Jay's Spring Break at Vero Beach and Kidani...A great split stay

[Jay324]

Travelers:

Me, Wife, Daughter 5 and Daughter 3

Destination: Vero Beach (4 nights) Kidani (3 nights)

Room type: 1 bedroom at both resorts

Results: Time of our lives


Day 1

Got a ride to the airport for not only was our trip a split stay, our flights were split as well due to pricing. (Flew LGA to MCO and returned MCO to White Plains). While I worry about LGA due to the constant delays at this airport, we actually had a very easy flight and arrived on time at 6:00 P.M.

After claiming the bags (no magical express this time), we headed over to National Car Rental where I pre-paid for a full sized car on Hotwire. Arrived at National only to find that they didn't have any full sized cars left (only compacts and convertibles). The employee was very nice at National and said if we wanted a convertible it would be no extra charge. What am I going to do with a convertible with 2 huge suitcases, two strollers, two car seats. After looking at my family and all our baggage, the man laughed and told us to go to Alamo and pick out any SUV available. Score. Picked up a Nissan Murano fully loaded and we were off.

One problem in flying to MCO with two kids was their faces when they saw all the "Mickey Buses". My wife and I didn't tell them we were going to Disneyworld just Disney Beach and they seemed a little upset after seeing all the Magical Express buses leaving the airport.

The drive to Vero Beach from the airport is a piece of cake. 90 minutes door to door with the majority of the drive on the highway. We got off the exit, stopped by McDonald's for take out and CVS for beer, milk and cereal and arrived at Vero Beach around 9:00.

After a late dinner and a quick walk around, the kids went to bed and my wife and I enjoyed a couple of beer before turning in ourselves.

First impressions of the room.

The 1 bedrooms are huge in Vero Beach. It can easily accommodate a family of five with the pull out couch and pull over sleeper chair. The look and feel of the one bedroom is very similar to the rooms at the Beach Club (but much larger). I have never been to OKW but I would assume that the rooms are about the same size based on what I have read.

We were located in Building 12 first floor which is a quick walk to the beach, pool and lobby but it the furthest building from the action. We didn't mind that for we prefer to be in a quiet area and the resort is very small (one could walk the entire resort in 5 minutes). We didn't have neighbors on either side for the 4 nights, which was surprising for the resort was busy.

As for the view, well there was really no view, just some vegetation and air conditioning compressor units. We did hear the ocean from our balcony though.

Some photos of the room and view (my wife told me next time, please take the photos when we first arrive)

[jrbdad]

Great pics . Love the 1BRs at VB. Looking forward to more.

[scottinbx]

Okay I am in. Look at all that beer.

I hate LaGuardia. Love White Plains.

The patio is really nice.

Looking forward to more.

[Yogi3323]

Are we to assume you drank all of the Corona's and your wife had the ONE Miller Lite?

Pictures look great so far Jay, thanks

[jedwards]

Yeah!!!! The long awaited Vero trip report!!!!!!! Your kids are very cute and DD3 looks like she has some spunk!

[ovalhead96]

Originally Posted by Jay324

Travelers:

Me, Wife, Daughter 5 and Daughter 3

Destination: Vero Beach (4 nights) Kidani (3 nights)

Room type: 1 bedroom at both resorts

Results: Time of our lives


Day 1

Got a ride to the airport for not only was our trip a split stay, our flights were split as well due to pricing. (Flew LGA to MCO and returned MCO to White Plains). While I worry about LGA due to the constant delays at this airport, we actually had a very easy flight and arrived on time at 6:00 P.M.

After claiming the bags (no magical express this time), we headed over to National Car Rental where I pre-paid for a full sized car on Hotwire. Arrived at National only to find that they didn't have any full sized cars left (only compacts and convertibles). The employee was very nice at National and said if we wanted a convertible it would be no extra charge. What am I going to do with a convertible with 2 huge suitcases, two strollers, two car seats. After looking at my family and all our baggage, the man laughed and told us to go to Alamo and pick out any SUV available. Score. Picked up a Nissan Murano fully loaded and we were off.

One problem in flying to MCO with two kids was their faces when they saw all the "Mickey Buses". My wife and I didn't tell them we were going to Disneyworld just Disney Beach and they seemed a little upset after seeing all the Magical Express buses leaving the airport.

The drive to Vero Beach from the airport is a piece of cake. 90 minutes door to door with the majority of the drive on the highway. We got off the exit, stopped by McDonald's for take out and CVS for beer, milk and cereal and arrived at Vero Beach around 9:00.

After a late dinner and a quick walk around, the kids went to bed and my wife and I enjoyed a couple of beer before turning in ourselves.

First impressions of the room.

The 1 bedrooms are huge in Vero Beach. It can easily accommodate a family of five with the pull out couch and pull over sleeper chair. The look and feel of the one bedroom is very similar to the rooms at the Beach Club (but much larger). I have never been to OKW but I would assume that the rooms are about the same size based on what I have read.

We were located in Building 12 first floor which is a quick walk to the beach, pool and lobby but it the furthest building from the action. We didn't mind that for we prefer to be in a quiet area and the resort is very small (one could walk the entire resort in 5 minutes). We didn't have neighbors on either side for the 4 nights, which was surprising for the resort was busy.

As for the view, well there was really no view, just some vegetation and air conditioning compressor units. We did hear the ocean from our balcony though.

Some photos of the room and view (my wife told me next time, please take the photos when we first arrive)

Can't wait to hear the rest.

couldn't talk the wife into a split stay, so we are spending a week there at the end of Aug before our son goes back to school.

I actually requested building 12 too. someone told me I could get an ocean view... not a deal breaker

[minniekissedme]

a couple of beers before bed...

[Scarecrow of RM]

I disagree with your wife, the room looks a lot more cozy with the relaxed vacation clutter.

SRM

[Jay324]

Originally Posted by jrbdad

Great pics . Love the 1BRs at VB. Looking forward to more.

Thanks John.. The 1 BR's at Vero are fantastic.

Originally Posted by scottinbx

Okay I am in. Look at all that beer.

I hate LaGuardia. Love White Plains.

The patio is really nice.

Looking forward to more.

Flying out of White Plains is really the way to go. Was thinking of you when I started the report. I just stink when it comes to photography. My biggest problem is that I get too caught up in the trip and just don't take enough pictures. I really admire you, Frank, DVC Mike, Jeff, etc. who just seem to be johnny on the spot when it comes to your photos. Hopefully next trip I will take the camera out a little more.

Originally Posted by Yogi3323

Are we to assume you drank all of the Corona's and your wife had the ONE Miller Lite?

Pictures look great so far Jay, thanks

We started with 12 Corona's and 12 Miller Lights for the beer selection at CVS was lacking. Went through the Corona's the first night and managed to drink one Miller. The Miller's were put to rest on Day 2 (but should have just bought a case of Corona's).

Originally Posted by jedwards

Yeah!!!! The long awaited Vero trip report!!!!!!! Your kids are very cute and DD3 looks like she has some spunk!

Thanks...I figured a Vero trip report was well overdue.

Originally Posted by ovalhead96

Can't wait to hear the rest.

couldn't talk the wife into a split stay, so we are spending a week there at the end of Aug before our son goes back to school.

I actually requested building 12 too. someone told me I could get an ocean view... not a deal breaker

Thanks Tom. The split stay was fantastic and I would reconsider for Disney World is so close. A week in Vero will be a great trip if you can ignore the mouse calling you for a visit.

Originally Posted by minniekissedme

a couple of beers before bed...

Well, seven or eight is my idea of a couple of beers. The atmosphere at Vero Beach is very conducive to putting down a beer or two.

[scottinbx]

Thanks for the nice words of my pics but you have not seen the newest yet. Lets say I am still learning the camera.