Has anyone been to Disney's Vero Beach?

[MrsJobba1]

Just wondered about this- we've always fancied going

Has anyone been, what was your opinion? What is there to do / eat?

How did you get there

Thanks

 

[chip&dale1]

It's breathtaking. An ideal place to relax . We usually go for 3 or 4 days.It is a slower pace and the restaurants are good. Restaurants off site have the views.we haven't ventured off site for activities as we just kick back and enjoy the sound of the waves on the beach with a glass of something.This year we are pushed for time and can't overnight stop but we are going for the day.Yes it's that good!

 

[MrsJobba1]

It's breathtaking. An ideal place to relax . We usually go for 3 or 4 days.It is a slower pace and the restaurants are good. Restaurants off site have the views.we haven't ventured off site for activities as we just kick back and enjoy the sound of the waves on the beach with a glass of something.This year we are pushed for time and can't overnight stop but we are going for the day.Yes it's that good!

Hi it sounds great.

Is it easy to walk around , ie to go to restaurants - im thinking as we wont have a car.

Thankyou
Ps how long a car journey is it from WDW?

 

[Disneymad]

It's a good drive from WDW - like 90-120 mins iirc. It's a beautiful resort but I'm not sure it's a good choice if you're not driving - it's kinda in the middle of nowhere and not that easy to get to.

I've been for a couple of day trips, and stayed once over night. I might have missed it in the brevity of my trips but it didn't look like any restaurants were in walking distance. I think they had bicycle hire though so possibly an option, will check my little newsletter thing from the resort when I get home tonight.

 

[skelfbsfb]

We have only been once but loved the whole place, very relaxing for the whole family, beach right on your doorstep. We stayed in a room which overlooked the beach, fantastic veiws. Only advice I can give is take plenty of suncream.

If you are driving it will take about 1.30mins, we took the 192 down to melbourne then there was a sign for vero but after that we never seen another sign, thank goodness for sat nav.

Hopefully Vero will be in the plans for next year.

 

[Pootle]

I think I've been every year since 1996 at different times but usually just for 3-5 days. IMO it's definitely not a place to visit without a car. Apart from the hotel itself (food offerings just so-so and of course, not cheap!) it's a distance to eating places, whether in nearby Sebastian or Vero Beach proper. We prefer to do the journey on 192 across to Melbourne and then south to Vero, even though it's a bit slower than I95, we find it more interesting.

It's a great place to relax and the close proximity of the ocean can't be beaten, but it certainly doesn't suit everyone - those who want lots of activities/dining options nearby are better giving it a miss.

This year, I was there at the end of January - when we thought we had left the snow and ice behind at Gatwick. Unusually, it was freezing when we arrived in Florida and my strongest memory is of walking along the beach 'promenade' at Vero in my padded coat, scarf, gloves and sunglasses. I actually loved that too, but seeing my breath is not something I associate with Vero

 

[Hilary]

... IMO it's definitely not a place to visit without a car. Apart from the hotel itself (food offerings just so-so and of course, not cheap!) it's a distance to eating places, whether in nearby Sebastian or Vero Beach proper. We prefer to do the journey on 192 across to Melbourne and then south to Vero, even though it's a bit slower than I95, we find it more interesting. ...

Agreed

We'll be back in VB for a few days at the beginning of next month, and we've grown to love the resort more each time we visit

The first time we stayed at VB, I admit I was a little (only a little ) underwhelmed, but I think that was partly because the Atlantic beach at Vero is not as picture-perfect as the beaches on Florida's Gulf coast that we'd visited on previous trips. But that's a bit like comparing DVC resorts themselves - they're all great, but some of us think one or other has the edge for our own personal reasons.

I definitely agree that I wouldn't want to visit without a car, but I think you could still have a good break without your own transport, as long as you were happy to take whatever eating options are available on-site. There is/was a take-away pizza and ice-cream place just across the street, and the store in the resort sells bread, milk, cereal, etc. Add that to the restaurant and pool bar options in the resort and you wouldn't starve

As well as the beach, the resort has a lake in a 'natural' kind of setting with a couple of BBQ grills and picnic benches where I often take a stroll (watch out for the mozzies) in the evening while DH fishes. There are also tennis courts, a couple of horseshoe pitches (no idea what the correct term for that is!!) and (I think) a volley-ball court in the same area. The main pool area has mini crazy-golf, and there are activities arranged every day if you're interested. We went on a very enjoyable kayaking trip one morning, and DH did an introductory scuba course.

In fact, I can't wait until we get back there!

 

[juliebrooks35]

We've been thinking about a few nights in Vero for our next trip so I'm glad to hear it's as lovely as it looks. Does anyone have any experience of successfully booking this for July at the 7 month window?

 

[JimC]

We like going each May. It is a relaxing resort.

Places to visit:

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sebastian Inlet State Park

McLarty Treasure Museum

Kennedy Space Center

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

McKee Botanical Gardens

Manatee Observation Center

Port Canaveral

 

[JimC]

A few restaurants to consider:

Bella Napoli

Capt Hiram's

Lobster Shanty

Mamma Mia's

MoBay Grill

Mr. Manatee's

Riverside Cafe

Squid Lips Grill

TooJays

Waldo's at the Driftwood

Ocean Grill

 

[Hilary]

I'm noting all your suggestions for our visit later this month, Jim

 

[jns]

We went on a very enjoyable kayaking trip one morning, and DH did an introductory scuba course.

are these offered from the resort or somewhere else

thanks for all the great reveiws
really most plan this into our next trip

 

[Hilary]

are these offered from the resort or somewhere else

They were both offered from the resort. The kayaking took place about a half hour's drive away, with transport (minibus) provided. The scuba intro took place in the resort pool.

There is a range of activites arranged over the week, so your choice will be limited to what's on offer at the time you're there (unless you're staying a full week), as they may offer some activities only once or twice a week.

There's a list of regular activities on the DVC members' website

 

[dor1]

Hi-as others have said it's fantastic.
We had a great 3 night break which was lovely and relaxing.
I dont think anyone else has mentioned the noseeums (i have'nt made that name up!) which we heard can be bothersome.
We went well prepared with various sprays and lotions and we had no problems at all,we went in august too when you'd expect to have to guard against these things.
Id say if you get the chance then definatly go for it.

 

[JimC]

Hi-as others have said it's fantastic.
We had a great 3 night break which was lovely and relaxing.
I dont think anyone else has mentioned the noseeums (i have'nt made that name up!) which we heard can be bothersome.
We went well prepared with various sprays and lotions and we had no problems at all,we went in august too when you'd expect to have to guard against these things.
Id say if you get the chance then definatly go for it.

Their bite can be quite itchy with the welt lasting a week or more. Topical antihistamines are somewhat effective. They are small enough to pass through ordinary window screening. A good insect repellent containing DEET is also useful.

 

[jlwatkins]

We're thinking of doing a 4 night stay at Vero Beach following our cruise on The Dream. Is it a straight forward drive from Port Canaveral and what would our chances be of getting 4nights in AUgust at the 7 month window? Thanks!

 

[UKDEB]

I'm a bit late to this thread, but I'd reiterate what has been said about it not being the best place to be without a car. That said, during our two night stay there, we did manage to get taxis to both Captain Hiram's and Riverside Cafe (we had a car, but we wanted to have a drink ).

In the lobby is a big book full of local attractions, including restaurants and menus. The onsite choices aren't really sufficient for stays longer than a night or two.

 

[Disney_Kev]

Hi Helen,

I'd take the 192 to St Cloud & then on to Melbourne, stop by the beach & have a bit of lunch before taking the A1A South to Vero Beach Resort.

It's a nice drive for a plodder like me , the speed limit keeps changing so be aware ,take it steady & don't forget your on holiday.

Places to visit,
McLarty Treasure Museum, on the A1A @ Sabastian Inlet .
Just turn right on exiting Vero & it's not far away.

Fort Pierce isn't far either if you turn left on exiting Vero , it's scenic & a nice drive.

You must do the campfire singalong @ Vero , it's great for the kids.
Watch out for the " no see ums " tho.

Kev

 

[Jason@dvcstore]

Just wondered about this- we've always fancied going

Has anyone been, what was your opinion? What is there to do / eat?

How did you get there

Thanks

The pool and the slide are great. I drive there from Orlando. I would recommend driving there from Orlando and staying for 2 or 3 nights. It can be a nice end to your Orlando vacation.

Jason

 

[Bad Llama]

Another vote for Captain Hiram's here - we love that place. Also the main resort restaurant - Shutter's is good too, and for me, the CM's at Vero are the best

A.