Need help with Disney's Vero Beach Resort

[ftmyersgirl]

dougmatt

I never mentioned Paul's name and I do not know any of the names of the people at the front desk. I deliberately did not seek out that information because for me to complain about an individual requires a lot more than what occured at Vero Beach.

I am complaining about the disparity between what the Disney web site and CRO says you are getting and the front desk at Vero and how important it is to have your written confirmation. I am also complaining about having to repeatedly hear out loud how much I paid for a hotel room. It was uncalled for.

You and others have hit the nail on the head. I was told one thing by central reservation and given something else when I walked in. I saw the rooms on the Disney web site and I had taken a timeshare tour the week before and knew exactly what the studio was supposed to be like. The nuances of Inn rooms vs. Villa studios do get lost on me. But as I said I expected the couch not two beds and I do not believe that this was an unreal expectation given this is what CRO told me I was getting. Also being put right next to an elevator when I was told I was "getting a nice room" after specifically requesting to be some distance from the elevator was a serious error.

Yes I am the person who bid and got a $40 room in Daytona on my way down to Vero from Hilton Head. I was treated better at the La Quinta Inn and no one even mentioned what I had paid for the room over and over again in a condescending way.

Paul was mentioned by another person who likes Vero Beach but felt accosted by the bad attitude of the front desk staff. Three different people have said this so far. I appreciate their candor and support.

After leaving Vero Beach we went to WDW where we had a drink at one of the resort bars. The bartender told us the same thing happened to him where his employee rate code was questioned in light of the upgrade the manager had given him and the front desk person had to go in and out of some room and kept saying you can't pay such and such rate for the room. His employee rate was said out loud for all to hear and there were many guests when he was there. At least my embarassment stemmed from the fact that my husband was present and I wanted to convince him to buy DVC points. By the way, I made an offer just a little while ago.

P.S. If you have any tips on how get the Adam's Mark in Columbia SC for a business trip I have please let me know. The rates in Columbia are getting crazy. I spend one week out of the month in a hotel somewhere and I have never had anyone say to me out loud what I paid for a room. Sometimes I get upgraded without asking. I never ask for an upgrade. I am now trying to economize on the rates I pay for business travel so I can join DVC. I am not discouraged. I know that there are kinks in the system but when I travel with my husband and family we really need the bigger accommodations and DVC appears to be the way to go now that we have a new grandson!

 

[dougmatt]

Sorry I confused the Paul post and yours. I stay on the lookout for posts about my "home" as you will too if you decide to purchase. Hilton Head went through a 'poor service' phase awhile back, most of those CM's have been replaced, but I heard numerous experiences similar to yours.

I just returned from a stay at BCV where I asked for a view of the ball and a non-HCA room. I ended up on the other side of the buidling in an HCA room!!!!!!!!!! Because of this (and the fact that someone in my family was sick the entire 10 days we were there) I will likely not return to the resort, and also likely not buy an add-on there (The only current DVC resort I will never have owned (bought OKW, but no longer own) )...

This is probably my loss, but vacation is supposed to be enjoyed!!!! So much depends on 3 things in the following order:

1) Your attitude
2) The CM's attitude (or employees at non - dis )
3) The environment

My attitude was poor becuase I wasn't feeling well, and the CM's attitude was one of 'doing what he wanted, not what I wanted' Sounds similar to your problem.... Poor weather, bad response.

Several of the CM's at VB have apparently moved on... Unfortunately these things happen. Vero is a wonderful resort, but like any vacation it is suscepible to bad events / attitude.... I'm sorry you encountered one... On one hand I want to say, don't let this expirience deter you from purchasing DVC... On the other hand, perhaps it should! DVC is not a magical solution to a vacation problems. Things can come up like my BCV expirience that will be exactly like what you encountered.... and over the next 39 odd +/- years we have left in DVC, CM's will come and go... I will say, that DVC was my wife's idea and she loves it... BUT I think though that I enjoy it and value it as much if not more than her now...

As for Adam's Mark it is a 3 star Priceline option for Central Columbia, and you would have 4 free re-bidding zones, so you should be able to make something good happen. I will pm you the link to the South Carolina Hotel FAQ on BFT, and I suggest you read the overall hotel FAQ, and post over there for a bid assist. Sheryl is INVALUABLE!!!! FYI I am dougmattpr over there.... Good Luck!

Doug

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Thanks for the info re: things to do. I am sorry that some have had bad experiences there. It sounds like more non-DVC members have had bad stays than those that have had good stays. I would appreciate any positive feedback anyone might have. If there isn't any to be had, I might reconsider our stay.

I thought the rate was good and that this would be a good time to try VB out for possible future stays. However, we don't plan on purchasing DVC so this may be a one time stay.

Dougmatt is right; attitude is the key to enjoying yourself whether it is at a resort or in a restaurant. If you think things are bad they will be; even if they are bad, they will seem worse. My wife is one of those pessimistic people who can't put the bad part behind her and it ends up ruining the entire experience for her and pretty much the rest of the family.

For example, we stayed at the Polynesian at Christmas in 2001. We were dissatisfied with the room and were told that they were booked solid and didn't have a room for us to move to. We changed resorts and moved to the Yacht Club. The room was nice and bright and very large by Disney standards. However, it was at the far end of the top floor at the end facing the Dolphin. My wife said she never wanted to stay at the Yacht Club again because of the walk, and she thought the room was small, etc., etc. I thought we had a nice room that was quiet and far away from the hustle and bustle of a wedding party that was on the same floor. She also said she would never stay at the Polynesian again either. Just how you look at things, I guess.

 

[PamOKW]

I would appreciate any positive feedback anyone might have. If there isn't any to be had, I might reconsider our stay.

My experience has always been positive. Relatives of mine stayed there once on their own and then again last year as a treat from me. They used to stay at the Holiday Inn there quite often so I thought maybe they preferred that. I asked whether they were interested in spending a few nights at Vero again this year or wanted to keep their HI reservation. They told me they would absolutely love to stay at Vero...they love the resort, etc., etc.

I think you should give it a try. Like anywhere, there are good and bad experiences. We tend to hear more about the bad than the good. Also, some people like different things. Some people love Vegas, some don't. It doesn't mean something is "wrong", it's just personal taste. You may find this with Vero. To my taste, it's fabulous.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Thanks PamOKW. I thought there must be some good experiences out there.

I have been looking for some photos of the resort and was unable to find them. I know I saw some somewhere last summer. Does anyone have a clue where some might be? Also, description of the restaurants on site and any good ones in the area would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Minnie's Mate
I have been looking for some photos of the resort and was unable to find them. I know I saw some somewhere last summer. Does anyone have a clue where some might be? Also, description of the restaurants on site and any good ones in the area would be greatly appreciated.

Here are a couple of links of VB with pictures for you.

http://www.mouseplanet.com/sue_holland/vbr_activities.htm

http://www.mouseplanet.com/sue_holland/vbr.htm

Below is a link for all restraunts in Vero Beach......

http://www.metatiki.com/index.cfm?m...ngs&BusinessType=Food/Dining&city=VeroBeachFL

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Thanks, I'll check those out tonight.

 

[Dean]

ftmyersgirl, from your report I don't think they thought you were asking for a 1 BR. I suspect they knew you were asking for a studio with a pullout love seat. While the prices are the same, there are no garden view studios with a single bed and pullout unless any of the corner units with king beds are this way. While from a cash standpoint they are treated the same, from a points reservation they are different. There aren't that many studios compared to the number of Inn rooms and most or all are lockoff's from a 2 BR unit. I suspect it's very likely they had no true studios with a pull out designated to give out. They were likely being held for 2 BR options or reserved by members. And while the prices may be the same or nearly so, the studios are a step above the garden view rooms, some more than others.

Your last posts also shed some light. Without being disrespectful to you, I have great trouble putting all the blame on the resort staff. Of course I was not there and there are 2 sides to every story. Even when things happen, I am having great trouble imagining the front desk staff being as rude as you state, especially when it's a trainee situation. My guess is that the trainee had been given instructions as to what could be given under the code and what couldn't and were trying to follow the letter of their directions. If they are not full, they will close down part of the resort so even if rooms are empty they may not be available for ANYONE to rent or use with points. It's much like a restaurant that has tables but not wait staff.

On one of these thread's someone posted a note about people posting negatives experiences getting flamed but I can't find it right now. I think I know who posted it but it looks like it was edited out so I won't state who. While that does happen, that's not usually the scenario. Like in this thread it goes something like this. Someone posts information about a negative experience that obviously contains inaccurate or contradictory information or show's their lack of understanding of the product. When everyone doesn't take the info and experience at face value and that wrong info is challenged, some takes it personally. Then there's a series of lets play nice vs lets be honest posts. When this board comes to the point of saying you can't be honest because it MIGHT hurt someones feelings, color me gone. I know there are those that think Disney can do no wrong and anything that suggests otherwise is sacrilege, I am definitely not one of those. I don't think anyone could call me a "homer" with a straight face. I've had my run ins with DVC and at the resorts and have likely been one of the 2 or 3 most critical members of DVC that frequent the DVC board. How many people do you know that DVC offered to buy back their contract that was bought resale because of all thier concerns early on. I'd bet I am the only one.

 

[dreamflight99]

We are not DVC members, but have visited Disney's VERO BEACH resort 3 times over the past three years (this years 8 eves in a Villa marks the fourth!). We found it "by accident", as we drove along the Sebastion Inlet A1A (visiting family for the day in Melbourne Beach). We were staying in WDW, and stopped at the Resort in complete and utter "AWE". As soon as we returned home, we made reservations for five eves in a 1BR villa. Needless to say, it was everything we hoped for...and more.

The following year, we reserved 10 eves in the same one bedroom villa. The staff was absolutely wonderful! They blocked the room we requested, and greeted us like family when we arrived.

Last year, we were there for 4 eves in the INN, prior to our 7-night Western Carribean Cruise on the Magic. We had a 3rd floor room with a stunning view of the ocean. We paid for an ocean view, but as other posters wrote...it's not guaranteed. We were just happy to be there again. It was nice being able to leave VERO and drive to Cape Canaveral.

We are heading there again, this summer. We have reservations for 8 eves in the same 1 BR villa we so enjoy. We know the names of the staff, and management, and enjoy seeing them every year. We pay the regular rates, and have no plans to join the DVC. They are all aware of this, and treat us no differently than members.

We swim in the ocean, which is churning and a bit murky, but always warm. At least the sharks are smaller than the whites we have here (LOL). The beach has been completely renovated (according to sources at the Resort), and Disney has brought in new sand, etc. Also, the plant growth has been trimmed, permitting a better view of the ocean. We plan to incorporate a visit into our vacation plans every summer. It is the most spectacular resort, and I'm sorry for those posters unable to enjoy Vero.

Hopefully, they'll be able to give it another try. If Disney ever decided to actually SELL the Villas, (upscale condos) we would be interested in BUYING!

 

[ncligs]

dreamflight99,

Thanks for the thumbs up on VB..........especially being a non-DVC owner.

 

[PamOKW]

If Disney ever decided to actually SELL the Villas, (upscale condos) we would be interested in BUYING!

LOL! Get in line behind me Dreamflight.

I heard that when they first showed the resort to "the neighbors" before it opened that many of them did try to buy the villas!

 

[Michigan RN]

We went to Vero Beach and spent 4 nights there after Disney. My kids were 4-9-11 at the time. The pool area is great and there is schedued activities. The ocean is nice - no lifeguard. The resort is beautiful but when I asked my kids if they wanted to go back they said "It was kinda boring there" I agree a little. If your looking for a kicked back vacation it's nice, but not a lot of other things to do but swim, sun. Hope this helps!!

 

[dreamflight99]

PamOKW.... ! Can I at least be SECOND in line, behind you?! As for the neighbors...the line starts "OVER THERE"! (pointing somewhere in the oblivion).

ncligs...you're welcome, and fortunate to be a member. We have looked into the prospect on numerous occasions, since the Membership inception in OKW. Yet, for us, it's just not feasible. We spend more than 2 months per year traveling for pleasure. 6-7 weeks of this is consecutively enjoyed on our summer sojourn in Orlando (WDW/DISNEY CRUISE/PBH/PH/VB). We still enjoy the Resort as much as members, and are honored...thrilled actually, they permit non-members to stay!

Michigan RN...Yes, it is very low-key (exactly what we are looking for between theme parks) at Vero. BUT...we have a BLAST at Bingo, and the other crafts and games. We play Mini Golf, ride bikes, and go on the turtle walk. We also take the rental to the nearby Indian River Mall, and see a movie...& shop! We have even visited model homes and the local library (adorable). The Indian River Fruit orchard is another great place to see/visit.

The beach is wonderful, and we watch the FLAGS flying at the nearby State Beach. They change color according to the level of danger. If they spot sharks, they make everyone exit. This means DISNEY folks too...as they notify the associates manning the rental station at the end of the dock, and they informed the beach patrons (inclduing us). This happened three times in one day, guess they were hungry (sharks).

I surf/swim all over the coast here in Cali, and we do not have lifeguards manning MOST beaches (no...it's not Baywatch here...LOL). I've seen loads of sharks...as they live in the ocean. In florida (VERO), watch for obvious signs of large predators under the water, "Baitfish jumping out of the water, large birds diving and eating the baitfish, or rushes and swirls of water near you". Just exit calmly and slowly. I actually got "bumped" by a shark (Tiger or Bull) at Vero...but that's another thread entirely.

TTFN....