Day trip to Vero Beach

[Uncleromulus]

Always played with the idea of driving down for the day--mainly to have dinner at one of the restaurants, look around, etc.
I recall some time ago there was a squabble about whether or not "day trippers" like us were really welcome on that basis--something about not being allowed to swim if the pool were crowded, etc.
So my ? is--if we do decide to go, will we be allowed to get in the pool, or will we be admonished with the "VB owners only" routine--made to feel guilty even THINKING about swimming in the pool??

 

[PADVCmember@OKW]

Why not call the front desk at VB the evening before you head down.

 

[Sheree]

we did a day trip a year and a half ago. they gave us a card to access the pool, we went to the beach etc

we enjoyed it so much we're going for the weekend before our trip to OKW this month!

and we stopped at graceland groves on the way there for some wonderful oranges and grapefruit!

 

[PamOKW]

If you plan on using the pool, I would call first. They are extremely vigilant about the pool area because it is very easy for people to walk up from the beach and use the pool. You need a room key to open the gate to the pool (of course people sometimes slip in) and you have to show your room key for towels or to order from the snack bar. They may or may not be able to accomodate you on a day basis, depending on how busy the resort is.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I suppose calling first is a good idea--except that by the time we actually got there, conditions might be different-
I guess we'll just can the whole idea. It's just too far for simply dinner, and it certainly sounds like they really don't put out the welcome mat for visits like this.

Thanks for the help!!

 

[Desperado]

I guess I don't understand why you would think that going to a restaraunt to eat would entitle you to drop in and use the pool. Are you staying at another DVC resort on points that day you are planning to stop in? I think the suggestion of calling the front desk to get thier permission is a great one, they can make the determination if it is OK. Abuse by locals causes a legitimate DVC member who'd like to visit the resort for a future stay (although I didn't read that) some limitations. WDW resorts have the same problems. There are DVC members who feel that because they purchased points at BWV or WLV that they should be able to drop in and swim at the pool at any time, regardless of whether they are staying at the resort. I guess if they live close they feel they also kind of purchased a year round pool membership. This is unfortunate.

Last time we were there on our vacation at Vero Beach, there were droves of people who were using DVC as some kind of local country club that were not staying at the resort at the time, and who were laughing about just dropping in and swimming at the nice pool.

It was difficult not to confront them and put a damper on our vacation we had invested in. I'm glad to hear they are more dilligent about pool crashers. While it may not apply to a legitimate DVC member who is purusing the resort planning for a future stay, locals have crashed the pool with no intention of every paying for a room, as thier conversations indicate. This is another case of locals abusing the courtesy of Disney and taking advantage of the resorts causing overcrowding for paying guests. Checking ID's and keeping the pool area for pool guests is sorely needed, and very welcome. There is a public beach right next door to the resort.

Call ahead and get the resort's permission and have a wonderful visit, dinner and swim. I think you'll be impressed with what you see. May I also suggest a drink and maybe an appetizer on the Green Cabin Room balcony, overlooking the ocean. They used to have alligator spring rolls, which were quite tasty. The live music they have nightly is also nice. It's surprising how kid friendly the bar is. I'm glad to read above that they offer an approved "day pass" as one post reports for just this type of visit. That would allow you use of the locker rooms for changing and showering after your swim, which is a nice convenience. With that pass, you'll find yourself very welcomed. You might even catch a campfire sing-along.

 

[Sheree]

I'm confused too why someone thinks it's a problem

we went for the day to visit about a year ago. we got there, went to the dvc information spot, told them we were dvc members and wanted to check the place out for the day.

no problem, she gave us the card to use the pool, we went to the beach, had lunch etc.

it was a very nice day and a great change of pace from the parks

 

[PamOKW]

You have to call other WDW resorts to pool hop. You are 100% welcome to come and tour the resort. The staff is very friendly. You can access the beach from the resort and there is a public beach immediately next door which probably has changing facilities. If your only reason for going is to use the pool, I wouldn't want you to drive 2 hours and be disappointed if they don't permit you. There is a lot to see and enjoy about the resort and the Vero area in general. It is a very beautiful drive along the ocean.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Sheree: You'd need to go back several years ago to see why I bring this "day trip" up as a potential problem.
Seems that locals using the pool was a major problem then (as it appears to be now) and the strong message was-- "Don't even THINK about cloggng up OUR pool unless you are a Vero beach member"!! You may be "family" at OKW, but here you are just another version of a "local" . So if you want to swim in OUR pool, stay here!! Otherwise--stay away!!

Now this is a generalization as to the actual posts, but the implication was so strong that we decided to skip Vero beach the last 5 trips to WDW.

 

[Desperado]

"Don't even THINK about cloggng up OUR pool unless you are a Vero beach member"!! You may be "family" at OKW, but here you are just another version of a "local" . So if you want to swim in OUR pool, stay here!! Otherwise--stay away!!

Locals crashing the pool are a big problem. Local DVC members who believe that since they own at any DVC resort and even the Vero Beach resort that it gives them the right to drop in any time to use all the facilities without staying at the resort as if they purchased a daily Disney country Club membership is also a problem, one reportedly shared by other resorts such as BWV.

A DVC member staying on points at another DVC resort driving down to look over the resort for a potential future stay is not a problem, in my opinion. Calling the Vero front desk as one should do for any pool hopping situation to ask about availability should solve any potential problem and allow you to have a nice visit and use all the facilities you care to with thier permission.

I would expect to call the OKW desk before I went pool hopping there. Unfortunately, local abusers cause restrictions. I wish it weren't so and people weren't so willing to take advantage of Disney hospitality. I'm also glad Disney is taking steps to protect my vacation experience that I have invested in.

Hope you make the call and the visit. Let us know what you think of the resort.

 

[Desperado]

we went for the day to visit about a year ago. we got there, went to the dvc information spot, told them we were dvc members and wanted to check the place out for the day.

Agreed. This approach should work wonderfully. The only suggestion I would make would be to call ahead of time, but this should work nicely. Enjoy.

 

[PamOKW]

The pool situtation at Vero is very similar to the one at SAB. There is a big problem with people who are not guests of the resort using the pool. They have an ID system in place to alleviate this problem. The resort is able to make exceptions to allow people to use the pool and they may very well do this for a visiting member who makes that request. They tread a fine-line with the locals as well. They need to keep up goodwill with the area residents but they can't allow the resort to become the local swimming hole.

I drove down from WDW to see the resort shortly after it opened and the thought of using the pool didn't even cross my mind. I was greeted nicely by the CMs and shown around the resort.

Vero can't just offer an open door policy to all DVC members to stop by any time they like to use the pool and gym. There are many, many Florida members who could make constant use of the Vero facilities for lovely day trips without ever actually staying there. HHI has similar policies that don't permit DVC members who are staying at other HHI area resorts from using the programs and facilities when they are not actually guests. They can come and look around the resort but not spend the day as guests -- which they are not. Vero may be able to extend you the courtesy of using the pool. This should be considered an extra bonus and not an entitlement of being a DVC member.