Just back - Villas at WL, CSR and Vero Beach

[KCritter]

OK, so we really got back on Saturday, but I'm just now getting around to posting.

First off, it was the first time we stayed at VWL, and it won't be the last! It really exceeded my expectations. We had a studio room, woods view and it was like going to a completely different world after a day at the parks. The Villas are especially quiet and peaceful and it just seemed cooler there for some reason. The quiet pool was never crowded and the water was warm. I am so glad to be a member of DVC! For all of you who go to WDW once a year and haven't taken the DVC tour, I strongly encourage you to do so!

CSR was nice also, but it just isn't fair to compare it to VWL. We were in Ranchos 7B and our room faced the quiet pool. I guess I just looked tired and the wonderful CM (Brandon) who checked us in searched for a room that was ready. He upgraded us to a water view room. Overall, a pleasant and unique resort.

Vero Beach - ahhh! There is no better place to relax after an action packed week in the parks. Sun, sand, frozen drinks and good seafood. What a great place! We had a 1-bedroom villa with an ocean view. Nothing better than sipping wine on your balcony and watching the squadrons of pelicans fly in.

Any questions?

 

[nwdisgal]

Thanks for your post! I was glad to hear about Vero Beach. We'll be going there in August. Did CSR have an ironing board and a coffee pot in the room? Also, you mentioned that it looked tired compared to the other resorts that you stayed at. Was that carpet wear-n-tear, or the general condition of room? I'm just curious because DH and I are planning to stay there in July and I think it might be our best choice of the moderates for a more adults oriented resort. I'm kind of a room condition fanatic, but I can handle a little wear and tear. The exterior pictures of CSR look really neat.

 

[KCritter]

LOL! It was ME that looked tired, not the room! I found nothing wrong with the condition or cleanliness of the room, or the entire resort for that matter. There was a coffee pot and an ironing board.

It is just so very different from WL that I don't think a comparison between the resorts is fair. WL has a woodsy, Pacific Northwest feel. CSR has a desert southwest feel to the Ranchos section, and sort of a carribbean island feel to the Cabanas. I did enjoy the resort and would probably have been more enthusiastic for it if I hadn't just come from WL, which I absolutely loved and can't wait to go back to.

I think you will have a nice time there. The grounds are lovely, and it's interesting to see the different theming and landscaping as you pass from one section to the next. The buffet breakfast at the Maya grill was excellent, and a good value. The egg burritos were outstanding, as was the quality and selection of fresh fruit.

 

[nwdisgal]

KCritter - Thanks for clarifying on CSR! I appreciate the feedback. I am looking forward to my visit there. I can understand why you like the Pacific Northwest decor and theming of WL. It would be my first pick if I weren't a native of the PNW.

Vero Beach sounds fabulous. How was the beach? Was there a noticeable undertoe? I am bringing my kids along for that trip and have heard that the beach is more rugged (let's say compared to Hilton Head), but beautiful.

 

[Buzz2001]

KCritter - welcome back and glad to see you enjoyed CSR.

 

[KarenB]

Your trip sounds like it was great!! We have a similiar one coming up in a few weeks. We are spending the first half at VWL, then on to VB.

We have two boys, 12 and 13, and I was wondering what the beach was like. Was there a strong undertow??? I know that VB is not guarded, but is there a life guard at a nearby beach?? They are good swimmers, but living in the middle of Penna, they don;t have much experience with the ocean. (just being a worrying mom )

Thanks, and glad you had a good trip!

Karen

 

[KCritter]

Disgal and KarenB - Vero is a wonderful resort - very beautiful and relaxing. This is the second time we have stayed there and I like it more every time I go.

The beach is somewhat narrow, especially at high tide. There is a very tall dune covered with plants and trees between the beach and the resort, so you can only get to the beach by way of the boardwalk. The sand is kind of coarse and has tons of shells. A couple of the days were pretty windy, and the surf was pretty rough on those days. They have warnings posted about the rip currents, so be sure you know what to do in case you are caught in one. The resort does not have a lifeguard, but there is a public beach just a few hundred feet to the north that does have a lifeguard.

The pool at Vero is great, epecially the waterslide! We spent most of our time at the pool, with occaisional ocean dips.

Have a great trip! I can't wait to go back!