Do you need a car at VB?

[goofy4tink]

Trying to plan our transportation issues. We don't want to have to rent a car if we don't have to. So, do you all get along without a car or do you feel you have a better time with one? Thanks.

 

[CarolMN]

I would recommend a car - unless you plan to spend the entire time at the resort. There really isn't anything within walking distance (such as shopping, movies, restaurants, etc.).

If you are staying more than a few days you will be glad to have the car.

 

[Beast fan]

Yes, you will need a car just to get to the resort. The closest commercial airport, I believe, is in Melbourne and that's about 35 miles from VB. The next closest airports are West Palm Beach (PBI) at about 75 miles and Orlando International (MCO) at about 95 miles (to VB).

DW and I have only been there once, so we don't know about all of the sights to see (I was laid up with a 2nd degree sunburn), but it's a beautiful area that I want to further explore.

 

[PamOKW]

Unless there is a reason why you can't drive, I would highly recommend having a car so that you can get out and explore the area. As mentioned, you will have to arrange a car service from the airport to Vero. I can't find current information but I seem to recall that it would run about $100 each way from Orlando. (WPB would probably be roughly the same).

 

[TIdoublegaER]

We are going to VB the first week of August, so I just finished firming up all of our reservations. Melbourne airport does offer a shuttle service to Disney's resort, but the site did not indicate the cost only a phone number (this was one MLB's website). I found that (from Kansas City, at least) flights in/out of MLB were more expensive and didn't offer as many options for flights. We are flying into PBI (W. Palm Beach) for the same amount as it would cost us to fly into MCO and it is a slightly shorter drive. I was able to get an 8 day rental through Dollar for $150 - that includes taxes and all those fees they tack on.

 

[pumpkinboy]

and we had a great time! We needed a car since we were coming in to PBI and flying out of MCO (that was just how the airfares worked). We had originally thought we might run out of things to do there; but we were wrong. We arrived home last night wonderfully relaxed, and newly recharged with vitamin D from the sunshine, and vitamin C from the fresh local grapefruit (yummy, we shipped ourselves some more).

The only times we used our rental car was to go shopping at the local Publix and to visit Hale Groves, the nearest Indian River citrus producer (both are maybe 2 miles from the resort). It would have been nice to save the expense ($332 for a minivan after all taxes and charges) and to be able to fly into Melbourne (MLB), but we needed direct flights (and therefore PBI or MCO). Also, I was glad to have the super fresh local citrus, which for some reason they do not have available at the resort (how dare they serve me Minute Maid in the midst of all that fresh local stuff).
What's that all about?

We had a magnificent ocean view Inn room. I hope yours is as nice, and that you have a great time.

 

[PamOKW]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
Also, I was glad to have the super fresh local citrus, which for some reason they do not have available at the resort (how dare they serve me Minute Maid in the midst of all that fresh local stuff).
What's that all about?.

Isn't that annoying? Only thing I can figure is that it has something to do with Disney's contract with Coke (owners of Minute Maid). Hale Orchards are great! I used to get monthly delivery of the grapefruits just to remind me of "home" during the winter (until I was overrun by too many grapefruits)!

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip. Now the rest of the winter should just fly by for you.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Originally posted by PamOKW
Isn't that annoying? Only thing I can figure is that it has something to do with Disney's contract with Coke (owners of Minute Maid).

Yes, I think you are right. It is hard to escape the Iron Triad of Disney/ Coke/ McDonalds. There are a few hangers-on, trying to get in on the fun, but that threesome really do a nice job of cross-marketing. Hmmm, maybe we could get a DVC discount on Diet Coke or on Happy meals...

And the fresh citrus in the New England winter is just wonderful. It reminds us that somewhere in the world it is warm and lovely during the bleakest January and February days.

 

[G8RFAN]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
Also, I was glad to have the super fresh local citrus, which for some reason they do not have available at the resort (how dare they serve me Minute Maid in the midst of all that fresh local stuff).
What's that all about?

I've wanted to do some research into this but haven't had the time. Living in FL, my wife and I have always wondered why supermarket shelves are stocked with California oranges. Finding FL oranges is not an easy task. I betcha it has to do with contracts with the shippers/Teamsters.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks for the insights. I hadn't thought about flying in W.Palm Beach. Have to give that some thought. We've used it when we visit my dad in Pompano Beach.