Has anyone driven from WDW to VB to check it out?

[Patpat15]

We have never seen Vero Beach and since we are staying at OKW for 2 weeks in August were thinking of driving over to check it out.

Can you use the beach if you are staying at a WDW DVC property and have the card? Is the resort right on the beach?

Also, how far a car ride is it to VB?

Thanks for any help

 

[TwirlerGirl]

It was around a 2 hr drive from WDW. Yes, the resort is right on the beach. I would call ahead and speak with the front desk just to be safe. I think it's doable if their not fully booked. DH and I were visiting relatives in Melbourne (12 miles away) and stop by for a visit. DH show our Member Card and asked if we could look at the resort. The guard opened the gate and told us to enjoy our visit. The pool is gated and you need a room key to get in to use the dressing rooms for changing . I guess you could use the rest rooms in the lobby area. You can get to the beach and back without a room key.

I know I would like to stay a few days some time soon.

Sandy

 

[Dean]

This has been a gray area in terms of usage. Technically it appears VB does not allow pool hopping or day use. Some have been denied the option to do so. I'm sure they won't give you a card but the beach is public. I do know of several examples where people drove down and were not allowed to use the pool, in one case they had called ahead and were told it was OK. But many have been able to use the amenities and to be honest, it seems the negative interactions tended to be a few years ago and most of the reports lately have been more successful.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

We did this a few years ago. We called ahead and were issued a Vero day pass to use pool, etc. DVC was still selling Vero points, so I think they were more encouraging of member visitors. We have stayed there, but have not done day tripping since. The resort is sold out, and I don't know if they have changed their policy concerning day trips.

 

[Disney Doll]

Yes, the resort is directly on the beach and you can use the beach. It also has a nice pool area and a nice restaurant overlooking the water.

Be advised though, while there are a lot of activities offered at the resort, Vero Beach itself is a pretty residential type area. There is some shopping and dining, but nightlife isn't huge there, and there aren't a lot of attraction-type thngs close by.

If you are the type who likes lounging at the beach and hanging out, it would be great. If you are the "see and do" type, it might get boring after a couple of days. DH & I are the "see and do" type, so we have always said it would be nice to go to WDW then on to Vero for maybe 2 days to unwind. I don't think that I could personally spend a week there...not because it's not nice, but because I like to "do".

 

[colleen costello]

We had planned to visit this July when we are in Orlando and folks here liked Vero so much that we decided to go down and spend a night there. I was surprised and thrilled when I called a week or two ago that there was an Inn room available for one night! We are considering it a "reconaissance mission" and will stay for longer in the future if we enjoy it. My midwestern kiddos, who rarely get to see the ocean, are very excited.