goin2disneyagain~No need for too much "concern" about the beach. My use of adjectives are derived from a "DISNEY PERSPECTIVE", (hence...WILD on a Disney scale!). The beach is very natural looking, with Cape American beachgrass protecting the dunes. There are also markers in the summer, where the "sea turtle" nests are located.
We have had some wonderful times with Florida Fish & Game associate "Lori Veber", whom guides the Turtle walks on summer eves. We have stood silently over the carapace of a mammoth loggerhead, and watched in amazement as she desposits hundreds of eggs into a neatly carved sand pit. All...mostly by the light of the moon, and a special "red" light held by Lori. Obviously, an experience one never forgets.
It's a magical place, with a "special" beach. One look...and you'll be thrilled you went. Give it a try...for just a 2-3 day hop, as you mentioned. Then, let me know if you are hooked, and planning a longer sojourn.
floridafam~We could do a VERO advertisement together! Certainly better than the
Disney Cruise line clip currently showing. (LOL). But then again, that would pique additional interest in our "hidden gem", and I kind of like things the way they are!!
We too, rent the chairs and relax. I LOVE the feel of the sand, and making sculptures and castles as a family. The best thing about this beach is...it's NEVER overcrowded! There are always places to walk...stroll, and even swim. The popular beaches in other areas of Florida are "packed" with patrons. The "solitude" is one of the greatest appeals of this beach. Sitting and watching the huge Pelicans DIVE into the waves, again and again. I just never tire of these activities.
We agree upon the CM's too. The atmosphere they promote is SO home-like. We know all the management, associates & their families/lives away from the resort. One in particular is so sweet to our DD. Each summer, she sends a decorated bag and card to our Villa. Inside, are always a couple of special trading pins, and a Disney Plush...along with some other treats. She has been doing this for more than 5 years. It's just another "point of light" for us....which completes the Galaxy of VERO.
We too...play checkers in the Green Cabin room. We enjoy all the activities offered in this location.
Halloween sounds incredible! I'm not surprised, as the fourth of JULY was spectacular! We all received faux tattoos, made masks for the parade, entered the watermelone-eating contest, etc. There were so many things offered over the course of the day...it was nearly surreal.
Please, let me know if your DH hears anything from his Company. You would make the BEST neighbors. ^_^
PamOKW~Welcome to the "Winterfest of VERO~LOVE", 2004!
You did a fabulous job of capturing the "MYSTIQUE" of the Vero Beach waterfront. It is borderline indescribable, with the ever-changing landscape and views. But, it's drenched in continuity...something we always EXPECT/COUNT UPON to be there, and be similar to our most recent memories. Nature and God have never disappointed, and we secretly breathe a sigh of relief upon the initial "sight" of the ocean/beach.
I'm not too crazy over the food in the restaurants either, and grow tired of "fast food" rather quickly. Even desirable sit-down restaurants seem to prepare/serve "fast food", when they are your only option. While at Vero, I actually enjoy "cooking" meals in the Villa. The kitchen is so quaint, cozy and cottage-like. It's like stepping into barbies dreamhouse, and using her easy-bake oven...etc.! There's a genuine sense of "FUN" and enjoyment in this process which is not present at home. ^_^ I truly feel as though we are in our own little beach home. Planning the meals is part of our traditions, as well as shopping for supplies. We have Taco/fajita night, Pizza night (home-made), Spaghetti night...etc. We fix lunch ala "picnic~style" to take to the beach. We even buy a little disposable "grill" and BBQ outside one eve. We LOVE the freedom such accomodations offer. Prior to VERO, we are at the Peabody and Portofino. We have nice CL suites, (A butler~Villa suite at the PBH), but none compare with Vero. We are not able to "prepare" our own food...therefore we dine-out every meal. We also do this for the remainder of our trip AFTER Vero. Therefore...while IN VERO...we enjoy the "home~cooked" meals and "FAMILY" time shared together. Everything SLOWS down...and there is no sense of RUSH, URGENCY. Time nearly stands still. It is the proverbial antithesis of the equinox, the literal "Summer Solstice" of the Penninsula, and the complete oxymoron to WDW.
*We too, stay at Vero PRIOR to WDW. We enjoy the "unwinding" process, just before the Go-Go-Go phase of our visit. It's like practicing yoga and meditation. We need to slow~down, before we can shift into a higher gear. So, we break-into this mode methodically, slowly...and take our time. Doing this, we seem to be much less "harried" while at WDW. The sea and water escape transforms our very core. Nothing bothers us...after VERO.
We are seriously considering becoming part of the DVC family. We are so enthralled with the concept, and enjoy the accomodations annually. We're in the "homework" phase.
Nick@ VB+OKW~My DB lives in Melbourne Beach. This is how we happened to "stumble" across VERO in 1999. We were visiting him for a day/two while in the WORLD, and took a scenic drve down A1A (love Sebastian Inlet). We came upon the sign "DISNEY'S VERO BEACH", and nearly came unglued! For some odd reason, we always "pictured" this resort to be much more remote, etc., and farther away from WDW. We were stunned, and pulled into the parking lot to take a peek. The guard was helpful, offering guest parking for a "lookiloo" adventure! We stepped into the lobby...and were immediately HOOKED. We even inquired about accomodations at the front desk. We strolled the grounds, and viewed a Villa (courtesy of a FD associate), and planned our initial stay. It was everything we dreamed...and MUCH, MUCH more.
*Which cruise are you taking on the Wonder? The 3, 4 or 7 night?
We have cruised on the 7-night Western (Magic), and the 4-eve Eastern (Wonder), as well as a 7-eve Eastern (Wonder). We also took the Eastern years ago...on Premier's BIG RED BOAT (Dubbed the
Disney Cruise back then!). DD loved Pluto's playhouse, but this cruise "paled" in comparison to the
DCL. We were so excited when Disney initiated the CL. We waited for the 7-eve, then the Western itinerary. We have fallen in love with the CL too. Are you using DVC points for your cruise? Thanks again, for all of your kind and generous assistance.
DF99
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