Just Back From Vero & Poly

[njanimalkingdom]

Landed in Orlando on 4/15 drove to Vero. On the way there we encountered the only rain of our whole trip. Checked into a GVIR and went directly into the pool. Ate dinner @ Shutters and early to bed since we had been up since 4:30am.
Saturday kids were up by 8, had breakfast in the room and off to the pool. Kids had fun doing the sea shell bags with Nanci. DW went for a massage and said it was great. From 1-4 DJ was @ the pool and kept the kids occupied with pool games. Kids went to Discovery Club that night and we had dinner in Green Cabin. Food was good, service was fair, but no kids so we were in no rush. Went to the campfire that night and everyone really enjoyed it. At the campfire Jen had a spark from the fire jump on to her shirt, luckily nothing happened.
Sunday went to brunch. It was OK nothing special, thought it was kind of over priced. Kids did Mickey Plates with Jen. DJ was back at the pool and kept the kids occupied. Little 1 came in 2nd in toddler slide races. Girls got there hair wrapped @ the pool. We went to Capt Hirhams for dinner. Food was good. Setting was nice. Service was fair. Used a restaurant.com coupon with no problems. We would go back again.
Monday another gorgeous day. Resort was getting more crowded. Around 3 the pool was closed due to lightning in the area. Went back to the room and kids watched a movie. Went to Riverside Grill for dinner service was great. Food was good. Used another restaurant.com coupon.
Tuesday we finally made it to the beach and kids had a blast collecting shells and riding waves.
Wednesday kids did the unbirthday party and loved it. We went to Mr Manatees for dinner and it was excellent. .49 cent wing night. Went to fire led by Lindsay and it was great. A fun ending to a great week a Vero,
This was our 2nd trip to Vero. Both times it has been great. This is one of those hidden Disney gems. If it wasn't for DVC we would have never heard of this resort. If you have never been it is a must do. Also we felt the staff was really great. Especially the rec/life guard staff.
On Thursday off to the Poly on points (we had points we had to use). We had never stayed here before. Rooms were huge. We went to Epcot and had dinner at Via Napoli. Of the 4 Disney Italian restaurants I would rank this 1 #4. Nothing special.
Friday I woke up early with DD5 . We decided to go th MK while DW and DD7 slept in. We were in the park by 8:30. As we entered Adventure Land we saw Ariel (DD5 favorite) & Eric. Only 5 people ahead of us. Ariel and Eric were great the spent time with all the kids, no 1 was rushed out. After that we did a FP for BTM and went to splash which had a wait time of 20 minutes. After that off to Pirates. Then to BTM for DD5 1st time on BTM. She loved every second of it. I video taped and all you hear is her laughing and saying wee. After that we met up with DW & DD7. Spent the rest of the day at the park. Ended our day and trip on our usual ender, IASW. Went back to the Poly to watch water pageant and then fire works on the beach.
Saturday back home.
Just a great trip. Incredible weather and lots of fun.
Only 112 days till we go back to Vero.

 

[vicki_c]

Sounds like a great trip!

Maybe I will talk DH into Vero sometime. The problem is (1) we're not really beach people and (2) we used to live 40 minutes from Vero and didn't go there then! LOL. I think Captain Hiram's is okay too, although it doesn't get very good reviews. There are better places, but I like sitting outside there.

 

[toesmom]

It's funny because as I read your post, I remember that we thought the DJ was completely annoying and my 10 year old dd hated the unbirthday party.

Beach was just okay.

And that was August, we went for 2 summers, few days each time.

I will say the campfire was fun and can't beat the view from the ocean view rooms.

 

[robert@dvcstore]

Thanks for the trip report. I agree. Vero Beach is often overlooked as one of the great Disney resorts. I've always enjoyed my stays there.

Robert

 

[Fizzmom]

I loved your trip report! Almost felt like we had written it ourselves! We just returned from Vero last week.This was our first visit, as we usually go to WDW for Spring break. We also arrived on 4/15, and had an early dinner at Shutter's. Hung out at the pool on Saturday, dinner at the Green Cabin room that night, then went to the campfire. We hit the pool again on Sunday, as the kids really enjoyed the DJ. They especially liked guessing "Thriller" for every single Michael Jackson song! DD got a hairwrap on Sunday as well, and we also left on Thursday. Unfortunately, we had to go home, not to the Poly! We're heading back in August too. Usually we go to Cape Cod in the Summer, but we loved Vero so much DH really wantsd to return before next April. It truly is a hidden gem, and the CMs and other guests are some of the friendliest we've encountered anywhere!

 

[Mom B]

[QUOTE]Sunday went to brunch. It was OK nothing special, thought it was kind of over priced. QUOTE]

Wow, has it changed? We did the Sunday buffet at Shutters in January and thought it was fabulous and a good value for the price. We are kind of "hicks from the sticks" but are also accustomed to fine dining in Vegas, Chicago, and WDW and we thought it was impressive. Maybe it was an 'off' day...I hope so because we want to take our DD, DSIL, and DGS next January!

 

[tinkerfan1]

We are going to Vero for the first time in a mont and a half so I enjoyed your post. The only thing I have booked is Shutters and I am not so sure about that. It is a brunch on Father's Day and then a Pirate's cookout the next night. I have teenage boys. Thoughts? Don't get me wrong, they are into Disney, but are these events worth it? I don't really have much money to spend as it is. I'd love some good seafood personally.

 

[hygienejean]

Thanks for the review! My family loves Vero too. We have been there 3 times and the last time we did a nature walk with Maryann. We learned lots of interesting little things about the area/ocean. My son learned that there were shark teeth to be found....we never stopped looking for those things! LOL. I think he found about 6 or 7 and he treasures them. I think We will go during turtle season next time. I would love to do a nature walk during that time and possibly see baby sea turtles.