Hi Brenda....
I second the comment about being sorry you had such bad weather.
I will admit also, that not just VB, but Disney in general is much more accomodating and focused on younger kids as far as activities.
So I agree, if the weather is bad and the pool or beach aren't an option, it does leave very little to do at the resort. Their DVD collection is pretty small and on bad weather days good luck getting one. And that's when you need it the most.
VB is not a resort beach town like say Ft Lauderdale or Daytona. It's VERY laid back and sleepy---> but that's what we like about it.
And I grew up on the beaches of Jersey all my life. And I never thought FL had "little waves". The east coast of FL does have the rougher surf.
But, you have to consider. Noone is swimming in the ocean at LBI or in Jersey in October because it's just too cold.
Just an FYI if you go to VB again and need help.
So my advice to those traveling anywhere in the hurricane season, is have a good book to read as backup....or some board games or video games etc. Rainy days at VB can be very low key. I just think VB/Melbourne/Sebastian are all somewhat sleepy little beach towns. If one anticipates this before arriving, it's not as easy to be disappointed.
Thanks for the comments about my bad luck with the weather. Of course, I do know we can't control the weather and we did make the best of it. Heck, I hit the pool or the ocean even in the rain!
Yes, I agree about catering to little ones and I do not really blame them...younger kids are so much easier to please and teens roll their eyes at most everything. I'm a mean mom/aunt though. I wouldn't allow the girls to get on the computer. They could text but I really didn't want to see them on the computer while on vacation. I was lucky--they did not even ask anyway. They were looking for things to do and I had read about more things for teens to do but like I said, time of year, school, bad weather cancelled several activities.
Since it was not crowded, movie selection was not a problem for us. They always found something to watch. And, if we knew it was going to rain after lunch and it was already gray and cloudy, they'd go early and grab a DVD to have for when the rains came.
I'm not a Ft Lauderdale or Daytona kind of gal either, LOL. I'm a Sunset Beach, NC or Harbor Island, SC type. Give me the beach, a book, and the sunshine!
I'd like a few different, neat shops to go prowl around in at night sometimes too (which HHI does have). I wouldn't go near someplace like Myrtle Beach
.
I'll just say the wave comment surprised me. In my experience, the farther North you go, the bigger the waves seem to get. NC tends to have better waves than SC and SC better than FL. However, that is just my personal experience.
Being from Beach Haven, we did go to the beach all summer and into Sept. and the beginning of October. We'd go after school, before dinner and by Sept. it was always warmer than it had been all summer long. FL water is much water and that makes it so much nicer IMHO. NJ is just too cold most of the time for me now that I live in the south. I do understand the west coast of FL, although crystal blue and clear, is more like going into the calm bay compared to the ocean found on the east coast.
I'll remember that about getting help next time. I almost asked because DH has shoulder surgery 3 weeks ago and needs an elbow replacement on the other arm. But hey, all that stair climbing was a good workout for all of us!
You know, I did anticipate all that before the trip. I think if the rain had stayed away that I would have loved it like most everyone does. I think there were a few things that attributed to my feelings about this beach trip. I have always gone to the beach in Sept. and Oct. My parents had a timeshare and there week was in the Fall so hurrican season wasn't an issue. Mentally, I was prepared for showers--not rainy days. I think as the "mom" I feel like I often try to keep everyone happy on vacation. I think the weather helped me carry this burden more heavily.
And last, this was my very first trip to the beach since my dad died 2 years ago. We were close, I grew up at the beach 9like I said) so I have tons of memories of him at the beach. I think that was tugging at my heartstrings all week also.
It does make all the difference. Mid August to Mid Oct are the most likely to have bad weather. Unfortunately too, the beach rental place is not Disney, so they can't just open it up when the clouds give way. It is the same in HHI. Better luck next time
I probably hit a wrong key, so will try again today...
Glad you two had a good time, Sarah.
I can't think of a more serene and beautiful spot to think about good times you had with your dad than VB. 
Have a wonderful time Jan.
