The 2009 Vero Beach Adoration and INFO thread

[maureenann]

They just started the Pirate Dinner - every Monday night - the menu family-style all you care to eat - Ribs (the ones on the main menu), pork BBQ, brisket, rotisserre chicken plus corn on the cob, potatoes, beans, salad and bread (cornbread and rolls) plus a drink. There is NO dessert for some strange reason.

Everyone gets a bandana (kids get eyepatches I think) and Pirate Goofy and Pirate Donald are there - they play pirate music and the waiters are dressed up.

Prices are the same as all Disney character dining - 26.99 for adults I think. We used TIW and it is accepted for this. We did book in advance but there seemed to be plenty of people walking up.

I thought the food was okay - but, like I said, DS12 thought it was like the greatest thing ever in the whole world and the boy can put away the ribs - so it was a decent value for us.

Do I need to make an ADR for this? I think my son would enjoy this..we'll be there late next week...
Edit..didn't see that you had already answered this.....

 

[MiaSRN62]

starbox....
AWESOME pics ! You had a much nicer OVIR view than I did in May ! And your dh is VERY talented....those sand castles are great.



Maria

 

[MiaSRN62]

From the DVC Member site :

Sonya's restaurant recognized as one of Florida's best

Disney Vacation Club Members and Vero Beach-area residents have long been fans of Sonya's restaurant at Disney's Vero Beach Resort. You can add readers of Florida Trend magazine to this group, as the publication recently named Sonya's to its list of Florida's 500 best places to dine.

Sonya's was recognized for providing diners with, "Disney magic and taking full advantage of [its] oceanfront setting," as well as "good seafood [and] excellent steaks and chops." Part of Florida Trend's 2009 Golden Spoon Awards competition, the designation awarded to Sonya's was only given to one other restaurant in Vero Beach.

Sonya's is known for its wood-fired steaks and creative seafood, rich décor and wine selections from new- and old-world regions.

Guests can visit Sonya's for dinner Thursday through Sunday, as well as for Sunday brunch. The resort's other restaurant, Shutters, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.

Maria

 

[ddiva]

Have a great time.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

 

[photobob]

Great pictures! We are planning on going to Vero Beach in Oct 2010 before our cruise. I noticed there are pictures of a soccer field and sand volleyball. Do they have balls we can rent or borrow? I think the kids DS20 & DD15 will really like visiting the beach. Neither has been to the Atlantic side they have only seen the Gulf once. Hopefully the weather wont be to cool and we can enjoy some body surfing.

I believe you can get those at Eb and Flos by the pool.

 

[wirki]

Hi everyone. Brand new to Vero Beach and wanted to ask a few questions.

What airport do you all fly into?
Do you have to rent a car?
If VB is not my "home resort" ...will I be able to make a ressie during April?
What is OVIR?

 

[photobob]

Hi everyone. Brand new to Vero Beach and wanted to ask a few questions.

What airport do you all fly into?
Do you have to rent a car?
If VB is not my "home resort" ...will I be able to make a ressie during April?
What is OVIR?

I think most fly into Orlando and rent a car from there. Ocean View Inn Room.
Not sure about the april question.

 

[deej696]

So wayy back in this thread I asked about the BBQ grills. Has anyone actually used them? It seems to be a bit out of the way, and the pictures I've seen make it look like a retention pond with some grills next to it. We were thinking of grilling our own steaks one night, but I'm not sure if it'll be enjoyable....Anyone with experience?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

So wayy back in this thread I asked about the BBQ grills. Has anyone actually used them? It seems to be a bit out of the way, and the pictures I've seen make it look like a retention pond with some grills next to it. We were thinking of grilling our own steaks one night, but I'm not sure if it'll be enjoyable....Anyone with experience?

I did not see any on my last visit. If they are located across the street by the pond and or basketball courts, then that is NOT convient to grill.

 

[MiaSRN62]

If VB is not my "home resort" ...will I be able to make a ressie during April?

I think you're missing a little bit more detail here wirki ?

If VB is not your "home", you can book at 7 months out. This goes for all DVC resorts that are not your home. So you will be able to make a reservation in April (if there is availability), at the earlierst, 7 months out.

I don't recall seeing grills either deej696 ? Anyone know ?
Maria

 

[deej696]

I did not see any on my last visit. If they are located across the street by the pond and or basketball courts, then that is NOT convient to grill.

I know they are across the street by the pond, but I was not sure what the atmosphere was like. Is it like you are at a park, or is it like grilling next to a glorified retention pond

 

[wirki]

I think you're missing a little bit more detail here wirki ?

If VB is not your "home", you can book at 7 months out. This goes for all DVC resorts that are not your home. So you will be able to make a reservation in April (if there is availability), at the earlierst, 7 months out.

I don't recall seeing grills either deej696 ? Anyone know ?
Maria

Sorry if I did not make myself clear. I know I can call at 7 months out. But the time we were thinking of going...is in April (read spring break ) Just do not know how crowded Vero Beach gets or how hard it is to get a ressie.

Thank you all for your information.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

I know they are across the street by the pond, but I was not sure what the atmosphere was like. Is it like you are at a park, or is it like grilling next to a glorified retention pond

IIRC, it's more of a glorified retention pond (great description, BTW).

 

[MiaSRN62]

ok...got ya wirki.

Spring break is a high occupancy time at VB. I think you'd have to call at exactly the 7 month mark to get something. I think if you remained open about what size accomodations you'd want, you would get something.

I never tried for spring break at VB, but I would think it's doable. Any non VB owners able to book at 7 months out for spring break ?


Maria

 

[backyardponder]

I was able to book VB this year March 28 to April 3. I did this right at the 7 month window. I was able to get a 1BR. I did do it as a Saturday arrival which might have helped.

We flew into MCO from Chicago Midway on Southwest. Once when we went to VB we flew into Tampa due to much lower airfares. On this trip we flew in on Friday and got a room near the airport with hotwire. We drove over and spent the evening on the Boardwalk.

You really need a car at VB. It is a small, quiet resort. There's really not much way off of it without transportation.

The grills are across A1A. There's a tunnel which goes under the highway which you can walk. I did see some folks grilling there. They had a car, so I suppose they drove over there with their stuff. They were also fishing in the pond.

OVIR rooms are awsome. Unfortunately they are studios, so you can't get a full kitchen. When my wife and I go alone, that's where we try to stay. If you are in an OVIR, try for a higher floor since the lower floors are partially blocked by trees and bushes.

 

[ddiva]

Just booked the pirate dinner for the 29th. My youngest is thrilled. Thanks for all the info.

After skimming the thread I realized I have something to contribute. A few years ago we visited Vero and decided to go fossil hunting. We had a private tour with Fred from Paleo Discoveries (paleodiscoveries.com). He was a wealth of knowledge. The kids had a great time getting dirty and searching for fossils. We dug through sludge and found a spearhead, hundreds of shark teeth, and several Megalodon teeth. My kids were in awe. We were able to keep everything we found. I'll be honest, it wasn't my ideal vacationing activity, (as I'd prefer a massage and a pina colada), but with two boys, I couldn't resist. I highly recommend this for anyone who'd like an extraordinary adventure. If you have any questions PM me.

 

[Teachckg]

Awhile ago I think I read something about bird watching tours at VERO or the surrounding areas??

Does anyone have any info on these?

TIA

 

[Anal Annie]

I'm going to look in WalMart for Picaridin. Avon Uk doesn't seem to have any bug spray other than a Skin so Soft dry oil body spray.

Wanted to tell you I went to both my local Wal-Mart and to Target today. I did not find the OFF Cutter products with the Picaridin at Wal-Mart (which I found surprising). I DID find it tho at Target in 2 products. One was the "Clean Feel" OFF spray (kind of a pump / misting type spray) with 5% Picaridin. It says it is not oily or greasy but I haven't tried it yet. The other product I got is Cutter Skinsations "Ultra Light" spray. It's a small aerosol can and has 15% Picaridin. Both are OK to use on clothing. I did not find the OFF Smooth & Dry Picaridin formula at either store today but I'm pretty sure I've seen it before... Good luck!

 

[MiaSRN62]

A few years ago we visited Vero and decided to go fossil hunting. We had a private tour with Fred from Paleo Discoveries (paleodiscoveries.com). He was a wealth of knowledge. The kids had a great time getting dirty and searching for fossils. We dug through sludge and found a spearhead, hundreds of shark teeth, and several Megalodon teeth. My kids were in awe. We were able to keep everything we found. I'll be honest, it wasn't my ideal vacationing activity, (as I'd prefer a massage and a pina colada), but with two boys, I couldn't resist. I highly recommend this for anyone who'd like an extraordinary adventure. If you have any questions PM me.

Thanks so much for your contribution ddiva. Good info to have.

Maria

 

[Juliah]

We are considering staying at Disney's Vero Beach in January, our first visit. Does anyone happen to know if beach wheelchairs are available at the resort?

Also, can anyone provide any information on wheelchair-accessible rooms--either descriptions or pics?

Thanks very much! The resort looks so beautiful and peacefu...I'm really hoping we get to go.