Looking for some info on VB

[CarolMN]

We're thinking of trying out VB before our BWV vacation in early December. We are DH, Brother,DSIL,two nephews (5 and 1)& me. Tentatively, our plan looks like this: arrive in Orlando Thursday (late afternoon), drive to VB, stay 3 nights and then drive to WDW & check into BWV on Sunday afternoon. My questions:

1. Will about 2 1/2 days at VB give us a good feel for the resort? What is the weather typically like in early December?

2. Is it still possible (likely) that we could get a members' cash discount at this resort at this time? I thought about renting points, but for this time of year, even full price looks like a better deal than renting at $10/point. Don't have enough points to do the whole thing on points and don't want to borrow due to future plans.

3. Are all of the 2 Bdrm villas at VB ocean view?

4. If it were your family, would you go to VB before or after the WDW portion of your vacation and why?

Thanks for any info.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I am glad you asked this. We have thought about VB beach house when we take our whole crew of 12 down in a couple of years. I wonder if VB people could also tell me if a Beach cottage would be out of the question at the 7 month window. <IMG SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif" alt="confused">

Disneydiane

 

[Jimbo]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> 1. Will about 2 1/2 days at VB give us a good feel for the resort? What is the weather typically like in early December?

[/quote]

I think that in 2 1/2 days you'll have a good idea what the resort's all about. I've never been at VB in December, but my WDW December trips have ranged from 40s and windy, to the 80s, sometimes all in the same trip!

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> 2. Is it still possible (likely) that we could get a members' cash discount at this resort at this time? I thought about renting points, but for this time of year, even full price looks like a better deal than renting at $10/point. Don't have enough points to do the whole thing on points and don't want to borrow due to future plans.[/quote]

This is a slow time for VB, so member discounts may be available. It's also possible that the resort will have deals for regular, non-DVC, guests. In many cases these are even better that the member discount.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> 4. If it were your family, would you go to VB before or after the WDW portion of your vacation and why?

[/quote]

I'm sure there will be a split on this one. We've done both, and find that we much prefer going before. It seemed to us like VB would be a good way to unwind after a WDW vacation, but we've found that by the time we adjust to the slower pace, the trip's over. And while we're adjusting, VB seems boring (not relaxing). And I guess it is, compared to WDW.

When we go first, it's always worked better. It's a great way to "ease" into a vacation, and shake off your jet lag.

 

[Jimbo]

Diane - we stayed at a beach cottage in October. We booked at the seven month mark using our OKW points, using points for a Wednesday and Thursday. We added Friday as a cash ressie, and got the 25% member discount (the Friday points would have wiped us out). So it can be done.

 

[Jenn]

1. Will about 2 1/2 days at VB give us a good feel for the resort? What is the weather typically like in early December?

We went to Vero for the first time for 2 1/2 days Labor Day weekend. We arrived mid-day on Saturday, had all day Sunday and Monday and left Tuesday morning to head to WDW. It was a perfect getaway for us. We really enjoyed Vero and were able to experience most of the resort in that time. We are heading back down to Vero for 4 days next month. By the way - it was me, my DH and our 3 year old daughter.

2. Is it still possible (likely) that we could get a members' cash discount at this resort at this time? I thought about renting points, but for this time of year, even full price looks like a better deal than renting at $10/point. Don't have enough points to do the whole thing on points and don't want to borrow due to future plans.

I would think that it would be possible. December is low season.

3. Are all of the 2 Bdrm villas at VB ocean view?

No - you would need to specifically request an ocean view. The ocean view inn rooms and beach cottages are guaranteed ocean views, but the studio, 1BRs and 2 BRs may or may not have the view.

4. If it were your family, would you go to VB before or after the WDW portion of your vacation and why?

Tough one - we did it before WDW Labor Day week only because my husband was attending a seminar that started on a Wed. and we wanted to travel from Sat to Sat. I could honestly go either way on this one. After a few days of relaxing, we were really geared up for WDW. But at the same time, a few days relaxing after the hustle and bustle of WDW doesn't sound to shabby either.

Disneydiane - we are staying in a Beach Cottage next month and we booked it 5 months out (we own at BW). They were totally booked for the prime times - the entire month of February and Easter week but had some March availability. If you are going during a peak time in the Spring, you may have a tough time, but any other time, you stand a decent chance.

Jenn

 

[nickglover]

I like Jimbo's reasons for going to VB before Orlando - you will still have BWV to look forward to, and it will make the vacation seem much longer, since you will start at a slower pace - 2/1/2 - 3 days is a nice time-frame for VB.
There is a great ocean view from the bar/coffee lounge terrace on the second floor of the Inn - Green Cabin Room or something like that....

 

[PamOKW]

Although it seems like the idea of relaxing to recuperate from WDW is good I agree with Jimbo that the change of pace can be too abrupt. You feel bored in comparison to the "go go" of WDW and can't appreciate the beauty of the resort and the laid back nature.

 

[kewlteacher]

Hi! We planned our trip to go to VB after 5 days at BWV. We'll spend 5 days at WDW and then 5 days at VB. This will be our first DVC trip ever. I planned it this way because every time we come home, we need another vacation just unwind. I have a 4 year old, so this will be a great way to spend time swimming and relaxing..then going home. I hope this line of thinking works well! I'll have to let you know!

;-)
Melissa & Brian & Morgan!

 

[Patricia]

We did Vero after our trip to WDW this past summer. I really loved the idea of the vacation not truly ending. I always get very sad when my time at WDW is over and hate the idea of leaving. This time, because we had a week of fun at Vero to look forward to, I had an easier time leaving the BW. I imagine there are good points and bad of doing it both ways but this really made our vacation fun and relaxing and long! Vero is wonderful,and I am sure you will have a great time either way.

 

[Deb]

We're spending two nights in an Inn Room in early June and following it with 5 nights at WDW. We're coming in from the west on I-10, so it makes a short trip to drive home from WDW than from VB. This will be our first trip to VB. It will be nice to relax for a few days before hitting the parks.