Disney's
DVC Resort is just fabulous and laid back. The beach can be accessed by walking a short distance from the resort. The beach is more like stepping into Mother Nature -- kind of a wild beach. The beach is pretty narrow and, depending upon the surf & tied, gets bigger or smaller. It feels very private, even though there is a well cared for public beach right next door. The sand has lots of shells in it but is clean. If you want to relax on the beach I don't think you can go wrong.
The resort itself is surrounded by lush tropical greenery, and your oceanfront view can be of the top of the plantings and then the ocean water. Actual ocean views from your room may be difficult to come by because of the protective dune & greenery. The exception is the cottages and most of the Inn rooms. If possible request an Ocean VIEW or better yet ask for a direct ocean view (yes, there is a difference). Note you will not see the ocean from the ground floor because of the dune.
The Beach Cottages are AWESOME (only 6 of them on the resort)! The cottages all have a totally unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean. On the "resort side" of the cottage, you'll walk up 3 steps to the "porch" on which you'll find a porch swing. You'll enter the first floor, with the stairs to your left. All the bedrooms are on the first floor - each with their own bathroom, but one of the bathrooms has an access door from both the bedroom and the foyer. The upstairs is all one open room - with a huge balcony.
A studio is roughly the size of a regular hotel room and has a Queen sized bed and a queen size sofabed. You have a microwave, small fridge, kitchen sink. The studios are all in the "outer buildings and generally these are a little quieter than being in the Inn. Having the sofa bed does give you the feeling of a lot more room in the unit when it is folded up.
An Inn room has two queen sized beds and is situated in the main building. Because there are more people about ( walking up and down corridors etc) generally you will get a little more noise in the Inn rooms, but if your kids are mature enough you could enjoy a drink in the bar for an hour and feel that if the needed you they don't have to walk through the gardens to get to you. If your kids are alittle older having two "proper beds" might be an advantage.
A one bedroom has a kingsize bed in the master bedroom. A queen size sofabed in the lounge. The lounge area also has armchairs, a dining table and chairs. A full kitchen plus there is a room for the washer and dryer. The bathroom is split with a family size jacuzzi and sink in one part , the other has a large walk in shower, another sink and the toilet. These are fabulous units and the extra space means some privacy from/for the kids.
DVC Vero has a nice pool area. At the beach you can rent umbrellas, beach chairs and jet ski They often have some fun things to do like nature watching ( manatees, dolphins and turtles), kayaking on the intercostals waterway( fishing and sight seeing), Mel Fisher's treasure museum looks an interesting half day, they run excursions to Kennedy Space Center (about 90 miles north), organized "teen nights out" where they take kids bowling or Pizza and a movie. I would suggest too call a few days in advance to check on their VB activities schedule. To find out what is schedule call Eb & Flo's (the activities location there) to make your reservation.
You might want to try to rent a bicycle and ride the "jungle trail" along the nearby river. It is a very old, unpaved road, with swamps, old orange groves, and new condominiums under construction. Beautiful views and very old Florida. Eb and Flos can give you a map and tell you how to find the trail.
Between April and September sign up for the Turtle Watch program in the lobby. It is a fascinating program that allows you to observe 200+ pound turtles as they lay their eggs on the beach. The turtle program is a lottery system. When you check in ask when they will be doing the drawings. Arrive at the lobby 10 minutes before they tell you. You will be asked to place your room key in a bowl and they ask kids to draw out room keys. They draw until they have 18-19 guests for that night. No more than 6 are allowed from 1 room. And small children are not allowed (7 or under). The turtle program is held twice a week.
One of the best places at VB resort is the Green Cabin Room on the upper level. We had dessert there one evening. They serve themed drinks, specialty coffees and their own micro brewed beer. Dinners in Shutters and the breakfasts are very good. Shutters has some less expensive selections than the other on site restaurant (Sonya's). Shutters serves Pizzas, Pasta entrees, seafood, steak, prime rib, meatloaf and Conch Fritters. Sonya's serves fine steaks and chops. And if you like I highly recommend the Sunday Brunch at Sonya's Restaurant.
Area Restaurants
The surrounding area is not touristy at all -- much more residential with condos and homes. Everything you might need -- grocery stores, drug stores, outlet shopping, lots of restaurants and more -- are a short drive from the resort.
The Disney Vero Resort. has a big black binder near the DVC area that has all the local restaurants and menus. One restaurant that is a favorite is The Patio. It is located in town, is reasonably priced and has fantastic fresh seafood.
The Ocean Grill right on the water in downtown Vero. It's not inexpensive but great food. Kids are certainly welcome but it may not be exactly the place for a family dinner. You might try asking for a window seat.
A recommendation for seafood would be Captain Hirams, Ocean Grill is pretty neat too. Be sure to ask for a seat near the windows to gaze upon the ocean during your meal. Both are short driving distances but Capt Hirams is a little farther (Sebastain), both restaurants are on the map they give you at check-in. Capt Hirams is a more casual restaurant and it seems a place the locals go too.
Another great restaurant is the Black Pearl (probably not for young children - great for adults). It is at #4445 on Rt A1A about 5 miles south. The Disney Vero Resort. has a big black binder near the DVC area that has all the local restaurants and menus.
Around Town
Publix on US 1 North going towards Sebastian as it is closer. Just exit out of the resort turning right, then hang a left onto CR 510 and right onto US 1 North.
Hales (orange gove) is my favourite. If you want to venture the short trip into Sebastian, some great deals can be had on fast food. Foe example: Papa John's has a lunch special. 2 pieces of pizza and a pop for $2.49 plus tax, what a deal. It only runs from 11:30 to 2:30.
The Indian River Mall is close by and has movie theaters. Also, you will find less expensive dinner choices around and in the Mall. You can do some window shopping at the Mall or take the tour of the Piper Aircraft factory (Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 2 p.m., Reservations Required, Dial (561) 567-4361 & press #5 or x2499).
