride was good, it just didn't turn out as we planned.

DH and DD12 rented bikes too. I think they really need to print up a map with a couple bike routes on it because they got some confused directions as well. I think DH either ask someone else or looked at a map because he was able to figure it out in the end.

[tomandrobin]

One thing I forgot to mention from our trip to Vero Beach, neither of us got bit by any bugs. We were really concerned about them, especially after reading other resort reviews.

[JimP]

We are land locked here in Ohio so they cherish every minute spent on the ocean.

And all this time I thought your name was an airport identifier.

/Jim

[BONZO]

Hi,

Thanks for the report and pics.

We are spending a couple nights there in August this year so hopefully the sea will be a bit warmer!.