DisDaydreamer
I have this DIS-ease
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2006
This thread is a continuation of starbox's original thread of 2007. This thread does not include the chair-swap portion. Starbox has posted the 2008 chair-swap in a separate thread and here is the link to it....here
I have added a Roll Call listing (just below). If you are not on the list... Please let me know when you are going.
Please feel free to ask questions, answer questions, or pose questions to be added to the FAQ. None of the photos have been brought forward for this new thread so feel free to post some fresh (or favorite) photos. Finally, please give me any corrections for FAQ answers that may have changed with the new year.
If you would like to add the Vero Beach Adoration Club Icon to your signature or as an avatar you can use this link [IMG]http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n219/arizonaborn/vdac_thumb.jpg[/IMG] This is a 100 x 100 pixel image.
or right click this image and save it to your computer, and then upload it to your own image site.
Roll Call! - - - Who's going and when
02/16 - 02/22 Mahusky
02/21 - 02/23 mwmuntz
02/24 - 02/28 cjsmom5
03/17 - 03/21 Linda Babe
03/21 - 03/24 rsschneck
03/22 - 03/27 Starr W
03/27 - 03/31 wolfyie
03/30 - 04/02 szymcl
03/30 - 04/05 kkenily
03/30 - 04/05 MrsNick
03/30 - 04/05 Kadorto
04/04 - 04/07 poohnpiglet3
04/01 - 04/10 Belle and Rella's Dad
04/06 - 04/10 Miz Diz
04/05 - 04/12 berly
04/06 - 04/12 Kickapoo Joie Juice
04/06 - 04/13 Howard Cohen
04/08 - 04/15 BAYBREEZE2
04/13 - 04/18 lisareniff
04/14 - 04/18 akasleepingbeauty
04/12 - 04/19 sleeping beauty 2
04/17 - 04/21 garnet1240
04/21 - 04/25 lildeb724
04/27 - 04/31 wdwcoltsfan
04/28 - 05/02 wilderness301
05/01 - 05/04 DVC Dawn
05/02 - 05/06 dort
05/04 - 05/06 MaryD73
05/02 - 05/07 pit303
05/02 - 05/09 kimkatmom
05/02 - 05/09 tcruz 10
05/04 - 05/07 sznk
05/04 - 05/08 Maistre Gracey
05/11 - 05/13 dallastxcpa
05/11 - 05/15 DonnaL
05/11 - 05/15 Caskbill
05/11 - 05/16 On The Lake
05/11 - 05/16 fishermouse
05/13 - 05/17 SweetSally
05/23 - 05/xx tomandrobin
05/23 - 05/27 jknepfle
05/25 - 05/28 Snoopygirl
05/25 - 05/30 Chim Chiminy
05/29 - 06/01 Pocahantas
05-31 - 06/06 SalandJeff
05/31 - 06/07 Hollowellfam6
06/01 - 06/06 cmctammyg
06/02 - 06/08 nursetink
06/04 - 06/08 Claire L
06/05 - 06/07 TinkRN
06/05 - 06/08 MikeJ
06/06 - 06/10 starbox
06/02 - 06/13 mikeandkarla
06/14 - 06/21 sssteele
06/15 - 06/20 schwenksvillemouse
06/15 - 06/20 Christine42566
06/15 - 06/20 lsayd
06/15 - 06/20 MnParrothead
06/17 - 06/19 DVC Jen
06/17 - 06/20 abbysmema
06/20 - 06/22 robnkris
06/22 - 06/25 bobbiwoz
06/22 - 06/26 TunaJr
06/22 - 06/26 lpandorf
06/22 - 06/27 fitzdisney
06/22 - 06/27 DisDaydreamer
06/22 - 06/27 tarheel
06/23 - 06/25 wyodan
06/24 - 06/28 uicbear
06/25 - 06/28 mackeyapp
06/25 - 06/28 LoveMyDisneyCats
06/26 - 06/30 poorbear12880
06/29 - 07/05 KIM33
07/03 - 07/05 CruisinPT
07/04 - 07/06 marvali
07/07 - 07/11 Pooh.kim
07/06 - 07/12 kritter
07/13 - 07/18 Aero99
07/13 - 07/18 ceegibbs
07/13 - 07/18 ddhoeg
07/19 - 07/23 slmjam
07/20 - 07/25 ddhoeg
07/20 - 07/25 SnowWitch
07/21 - 07/25 Harley-Mouse
07/22 - 07/25 starbox
07/27 - 08/01 dis@dills
07/28 - 08/01 loribell
08/01 - 08/02 jrl5k
08/03 - 08/06 JerJan
08/03 - 08/08 james'mommy
08/03 - 08/08 BWV Dreamin
08/07 - 08/14 Lorilai71
08/08 - 08/14 BeverlyJ
08/11 - 08/19 MiaSRN62
08/15 - 08/22 MrsNick
08/16 - 08/22 Straughn
08/16 - 08/23 Mahusky
08/15 - 08/17 kendallt
08/18 - 08/22 Christine42566
08/21 - 08/26 MarkLyndaJakeChloe
08/22 - 08/25 Ham Ham
08/24 - 08/27 jazmyin
08/27 - 08-30 MajorWoody
09/02 - 09/05 kamgen
09/04 - 09/08 keliblue
09/05 - 09/07 Mean Queen
09/06 - 09/12 Aunt Michelle
09/06 - 09/13 larry's girl
09/14 - 09/16 m1ckeym0use1
09/30 - 10/02 DisTeach1
10/04 - 10/10 Sarahtink
10/05 - 10/11 CDNPrinceCharming
10/11 - 10/15 eeyoresmom
10/19 - 10/24 Tine731
10/19 - 10/24 rigsby25
10/20 - 10/24 MinnieMeg
10/23 - 10/27 Maistre Gracey
11/23 - 11/27 beautigirlsmom
11/16 - 11/18 dwelty
11/25 - 11/28 Geyser Gazer
12/09 - 12/12 Carolinadj
12/11 - 12/14 riatees
VERO BEACH FAQ
Contributors: starbox, MiaSRN62, mbhoxie, DisDaydreamer, Lisareniff, DVCconvert, Sorcerer's Dad, floridaFam, nzdisneymom
How do I get to Vero Beach?
Do you have to be a DVC member to stay there?
No you do not. You can make a reservation through a travel agent or by calling the resort. A Discount Code exists (from Birnbaum's 2007 Guide):Note... These are 2007 dates (waiting for someone to post or send me 2008)
Get 10% off 2/1/07-2/15/07, 2/20/07- 3/24/07.
Get 20% off 1/1/07- 1/31/07, 4/15/07- 5/25/07, 5/29/07-6/28/07, 7/5/07-8/30/07, 9/4/07- 11/21/07, 11/26/07-12/19/07.
When reserving, ask for code BPQ.
What is rack rate for the resort?
Note... These are 2007 rates (waiting for someone to post or send me 2008)
Value Season (Jan 1-31/Aug 12-Dec 19)
Studio: 175 OVIR: 190 1bd: 265 2bd: 345 Cottage: 745
Regular Season (April 15-May 30) and Summer Season (May 31-August 11)
Studio: 225 OVIR: 270 1bd: 345 2bd: 460 Cottage: 925
Peak Season (Feb 1-March 24)
Studio: 290 OVIR: 325 1Bd: 425 2bd: 630 Cottage: 1015
Holiday Season (March 25-April 14 and December 20-31)
Studio: 309 OVIR: 365 1bd: 440 2bd: 660 Cottage: 1135
What is the difference between an Inn Room and a Studio?
With an Inn room you'll get 2 queen beds and it is about 360 sq ft. You also will have a small frig, wet bar, and microwave. Select corner Inn rooms are slightly larger and L-shaped. So as you enter the room through the door, you see a narrow walk space and the kitchenette is right there. As you turn the corner, you have the main space with the beds.
A studio is about 375 sq ft and also has a frig, wet bar and microwave. The difference is you will get one queen bed and one double sleeper sofa. So if only two people are staying in the room and sharing the bed, you can keep the sofa closed and allows more floor space. The Vero Beach studio room is the same shape as the OKW studio so the floor space is optimized in my opinion.
Studios (particularily ground and 2st floor), don't offer much of a view. There is a lot of very lush tropical foilage surrounding the ground floor studio and larger villas. Ocean View Inn rooms are a reservation option.
What does availiability typically look like?
Peak season at South Florida beaches is in the Spring, with March and April (Spring Break) being the most popular. Summer is typically not as difficult to reserve as Spring is. By calling at 7 months, you can likely get any week you want. I've had luck getting summer time calling only a few months prior.
What is the beach like?
The beach is on the "wild" side, with lots of waves and a pretty sharp drop off. Children should be closely supervised.
Rob describes it here:
"It is not a big beach, but it is never crowded so size, in this case, doesn't matter. Vero beach is an ocean playground. The waves on most days are formiddable and great for boogie or surf boarding.
The sand is brown and coarse, and gets hot in the summer. For me the hot sand is a sensory awakening and I find myself thinking... "yes, I really am here... ouch, damn that's hot... ow, ow, ow".
I love the ocean waves. VB receives the gulf stream flow so the water temps are pretty steady for much of the year. I like to think that sharks don't like waves and stay out further than I venture. I have never seen a shark at VB, but PamOKW posted a story about a shark bite incident at VB in 2006. Thanks, Pam.
Jelly Fish? Hah.... VB has PORTUGESE MAN-O-WAR! Actually, I have been to VB almost all the months from March to November and only once have I encountered these slimey creatures of pain. Yes, I was stung. Not too bad though... just felt like a thousand bee stings.
There is never a problem finding a spot to set up beach camp at VB.
One real nice thing about the beach is the proximity to the Pool bar & grill, and your room. So If you have hankering for a Margarita or a hamburger, OR nature is suddenly calling (#2, you can do #1 in the ocean), your remedy is very close by. We typically will set up early in the morning and go back and forth between the pool, the room, and the beach throughout the day.
The beach doesn't have much in the way of shelling, but it does have turtle nests."
Is there a lifeguard on duty?
There are lifeguards at the pool, but not on the beach.
Is there internet service at the resort?
Yes. They currently have Wireless in the lobby and sitting areas of the main building. They also have a public access computer off of the lobby area. cost is $9.95/30 minutes. We are supposed to get free wireless sometime in the spring of 2008.
What sort of activities does the resort offer? Is there a fee?
There are a number of planned recreational activities. Some have age-limits and/or fees. These include (but are not limited to):
Fishing Fundamentals (age 7+): 30.00/35.00
Lagoon Adventure (age 7-17): fee ???
Kayak Adventure (age 8+):40.00/45.00
Pelican Island Bike Tour (age 12+) 8.00/10.00
Seaside Chefs (age 4+) fee?????
Unbirthday Parties (age 4-12): No fee
Campfire (all ages): No fee - Monday/Wed/Fri/Sat nights
SnorkelEars: 30.00/35.00
Turtle Troop Adventure 20.00/25.00
Discovery Scuba: 30.00/35.00
Cel Painting: 10.00/15.00
Faux Gyataku Craft: 7.00/10.00
Sand Casting: 3.00/5.00
Tennis Lessons
30 min: 27.00/30.00
60 min: 50.00/55.00
Garden and Museum Tour: 15.00/20.00
Beginning Birding (seasonal): 8.00/10.00
Surf School: 90.00/95.00
What is the temperature like?
Is there a supervised kid's club?
There is a 3-hour 3DC Discovery Club for kids age 4-12 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Price is 35.00 per child for non-members and 30.00 for DVC members. Dinner and supervised activities are included and advance reservations are required.
What is availiable for rental at the resort?
There are a number of items availible for rental. Prices are as follows (DVC Member/Non-Member)
2 Chairs and Umbrella: 24.00/30.00
Umbrella: 10.00/12.00
Beach Chair: 7.00/9.00
Cushioned Lounge Chair: 9.00/12.00
2 Lounges and Umbrella: 28.00/36.00
Body Board: 9.00/12.00
Cabanas: 12.00/15.00
Bikes (hourly): 5.00/7.00
Bikes: 14.00/17.00
Tennis Racket: Complimentary/5.00
Miniature Golf Rental Equipment
Hourly: 1.00/2.00
Entire Stay: 5.00/7.00
Kayak (30 minutes): 20.00/25.00
Jet Ski (30 minutes): 55.00/60.00
What dining options exist at the resort?
VB offers more dining options than most Disney resorts: Shutters is a casual table service restaurant featuring American cuisine, fresh seafood, and a wood-brick oven. Character dining is offered Saturday morning, reservations are suggested. The Green Cabin Room offers specialty drinks, a light lunch and appetizer menu, and both indoor and outdoor dining areas. There is nightly entertainment. Sonya's is open select evening and features signature dining with steaks and seafood. Brunch is availiable on Sunday. Bleacher's offers pool-side counter service with hot dogs, hamburgers, subs, and salads. Alcoholic speciality beverages are also offered. There is also the option of Inn Room Private Dining, including the option to pre-order breakfast with a selected delivery time. Prices seem to be on par with all Disney resorts in terms of CS,TS and Signature Dining experiences. The Disney Dining Experience card (DDE) is accepted at VB.
Please Note: The DDP is NOT accepted at VB.
Menus: Shutters:http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_vero1.htm
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_vero2.htm
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_vero3.htm
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_vero8.htm
Does the resort do anything special for holidays?
4th of July is pretty cool. For a while, there were fireworks in Orchid just North of the resort. They were fantastic. There are also fireworks in Sebastian which you can watch from A1A.
VB throws a pool-party on New Year's Eve complete with party hats, noise-makers, live DJ, and guest appearances by the likes of Goofy, Chip, and Dale. There are family activities, dancing, and the night ends with the "Pool Drop" where at the stroke of midnight, everyone who wants to, jumps into the pool.
The resort always does something for most holidays. We really enjoy Halloween at the resort. They have costume contests, pumpkin carving contests, trick or treating, etc.
What are my dining/grocery options outside of the resort?
Orchid Island Pizzeria right next to DVBR on the corner of A1A and 510. They serve a thin crust style pizzia with choice of lots of toppings, pasta dinners, and hot and cold subs. They will also deliver to the lobby of the resort. 772-388-5151
There is commercial strip in Vero Beach about 11 miles/20 min away. Includes just about everything you can think of - Super Walmart, Sams Club, Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears, - complete mall. Plenty of places to spend money! The outlet malls are a few more miles past that out to the west.
There is also a Super Walmart in Sebastian approx 9 miles to the north, along with some smaller strip malls - Publix etc. Sebastian is a smaller city, home of Pelican Island, Capt Hirams restaurant and bar (think tables in the sand), Squid Lips restaurant. -
Where Can I Get A Massage?
Massages are availiable on-site, but there are a few full-service spas in the area:
Studio Gabriel Full Service Salon and Spa
772 -234-8105
http://www.studiogabriel.com/services.asp
Yulin's Day Spa:
http://yulinsdayspa.com/index.php?ac...WebPageID=5761
What is there to do in the surrounding area?
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge http://www.fws.gov/pelicanisland/
Sebastion Inlet State Park http://www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet/
Port Canaveral (where the Magic & Wonder dock) http://www.portcanaveral.org/cruising/ships.php#disney
Kennedy Space Center http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (a part of KSC) http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland/
The Manateer Observation Center http://www.manateecenter.com/
Mckee Bonatinical Gardens (really cool) http://www.mckeegarden.org/
Another place to check out..especially with Pirates of the Caribbean being so popular.
It's maybe 15 minutes from the Vero Beach resort. Here's some more info :
http://www.atocha1622.com/mclarty.htm:
Mc Clarty Treasure Museum
13180 Highway A1a
Vero Beach, FL 32963
(772) 589-2147
What are NoSeeUms and how do I deter them?
No-See-Ums are tiny insects, closely related to the mosquito, officially called Biting Midges. They only fly in temperatures over 70 degress, so they are more of a problem during summer months. They are most active during sunrise/sunset, so it is recommended that you keep your patio doors closed during these times. Common insect repellants (DEET) do not deter No-See-Ums. The best way to avoid them is to wear long pants/sleeves at sunrise and sunset. Products such as Cutter Advanced and Cactus Juice have been recommended by many VB veterans.
How can I see sea turtles?
Sea turtle nesting and hatching season runs May-October. Most of the turtle nesting takes place from June-August, and hatchlings emerge about 60 days after the nest is made. There are a number of night-time walks organized that allow small numbers of the public to view the nesting phase, but the hatchling phase is far too dangerous to view and there are no legal public walks to view hatchlings. If you would like to see a hatchling, there are morning "Turtle Troops" at the resort three times a week where the naturalist takes you to look at the nests. Once hatchlings begin emerging, it is not uncommon for there to be hatchlings that did not make it left behind, and you may get a chance to see one of those.
If you are at Vero during nesting, there are various places to arrange for a turtle walk. First, the resort offers a turtle walk lottery on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Guests can place their room keys in a lottery at 10am, and enough keys are drawn to fill 20 slots on the tour. There is no charge, but space is very limited and the walk takes place on the beach @ the resort where there is about a 50% chance that you will see a turtle.
On Tuesdays, the Caribbean Conservation Corporation hosts a free turtle walk through Sebastian Inlet State Park. (321-985-4852)
You must reserve a spot ahead of time, and a total of 20 people are allowed on the beach. This takes place in the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, a few miles down from Disney's Vero Beach Resort and has a 80% success rate for finding and viewing turtles.
The Caribbean Conservation Corporation also sponsors an "Adopt-A-Turtle" program on Monday nights. There is a charge for this (I believe it is 20$ plus 10$ for each additional person in the group). This also takes place in the Archie Carr Refuge and you must make reservations. Contact number is 1-800-678-7853.
I personally recommend one of the CCC walks, since you can make reservations ahead of time and have a much higher chance of seeing a turtle nesting.
What sort of other ameneties are offered at Vero Beach?
Anchors A Weigh Fitness Center, Rub Dub's Massage, Blinker's Arcade, Nightly Live Music in the Green cabin Room, Hair Beading and Hair Wraps, Valet, Video Rentals, BBQ Grills, Steamer's Sauna
Why are Vero Beach points cheaper than other resorts on the resale market? Should I just buy there to save money?
The most expensive annual dues make VB one of the most expenive locations to own over the long term. Mbhoxie breaks it down here:
"VB points tend to be cheaper for a number of reasons...
1. Dues are higher there than any other resort... Partially due to the remote location, and partially due to the fact that the place has been smacked by two hurricanes and is heavily insured.
2. To some, the resort is in a fairly remote location, not known traditionally known as a resort/timeshare area.. You have to either drive or rent a car to get there. The surrounding towns have some activities but its not setup as a tourist area... Some people buy in with the expectaton of being entertained like they are at the parks... Not going to happen.
Bottom line.. NEVER buy points at a place that you don't intend to stay at... Bad business, and it will be stressful."
What's the address/phone number for the resort?
Disney's Vero Beach Resort (a DVC resort)
9250 Island Grove Ter
Vero Beach, FL 32963
(772) 234-2000
********************************************************************************
Now, I'll get things started with two of my favorite VB photos.
Sunrise
Sunset
I have added a Roll Call listing (just below). If you are not on the list... Please let me know when you are going.
Please feel free to ask questions, answer questions, or pose questions to be added to the FAQ. None of the photos have been brought forward for this new thread so feel free to post some fresh (or favorite) photos. Finally, please give me any corrections for FAQ answers that may have changed with the new year.
If you would like to add the Vero Beach Adoration Club Icon to your signature or as an avatar you can use this link [IMG]http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n219/arizonaborn/vdac_thumb.jpg[/IMG] This is a 100 x 100 pixel image.
or right click this image and save it to your computer, and then upload it to your own image site.
Roll Call! - - - Who's going and when
02/16 - 02/22 Mahusky
02/21 - 02/23 mwmuntz
02/24 - 02/28 cjsmom5
03/17 - 03/21 Linda Babe
03/21 - 03/24 rsschneck
03/22 - 03/27 Starr W
03/27 - 03/31 wolfyie
03/30 - 04/02 szymcl
03/30 - 04/05 kkenily
03/30 - 04/05 MrsNick
03/30 - 04/05 Kadorto
04/04 - 04/07 poohnpiglet3
04/01 - 04/10 Belle and Rella's Dad
04/06 - 04/10 Miz Diz
04/05 - 04/12 berly
04/06 - 04/12 Kickapoo Joie Juice
04/06 - 04/13 Howard Cohen
04/08 - 04/15 BAYBREEZE2
04/13 - 04/18 lisareniff
04/14 - 04/18 akasleepingbeauty
04/12 - 04/19 sleeping beauty 2
04/17 - 04/21 garnet1240
04/21 - 04/25 lildeb724
04/27 - 04/31 wdwcoltsfan
04/28 - 05/02 wilderness301
05/01 - 05/04 DVC Dawn
05/02 - 05/06 dort
05/04 - 05/06 MaryD73
05/02 - 05/07 pit303
05/02 - 05/09 kimkatmom
05/02 - 05/09 tcruz 10
05/04 - 05/07 sznk
05/04 - 05/08 Maistre Gracey
05/11 - 05/13 dallastxcpa
05/11 - 05/15 DonnaL
05/11 - 05/15 Caskbill
05/11 - 05/16 On The Lake
05/11 - 05/16 fishermouse
05/13 - 05/17 SweetSally
05/23 - 05/xx tomandrobin
05/23 - 05/27 jknepfle
05/25 - 05/28 Snoopygirl
05/25 - 05/30 Chim Chiminy
05/29 - 06/01 Pocahantas
05-31 - 06/06 SalandJeff
05/31 - 06/07 Hollowellfam6
06/01 - 06/06 cmctammyg
06/02 - 06/08 nursetink
06/04 - 06/08 Claire L
06/05 - 06/07 TinkRN
06/05 - 06/08 MikeJ
06/06 - 06/10 starbox
06/02 - 06/13 mikeandkarla
06/14 - 06/21 sssteele
06/15 - 06/20 schwenksvillemouse
06/15 - 06/20 Christine42566
06/15 - 06/20 lsayd
06/15 - 06/20 MnParrothead
06/17 - 06/19 DVC Jen
06/17 - 06/20 abbysmema
06/20 - 06/22 robnkris
06/22 - 06/25 bobbiwoz
06/22 - 06/26 TunaJr
06/22 - 06/26 lpandorf
06/22 - 06/27 fitzdisney
06/22 - 06/27 DisDaydreamer
06/22 - 06/27 tarheel
06/23 - 06/25 wyodan
06/24 - 06/28 uicbear
06/25 - 06/28 mackeyapp
06/25 - 06/28 LoveMyDisneyCats
06/26 - 06/30 poorbear12880
06/29 - 07/05 KIM33
07/03 - 07/05 CruisinPT
07/04 - 07/06 marvali
07/07 - 07/11 Pooh.kim
07/06 - 07/12 kritter
07/13 - 07/18 Aero99
07/13 - 07/18 ceegibbs
07/13 - 07/18 ddhoeg
07/19 - 07/23 slmjam
07/20 - 07/25 ddhoeg
07/20 - 07/25 SnowWitch
07/21 - 07/25 Harley-Mouse
07/22 - 07/25 starbox
07/27 - 08/01 dis@dills
07/28 - 08/01 loribell
08/01 - 08/02 jrl5k
08/03 - 08/06 JerJan
08/03 - 08/08 james'mommy
08/03 - 08/08 BWV Dreamin
08/07 - 08/14 Lorilai71
08/08 - 08/14 BeverlyJ
08/11 - 08/19 MiaSRN62
08/15 - 08/22 MrsNick
08/16 - 08/22 Straughn
08/16 - 08/23 Mahusky
08/15 - 08/17 kendallt
08/18 - 08/22 Christine42566
08/21 - 08/26 MarkLyndaJakeChloe
08/22 - 08/25 Ham Ham
08/24 - 08/27 jazmyin
08/27 - 08-30 MajorWoody
09/02 - 09/05 kamgen
09/04 - 09/08 keliblue
09/05 - 09/07 Mean Queen
09/06 - 09/12 Aunt Michelle
09/06 - 09/13 larry's girl
09/14 - 09/16 m1ckeym0use1
09/30 - 10/02 DisTeach1
10/04 - 10/10 Sarahtink
10/05 - 10/11 CDNPrinceCharming
10/11 - 10/15 eeyoresmom
10/19 - 10/24 Tine731
10/19 - 10/24 rigsby25
10/20 - 10/24 MinnieMeg
10/23 - 10/27 Maistre Gracey
11/23 - 11/27 beautigirlsmom
11/16 - 11/18 dwelty
11/25 - 11/28 Geyser Gazer
12/09 - 12/12 Carolinadj
12/11 - 12/14 riatees
VERO BEACH FAQ
Contributors: starbox, MiaSRN62, mbhoxie, DisDaydreamer, Lisareniff, DVCconvert, Sorcerer's Dad, floridaFam, nzdisneymom
How do I get to Vero Beach?
Do you have to be a DVC member to stay there?
No you do not. You can make a reservation through a travel agent or by calling the resort. A Discount Code exists (from Birnbaum's 2007 Guide):Note... These are 2007 dates (waiting for someone to post or send me 2008)
Get 10% off 2/1/07-2/15/07, 2/20/07- 3/24/07.
Get 20% off 1/1/07- 1/31/07, 4/15/07- 5/25/07, 5/29/07-6/28/07, 7/5/07-8/30/07, 9/4/07- 11/21/07, 11/26/07-12/19/07.
When reserving, ask for code BPQ.
What is rack rate for the resort?
Note... These are 2007 rates (waiting for someone to post or send me 2008)
Value Season (Jan 1-31/Aug 12-Dec 19)
Studio: 175 OVIR: 190 1bd: 265 2bd: 345 Cottage: 745
Regular Season (April 15-May 30) and Summer Season (May 31-August 11)
Studio: 225 OVIR: 270 1bd: 345 2bd: 460 Cottage: 925
Peak Season (Feb 1-March 24)
Studio: 290 OVIR: 325 1Bd: 425 2bd: 630 Cottage: 1015
Holiday Season (March 25-April 14 and December 20-31)
Studio: 309 OVIR: 365 1bd: 440 2bd: 660 Cottage: 1135
What is the difference between an Inn Room and a Studio?
With an Inn room you'll get 2 queen beds and it is about 360 sq ft. You also will have a small frig, wet bar, and microwave. Select corner Inn rooms are slightly larger and L-shaped. So as you enter the room through the door, you see a narrow walk space and the kitchenette is right there. As you turn the corner, you have the main space with the beds.
A studio is about 375 sq ft and also has a frig, wet bar and microwave. The difference is you will get one queen bed and one double sleeper sofa. So if only two people are staying in the room and sharing the bed, you can keep the sofa closed and allows more floor space. The Vero Beach studio room is the same shape as the OKW studio so the floor space is optimized in my opinion.
Studios (particularily ground and 2st floor), don't offer much of a view. There is a lot of very lush tropical foilage surrounding the ground floor studio and larger villas. Ocean View Inn rooms are a reservation option.
What does availiability typically look like?
Peak season at South Florida beaches is in the Spring, with March and April (Spring Break) being the most popular. Summer is typically not as difficult to reserve as Spring is. By calling at 7 months, you can likely get any week you want. I've had luck getting summer time calling only a few months prior.
What is the beach like?
The beach is on the "wild" side, with lots of waves and a pretty sharp drop off. Children should be closely supervised.
Rob describes it here:
"It is not a big beach, but it is never crowded so size, in this case, doesn't matter. Vero beach is an ocean playground. The waves on most days are formiddable and great for boogie or surf boarding.
The sand is brown and coarse, and gets hot in the summer. For me the hot sand is a sensory awakening and I find myself thinking... "yes, I really am here... ouch, damn that's hot... ow, ow, ow".
I love the ocean waves. VB receives the gulf stream flow so the water temps are pretty steady for much of the year. I like to think that sharks don't like waves and stay out further than I venture. I have never seen a shark at VB, but PamOKW posted a story about a shark bite incident at VB in 2006. Thanks, Pam.
Jelly Fish? Hah.... VB has PORTUGESE MAN-O-WAR! Actually, I have been to VB almost all the months from March to November and only once have I encountered these slimey creatures of pain. Yes, I was stung. Not too bad though... just felt like a thousand bee stings.
There is never a problem finding a spot to set up beach camp at VB.
One real nice thing about the beach is the proximity to the Pool bar & grill, and your room. So If you have hankering for a Margarita or a hamburger, OR nature is suddenly calling (#2, you can do #1 in the ocean), your remedy is very close by. We typically will set up early in the morning and go back and forth between the pool, the room, and the beach throughout the day.
The beach doesn't have much in the way of shelling, but it does have turtle nests."
Is there a lifeguard on duty?
There are lifeguards at the pool, but not on the beach.
Is there internet service at the resort?
Yes. They currently have Wireless in the lobby and sitting areas of the main building. They also have a public access computer off of the lobby area. cost is $9.95/30 minutes. We are supposed to get free wireless sometime in the spring of 2008.
What sort of activities does the resort offer? Is there a fee?
There are a number of planned recreational activities. Some have age-limits and/or fees. These include (but are not limited to):
Fishing Fundamentals (age 7+): 30.00/35.00
Lagoon Adventure (age 7-17): fee ???
Kayak Adventure (age 8+):40.00/45.00
Pelican Island Bike Tour (age 12+) 8.00/10.00
Seaside Chefs (age 4+) fee?????
Unbirthday Parties (age 4-12): No fee
Campfire (all ages): No fee - Monday/Wed/Fri/Sat nights
SnorkelEars: 30.00/35.00
Turtle Troop Adventure 20.00/25.00
Discovery Scuba: 30.00/35.00
Cel Painting: 10.00/15.00
Faux Gyataku Craft: 7.00/10.00
Sand Casting: 3.00/5.00
Tennis Lessons
30 min: 27.00/30.00
60 min: 50.00/55.00
Garden and Museum Tour: 15.00/20.00
Beginning Birding (seasonal): 8.00/10.00
Surf School: 90.00/95.00
What is the temperature like?
Is there a supervised kid's club?
There is a 3-hour 3DC Discovery Club for kids age 4-12 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Price is 35.00 per child for non-members and 30.00 for DVC members. Dinner and supervised activities are included and advance reservations are required.
What is availiable for rental at the resort?
There are a number of items availible for rental. Prices are as follows (DVC Member/Non-Member)
2 Chairs and Umbrella: 24.00/30.00
Umbrella: 10.00/12.00
Beach Chair: 7.00/9.00
Cushioned Lounge Chair: 9.00/12.00
2 Lounges and Umbrella: 28.00/36.00
Body Board: 9.00/12.00
Cabanas: 12.00/15.00
Bikes (hourly): 5.00/7.00
Bikes: 14.00/17.00
Tennis Racket: Complimentary/5.00
Miniature Golf Rental Equipment
Hourly: 1.00/2.00
Entire Stay: 5.00/7.00
Kayak (30 minutes): 20.00/25.00
Jet Ski (30 minutes): 55.00/60.00
What dining options exist at the resort?
VB offers more dining options than most Disney resorts: Shutters is a casual table service restaurant featuring American cuisine, fresh seafood, and a wood-brick oven. Character dining is offered Saturday morning, reservations are suggested. The Green Cabin Room offers specialty drinks, a light lunch and appetizer menu, and both indoor and outdoor dining areas. There is nightly entertainment. Sonya's is open select evening and features signature dining with steaks and seafood. Brunch is availiable on Sunday. Bleacher's offers pool-side counter service with hot dogs, hamburgers, subs, and salads. Alcoholic speciality beverages are also offered. There is also the option of Inn Room Private Dining, including the option to pre-order breakfast with a selected delivery time. Prices seem to be on par with all Disney resorts in terms of CS,TS and Signature Dining experiences. The Disney Dining Experience card (DDE) is accepted at VB.
Please Note: The DDP is NOT accepted at VB.
Menus: Shutters:http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_vero1.htm
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_vero2.htm
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_vero3.htm
http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_vero8.htm
Does the resort do anything special for holidays?
4th of July is pretty cool. For a while, there were fireworks in Orchid just North of the resort. They were fantastic. There are also fireworks in Sebastian which you can watch from A1A.
VB throws a pool-party on New Year's Eve complete with party hats, noise-makers, live DJ, and guest appearances by the likes of Goofy, Chip, and Dale. There are family activities, dancing, and the night ends with the "Pool Drop" where at the stroke of midnight, everyone who wants to, jumps into the pool.
The resort always does something for most holidays. We really enjoy Halloween at the resort. They have costume contests, pumpkin carving contests, trick or treating, etc.
What are my dining/grocery options outside of the resort?
Orchid Island Pizzeria right next to DVBR on the corner of A1A and 510. They serve a thin crust style pizzia with choice of lots of toppings, pasta dinners, and hot and cold subs. They will also deliver to the lobby of the resort. 772-388-5151
There is commercial strip in Vero Beach about 11 miles/20 min away. Includes just about everything you can think of - Super Walmart, Sams Club, Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears, - complete mall. Plenty of places to spend money! The outlet malls are a few more miles past that out to the west.
There is also a Super Walmart in Sebastian approx 9 miles to the north, along with some smaller strip malls - Publix etc. Sebastian is a smaller city, home of Pelican Island, Capt Hirams restaurant and bar (think tables in the sand), Squid Lips restaurant. -
Where Can I Get A Massage?
Massages are availiable on-site, but there are a few full-service spas in the area:
Studio Gabriel Full Service Salon and Spa
772 -234-8105
http://www.studiogabriel.com/services.asp
Yulin's Day Spa:
http://yulinsdayspa.com/index.php?ac...WebPageID=5761
What is there to do in the surrounding area?
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge http://www.fws.gov/pelicanisland/
Sebastion Inlet State Park http://www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet/
Port Canaveral (where the Magic & Wonder dock) http://www.portcanaveral.org/cruising/ships.php#disney
Kennedy Space Center http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (a part of KSC) http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland/
The Manateer Observation Center http://www.manateecenter.com/
Mckee Bonatinical Gardens (really cool) http://www.mckeegarden.org/
Another place to check out..especially with Pirates of the Caribbean being so popular.
It's maybe 15 minutes from the Vero Beach resort. Here's some more info :
http://www.atocha1622.com/mclarty.htm:
Mc Clarty Treasure Museum
13180 Highway A1a
Vero Beach, FL 32963
(772) 589-2147
What are NoSeeUms and how do I deter them?
No-See-Ums are tiny insects, closely related to the mosquito, officially called Biting Midges. They only fly in temperatures over 70 degress, so they are more of a problem during summer months. They are most active during sunrise/sunset, so it is recommended that you keep your patio doors closed during these times. Common insect repellants (DEET) do not deter No-See-Ums. The best way to avoid them is to wear long pants/sleeves at sunrise and sunset. Products such as Cutter Advanced and Cactus Juice have been recommended by many VB veterans.
How can I see sea turtles?
Sea turtle nesting and hatching season runs May-October. Most of the turtle nesting takes place from June-August, and hatchlings emerge about 60 days after the nest is made. There are a number of night-time walks organized that allow small numbers of the public to view the nesting phase, but the hatchling phase is far too dangerous to view and there are no legal public walks to view hatchlings. If you would like to see a hatchling, there are morning "Turtle Troops" at the resort three times a week where the naturalist takes you to look at the nests. Once hatchlings begin emerging, it is not uncommon for there to be hatchlings that did not make it left behind, and you may get a chance to see one of those.
If you are at Vero during nesting, there are various places to arrange for a turtle walk. First, the resort offers a turtle walk lottery on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Guests can place their room keys in a lottery at 10am, and enough keys are drawn to fill 20 slots on the tour. There is no charge, but space is very limited and the walk takes place on the beach @ the resort where there is about a 50% chance that you will see a turtle.
On Tuesdays, the Caribbean Conservation Corporation hosts a free turtle walk through Sebastian Inlet State Park. (321-985-4852)
You must reserve a spot ahead of time, and a total of 20 people are allowed on the beach. This takes place in the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, a few miles down from Disney's Vero Beach Resort and has a 80% success rate for finding and viewing turtles.
The Caribbean Conservation Corporation also sponsors an "Adopt-A-Turtle" program on Monday nights. There is a charge for this (I believe it is 20$ plus 10$ for each additional person in the group). This also takes place in the Archie Carr Refuge and you must make reservations. Contact number is 1-800-678-7853.
I personally recommend one of the CCC walks, since you can make reservations ahead of time and have a much higher chance of seeing a turtle nesting.
What sort of other ameneties are offered at Vero Beach?
Anchors A Weigh Fitness Center, Rub Dub's Massage, Blinker's Arcade, Nightly Live Music in the Green cabin Room, Hair Beading and Hair Wraps, Valet, Video Rentals, BBQ Grills, Steamer's Sauna
Why are Vero Beach points cheaper than other resorts on the resale market? Should I just buy there to save money?
The most expensive annual dues make VB one of the most expenive locations to own over the long term. Mbhoxie breaks it down here:
"VB points tend to be cheaper for a number of reasons...
1. Dues are higher there than any other resort... Partially due to the remote location, and partially due to the fact that the place has been smacked by two hurricanes and is heavily insured.
2. To some, the resort is in a fairly remote location, not known traditionally known as a resort/timeshare area.. You have to either drive or rent a car to get there. The surrounding towns have some activities but its not setup as a tourist area... Some people buy in with the expectaton of being entertained like they are at the parks... Not going to happen.
Bottom line.. NEVER buy points at a place that you don't intend to stay at... Bad business, and it will be stressful."
What's the address/phone number for the resort?
Disney's Vero Beach Resort (a DVC resort)
9250 Island Grove Ter
Vero Beach, FL 32963
(772) 234-2000
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Now, I'll get things started with two of my favorite VB photos.
Sunrise
Sunset
We will not be in Vero until September of 2009. I may have to get a week in before then. I don't think I can last that long.
