The 2009 Vero Beach Adoration and INFO thread

[MiaSRN62]

Please....anyone still interested in the chair swap, visit the swap thread and chime in : http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2000797

I have PM'd everyone on the swap lists to the best of my knowledge. If you are on the list in error or no longer choose to be involved PLEASE let me know. I have people who would like to be on the list and I am waiting for at least a dozen people to confirm or deny that they want to keep their spots. I set a date of Jan 10 to wait for replies. If you do not respond to my PM, my email or the thread, I have no option but to assume you are no longer interested. I have been posting updates for a couple weeks now and some posters I have not heard from since they first informed me they wanted to be on the list. So please let me know either way. My email : MiaSRN62@aol.com (because my PM box is filling up fast).
Thanks,
Maria

 

[backyardponder]

Most of the year VB has character breakfasts on Saturday only. When I called and asked about them they said they have them on Wednesday and Saturday during the summer only. I don't know when they start Wednesdays during the summer. I'd call VB and ask.

 

[backyardponder]

I was just thinking about grocery shopping at VB. We have found the Publix. Are there any other places folks like to go?

We did find a great place for fresh fruit and fresh orange juice. In fact, this is the best OJ I've ever had. It is Hale's Indian River Groves (or something like that). To get there, turn right when exiting VB. Turn left at the light and go over the bridges. When you get to US1, turn right. It is about a mile down the road on your right.

 

[dragonflymom]

After reading all 23 pages of great info. about VB, I am now convinced that we need to add on 3 nights to our Dec. 2009 WDW vacation at VB. I do not have home resort advantage and my question is what are my chances of securing a 2-bedroom during the last week of December, specifically the nights of 12/29, 12/30 and 12/31 with a 7-month window.

Thanks in advance!

 

[backyardponder]

dragonflymom: my guess is you have about a 50% chance if you call right at the 7 month window. I was able to get a 1BR for spring break at the 7 month window, but I am arriving on a Saturday, which may have helped get my room.

At VB there are 18 dedicated 2BR and 36 Lockoff's...a total of 54 available 2BR's. In this economy, my thoughts are you should be able to get one. On the other hand, many folks might be trying to get in at the 7 month window and planning to arrive on Sunday, Dec 27th and staying the week.

Good Luck!

 

[fers31]

My wife and son (19 months when we go) will be going down to VB from 5/2-5/6 and then 5/6-5/10 at AKV. A little worried with the little one reading about the large waves, jellyfish, and Noseeums. Hoping this was a good decision. Plus, how can they get away with charging so much to rent chairs/umbrellas?? That's insane. Isn't there a Walmart or something nearbye where you can pick them up for much cheaper? (I know there's the swap thread already)

 

[BWV Dreamin]

My wife and son (19 months when we go) will be going down to VB from 5/2-5/6 and then 5/6-5/10 at AKV. A little worried with the little one reading about the large waves, jellyfish, and Noseeums. Hoping this was a good decision. Plus, how can they get away with charging so much to rent chairs/umbrellas?? That's insane. Isn't there a Walmart or something nearbye where you can pick them up for much cheaper? (I know there's the swap thread already)

Yes, there is a Walmart nearby. Just a FYI....HHI is the same or worse for chair/umbrella rentals.

 

[dragonflymom]

dragonflymom: my guess is you have about a 50% chance if you call right at the 7 month window. I was able to get a 1BR for spring break at the 7 month window, but I am arriving on a Saturday, which may have helped get my room.

At VB there are 18 dedicated 2BR and 36 Lockoff's...a total of 54 available 2BR's. In this economy, my thoughts are you should be able to get one. On the other hand, many folks might be trying to get in at the 7 month window and planning to arrive on Sunday, Dec 27th and staying the week.

Good Luck!

THANKS, backyardponder, for your tips and advice!

 

[hunter128]

I see all sorts of discounts to the WDW resorts - are there any (ever?)available for Vero Beach for a non-DVC owner?

 

[backyardponder]

fers31: you'll love VB. With a 19 month old, enjoy the pool and sand. No need to go into the Atlantic unless you just walk along the beach getting your feet wet.

The pool at VB is right next to the Inn. The beach, on the other hand, is down a ramp. You are basically at the pool or at the beach, not both at the same time.

Noseeums could be a problem, just bring some bug spray.

 

[ILuvCrush]

I see all sorts of discounts to the WDW resorts - are there any (ever?)available for Vero Beach for a non-DVC owner?

I know there is currently a discount offer for AP holders (I just got an email about it) and there's always a coupon in the back of Birnbaum's official guide book.... does that help

 

[MiaSRN62]

I see all sorts of discounts to the WDW resorts - are there any (ever?)available for Vero Beach for a non-DVC owner?

Very few at VB I think. Years ago, in 2000, we got a postcard in the mail. They offered a discounted room rate if we took the DVC tour. We did the tour and have been happy DVC Members ever since (but VB is not one of our "home" resorts only because we wanted a wdw "home" base). But we loved VB enough to know we were going to book stays here.

Last summer, tried to book any sort of discount on a studio for my son who decided he wanted to join us on our trip. No discounts and rack room rate was $180/night for mid August. I'd think your best bet would be to rent from a DVC Member. Most Members will rent points for $10/point (some $9 or $11). You can get an Inn room for as little as $100/night for garden view and $120/night for ocean view for WEEKDAYS (Sun thru Thurs night). Weekends jump to $260--$290/night if you rent from an owner. So your best bet would be to rent weekday nights from a DVC Member and book cash for the Fri/Sat night stays. They should be able to link the reservations for you so you don't have to move. They did this with my son this past summer. I paid points for one night and cash for the other two nights and they linked them all together so he stayed in the same room. But you have to specifically request that.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Thought some might want to see a few pics from my last trip to VB....
Here is my Vero Beach trip report from 08-08-08!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1915814&page=4
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[MiaSRN62]

BWV Dreamin.....thoroughly enjoyed looking at your photos. What dates were you there ? We were there Aug 11-18.

My dd and I especially love the sunset pic with the palm tree in the foreground from your balcony. Gorgeous !

 

[DisDaydreamer]

My wife and son (19 months when we go) will be going down to VB from 5/2-5/6 and then 5/6-5/10 at AKV. A little worried with the little one reading about the large waves, jellyfish, and Noseeums. Hoping this was a good decision. Plus, how can they get away with charging so much to rent chairs/umbrellas?? That's insane. Isn't there a Walmart or something nearbye where you can pick them up for much cheaper? (I know there's the swap thread already)

Really, the noseeums are the greatest concern. Just during dusk really. Wear long pants and shoes to the campfire. The waves can be large, but the pool is just a few steps away if the ocean is to fierce. I have been going to VB for 10 years and only been stung once in the ocean.

Disney doesn't handle the rentals.... they are third party. If you can buy your own chairs and umbrellas and bring them.... then do it.

There is a Walmart nearby, and they do have some decent chairs and umbrellas. If you have a car... Take advantage of it.

Have a great trip.

 

[dort]

Hey DisDaydreamer, so glad to see you back!! See you at VB in May!!!

 

[samamit]

We (myself, wife, and 2 sons, 5 and 7) will be at VB from 4/19-4/24. Had planned a trip last summer but got hurricaned out so are looking forward to it. We call AKV home. Will be relying on posts here (old and new) to make the most of the trip.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Samamit ! We actually got stuck at VB during Tropical Storm Faye this past August (which I heard is up for vote to do gown as a historic storm in FL's history !).
Glad you are able to book another trip there and hope you have a wonderful time ! I think you should be safe from hurricanes or big storms in April

 

[BWV Dreamin]

BWV Dreamin.....thoroughly enjoyed looking at your photos. What dates were you there ? We were there Aug 11-18.

My dd and I especially love the sunset pic with the palm tree in the foreground from your balcony. Gorgeous !

Hi Maria!! We were there the very first week of August....had absolutely fantastic weather, not a drop of rain! Glad you enjoyed the pics...I have that pic you liked of the sunset as a desktop pic....that's my favorite too! Take any for your computer that you want!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Take any for your computer that you want!
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Awesome ! Thanks BWV Dreamin !