Can we use the facilities at VB?

[veenstra56]

Hello,

We are DVC owners, and have a reservation for April at VWL. Every year we take the kids on a day trip to Cocoa Beach. My wife suggested this year that we check out (Disney's) VB:
A) To see if we might like to stay there in the future, and
B) To swim and sunbathe at the resort, since we are already there.

My question is: what is Disney's policy regarding DVC guests using the VB facilities? If it is acceptable, I think it would be a great way to "test drive" VB for a possible future stay.

Please advise. Thanks!

 

[CarolAnnC]

You must be staying at Vero Beach in order to use the facilities. The restaurants are open to the public, however. The pool facilities are gated and locked and your current Vero resort key card is needed for entry.

 

[CarolMN]

Consider making a one night reservation. You'll have full use of the facilities and a place to shower and clean up before your drive back to WDW. Depending on your dates, a GV Inn Room would be either 11 or 15 points. Might be worth it.

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

We have used the Vero facilities as 'pool hopping'. We called ahead of time and asked if we could. The front desk indicated yes. When we arrived we went straight to the desk and they gave us keys for the gates. It was not during a busy time. I'm not sure what the answer would be during spring break, for an example.

I would definitely call ahead and make sure that you are talking directly to the front desk, not the general 'front desk' you call when at a DVC resort.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Just to clarify - Vero Beach is not part of the official DVC Pool Hopping policy. The poster above was allowed in, but this is highly unusual. I have found for all my visits there, various times of the year, that the pool area is typically crowded with registered guests. There is a real problem also with "chair saving" as a result. If you do not take CarolMN's advice (which is a great idea) then you may want to consider visiting one of the public beaches in the area.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I've never heard of pool hopping before at VB, but sounds like it would be worth the phone call.

Actually, the beach is public domain and open to anyone. You just can't get to it through the resort gate without a room key. There is public access just outside of the resort on the north end. You can tour the Inn lobby (restrooms in the lobby), visit Sonya's, Shutter's, and the Green Cabin Room, the Grove Island store, the grounds, the lake and sports grounds across the street. You won't be able to access the pool area as said, which includes the pool, mini-golf, Bleachers Grille, fitness room, and a few other amenities.

I am in agreement with doing a one night at VB. I LOVE Cocoa Beach and have been there many times. The ocean is very much the same at VB. The beach is smaller from Dunes to water at VB, but there are FAR fewer people on it.

Also, Cocoa is about halfway between VB and New Smyrna beach... Otherwise known as "the shark attack capitol of the world". I spend a lot of time in the water and I'm just more comfortable being 2.5 hours away from NSB than 1 hour. (just chum for thought)

 

[5forDiz]

.............(just chum for thought) .........

OMG !! Rob, you've really got a way with words !!!!

 

[veenstra56]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I'll try and reserve a night at VB to eliminate any potential hassles. Looks beautiful from the pics, and we've always wanted to stay there, anyway.

Thanks again.