Starting to have second thoughts about Vero Beach...

[Steamboat Girlie]

We are booked in a one bedroom at Vero for 5 nights at the end of August. We will then be traveling to WDW for 10 days. I am just wondering if I should just call MS and see if I can switch to WDW for the entire time.
Here are my concerns: (Maybe somebody can help allay my fears, because I so want to go to VB and experience it for myself.)

1. My sons have food allergies. My youngest cannot eat dairy, and my oldest can't eat wheat or dairy. I don't know how the restaurants are with the food allergy issue. I know WDW is wonderful, but not sure about Vero. It is very hard to find restaurants to eat in that truly understand the concept of wheat allergy. I don't want to be stuck cooking the whole time, this is my vacation too!

2. Where to food shop to get the wheat and dairy free items that we need on hand. We are renting a car and driving from Orlando airport.

2. Are there enough activities to keep my five year old busy? Do they have supervised activities/kids camp?

I guess those are my main concerns.
Thanks!

 

[Minnie824]

I'm not familiar w/the allergy part, but we ate at Shutters twice and loved it. I would think they would be able to accomodate an allergies.

We went over spring break for the first time to Vero. We really loved the hotel and beach and the pool and the restaurants, but my 7 and 5 yr olds got bored. We're not really 'beach people' and there was not too much in the area for us. We had booked 4 nights but ended up going to disney the last day and a half. I think its worth a trip there and we would definitely return, but my suggestion would to reduce the days at Vero and move some more days to disney.

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

I'm not familiar w/the allergy part, but we ate at Shutters twice and loved it. I would think they would be able to accomodate an allergies.

We went over spring break for the first time to Vero. We really loved the hotel and beach and the pool and the restaurants, but my 7 and 5 yr olds got bored. We're not really 'beach people' and there was not too much in the area for us. We had booked 4 nights but ended up going to disney the last day and a half. I think its worth a trip there and we would definitely return, but my suggestion would to reduce the days at Vero and move some more days to disney.

Thanks for that. I was concerned about my 5 year old becoming bored.

 

[cheezNE1]

We are booked in a one bedroom at Vero for 5 nights at the end of August. We will then be traveling to WDW for 10 days. I am just wondering if I should just call MS and see if I can switch to WDW for the entire time.
Here are my concerns: (Maybe somebody can help allay my fears, because I so want to go to VB and experience it for myself.)

1. My sons have food allergies. My youngest cannot eat dairy, and my oldest can't eat wheat or dairy. I don't know how the restaurants are with the food allergy issue. I know WDW is wonderful, but not sure about Vero. It is very hard to find restaurants to eat in that truly understand the concept of wheat allergy. I don't want to be stuck cooking the whole time, this is my vacation too!

2. Where to food shop to get the wheat and dairy free items that we need on hand. We are renting a car and driving from Orlando airport.

2. Are there enough activities to keep my five year old busy? Do they have supervised activities/kids camp?

I guess those are my main concerns.
Thanks!

MY 3 yo has the same allergies, luckily he's much better now as he gets older. We had the same concern when he was younger every time we travel, but we managed especially if you know the exact food he is allergic to. We usually bring few items the he's able to eat with us to the restaurant anyway. We're heading there in 2 weeks - 1br, so we'll be bringing some food to cook ourselves. Then head to WDW with DDP and eat like a king.

 

[DVC_Chris]

Vero is a great hotel, and while they do have activities for children, you will want to go out and explore the local area. The main difference between staying at Vero and staying at WDW is that Vero is a hotel, while WDW is a resort you never have to leave.

That being said, there are lots of fun things to do in the Vero Beach area, such as going to the various Treasure Museums, Wild life Sanctuaries, driving and seeing the Manatees, going to the Outlet Mall, going to the regular mall and seeing movies, going fishing, going to Hale Groves, going and exploring the town itself, etc, etc.

Just as if you were staying at Wilderness Lodge or Saratoga Springs and never left that hotel, you would get bored... no different at Vero Beach.

If you are concerned about the food allergies, then your best bet may be to call ahead and talk to them about it. It is a Disney restuarant, so I expect that you would get the same level of training and service as you would at any restaurant at WDW.

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

Vero is a great hotel, and while they do have activities for children, you will want to go out and explore the local area. The main difference between staying at Vero and staying at WDW is that Vero is a hotel, while WDW is a resort you never have to leave.

That being said, there are lots of fun things to do in the Vero Beach area, such as going to the various Treasure Museums, Wild life Sanctuaries, driving and seeing the Manatees, going to the Outlet Mall, going to the regular mall and seeing movies, going fishing, going to Hale Groves, going and exploring the town itself, etc, etc.

Just as if you were staying at Wilderness Lodge or Saratoga Springs and never left that hotel, you would get bored... no different at Vero Beach.

If you are concerned about the food allergies, then your best bet may be to call ahead and talk to them about it. It is a Disney restuarant, so I expect that you would get the same level of training and service as you would at any restaurant at WDW.

Thanks for that. It sounds like there is a lot to do in the area. Would love to see manatees! Didn't know that was an option. Thanks again.

 

[zev]

Went in April for spit stay with WDW and had a great time. Our one bedroom was large and worth the extra points. Lots to do and check the activity list. Slide races and campfire sing along were big hits. Give it a chance and I you find something that makes you happy. Oh yeah hit up the dollar store by publix and you can grab all sorts of goodies. Kite's for flying at the beach another winner. Suprised the resort has not picked up on that. Oh well give it time I'm sure they will. Have fun!

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

Went in April for spit stay with WDW and had a great time. Our one bedroom was large and worth the extra points. Lots to do and check the activity list. Slide races and campfire sing along were big hits. Give it a chance and I you find something that makes you happy. Oh yeah hit up the dollar store by publix and you can grab all sorts of goodies. Kite's for flying at the beach another winner. Suprised the resort has not picked up on that. Oh well give it time I'm sure they will. Have fun!

Thanks Zev! Where is the nearest Publix?

 

[Caskbill]

Thanks Zev! Where is the nearest Publix?

Take 510 and cross over the causeway bridge. At the light turn right (Hwy 1 North) The Publix is about 2 miles north, on the left.

Publix at Indian River (Store #00772)
9621 N US Highway 1
Sebastian, FL 32958-6363

Publix Store nearest to DVC VB Click on the Pin at Sebastian, for the Indian River store

 

[Minnie824]

One other thing from me...try Nino's Italian Restaurant. We were a little skeptical, its a smaller place but we all LOVED the pizza. Very good new york style, and its only 10 min or so from the resort.

 

[Donald's#1Fan]

The last time we went to Vero it was with my MIL who has Celiac's and can't eat wheat and my daughter and wife who can't have dairy, talk about a tough group to serve! The restaurant there was awesome, everytime we went in to eat and explained the situation the cook came to our table and talked about the possible food options for the food sensitive ones at our table and then after the food was served she came back out and asked them how it was! The cook there at that time was very familiar with both alternatives for dairy and wheat sensitive diets and we felt very well cared for by the staff there! As for the activities, between the kids pool activities, the beach, the other activities that are offered there and the surrounding area you are going to have a great trip! I am jealous!

 

[hygienejean]

We just got back from Vero and WDW. (home last friday....sigh!) I have 3 kids ages 8,6 and 3. We LOVED Vero. It was our 2nd trip there and we all can't wait to go back. We did a split stay at BWV for 7 nights and 3 nights at Vero. I honestly wish we had one more day at Vero. My kids loved it. they were never bored. They looked for shells every day, swam in the pool and participated in the many activities that went on during the day. We never left the resort.

so next year we will either do a 7 and 4 split stay or a 6 and 4 split stay. Vero was heaven after running around WDW for 7 days. So relaxing! Go and enjoy!

 

[Mississippian]

We are booked in a one bedroom at Vero for 5 nights at the end of August. We will then be traveling to WDW for 10 days. I am just wondering if I should just call MS and see if I can switch to WDW for the entire time.
Here are my concerns: (Maybe somebody can help allay my fears, because I so want to go to VB and experience it for myself.)

1. My sons have food allergies. My youngest cannot eat dairy, and my oldest can't eat wheat or dairy. I don't know how the restaurants are with the food allergy issue. I know WDW is wonderful, but not sure about Vero. It is very hard to find restaurants to eat in that truly understand the concept of wheat allergy. I don't want to be stuck cooking the whole time, this is my vacation too!

2. Where to food shop to get the wheat and dairy free items that we need on hand. We are renting a car and driving from Orlando airport.

2. Are there enough activities to keep my five year old busy? Do they have supervised activities/kids camp?

I guess those are my main concerns.
Thanks!

Shutters is a Disney restaurant. I'm sure they know how to deal with allergies. There is a huge Publix three miles up the road. I can't speak for the other area restaurants.

There are lots of activities. That's what Vero is all about, since there isn't a theme park. My kids didn't do any of them last time, but there are three or four things for each age group to choose from each day.

There is a night time dinner for the kids. Sometimes a lot go, sometimes not many. They will tell you how many and ages when you sign up. I think it goes from 6-9 or something.

Vero is great; my kids prefer it to WDW. Personally I would put it after the theme park visit. You'll like it.

 

[starbox]

I agree with all the PP - Vero is just as sensitive about food allergies as WDW and there are lots of activities both at the resort and around the resort for little kids.

My only caveat is that 5 nights is a long time at Vero with tiny kids in August. That August sun is something else, and everything at Vero is outdoors/water activities. I'd probably suggest a 3-night trip and more WDW nights for your first trip with little kids.

We did 5 nights when the kids were 7/9 and I decided that the last day was one day too many. Now that they are older and more independent, we're back to 5 nights this June (and are even doing 7 nights in a rental house in July)

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

The last time we went to Vero it was with my MIL who has Celiac's and can't eat wheat and my daughter and wife who can't have dairy, talk about a tough group to serve! The restaurant there was awesome, everytime we went in to eat and explained the situation the cook came to our table and talked about the possible food options for the food sensitive ones at our table and then after the food was served she came back out and asked them how it was! The cook there at that time was very familiar with both alternatives for dairy and wheat sensitive diets and we felt very well cared for by the staff there! As for the activities, between the kids pool activities, the beach, the other activities that are offered there and the surrounding area you are going to have a great trip! I am jealous!

Thanks for this. It is making me feel better about the trip. It is really hard having children with food allergies. Knowing that the restaurants there are well equipped to handle it makes me feel good. One less thing for me to worry about.

 

[dressthechild]

We just went to Vero in April. My dd10 has celiac disease. Vero is just as good as WDW when it comes to dealing with food allergies/intolerances. We ate at Shutters for dinner and brunch, and the chef came out and spoke to us about GF foods both times. Both times, the chefs asked her what she felt like eating. She got her requests: grilled shrimp for dinner and pancakes inaddition to the many items she could eat off the Sunday brunch buffet. We brought GF bread, pizza shells and cereal and stopped at Publix for pizza sauce, milk, butter and cheese. We knew we would be ordering Orchid pizza one night, so we just made my dd her own pizza. Easy! We went to Captain Hiram's for 2 dinners. We explained her GF issue. She had rotisseree chicken and garlic mashed potatoes. Delish. For lunches, we ate at the pool. I can't remember the name of the food place! Anyway, My dd had a hotdog w/o the bun and the french fries, which are cooked in a dedicated fryer. For breakfast she had cereal or toast. Bring a toaster bag for the toaster to avoid contamination. We had a wonderful trip and knew our daughter was eating safe food.

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

We just went to Vero in April. My dd10 has celiac disease. Vero is just as good as WDW when it comes to dealing with food allergies/intolerances. We ate at Shutters for dinner and brunch, and the chef came out and spoke to us about GF foods both times. Both times, the chefs asked her what she felt like eating. She got her requests: grilled shrimp for dinner and pancakes inaddition to the many items she could eat off the Sunday brunch buffet. We brought GF bread, pizza shells and cereal and stopped at Publix for pizza sauce, milk, butter and cheese. We knew we would be ordering Orchid pizza one night, so we just made my dd her own pizza. Easy! We went to Captain Hiram's for 2 dinners. We explained her GF issue. She had rotisseree chicken and garlic mashed potatoes. Delish. For lunches, we ate at the pool. I can't remember the name of the food place! Anyway, My dd had a hotdog w/o the bun and the french fries, which are cooked in a dedicated fryer. For breakfast she had cereal or toast. Bring a toaster bag for the toaster to avoid contamination. We had a wonderful trip and knew our daughter was eating safe food.

Thank you so much for the recommendation of Hiram's. I am always on the lookout for restaurants that are able to accommodate my kids. We will certainly venture over there for a meal. I am going to also call some of the other area restaurants to see if the are GF friendly!