Our first stay at VB: a mini trip report

[TimeforMe]

We spent a long weekend in Orlando before heading to VB on Sunday, 2/20. DH decided to look at the map (big mistake) and figure out his own directions. Needless to say, it took us about an hour or so longer to get there than it should have. And there would be NO asking for directions along the way either.

I must say, upon first sight, we were not impressed with VB. I'm sure the fact that many roofs were still blown off, and landscaping ruined from the hurricanes added to this first impression. We finally found the resort and received a big "welcome home" (FYI for those who care about such things ) I was initially disappointed to find out we did not have an oceanview, however, once we got into our 1br ....lo and behold there indeed was a beautiful ocean view through the livingroom windows. The villa was in good shape, however, I found there wasn't enough storage for the 4 of us. We managed OK, but I was unable to really unpack all of our toiletries etc. I missed the counterspace and cabinetry in the bathrooms like they have at HHI.

I'm just going to give a synopsis and a few opinions of my own.

1. The villa felt soooo roomy after coming from a hotel room

2. Some of the knobs on the shelves, cabinets and toaster were loose and kept coming off (no biggie)

3. The location is awesome. The beach is gorgeous and we really enjoyed the main inn area. Very homey and welcoming.

4. Sonya's was a big disappointment. The air conditioning wasn't working and it was extremely warm in there. The employees themselves were complaining. The food took an extraordinarily long time to arrive and after DH complained the manager came out to apologize and comped us dessert, coffee and took 20% off our bill. Nice gesture. Food was average.

5. Why can't the beach chairs be free of charge?

6. EVERY single lounge chair was taken (by towels) on our first day at the pool. I know there's not much the staff can do, but c'mon people....be a little more considerate. Sheesh!

7. The grounds were immaculate and the staff very accomodating and friendly. DS accidently broke something in the gift shop and when I offered to pay for it, they wouldn't hear of it.

8. There's not a whole lot to do at Vero besides relax, which was fine by us. If you're looking for night life, however, this is NOT the place. Like one of the bartenders said "they roll the sidewalks up at night."

9. The beach houses are to die for. Someday.....


10. We kept getting lost, but that was obvously our own fault. The roads, however, were not always clearly marked.

11. Would we return? Absolutely.

If I think of anything more, I'll post. The resort was sold-out and besides the fact that the pool chairs were always "reserved", it never felt overly crowded.

 

[westjones]

Did you ever find a lounge chair? That is my concern for this summer. I tend to sit at a chair while the family swims (I am the watcher of the 'stuff').

DJ

 

[AJKMOM]

I think there is a rental company that owns chairs and umbrellas on the beach. You can rent them, but they aren't from Disney. We are going to VB next week, so I am not 100% sure.

 

[TimeforMe]

Did you ever find a lounge chair?
DJ

We ended up going back to the room to eat a late lunch and when we returned, there were a *few* empty chairs. After that, we learned to come down to the pool early.

 

[Belle and Rella's Dad]

Thanks for the report, I can't wait not. We will be down there in about a month and have rented a beach cottage, did you get to go inside one of them or were you only able to see it from the outside? Also, what did you end up doing about the beach chairs, did you rent them, or I have heard of people going to Wal Mart and buying some.

Thanks

Tom

 

[TimeforMe]

Housekeeping was kind enough to let us come in and wander around to take a peek while they were cleaning so we actually went inside. Beautiful--have a great time!

One day we did rent beach chairs, one day we just used our towels. We considered buying chairs from WalMart but then never did.

 

[PavelB]

after reading your post I don't know. Who needs having to camp out for a lounge chair or paying for a beach chair?
At least, was the beach beautiful, the sand white? Were there any waves?
I'm really looking for a beach in Florida this July (my sister will not do disney, so i was thinking of doing the beach with her and thengoing on to wdw with my family) any suggestions?

 

[scootert]

Paying for beach chairs is not unusual... it's the same at Hilton Head and most other resorts. You can always head for Walmart and purchase chairs and umbrella to use. They'll just ask you to set up your chairs, etc on the north side of the stairs. It's not a big deal, and the beach is wonderful.

 

[Daitcher]

after reading your post I don't know. Who needs having to camp out for a lounge chair or paying for a beach chair?
At least, was the beach beautiful, the sand white? Were there any waves?
I'm really looking for a beach in Florida this July (my sister will not do disney, so i was thinking of doing the beach with her and thengoing on to wdw with my family) any suggestions?

Almost every resort charges for beach charges and/or umbrellas and Palapas. The only place we've stayed, and we travle 6-8 weeks a year at nice places that doesn't charge for beach chairs was a condo we stayed at in Siesta Key, Florida. No umbrellas available here either. Ritz Carlton Cancun charges $150/day for chairs and Palapa for shade. $25 a day for just chairs with a flip up cover for shade. As far as getting up early for pool chairs, get used to it. The early bird gets the worm. There is no better system out there than first come first served. Don't sweat the small stuff your trip will be great.

DAVE

 

[racheltyler]

We have reservations to go to Vero, 1BR for 7 nights in June. We were there last June for only a few nights but said we wanted to go for longer b/c we loved it there so much. I have had doubts though wondering the shape of the resort after last year damage. How was everything and did they finish rebuilding the access to the beach? What was that like? Thanks, Sharon

 

[TimeforMe]

after reading your post I don't know. Who needs having to camp out for a lounge chair or paying for a beach chair?
At least, was the beach beautiful, the sand white? Were there any waves?

Oh yes, the beach was very beautiful and from what the workers told us the one good thing about the hurricanes was that it actually widened the beach. Don't the let the lounge chair/beach chair thing prevent you from going. They were just small things in an otherwise awesome vacation. If you don't mind laying on a blanket, that's another option.

Yes, there were waves. The ocean was still a little on the cold side although DH did go swimming and both DH and DS rode the waverunners. There were some kids with boogie boards.

 

[TimeforMe]

We have reservations to go to Vero, 1BR for 7 nights in June. We were there last June for only a few nights but said we wanted to go for longer b/c we loved it there so much. I have had doubts though wondering the shape of the resort after last year damage. How was everything and did they finish rebuilding the access to the beach? What was that like? Thanks, Sharon

The resort itself is in beautiful shape. They told us they pretty much had to replace all the wood floors (which now look beautiful!) and the carpeting in the Inn. They also replaced much of the landscaping which also looks beautiful. They were still working on the walkway to the beach when we were there but was due to be finished in the near future. Right now we had to access the beach from a makeshift walkway all the way to the right. Not a real big deal.

 

[racheltyler]

Thanks, sounds great. My kids loved all the activities there, it was like a cruise ship for kids. They loved the min.golf, riding bikes, movie night, campfires, crafts, dj at the pool was fun too. I didn't think we would have enough to do there for a week but we were so wrong. It was so relaxing and love Shutter's and Green Cabin room. We did buy our beach chairs and umbrella at Walmart last year and left them there when done - still sooooo much cheaper! (wonder if walmart is ok?) We hardly left the resort at all, other than to go to Walmart for groceries!!!!! Thanks for your report! Sharon

 

[PavelB]

I guess disney has spoiled me! For the last 16 years we have taken our Florida vacation at WDW. We also go to the beach in NH or LI, so we have never had to rent chairs. My mistake! (you can see I don't really want to go to the beach in Fla-my family would rather spend the whole time in Orlando but, as I said, I am trying to put together a vacation with my sister's family.
The kids match up so well. I know they would have a great time at WDW if we could talk them into it. I think I'll try again. Wish me luck.
(16 years-I can't believe it! My kids are 18, 15, 13 and they still love WDW-and now also universal- so does my husband. I just can't see us sitting on a beach)

 

[TimeforMe]

(wonder if walmart is ok?)

Yes, it is. We got our groceries there.

 

[westjones]

We are taking a 'Neat Sheet' (one of those blue blankets that repel water) and a fold up shade tent. We are packing them in a suitcase to use at Vero. That is where I will hang out while the kids play in the water. I also got some boogie boards that I am hoping will fit in the suitcase as well (but Walmart isn't far away if we need to buy some for there).

We are only going for 1 night, Monday. I hope it is a campfire night.

DJ

 

[TimeforMe]

We are only going for 1 night, Monday. I hope it is a campfire night.

DJ

We were there last Monday and it was a campfire night. Have fun!

 

[Belle and Rella's Dad]

I have to tell you, this thread is getting me ready to go, we are spending 5 nights at the Beach Club before 2 at Vero and I wish it was the other way around. Can you tell me how calm the ocean was when you were there, is there a big current?

Thanks

Tom

 

[off to neverland]

The more I read about Vero, the more I want to go!!!! We are going to WDW in May, and now I'm wondering why we aren't spending half the time at VB...

 

[floridafam]

If you find that all of the beach chairs are being held with towels, go over to Eb and Flo's and they will remove them for you.

Every day during our stay last summer the CM's were removing towels that were saving chairs. People would put towels down and not show up for hours expecting to have a chair.

I agree about the resort looking better than ever. They really replaced a lot after the hurricanes.

Thanks for the report.