New to Vero Beach---anything a Must Bring or Must Do?

[3princesses]

Hi--we have two kids (5 and 20 months) and are trying to save points by staying in a studio....not sure what the studios are equipped with for kitchen accessories? I think they just have a microwave and small fridge, right? I have heard about the campfires--anything else we should be sure to do? Where do I find directions from the Orlando airport? THANKS!!!!!

 

[Jenn]

Vero is awesome! We went for the first time this past Labor Day weekend and are going back down in 4 weeks!

We absolutely loved it! We had an ocean view inn room which similar to a studio, did have a small fridge, microwave and coffee pot in a small wet bar type set up. It also had some paper plates, paper bowls, plastic utensils, and 4 glasses. Also had paper towels and a small bottle of dish liquid.

We have a 3 year old. You will receive an activity listing when you check in detailing the many activities each day. At least once each day there was something for the toddler/pre school age group. For instance, they would do duck duck goose, bubbles, sidewalk chalk. It isn't a formal kids program where you would leave your child, just a quick gathering of kids and CMs to play games or whatever.

The campfires are great! We did 2 during our trip and our daughter loved them. They lasted 1/2 hour or so and then they make Smores (for free). During the 1/2 hour the CMs tell a story - both times for us it was an Indian legend - different stories though. Then they sing several songs - some of which we knew, some are now favorites at home. They also did the hokey-pokey.

Next to the pool there is a kiddie area that has pirate ship that the kids can climb all over and has a slide and water squirting out everywhere. This is for kids 5 and under.

The beach was nice - but our daughter didn't like the waves (and I didn't like the sign mentioning the rip-tides, jellyfish and shark warning) so we didn't go in the ocean. We did hang on the beach for a couple of hours each day playing in the sand, then usually headed up to the pool for swimming for a few hours. The pool had a DJ for the long weekend and he played great music interspersed with fun stuff like the chicken dance, electric slide, etc. where CMs came out and danced around the pool with the guests.

We had a wonderful, relaxing time and are so exited to be heading back next month.

What time of year are you going? Late summer there are alot of no-see-ums (little bugs that bite) so plan accordingly if this is when you are going.

Jenn

 

[spiceycat]

don't forgot the insect repellant.

I like playing the minature golf - I did horribly but it was fun. and on certain days it is free to members. I also like the exercise room.

I like the hamburgers at the pool snack bar - better than the ones in the restuarants.

 

[3princesses]

Thanks for the info! This is our first DVC stay....do the studios have microwaves? With two small children should we spend the points on a one-bedroom if they still have any available? Can we request an ocean view? FOr those that have stayed in a one-bedroom do you actually use the kitchen then? Thanks again!!!!

 

[mattsdad]

If I remember correctly, the studios do have a microwave oven. I would recommend the 1BR unit if you can swingit. you have the full kitchen,which can be useful if you are interested in whipping something up for the kiddies, and most importantly, your kids can sleep on the convertible queen size sofa bed and you can sleep by yourselves in the bed room!!!

 

[mooses41]

If i'm correct, the only room that you are guaranteed an ocean view is the delux inn room- ocean view. It's similar to a studio. kinda lake staying at the boardwalk inn if you know what i mean. Anyway, its a few more points than the regular studio but substantially less than the 1br. have fun~

 

[minnie mouse]

We stayed in an ocean view inn room last year for the first time and loved it.

We had cereal in the morning, and I made my girls PP&J for lunch, their favorite. We also ate at the pool side restaurant which was very good. I would also recommend getting a refill mug.

I liked staying in the inn part of the resort because the gift shop is right there, which we were in often, and the restaurants are there also.

I think my daughters who were 3 and 2 at the time favorite thing was picking out movies to watch at night.Or couse they had every Disney movie made to choice from.

I think the one bedroom would be nice for fixing meals but we ate out every night so I really didn't need it. And the laundry room was on the same floor we were staying, so it was very convenient.

We will be going back in October for 4 nights and looking very forward to it much and once again I will be staying in the inn room ocean view.

[This message was edited by minnie mouse on 02-08-01 at 07:56 PM.]

[This message was edited by minnie mouse on 02-08-01 at 07:58 PM.]

 

[rbuzzotta]

Jenn summed it up beautifully. I can only repeat waht Spiceycat had to say about the insect repellant. The first trip to VB my ankles got eaten alive and on the other trips the first thing I pack was the insect repellant. The studios do have a microwave. My kids like Shutters restaurant and on Saturdays and sometimes Wednesdays they have a character breakfast with Goofy and Max. My 4 year old loved the Tea Party by the pool. VB is great, you'll love it. If you find you need anything there is a Super WalMart not far from the resort.
Enjoy

Rosemary
Off-site every year since 1985
PO '96, '97, '99
Coronado '00
WL '94, '00
CB '98
VB '97, '98, '00
DL '01
BWV '01

 

[3princesses]

Do we need to sign up for any activities before we arrive (tea party, etc). We are going late February---any insect repellent needed then or only in summer? Thanks again and again and again.

 

[Joan BWV98]

Bring sand toys. My 9 year old loves to build and we could only find a bucket and shovel at the store. If you need to, stop at a store before you arrive. Those same toys are fun at the pool too.

Joan in Maryland