VB is wonderful - for what we want when we go to the beach! It is the first resort we stayed at after joining
DVC. My husband and I enjoy going to the beach for the beach. We go to the beach for the beach. At VB, we stayed in an Inn room not a villa - the property is well-planned, laid out, and quite adequate for the population. We decided before we went to take part in what was available, so we could really see if the resort was up to what we feel are Disney standards. We experienced being at the beach but with Disney. We had wonderful service in all areas - check-in, meals, cleaning, beach, pool, and quick service food. There was one snafu - our character breakfast. The person handling seating did not do a good job. She could have been new, not trained, or in spite of Disney's greatest efforts - she simply may not have been right for that job. This one problem was not enough to make us feel bad about our stay there, but then we do understand this is not the Disney norm and must be attributed to something else.
We participated in the campfire and even without children in tow, we loved it. We had thought the songs would be Disney songs, so we were a bit surprised when they weren't, but that was our own misconception not something promised that was not delivered.
Yes, it is hot and humid in the summer and yes, there are bugs - but that is the east coast - not Disney. Growing up going to east coast beaches between Virginia and Florida all my life, these conditions are no different than other beaches. Just take some good bug spray, don't use perfumed showering products, and be prepared for them.
The children's programs we witnessed (we did not take our children but watched many things planned for the kids) we well-planned, organized, creative. The children were engaged and appeared happy. The adults working with them appeared to genuinely enjoy what they were doing and adept at working with children (I am an educator).
We ate at each place available at VB. We enjoyed the food, the ambience, and the service. One aspect we feel could be improved at VB is the availability of sit down meals in more of a low to mid-price range. We went off-sight to order pizza at the establishment on the property's border, and we went to other near-by establishments for seafood. We also bought some groceries for lunches. We enjoyed one upscale dinner and were invited last minute (as we had taken pictures for the couple when the photographer cancelled) to partake of a vow renewal reception. Both of these were in the nicest of the restaurants on property, and both were delicious, well-serviced, and offered variety.
We did not rent water craft of any sort though it is available. For those we saw who did, they had guidance from CMs, did not have any malfunctions or other visible trouble, and came in talking about what a good experience they had.
Everyone wants something different at any vacation destination. Vero is more low-key than Miami, Myrtle Beach, or Panama City but offers more than small beach areas like Holden Beach or Cape San Blas. The Disney Magic is alive and well at Vero, and we will definitely enjoy the resort again! PM me if you have any specific questions I might be able to answer.
