Live from Vero Beach! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

nzdisneymom

12-30-2007, 09:43 PM

Hiya folks! We arrived this afternoon for our first stay at Vero Beach. It's lovely! DS#2 said he wants to be sure to come back here - and we had not even been here an hour :) So I guess that's a thumbs-up for the place!

We have a OVIR that is Ocean-Facing, just next to the Green Cabin Room... and what is nice is that we can get the free wireless internet without having to leave our room! We're on the 2nd floor and get great wireless connection.

I took a few pictures and will be posting them - forgive me if they are too big at first - if they are, I'll go back and resize them. the holiday decorations are still up and beautiful.

After we got situated in our room we took a walk around the resort to check out the pool and the beach access and the mini-golf course. The boys have plans to play tomorrow and try out the slide at the pool. We found out about getting wrist-bands for the NYE party tomorrow night, too.

We drove down A1A (DS#2 calls it AIA) until we got into Vero Beach and went to Ay Jalisco for dinner (thx to a recommendation from the board). It was not busy when we got there around 6:30 but filled up while we were there. It was good and quick and not expensive. We have plans to try out a pizza place across from there later in the week (Vincents).

We picked up some groceries at Publix (mostly drinks and snacks and sandwich stuff) and then found our way back to the resort. We went down to the gift-shop and the boys got their Mickey ice cream bars (how fun it is to get them and not be at WDW) and checked out two movies (they are watching Ernest Saves Christmas right now - good thing we only have neighbors on one side - they are howling with laughter).

Our only "disappointment" is that our room has a roll-in shower -- and that means less counter space in the bathroom. But we don't have a need for a bathtub but I miss having extra counter space in the bathroom (at least if the other bathrooms are like at OKW where the roll-in shower bathrooms have less counter space). But the room is clean and comfortable, has a dehumidifier, and a good view of the beach (and the croquet lawn).

The room is clean - I checked the corners and ledges and have no complaints. The frig was clean and plenty of paper plates and bowls and plasticware.

If anyone has any questions or wants any particular information about the resort, I'll be online off and on this week (have to sign on a couple of days for work - ugh) and I'll be glad to answer them.

And if you're staying here and reading the board this week, let me know and maybe we can meet at the pool or somewhere to say hi.

nzdisneymom

12-30-2007, 09:45 PM

Entry to Vero Beach Inn:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007039.jpg

Wreath outside entry to Vero Beach:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007040.jpg

Just above the check-in desk:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007041.jpg

The lobby Christmas tree:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007042.jpg

nzdisneymom

12-30-2007, 09:47 PM

Inside our room:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007043.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007044.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007045.jpg

nzdisneymom

12-30-2007, 09:51 PM

View from our 2nd floor balcony:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007046.jpg

Green Cabin Room (from our balcony):
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007047.jpg

Our room from outside (bottom left):
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007051.jpg

Another view from outside:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007053.jpg

nzdisneymom

12-30-2007, 09:53 PM

Fun stuff around the resort:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007052.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007054.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007056.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007049.jpg

lisareniff

12-30-2007, 09:56 PM

Glad you are enjoying VB! Sounds like a real convenient room. Free internet and right next to the green cabin! Easy to get things to go - and relax on your balcony.

NYE at VB sounds like a lot of fun. You will have to report back on how that goes.

One favor. When we were there almost two years ago I snapped a picture of the 4th floor floor plan of the Inn that was posted on the back of the door. Do you think you could do that for the 2nd floor? I did have to go off angle to avoid the glare.

You are making me anxious for our April trip!

Have fun!

angel659

12-31-2007, 05:51 AM

Great pics. We are thinking of staying here for a week. I have heard from the uk board that there really isnt much to do here. A week is too much. Lovely to see if they are wrong at all. Also are there bug problems. I heard that many people get bitten by insects??? I have to say mossies love me.!

Have a great trip. Please add some more pics. They are great.

bobbiwoz

12-31-2007, 06:53 AM

Thanks for sharing your pictures! We can't wait to get back to VB, for us, it will be in June.

Bobbi:goodvibes

squitty

12-31-2007, 07:00 AM

Lovely photos, everything looks so nice, we have yet to stay in VB:)

nzdisneymom

12-31-2007, 08:27 AM

One favor. When we were there almost two years ago I snapped a picture of the 4th floor floor plan of the Inn that was posted on the back of the door. Do you think you could do that for the 2nd floor? I did have to go off angle to avoid the glare.

Lisa, I was able to get a picture so I'll post it later when I download photos again.

Great pics. We are thinking of staying here for a week. I have heard from the uk board that there really isnt much to do here. A week is too much. Lovely to see if they are wrong at all. Also are there bug problems. I heard that many people get bitten by insects??? I have to say mossies love me.!

Not mosquitoes, but no-see-ums. They were out at dusk last night but we weren't bothered or bitten by them. It's supposed to get cooler this week and apparently they don't like under-70-degree weather, so we'll see.

DH is out for a run and the boys are watching a DVD. I had a nice breakfast on the balcony and read for a while. When DH gets back we're heading to the pool and beach area. We are planning to get the $5/play-all-week thing for mini-golf and pick up our wrist bands for the party tonight and then get a beach-set-up for the day.

princessesrule4

12-31-2007, 09:55 AM

Thanks for the live report- We can't wait to go back in March! We had the OVIR to the right of the Green Cabin. We actually moved because it got pretty noisy til after midnight or1am with the live entertainment. I love the OVIR's! Love to know how NYE is if you have time! Have fun!

starbox

12-31-2007, 09:58 AM

We were in that exact room and I loved it (HA shower and all) because you don't have to wait for the elevator, we loved the internet signal in the room, HUGE balcony, and having the Green Cabin room next door was very convenient. We're going to request it next year and see what happens....

Have a great visit. Love the pictures of the holiday decorations!

nzdisneymom

12-31-2007, 01:47 PM

Lisa - see if these will work - if not, let me know and I'll try again :)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007001.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007001.jpg

nzdisneymom

12-31-2007, 01:49 PM

Our morning view:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007003.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007005.jpg

nzdisneymom

12-31-2007, 01:53 PM

We got the length-of-stay sticker for mini-golf which is $5 per person vs. $1 per game. We figure if we play 20 games, we'll break-even. We've played 10 games between us so far :)

Here are some photos of the mini-golf course:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007006.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007007.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007010.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007011.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007012.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007013.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007014.jpg

It took me until half-way through our second round before I realized that the course has a Peter Pan theme. Duh! It's a pretty easy course but there are a couple of holes that are a little more challenging.

keys2kingdom

12-31-2007, 02:21 PM

Glad you are having a good time, we had our first trip to Vero in September and loved it. We had the room on the opposite side of the Green Cabin Room, number 2222 and it was fabulous. It did have a regular tub by the way.

Enjoy your NYE party tonight, it sounds like a lot of fun.

Thanks for all the pictures, it's fun to see the resorts done up for Christmas and your photos are great.

One thing I'm curious about if you get a chance to notice, one of the water canons in the Tiger Lily water play area was not working on our visit just wondering if they got it fixed.

Have a great time on the rest of your trip!

AKV707

12-31-2007, 02:33 PM

Thanks for the report and the pics! Vero looks great. DW and I will definitely have to plan a trip there.

The ocean view inn room looks great. Is there any advantage to a studio at VB?

starbox

12-31-2007, 02:39 PM

The ocean view inn room looks great. Is there any advantage to a studio at VB?

IMHO - NO!!!!!! OVIRs rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(but I believe you get a fold-out sofa with a studio, and inn rooms have two double beds - the kitchenette area is the same)

DisDaydreamer

12-31-2007, 04:43 PM

:banana: Thank you , thank you...

Nice pictures. I don't remember that rock/blob thing in the mini golf couse. Maybe I haven't visited the course for quite a while.

Don't forget there are things to do across the street. Lake (large pond), grille, picnic tables, basketball courts, tennis courts, a little nature trail around the water, and an eight mile hike bike trail to Pelican Island. Your family will love walking through the tunnel to get over there.

If you find yourself running back out again... stop by Walmart and get yourself a canvas shoe organizer to hang over the bathroom door. You can put a lot of stuff in that thing and conserve a lot of counter space. A place for everything and everything in it's place. Actually, the one we have now is mesh, so we can see through and see what is in the pockets.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n219/arizonaborn/6462-13SPI.jpg

We're headed there in June and you got me excited to go. Looking forward to more pics as you go. Have a wonderful time.

nzdisneymom

12-31-2007, 05:15 PM

The sun has gone down and the activity level is coming to a lull as everyone is getting ready for dinner or going out or waiting til late enough for the NYE party tonight.

We've gotten our entire $20 worth of mini-golf in today :) And had a nice walk on the beach - we skipped getting a beach-set-up and just played around on our own. The boys participated in the slide-race at the pool. It's been overcast much of the day. They've also enjoyed checking out and playing various games from Eb and Flo's.

I got some laundry done today - I must say that the laundry room in the Inn is pretty good. There are 3 washers and 6 dryers. The washers take about 25 - 30 minutes and the dryers can be set for up to an hour if necessary. It wasn't busy this afternoon so I was able to get our laundry done without any hassle. I must say that it was a GREAT experience because I can compare it with the self-laundry on the Magic - ay yi yi - that could get hairy-scary :)

Someone asked about advantages to OVIR to Studio. I will say that I will always choose an OVIR over a Studio here at VB because the studios are on "corners" of the villas and if you have a downstairs one, you have a teeny-tiny patio that we would not enjoy using at all. Also we like having the two queen-beds as it fits our family better.

And I like being in the Inn building because if we want to check out a DVD, we just go downstairs and don't have to go to a whole different building since we get them from the gift shop (Island Grove Shipping Co.).

Thanks for the tip about the over-the-door-shoe-holder - we have one we use when we cruise; I just never think about taking it for a resort stay. I'm going to add it to my general packing list for wherever we go. I have to say how much I love our pop-up laundry hamper!

Oh, I did look at the Tiger Lily to see if the water cannons were working - one appeared to be but the one on the left facing seemed a bit "dry." I didn't see anyone actually doing anything with them but did notice it looked dry compared to the rest of the area.

I went into the Green Cabin Room today and ordered the spinach artichoke dip and tortilla chips - that's what we had for dinner :) Spinach counts as a vegetable, right? It was really good and they were really nice and let me get it to carry-out since we're right next door. They are expecting to be slammed tonight - they were conferencing about how to divide up tables when I went in about 5:30 p.m.

Anyway, thanks for reading :) Happy New Year everyone!

CarolAnnC

12-31-2007, 05:34 PM

DisDaydreamer

12-31-2007, 06:09 PM

IMHO - NO!!!!!! OVIRs rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You have to forgive starbox.... she is sometimes hyper-active...

The studios are pretty much the same only don't have an ocean view. As SB said, you can get the king/sofa-bed in the studio, whereas, almost all the OVIRs have two queens. That said... there are 3 OVIR rooms on the 4th floor that are king/sofa combinations. Chances are probably slim to get one though.

All things considered, VB JUST ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You.

nzdisneymom

12-31-2007, 06:31 PM

Happy New Year's Cindy!

Glad you are enjoying Vero. We have points there, and will be in a two bedroom next July.

Has the temperature been high? I saw Orlando hit 84 the other day, but I imagine you have that nice ocean breeze.

Hi Carol! Happy New Year to you and your family, too!

It was in the high-70s here today I think - that was what the weather forecast was for and we certainly didn't break a sweat today. It's humid, though - we have a dehumidifier in our room - I don't know if that is standard or not but it's been nice to have it. I think the temp is scheduled to drop by Wednesday and then start rising again later in the week. We plan to go to Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday. The water of the ocean was COLD today (I got it on my feet) but there were people swimming and boogie-boarding, etc. Too chilly for me!

nzdisneymom

12-31-2007, 09:48 PM

The New Year's Eve party was a blast even if we didn't stay until the big Pool Drop.

Around 8 p.m. we went out to get ice and saw Goofy, Chip and Dale in the lobby dressed in their New Year's Eve finery. DS#2 got his picture made (I'll probably post it tomorrow). It was such a different experience interacting with the characters here than at WDW. There were just a few other folks in the lobby getting pics and autographs so there wasn't a rush and not even really a queue but there was a CM there to help guide who went next.

We went down to the pool for the party a few minutes early so we found a few chairs to hang out til they were ready. Just before 9 p.m. they started letting you get party hats, noise makers, and beads and leis. All the kids were blowing their noise makers until I'm sure I lost more hearing (ha ha).

The party started with the DJ introducing Chip, Dale, and Goofy. They did some free dancing with guests for a few minutes and then the crowd joined them for the Macarena, followed by the Cha Cha Slide and then, of course, YMCA. Goofy is quite the dancer! DS#2 and I had a blast; DH and DS#1 went on back to get ice cream and then back to the room for a low-key NYE.

There was more dancing and some trivia, and then they had 10 families come aside to participate in an event scheduled for 10 p.m. During the half-hour before then, they had another contest that we did participate in with the help of two boys that were hanging out - it was a wrap-the-mummy contest where you have four rolls of toilet paper to wrap mummy-style around one of your family members. DS#2 got to be the mummy. We only got three rolls mostly done when time was up but it was so fun. DS#2 said that DS#1 really missed out because DS#1 has always wanted the opportunity to do wrap him up like a mummy.

The contest for the 10 families was hilarious. Each family was given a small plastic pail with a t-shirt wadded up inside it and frozen. The first family to get the t-shirt on one of their family-members (both arms in and over the head) would win. But you had to stay right in the immediate area and could not go to the pool, jacuzzi, etc. nor pour anything on it. And the kicker was that not only was it frozen in a block of ice, the t-shirt was knotted in a really tight wet knot inside. They allowed an hour to do it, but it took about half-an-hour for a winner. The t-shirts were pretty much shredded by the time the dads had all banged them on the pool deck trying to crack the ice. Some had towels to help, and many used body-heat. They did finally let the families go to the pool to finish getting their knots loose. Anyway, it was hilarious and loads of fun to watch.

We left shortly after that as we were hot and damp and wanted to have a chance to get ready for bed but still be up at midnight. Although the boys are starting to talk about maybe going back down just before midnight to watch or participate in the pool-drop - where they have folks line up all around the pool and jump in at midnight.

Anyway, it was a fun family evening. Would've been nice if it had been like on a cruise where they had a buffet out, too (ha ha) but either way, they throw a good party!

Happy New Year everyone!

lisareniff

12-31-2007, 09:51 PM

Lisa - see if these will work - if not, let me know and I'll try again :)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/dec2007001.jpg

Thanks Cindy! I'm such a map person. Once I see a map of an area or building, that's it, I understand it.

I have been curious about those corner rooms. They are different shape with one side (north or south) having a balcony and the other side having a windows. Some have really liked them and others have not.

It also looks like there are 3, or 4? connecting OVIR pairs on the second, with three more in the GVIRs.

I believe the room numbers start on the room next to the elevator and go around the floor in a counter clock-wise fashion. That would put your room at around number 2223? Is that correct?

Below is a photoshopped version of the 4th floor pic for comparison. Notice there are 7 OVIR connecting pairs. The king rooms Rob was talking about are on the 4th. Two are OVIR's that are located on each side of the Green Cabin room, only up on the 4th. The third one I believe is a 4th floor GVIR in the other corner of the lobby with the laundry room making up the fourth corner. These rooms have an interesting shape to them as well.

http://i16.tinypic.com/48ge9n9.jpg

DisDaydreamer

12-31-2007, 09:55 PM

lisareniff

12-31-2007, 09:56 PM

Thats sounds like a really fun NYE! I like that pool jump idea!

A lot better then ours right now. We are hanging out watching movies and Dick Clark.

drakethib

12-31-2007, 10:00 PM

Thanks for the photos.

Have a good time

DisDaydreamer

12-31-2007, 10:05 PM

Thanks Cindy! I'm such a map person. Once I see a map of an area or building, that's it, I understand it.

I have been curious about those corner rooms. They are different shape with one side (north or south) having a balcony and the other side having a windows. Some have really liked them and others have not.

It also looks like there are 3, or 4? connecting OVIR pairs on the second, with three more in the GVIRs.

I believe the room numbers start on the room next to the elevator and go around the floor in a counter clock-wise fashion. That would put your room at around number 2223? Is that correct?

Below is a photoshopped version of the 4th floor pic for comparison. Notice there are 7 OVIR connecting pairs. The king rooms Rob was talking about are on the 4th. Two are OVIR's that are located on each side of the Green Cabin room, only up on the 4th. The third one I believe is a 4th floor GVIR in the other corner of the lobby with the laundry room making up the fourth corner. These rooms have an interesting shape to them as well.

http://i16.tinypic.com/48ge9n9.jpg

You.. maam... are a logistics analyst. You are amazing.... If I want to know about floor plans.... ask Lisa... If I want to know about parking, activity schedules... ask Lisa... I just Luv-ya....

isyt

12-31-2007, 10:37 PM

I have done July 4th and Thanksgiving in Vero. After your report I may do NYE. I love Vero and that sounds like alot of fun!!!!!

Happy New Year! :wizard:

nzdisneymom

12-31-2007, 11:18 PM

Well, we did go to the pool drop! We went back to the pool around 20 minutes til midnight, got a couple of towels from the CM handing out towels, and watched the small crowd still dancin'. About 5 minutes til, they had everyone who was jumping in the pool to line up, Cast Members and all! The boys got ready and then as the crowd counted down the last 10 seconds, everyone was excited and then SPLASH! the pool was filled with New Years revelers!

Great job, Vero Beach staffers!!! Fabulous party!!!!!!

And thanks for those who are reading along with me :) Happy New Year.

lisareniff

12-31-2007, 11:24 PM

Happy New Year to you and your family! :wizard:

nzdisneymom

01-01-2008, 11:20 AM

Not much to report today as most folks were sleeping in - my boys didn't get up til after 10 a.m. but hey, it was nearly 1 a.m. before we got to sleep last night. DH went for a long run this morning and said we do need to go over to the Lake side to play horseshoes or shoot basketball.

Today is a rainy day and the temp is going to drop tonight. We were heading out for mini-golf when it started raining, so we checked out a couple of games from Eb and Flo's (Trouble and Scrabble) to keep us occupied. Of course we also brought our own Monopoly game that the boys and I have been playing since mid-November. We're going to go down to the lobby later today and find a space to play. I love how they have seating areas where you can just hang-out for a bit, especially on a damp day like today. We saw one family sitting on the porch putting together a puzzle.

But even a rainy day at the beach is still relaxing.

La2kw

01-01-2008, 11:55 AM

You have to forgive starbox.... she is sometimes hyper-active...

The studios are pretty much the same only don't have an ocean view. As SB said, you can get the king/sofa-bed in the studio, whereas, almost all the OVIRs have two queens. That said... there are 3 OVIR rooms on the 4th floor that are king/sofa combinations. Chances are probably slim to get one though.

All things considered, VB JUST ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You.

I've only stayed at 1br units at Vero, don't you mean queen/sofa bed combos in the studios? Aren't king beds are only in the 1br and larger units? That's how the other DVC resorts are.

lisareniff

01-01-2008, 01:36 PM

I've only stayed at 1br units at Vero, don't you mean queen/sofa bed combos in the studios? Aren't king beds are only in the 1br and larger units? That's how the other DVC resorts are.

Rob intended to say Queen/sofa in the studios. He was just overly excited about possibly staying one of the two or three Inn rooms that have a King bed (and sofa???) on his next trip to VB. ;)

La2kw

01-01-2008, 01:45 PM

Rob intended to say Queen/sofa in the studios. He was just overly excited about possibly staying one of the two or three Inn rooms that have a King bed (and sofa???) on his next trip to VB. ;)

That's why I was wondering. I'd love a king/sofa bed studio! :goodvibes

DisDaydreamer

01-01-2008, 02:00 PM

Rob intended to say Queen/sofa in the studios. He was just overly excited about possibly staying one of the two or three Inn rooms that have a King bed (and sofa???) on his next trip to VB. ;)

Yep, I think that was likely what I was thinking. Thanks for saving me.

nzdisneymom

01-01-2008, 03:50 PM

4:44 PM. DH and the boys are down at the pool. It's been raining off and on all afternoon but the temperature is mild enough to be enjoyable between drizzles.

DH and DS#2 got hot dogs from Bleachers for lunch today; they said they were really good and the fries were good, too. I think we're ordering from Orchid's pizza for dinner tonight - at least that is the current plan. We don't feel like heading out off property.

DS#1 definitely got his money's worth at the mini-golf course today - he played 20 rounds in a row (by himself). He's getting better and better as the week is going on. He said that he didn't even have to ask for a ball after the third or fourth time - the CM just had one ready for him :)

The boys and I finished our Monopoly game in the lobby today. Several parties were checking in - it was so cool to see how excited they all are in arriving - and it's hard to believe that was us just two days ago - we've been here barely 48 hours and it seems like we've been here way more than that! What a relaxing vacation!

DS#2 and I participated in "Decorate a Holiday Treat" which was CM Rita with a few bags of cookies and tubs of icing that you could spread on them. She said it was "Mickey's Treat" and then laughed that you don't hear that term too often :laughing: We made one for each of us and then took an extra cookie for DS#1 and DH who were, no surprise, on the mini-golf course.

Our next activity was the Rainy Day Scavenger hunt which was pretty fun - mostly looking at details in and around the lobby or on the information sheets that you get when you check in. We knocked it out pretty quickly and turned it in for a prize. I got a new pencil while the boys got a slap bracelet and a yo-yo (holiday themed stuff from Oriental Trading).

No pictures today - it's been damp and dreary so I haven't taken my camera around. As always, if you have any questions or need information from here, I'll be glad to see what I can find out for you.

Thanks for joining us this week :)

DisDaydreamer

01-01-2008, 04:11 PM

Hope the weather turns better tomorrow. Glad you all are having a great time. If it turns out rainy tomorrow you might want to put a bug in their ears to open up the movie theatre and show some Disney movies. I have only seen them do that once, and that was during a tropical storm, but they do have a theatre up the north corridor of the lobby. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

nzdisneymom

01-01-2008, 04:55 PM

Davros

01-01-2008, 04:59 PM

Happy New Year from fellow DVCers in the UK. Thank you for going to all the trouble of sharing your New Year break at Vero. We too enjoy staying at the resort and reading your daily reports is truly wonderful, bringing back lots of memories. When we started reading your first day we thought you are actually staying in the room we had on our last trip 2222. When we read on you are actually staying at the other side of the Green room from 2222.
Can you please explain what a 'Roll in shower' is?
We are looking forward now each day to reading your latest reports.

DisDaydreamer

01-01-2008, 06:17 PM

I wondered what was behind those doors!!! It makes sense that there might be a movie theater there. We were actually talking about going to see National Treasure 2 if we end up staying here... looks like the mall is about 15 minute drive from here (assuming we go the direct route instead of the scenic route we took the other night).

Actually, I don't understand why VB doesn't make the theatre at least a weekly event (like the camp fire). When they had it open during tropical storm Ernesto, they had popcorn machines running (free popcorn of course) and the kids and grownups alike were just buzzing around. At the same time, at the end of that corridor, they had a huge crafts room set up. These people at VB have the resources and personnel to keep families happy during the worst of times. Truly... VB is very special. We recognize many CMs from many years past.

Have a great tomorrow.

DisDaydreamer

01-01-2008, 06:26 PM

Can you please explain what a 'Roll in shower' is?

The handicapped accessible rooms have showers that a wheelchair can roll into. :)

ChelleinNC

01-01-2008, 08:21 PM

Great report, thanks for posting it! I look forward to staying at VB sometime, DS wants to play mini-golf after seeing the pictures.

We stayed at BWV the week before Christmas, and while it was wonderful, your trip sounds much more "relaxing" :goodvibes

nzdisneymom

01-01-2008, 08:53 PM

I asked about the theater today and the CMs were really not wanting to talk about it - -I told them I was just rumor-checking (hee hee) so they would know why I was asking. They said they do movies down in Community Hall more than in the presentation theater that is here in the Inn.

The temp is dropping - good thing we brought both cold and warm weather clothes. The boys got a long swim in tonight but I think that will be it for the week - but hey, they've been swimming in January :)

DS#1 said he's planning to do 365 rounds of mini-golf tomorrow... trying to get a whole year's worth in one day! We'll see if the weather permits!

llmurphy17

01-01-2008, 10:15 PM

Thanks for all your posts- I feel like I am there. :surfweb: We also want to try VB one day.

Showing movies in the theater sounds like it would be more fun than the community hall- I wonder why they don't use the theater more? :confused3 :confused3 :confused3

I hope the weather gets drier and warmer for you. :wizard: pixiedust:

nzdisneymom

01-02-2008, 09:33 AM

View from our balcony on Tuesday, Jan. 1st:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/vb004.jpg

View from our balcony this morning, Wednesday, Jan. 2nd (temp in the high-40s at 10:30 a.m.):

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/vb005.jpg

And here's DS#2 with Goofy, Chip, and Dale on New Years Eve:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/disboards/vb002.jpg

DisDaydreamer

01-02-2008, 10:27 AM

Wow. What a beautiful day. Hope your temps get nice & high too.

Mom B

01-02-2008, 12:04 PM

Wow! Thanks for the great report and pics. We had that same room in January 2007 and plan to return in Jan 2009. Our plans are for the middle of the month but after your info it's tempting to change to NYE instead. Here's my very important question, though...do they still have the garlic fries in the Green Cabin Room? They were to die for! And the fabulous flatbreads?

nzdisneymom

01-02-2008, 02:40 PM

I don't know about garlic fries but I do know they still have Flatbread on the menu.

And for the poster who asked about the water cannons at Tiger Lily - they were BOTH working today.

Today we've gotten three loads of laundry done (how can generate so much in two days???), went on the beach for about 1/2 hr, and then drove into Sebastian for lunch. We stopped at the Publix to get some $ and saw Aunt Louise's pizza that looked good but unfortunately was closed on Wednesdays, so we ended up at McD's next door.

We've all poked around in the gift shop today and DS#1 checked out two Herbie (the Love Bug) DVDs to watch. The rest of us went to the mini-golf course... I am determined to get a two or less on each hole before we leave on Friday - I'd love to have a game of 18 or less, but hole #4 is the dickens - the best I can get is a 3 and then not consistently. There is a mini-golf tournament later today and I think that DS#2 and I are going to participate.

We had a msg on the phone today that the campfire is going to be tonight even though it's not on the playful pastimes. And if it's too windy, they will either do it on the back porch or inside the lobby. They said singing and s'mores regardless of location :) DH and I walked up past Villa 12 so we could see where the campfire area is - it's pretty nice. I didn't have my camera but will try to get a photo of it tomorrow.

I'm planning to do the Hidden Treasures tour tomorrow afternoon that is a walking tour of the resort. I think it will be interesting to learn more about the details.

We had our trash-and-towel service today... they had a lot of folks checking out today so they had a lot of full-cleans to do so we just got our T-T service a few minutes ago (about 3:35).

nzdisneymom

01-02-2008, 06:44 PM

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb035.jpg

DS#2 and I participated in the mini-golf tournament late this afternoon. It was still chilly and of course the sun was going down, so the course was cold, windy, and getting dark. But it was fun. We played in teams of four, so we joined up with a brother and sister who were going to play, too. Their mom was our official score keeper for our team. The tournament was played where the first and second place in each team got a certificate and a prize. The brother got 1st on our team with a score of 21, and here's our second place team winner:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb039.jpg

They were really nice kids and I enjoyed talking to the mom. We were talking about location here at Vero Beach - they have a first floor studio (got it booked on a cancellation). I mentioned that I read on DISBoards about staying in a OVIR (especially for a first introduction to Vero Beach) and she asked me about DIS Boards as she didn't know about us :) So I told her about us!

nzdisneymom

01-02-2008, 06:48 PM

While waiting for the golf tournament to start, I took some photos of the pool area:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb026.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb027.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb028.jpg

nzdisneymom

01-02-2008, 06:50 PM

oops - double posted.

nzdisneymom

01-02-2008, 06:54 PM

And from the children's play area:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb030.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb031.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb032.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb033.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb034.jpg

nzdisneymom

01-02-2008, 06:57 PM

And yeah, I've let DH use the laptop this week... here's where our Live From report has been coming from (only it's me usually sitting here rather than DH). Gotta love having the wireless connectivity in our prime-room-location:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb021.jpg

nzdisneymom

01-02-2008, 08:23 PM

We braved the cold and wind and went to the campfire tonight down past Villa 12. They had a bit of trouble getting the fire started at first but it got going and there was a pretty good crowd - probably 75 people or so who made it out. We sang some "campy" songs and then got to roast marshmallows and make s'mores. Yyyuuummmmm....

And now we smell like camping :)

summergolf

01-02-2008, 08:36 PM

thanks for the reports. Cant wait tiL we are back there in May. Nice to see the sun and the ocean while up north we have clouds and snow

nzdisneymom

01-03-2008, 08:26 AM

This is our last full day here at Vero Beach. We've really enjoyed our time here, and thanks for joining us!

The temperature is a brisk 40-degrees with a "feels like 31" out this morning so DH has decided to delay his daily run until later this afternoon. He usually goes out in the morning. He has enjoyed being able to run on the sidewalk down A1A in front of the resort and down south - it's pretty flat and hardly any traffic so that makes it nice. He takes the tunnel across to get to the sidewalk. I haven't yet made it over there but it's on my list of things to do today if I can bundle up enough (ha ha).

There is a Hidden Treasures tour for ages 15+ this afternoon that I'm planning to do as well, and of course we have to get in some more mini-golf and another few rounds of UNO-Attackz from Eb and Flo's. We have loved being able to check out board / card games this week. And we also have a couple of DVDs the kids want to watch as well.

So we have a pretty full day ahead of us, but nothing that we have to rush for and if we don't get to any of it, no worries! That's what has been so nice about this vacation - if we miss something, so what? It's been so restful for us all - just what we need before hitting the busy months with school and work.

The curtains in the room really block the light so the kids have been sleeping late which has been nice for me to have some quiet time in the mornings (when I happen to get up before them - ha ha). And by not having daily maid-service, it's been nice to not have to worry about are we up and not going to keep someone from getting their job(s) done. The more times we stay in DVC-accommodations, the more we like it!

VrBchJ

01-03-2008, 10:18 AM

I bet you're not hitting the beach today!

Cheryl N. WI

01-03-2008, 10:38 AM

Great pictures and great report. We had such a nice time at Vero last June and now after reading your report and see all your lovely pictures it is making me want to go back, maybe we should end our trip there this Dec.

Mahusky

01-03-2008, 11:40 AM

Actually, I don't understand why VB doesn't make the theatre at least a weekly event (like the camp fire). When they had it open during tropical storm Ernesto, they had popcorn machines running (free popcorn of course) and the kids and grownups alike were just buzzing around. At the same time, at the end of that corridor, they had a huge crafts room set up. These people at VB have the resources and personnel to keep families happy during the worst of times. Truly... VB is very special. We recognize many CMs from many years past.

Have a great tomorrow.

They used it one night on our recent summer vacation for a Teen Movie night. I agree they should make more use of it though!!!

Mahusky

01-03-2008, 11:44 AM

Love the trip report. Can you confirm if the Wireless Access is now up and running in the pool area?

Chim Chiminy

01-03-2008, 11:51 AM

Great report and thanks for all the pictures.
My excitement for our Memorial Day trip keeps building!

A suggestion--see if Deb Wills site will accept your fab pictures. They hardly have any of Vero on her site and it would be a great research tool.

nzdisneymom

01-03-2008, 03:46 PM

Love the trip report. Can you confirm if the Wireless Access is now up and running in the pool area?

I haven't seen anyone using their laptops in the pool area and it wasn't mentioned in any of the information we were given, so I don't know if it's available yet. I've seen a lot of people in the lobby and hanging out in the hallway on the 2nd floor as well as on the beach. Although the resort directory / information sheet did say that wireless is available in the Shutters area, so maybe it will carry out into the pool area.

nzdisneymom

01-03-2008, 04:36 PM

We have had a great afternoon! We drove up to Sebastian and had lunch at Aunt Louise's Pizzaria which is in the Publix shopping center in Sebastian. It was really good - the kids had pizza (which we brought half of it home) and I had a calzone the size of my head (it was a "regular" one - I'd hate to see how big the large one was) and DH had the meatball sub.

After we got back, DS#2 and I participated in the Paper Flower Parade in the lobby - we got to make giant paper flowers and then we "paraded" around the gift shop and lobby. There were 28 participants on this cold and windy afternoon.

Then at 3:15, I met my Hidden Treasures tour group - turned out to be just me :) But as we got started, DS#1 came in the lobby and Matt the CM said it was fine for him to join (the tour says ages 15+ but since it was just us, no big deal). Then DS#2 came in so he joined and finally DH wandered in, so Matt took our family on the Hidden Treasures tour of the resort. If you get a chance to do it,it is worth the hour. Matt is a native Vero-Beach-person and does a great job in telling the story of the area plus how Disney ties things together. I asked how often they do the tours and he said he's the only CM right now who is doing them so they are only offered when he's home from college :) I highly recommend doing the tour if you are here and it is offered! In fact I would say it's a "don't miss" activity.

Another don't-miss-thing is to look for the hidden Mickeys (and other characters) throughout the resort. Particularly take some time to look at the mural in the gift shop.

It's hard to believe our time here is coming to an end. Thanks for joining us and looking at our pictures and reading our detailed account. It's been fun to share it with all of you who are VB-lovers as well as those of you who will soon be having your first VB-experience like we did this week.

lisareniff

01-03-2008, 05:08 PM

It's hard to believe our time here is coming to an end. Thanks for joining us and looking at our pictures and reading our detailed account. It's been fun to share it with all of you who are VB-lovers as well as those of you who will soon be having your first VB-experience like we did this week.

It's been really fun reading your live reports! Thanks for taking time out of your vacation to share with us. :goodvibes

cgcw

01-03-2008, 05:31 PM

It sounds like you had fun, Cindy.

Maybe one of these days we'll venture to Vero. It seems very different from Hilton Head which is where we travel each summer. In some ways, I'm almost afraid to try it for fear that we'd really end up liking it too much. ;)

KirstenB

01-03-2008, 08:02 PM

Thanks so much for sharing. We've been DVC'rs since 1993, and have never gone to Vero. My skin color is best described as fish-belly white, so the beach resorts have never beckoned too loudly to me. :goodvibes

But, both our dd's are tan like dh, so I've been giving it more thought. I really appreciate all the time and detail you've shared. I can picture the resort much more clearly now. I think we'll try to wrap a couple of days on the end of a WDW vacation to give Vero a try. It sounds like you guys have had a great trip, thanks again!!

nzdisneymom

01-04-2008, 10:12 PM

We were sad when we woke up this morning knowing we had to leave, especially since the temperature was going to be considerably milder than the frigidness of the last two days. But alas, we had to leave. I consoled myself by knowing that since it was Friday, the room would cost me double-points to stay :)

I did have time to do one last load of laundry so we came home with no dirty laundry! :banana: That was awesome. And while i was waiting for the laundry to start, I realized it was 90 days out from our April cruise so I was able to get started on my online check-in, so that gave me something fun to do!

We left about 10:30 along with several other families - there was a queue for the luggage carts and lots of joking about stalking people who had them in order to get them next. Guess a lot of folks were leaving today.

So in review -- would we go back to VB? Absolutely. Would we stay in the Inn again? Absolutely!

Thanks for joining us!

AKV707

01-04-2008, 10:21 PM

Cindy, thanks so much for the great reports. Sounds like a great time at a great resort. The OVIR sounds perfect. DW and I are already talking about doing a 3 nighter prior to one of our AKV stays. Happy cruise planning!

La2kw

01-04-2008, 10:50 PM

Cindy, thanks for the reports. It was really fun reading along with your adventures over the holiday week. Vero Beach is a great resort, we can't wait to get back there.

sdbz

01-05-2008, 10:33 PM

Hi, I am glad you enjoyed your stay, I believe I am one of the CM who spoke with you about the old sales presentation theater. The room won't handle more then about 20 people so community hall makes for a much better use of space I think. I do agree that it should be used more often though.

-Scott

uicbear

01-05-2008, 11:36 PM

I really enjoyed your report. My family and I will be heading to VB for the first time in June and I'm already getting really excited. We are staying in an OVIR and the thought of waking up and looking out at the ocean is just too good to be true.

ont/ohana

01-08-2008, 10:24 AM

After we got back, DS#2 and I participated in the Paper Flower Parade in the lobby - we got to make giant paper flowers and then we "paraded" around the gift shop and lobby. There were 28 participants on this cold and windy afternoon.

We were there the same time you were and my 2 dd's were in the paper flower parade with you! I will post pictures of it later :thumbsup2
We agree, we loved Vero and will be back. The dd's want to go back today.

texansue

01-08-2008, 11:37 AM

This was fantastic and I loved the photos - you've definitely sold me on VB and I'm now changing my plans to go in the beginning of December. Looks like so much fun?

I thought the campfire is a nightly event - does it only happen occasionally or weekly? Do you know if they publish the dates in advance? I'm only going to go for 3 nights and I would hate to miss it.

Thanks again!
Sue

ont/ohana

01-08-2008, 12:35 PM

The campfire is Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

keys2kingdom

01-08-2008, 09:02 PM

Cindy,

Thanks for checking on the Tiger Lily water cannons, glad to see them both working.

Thanks for your reports, I really enjoyed looking at all your pictures and I'm glad you had a good trip. :thumbsup2

LoveMyDisneyCats

01-08-2008, 11:17 PM

Just booked my VB summer ressie today. We are VB DVCers, but sad to stay we only stayed their once for two nights. l am so excited to be going for 5 days this time. Can anyone tell me some of the activities that they coordinate. I know about the campfire, and skimmed through the previous posts....what was the movie thing? They play a movie for all to see? What else? I have two DDs 3 & 7 (by the time we go)- are their kids activities? Thanks for any help!

Candace

01-09-2008, 12:14 PM

Cindy - we were there the same time as you! We were in the inn until Jan 1 and then moved to a Beach Cottage. It was fabulous, but the cold temps on Jan 2nd and 3rd prevented us from being outside! We had to leave on the
4th when it was warming up again. Oh, I love the resort at VB!

UncleKyle

01-09-2008, 09:09 PM

Thanks for the great pics and reports. My parent's are thinking about using some of our leftover points for a trip there this spring. I just sent my mom the link to this thread. Thanks again!

nzdisneymom

01-11-2008, 01:34 PM

Thanks for all the replies! I knew there were some other DISers who were going to be there - how funny that we were at the same things but didn't even know it.

I'd love to get a look inside one of the Beach Cottages - I'm so jealous - they look like they would be so comfortable and spacious!

It's hard to believe we've been home a week already.

As for activities, there is a thread on the Planning board where I posted a lot of the activities for Vero Beach - I couldn't find it quickly but I'm sure if you do a search for Vero Beach on that board, you can find it - it was in response to someone asking what there is to do there.

EpiscoDisFan

01-15-2008, 08:53 AM

we were there during the same time, and have just gotten back from a week at the world (OKW). its great to see our new Canadian DIS friends have posted! (howdy to you all in the Ont/Ohanna clan! we are planning our trip to Niagra Falls to see you.)

it was a funny dance with Ont/Ohanna to figure out if they we DIS people. can't someone make buttons or t-shirts so we can identify each other without looking like a COMPLETE idiot? (something i have a natural knack at doing) :)

this was our fourth time at VB, and by far the worst weather we have ever had during this time of year. it was pretty rough. but was it worth it? absolutely! we are crazy for VB.

ont/ohana

01-15-2008, 05:42 PM

a few days later and I finally remembered to post the picture of making flowers for the parade in the lobby.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u240/mrtrdt/Picture068.jpg

ont/ohana

01-15-2008, 05:45 PM

we were there during the same time, and have just gotten back from a week at the world (OKW). its great to see our new Canadian DIS friends have posted! (howdy to you all in the Ont/Ohanna clan! we are planning our trip to Niagra Falls to see you.)

Glad to see you made it home safe and heard the weather was better the second week:thumbsup2

ont/ohana

01-16-2008, 01:20 PM

:lovestruc Please let your oldest DD know that she was our Dd's show n tell this week!! Her new friend is the talk of the household!!!:yay:

nzdisneymom

01-16-2008, 09:13 PM

a few days later and I finally remembered to post the picture of making flowers for the parade in the lobby.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u240/mrtrdt/Picture068.jpg

Hey - that's me standing up in the background. My DS is just to the left of the three boys with the matching shirts. I'm trying to think who you were -- and I'm sure we must've talked to each other.

ont/ohana

01-17-2008, 05:00 PM

My 2 dd's are the first two to the right of the boys in the striped shirts:goodvibes

simzac

01-17-2008, 08:09 PM

I can't believe I have missed this thread as much as I'm on the DVC boards. We were also at VB from Jan 1st to the 3rd. Spent the 2nd at the space center, so our time at VB was very limited. Thanks for all of your pictures, haven't had time to get ours developed yet. It did get cold on the 2nd and 3rd, in fact people around the resort were talking about seeing snow flakes the morning we left. I think I remember seeing some of you when we were there, at least your son looks familiar to me. Thanks again for a great trip report.

nzdisneymom

01-17-2008, 08:50 PM

We had considered going to the Space Center on the 2nd but decided because of the cold that we'd just hang out at VB. Which was great - we had such a nice relaxing time there.

ont/ohana

01-18-2008, 02:30 PM

We went to space center as well on the 2nd. It sure was a good day to go with the cold.

simzac

01-18-2008, 06:41 PM

We went to space center as well on the 2nd. It sure was a good day to go with the cold.

Wasn't the bus service from the Saturn/Apollo building back to the visitors center just awful:eek:

ont/ohana

01-19-2008, 07:45 AM

We didn't find it too bad, got on the first tour of the morning and never had to wait for more than 5 minutes for the bus back ( just lucky I guess ). When we were leaving around 3:00 the linups for the bus tour begining were huge. After we got to the first stop we never had a full bus.

Tora Millypoops

01-19-2008, 01:59 PM

Wonderful pictures!

nzdisneymom

01-19-2008, 04:55 PM

I found I had a few pictures still on the camera so I thought I would share them.

From the beach area - the Green Cabin, the boardwalk ramp down, and then a picture of the shower thing where you can rinse off your feet or sand-toys or whatever you need to rinse off.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb003.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb004.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb005.jpg

(DH laughed at me when we took our first DCL cruise because I took photos of the laundry room - but shortly after we got back, someone asked on the Cruise Line threads about the laundry room - a picture is worth a thousand words -- so that's why there's a picture of the shower thing.)

nzdisneymom

01-19-2008, 04:56 PM

These are a few pics from the Paper Flower Making.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb008.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb009.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb011.jpg

nzdisneymom

01-19-2008, 04:58 PM

And last, but not least, two from our Hidden Treasures tour.

Hidden Mickey in the Lobby:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb012.jpg

and Tick Tock the Croc out front:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/nzmommy/vb013.jpg

simzac

01-19-2008, 06:45 PM

Love your pictures, I can just see myself still there seeing these scenes with my own eyes.:goodvibes

Mom B

01-19-2008, 11:09 PM

Aw, you guys are makin' me homesick!:)

lisareniff

01-20-2008, 07:28 AM

That gate on the ramp seems new to me. We were there in Feb of '06 and I don't remember a gate there. I think there was one closer to the resort, by the sidewalk. Was that the only gate? Is there one by the stairs to the beach as well?

Thanks.

nzdisneymom

01-20-2008, 02:59 PM

Lisa, yes, there is a gate on the steps down to the beach as well as the one on the ramp. You need a key-card to go through the gate going onto the beach and coming back from the beach.

On our tour, the CM told us about when VB was washed-out during the hurricanes / tropical storms and how so much of the beach was "lost" and how things had to be moved back and how water actually came into the lobby of the Inn. He pointed out various safety things that have since been installed / designed to help protect the resort from future storm damage.

The thiing is that one of the days we were there, DS#1 had mentioned that the tide sure looked high - i assured him that the water wouldn't make it up that far -- and then when he heard the CM telling us about the water coming into the lobby and what all had been replaced, I had to tell DS#1 that I was wrong. Ay yi yi.

Anyway, it's such an interesting place and if you go and have the time to really check out the details of the resort, you can see how they captured the local-flavor as well as the natural beauty of the coast.