Thinking of adding Vero Beach...

[amystevekai&bump]

...has anyone stayed at the DVC there???

Would you recommend it for a couple of nights even if the weather isn't brilliant??!!

 

[UKDEB]

We stayed for 2 nights in a Beach Cottage a few years back. The accommodation and resort are typically Disney, but the area has a very laid-back vibe and I'd love to go back and experience a bit more of what it has to offer. As you're probably aware, it's on the Atlantic coast, so not sure that it would be the best choice in the colder months.

 

[tinks86]

Can you only book Vero beach if you are in DVC? We really like the look of it, but aren't DVC members?

 

[madmumof2]

No you can book whoever you are

I looked into Vero Beach. It's an amazing place, and beautiful. If I was ever lucky enough to be able to emigrate, Vero Beach is where I've always said I would go.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

We stayed for 2 nights in a Beach Cottage a few years back. The accommodation and resort are typically Disney, but the area has a very laid-back vibe and I'd love to go back and experience a bit more of what it has to offer. As you're probably aware, it's on the Atlantic coast, so not sure that it would be the best choice in the colder months.

we are considering VB for 2 nights straight after the Disney Cruise for 30/12 and NYE. If we don't stay there we will instead be going straight to HRH (although we won't be doing UO until after New Years as don't fancy being in the parks for the holidays), so it seems kind of mad to pay top rates at HRH when we will probably be offsite for the two days (shopping and visiting relatives) not to mention paying car parking fees!!(my major pet hate!!)

Whereas if we stay at VB it won't be crowded and if the children do want to take part in NYE it will be with characters and a less stressful atmosphere. Plus when we finally arrive at HRH we will turn in our hire car (and thus avoid car parking charges!!)

Do you think it will be a good choice ??(of course I still have to tell the relatives we won't be joining them after all!! )

 

[Hilary]

We've been to VB three or four times now, each trip for two or three nights.

The resort itself is very comfortable and comparable with the Orlando DVC resorts, albeit on a smaller scale. The area immediately surrouding the resort is very quiet and there's not a whole lot to do without a drive elsewhere. The resort lays on plenty of activites (mainly, but not exclusively, geared to children) both in the resort and outside. Also, in contrast to the Orlando resorts, VB actively advertises places to visit, restaurants, etc. in the area.

When we visit, we usually go up to Sebastian Inlet State Park (about 7 miles north) and Indian River Mall (about 10 miles SW) along with the obligatory trips to the nearest Publix and Walmart. Apart from that we'll go for beach walks and potter around the lake at the back of the resort (with DH fishing) and take a dip in the pool.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

We've been to VB three or four times now, each trip for two or three nights.

The resort itself is very comfortable and comparable with the Orlando DVC resorts, albeit on a smaller scale. The area immediately surrouding the resort is very quiet and there's not a whole lot to do without a drive elsewhere. The resort lays on plenty of activites (mainly, but not exclusively, geared to children) both in the resort and outside. Also, in contrast to the Orlando resorts, VB actively advertises places to visit, restaurants, etc. in the area.

When we visit, we usually go up to Sebastian Inlet State Park (about 7 miles north) and Indian River Mall (about 10 miles SW) along with the obligatory trips to the nearest Publix and Walmart. Apart from that we'll go for beach walks and potter around the lake at the back of the resort (with DH fishing) and take a dip in the pool.

Hilary - thanks ever so much for posting this - we would only be there for 2 days so if the weather is good that is terrific, but its great to hear that there are activities laid on for the children - I think we could do with a couple of quieter days, and having a few things for the boys to do if its not so sunny, sounds great - so thanks for the info!!

 

[iluvtot]

Hi, we have been to VB twice in Dec. The first time we had 2 rooms in the hotel, (which were lovely), and last year we had a 2 bed villa. Totally loved it!!!
The first time, we were really lucky with weather, last year not so, but still enjoyed it. The staff are so helpful, and there are activities throughout the day. The first time we went, our girls were young enough to participate; and mid Dec was quite quiet. They wanted scuba diving and snorkling lessons, and as they were the only takers, I thought the lessons would be cancelled; but no, they ended up having private lessons! Also, last year, we all went kayaking on the Indian River, and saw dolphins, and my son had manatees swimming under his kayak!!
They also have a campfire sing-a-long a couple of nights a week, which my kids love. Might have something to do with the smores afterwards!
The pool area is really nice to sit round, there is a slide, and despite the weather being a bit chilly one day, my kids still went in the pool.
There is an outlet, probably about 30 mins away, which I love as it's not too big; and also a mall.
The first time we went, we stayed a couple of days and felt it wasn't enough, so last year we stayed 5 days. Next time, we'd like to go maybe for a week!
Oh! and the takeaway pizza place just a short walk from VB is to die for!!
Jules

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi, we have been to VB twice in Dec. The first time we had 2 rooms in the hotel, (which were lovely), and last year we had a 2 bed villa. Totally loved it!!!
The first time, we were really lucky with weather, last year not so, but still enjoyed it. The staff are so helpful, and there are activities throughout the day. The first time we went, our girls were young enough to participate; and mid Dec was quite quiet. They wanted scuba diving and snorkling lessons, and as they were the only takers, I thought the lessons would be cancelled; but no, they ended up having private lessons! Also, last year, we all went kayaking on the Indian River, and saw dolphins, and my son had manatees swimming under his kayak!!
They also have a campfire sing-a-long a couple of nights a week, which my kids love. Might have something to do with the smores afterwards!
The pool area is really nice to sit round, there is a slide, and despite the weather being a bit chilly one day, my kids still went in the pool.
There is an outlet, probably about 30 mins away, which I love as it's not too big; and also a mall.
The first time we went, we stayed a couple of days and felt it wasn't enough, so last year we stayed 5 days. Next time, we'd like to go maybe for a week!
Oh! and the takeaway pizza place just a short walk from VB is to die for!!
Jules

thanks Jules for the info!! We would only have a couple of nights, but from what you've said it will just be a taster for a future longer trip no doubt!!

 

[Pootle]

...has anyone stayed at the DVC there???

Would you recommend it for a couple of nights even if the weather isn't brilliant??!!

I checked out VB before I bought into DVC 13 years ago and just loved it, so I am totally biased . I like to go for 4 or 5 nights each year and we're not even beach people.

The only thing I would add to the good advice and information you've already been given is I would choose an Inn room (ocean view preferably) over a studio any day, although people do speak highly of the one/two bedroom villas too. For me there's nothing like lying on your bed and listening to the sounds of the ocean.

There is a long-running VB appreciation thread on the US DVC boards and here's a link to it.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

I checked out VB before I bought into DVC 13 years ago and just loved it, so I am totally biased . I like to go for 4 or 5 nights each year and we're not even beach people.

The only thing I would add to the good advice and information you've already been given is I would choose an Inn room (ocean view preferably) over a studio any day, although people do speak highly of the one/two bedroom villas too. For me there's nothing like lying on your bed and listening to the sounds of the ocean.

There is a long-running VB appreciation thread on the US DVC boards and here's a link to it.

thanks Moira!! I am definitely opting for an OVIR - DH will love waking up to the sound of the ocean!!

I will check out that Link, as I haven't seen much around about VB - so thanks!!