Need some info and opinions on VB stay

[hookedup]

I hope that I am posting this in the right spot.

We are going to WDW in late June for a week, then renting a car and going off property for a week, then coming back to WDW for a week.

I had booked a week down in Key West but after more research found that might not be the best option for our family (me, dh & ds age 6).

So I just booked VB for that off property week. We will be there over the Fourth of July. dh is going to want to know why I made this change. I think that it will be a better family oriented trip and allow us to do other things (like go to Kennedy Space Center) and explore the coast that week a bit.

The Vero Beach stay we cost us about $300 more for the week than the resort we had booked in the Keys. (This will be the harder part to explain to dh as he is already freaking out about money )

Can anyone tell me a bit about the resort and any important info I should know or beware of? Anything special happen there on the 4th of July? I know nothing about this resort (except what I could find on the DVC website and tripadvisor)
Thanks!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I don't have my resort activities sheet any more, so these are things that I remember from our VB trip.

There are camfires with s'mores provided every few nights. These are family sing alongs.

There were supervised games at the pool for children at specified times, and a dj in the afternoons who interacted with the kids.

Some of the activities for kids were free and some were for a fee.

There's a very good Environmental Learning Center less than 5 minutes away from the resort by car.

There's a 9 hole mini golf course.

There's a play activity next to the pool, it looks like a pirate ship and it looks like lots of fun.

The pool slide is fun.

There are movies at night for the family.

There is supervised activities for children for a fee if parents want some time alone.

There are bikes to rent, there's a pond for fishing.

There's a character breakfast/brunch, I think it's on Saturdays.

Can't think of anything else, but it is family friendly resort.

Have a great time!

Bobbi

 

[floridafam]

They will have all kinds of activities on and around the 4th of July.

They have fireworkds in Vero and Sebastian. Last year, there were spectacular fireworks just North of the resort at Orchid Island (the people that live there must have purchased them.) they were great and visible from the resort.

I think you would have a great time at Vero during the 4th.

They have activities every day like crafts, scuba lessons, snorkel lessons, slide races, mini golf tournaments, dj by the pool sometimes, etc.

 

[gppnj]

I've heard of people who bring kids to Key West and have had a good time, but I don't think it's a place for kids. I think you made a good decision and will have a better time at Vero Beach. Save Key West for the trip when you and your husband get away by yourselves.

 

[Halle]

We were there this past August with our family (our baby is 23 lol). We all kept remarking about what a great resort it is for families with young children. One night they had a swim in movie. A huge screen was set up at the pool and kids were swimming and watching the movie. In the afternoon we saw a DJ at the pool and it was very obvious that he catered to the kids. They were all having a great time. One downside, if you love the ocean there isn't a lifeguard on the beach. The resort is a distance from the city of VB and there are very few restaurants in the area. We loved VB and I am dying to go back. I know you and your family will love it....it's gorgeous!

 

[slindamood]

We were at Vero Beach in mid December. The property is beautiful and they have wonderful activities for children.

In addition to what has been mentioned, they have a kids club type of thing where kids can have supper together during the dinner hour so parents can eat on their own (there is a fine dining restaurant - Sonya's- on site). There is also story hour with milk and cookies. And the campfire sing-a-long which is lots of fun for all ages.

Off site we went to the National Pelican Isle preserve - there is a boardwalk through the wetlands for watching birds and looking for other wildlife - it is very interesting. We rode our bikes there, but you can drive there in less than ten minutes. A naturalist volunteer is on hand to answer questions.

Renting a bike is also fun, even if you just ride around the lake area on the other side of the road (there is an underpass under the road so very safe.)

I think they have the best programming of all resorts because they are removed from the WDW parks. I can't imagine not loving it.