Thoughts on Vero Beach?

[tkalita]

I am getting mixed reviews about the VB resort and am so bummed. We have a trip planned in October and don't know anything about the resort. I've heard the restaurant is not good and they charge outrageous amounts for beach chairs. Is this true? Can anyone provide me with some tips on where to eat and how to make this trip more enjoyable?? What's good and what we shouldn't waste our time on? I'm nervous. Sounds like we should've done HHI instead...

 

[disneychic]

Well, I'm sure you will get a bunch of different opinions on VB, but I have to say that we absolutely love VB! We weren't able to go to VB this year and we really, really missed it. We have gone twice, and have only stayed in the Inn, but we loved it. We've eaten at the restaurant in the Inn, as well as other places near by (there is an Olive Garden, Applebee's etc. very close by). We've rented the beach chairs every time (sorry, but my DH takes care of that stuff, so I'm not sure how much it was for chairs/umbrella). We own points at Hilton Head, and as much as I love it there I have to say we actually enjoy VB as much, if not more. I love being able to just walk out onto the beach. We found the rooms/resort to be lovely, very clean, staff very friendly. Overall we've had great experiences there and are looking forward to going back next May.

 

[tkalita]

Thanks for your reply! That definitely makes me feel better!!

 

[wyodan]

We love Vero Beach as well. Just bought some resale points a few months ago and lookng forward to using them.

We stopped at Walmart on our way to Vero and bought some stuff for the beach. Then found a nice family that our kids were playing with their kids and passed the stuff onto them as they did not have any of it.

 

[OKWJan]

We love Vero. The beach chairs are expensive, but most of the people are running in and out of the water, walking along the beach, or using the lounges at the pool (which is great). The restaurant is not cheap, but lets face it, resort food isn't, even at Disney. There are also lots of amazing restaurants in the nearby area, as well as lots to see and do. Vero is great.

Jan

 

[Snurk71]

We've been to VB a couple of times (including last Oct) for a couple of nights at the end of a WDW trip and it's been great for us.

Never rented beach chairs - we're people that are in the ocean or playing on the beach with no need for chairs.

Regarding the restaurant (Shutters), we're not picky people and it's been fine for us. We've had the character breakfast twice, dinner once or twice, and taken out pizza twice. The food's been fine as far as we're concerned. Some year we may wander off property to eat, but haven't felt the need to yet. Our VB time is more about relaxing after some time in the parks.

 

[bobbiwoz]

It is called Vero Beach Adoration Thread, but you should at least look at it to get some other ideas!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2344361

I'm from NJ and love waves and the ocean. However, I'm not able to go in these days and I miss it. We have brought probably 25 different friends, family to Vero Beach, and only 1 person has declined to come back with us, stating that it was to buggy, so granted, it's not for everyone.

My DGC love to do the various activities offered by the resort. I've gone to naturalist talks, beach walks and other activities, like the movies at the pool at night. When the weather is conducive, DH and I like to rent bikes and go along the loop, of the Historic Jungle Trail.

Our group of 11 adults and children thoroughly enjoyed the food and character interaction of the Pirate night dinner.

Bathtub Reef Beach Park has recently been mentioned, and I can't wait to see what it's all about. I am able to snorkel, so I'm excited that there's something new for me to do there.

DH is not a beach person but he loves the laid back ambiance of VB. We have found interesting places to visit in the area, and we've spent time just relaxing at the resort.

Best wishes. Don't fret, go and decide for yourself, or just make other plans and forget about VB.

Bobbi

 

[photobob]

Vero Beach is a great resort, you'll hear mixed reviews on everything because people have differing tastes. We love Vero!

 

[NEMO93]

We are currently at Vero Beach. I have a son that's is 19 and daughter who is 21. They both love to come down to VB. We saw a baby sea turtle yesterday swimming in the ocean and saw this morning a new nest with tracks from a sea turtle who layed eggs last night. Right now my children and wife is on a Kayak Adventure-we have done this before and had a blast. We have eaten off property and at shutters(VB) and enjoyed both. Please email if you want some local places to eat. JP JPBk1k2@verizon.net

 

[Lenc324]

I love Vero Beach and am going back Oct 3rd with my cousin who never has been there. It's a great place to relax. There is plenty of dining near by it depends on what you like. I love Ocean Grille also going to try Ozzies again. If you are looking for Disney World don't go to Vero. If kids can't get happy playing on the beach or at the pool then don't go.

http://www.ozziescrabhouse.net/index.htm

 

[sissy_42]

I spent a week at Vero Beach in May and had an amazing time. I really enjoyed the restaurant, but I only at there a few times. You can buy beach chairs and such at the Wal-mart a few miles away. I didn't bother since I spent most of my time on my balcony looking at the ocean with out all the sun or at the pool. Make sure to go exploring, it is a very beautiful area.

 

[scot@dvcstore]

IMO, you will love Vero Beach. The resort is awesome but also the surrounding town of Vero Beach is great. If you are looking for an nice dining option off property, consider Ocean Grill. Vero tasty food and great atmosphere. Enjoy your trip.

 

[js]

We will be at Vero on Monday for a week.
Ocean Grill looked good but isn't that the restaurant that gets mixed reviews of great and then musty and for old women?

What restaurant are you all talking about that is onsite that you like? Sonays or Shutters. I am VERY behind in my planning. We just came back from a week-long cruise on Saturday and leaving on Monday for Vero and since the cruise was for my dds Sweet 16 with her friend all my planning was focused on the cruise.

Thank you all VERY much!

 

[joandegennaro]

I too am looking at a stay at VB but for next Oct. I have read the Vero Adoration thread, followed someone who just had a vacation there who wasn't 100% thrilled with their experience. I have take what they posted and plan to use it to enhance my trip. Broken shells cutting and scraping feet...I guess that means we WILL pack our water shoes, expensive cost for beach chairs....pack some of those too! You can't judge a book by its cover or a movie by its reviews...you have to make your own conclusions from your own experiences. Thats what we plan to do next year. It may turn out not to be what we expected or it may turn out to be the trip of a lifetime and one we will want to repeat year after year. Only time and an open mind will tell.

 

[AnnaS]

We just got back from out first stay at Vero last week. We were there for the first three nights and then 5 nights at WLVs.

We absolutely loved it. I keep reading how 2/3 nights is enough since there is not much to do. If you enjoy relaxing, sitting by the pool/beach, dining out, then you will be fine. We were not ready to leave.

We ate at Citrus Restaurant, Mulligan's and Squid Lips. You can get good lunches, reasonably priced too to go at Orchid Pizza adjacent to the resort. There are so many restaurants to choose from. Next time we have to visit Riverside Park which I heard is great too.

We also bought beach chairs at CVS. They were on sale for less than $10 each and we passed them on to someone checking in the night before. We barely used them.

I say you need to try everything once. It was a nice break and I like mixing it up a bit with HH, a cruise or a WDW stay.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

[schwenksvillemouse]

I am getting mixed reviews about the VB resort and am so bummed. We have a trip planned in October and don't know anything about the resort. I've heard the restaurant is not good and they charge outrageous amounts for beach chairs. Is this true? Can anyone provide me with some tips on where to eat and how to make this trip more enjoyable?? What's good and what we shouldn't waste our time on? I'm nervous. Sounds like we should've done HHI instead...

I've been to Vero multiple times, and I agree with your two points. The resturant isn't a great value, and it is pricey for beach chairs. These two points are minor IMHO to the outstanding resort that is Vero Beach.

 

[tkalita]

Can you sign up for the character breakfast or pirate dinner in advance or do you have to wait until check-in? I don't see anything online where I can make reservations for any resort (outside of the ones by the parks).

 

[Tiger926]

We just visited Vero for the first time last month for 2 nights/3 days. We did have a rough start with late check in (room wasn't ready until 4:05), and a weird balcony (closed off, instead of open railings) and a very long trip to Walmart as our GPS was incorrect. We stayed in the main building in an Inn Room - Standard View.

Once we got settled in, we really enjoyed it! We ate at the Pirate Dinner the 1st night, and we all enjoyed it, and then we ate at Shutters again the next day for dinner, and the CS at the pool for lunch. Shutters was ok, and the CS place is ridiculous as they charge tips on everything (it is optional, but the CM stood there and watched, so you feel obligated), and the beach chairs are expensive, but none of this will prevent us from going back next year for 3 nights/4 days, as we will work around them!

We are going to eat more food in our room, or down by the pool, and perhaps get pizza from down the street. We also bought exceptional beach chairs from our sporting goods store, as well as brought all beach toys and umbrella (we drive), and this was great!

Kids loved looking out for sea turtles, and loved that pirate pool! Best deal on property though is the unlimited mini golf - 5.00/person for unlimited, length of stay pass! It was a very relaxing way to unwind after 12 busy days at WDW!

Hope you have a wonderful trip, Tiger

 

[Tiger926]

Can you sign up for the character breakfast or pirate dinner in advance or do you have to wait until check-in? I don't see anything online where I can make reservations for any resort (outside of the ones by the parks).

You cannot book this online, so you can have MS do it, or call the resort directly.

We noticed that the restaurant was never full though, and they were taking walk-ups the whole night for the Pirate Dinner, which is only on Monday nights.

HTH, Tiger

 

[tkalita]

You cannot book this online, so you can have MS do it, or call the resort directly.

We noticed that the restaurant was never full though, and they were taking walk-ups the whole night for the Pirate Dinner, which is only on Monday nights.

HTH, Tiger

Bummer, we won't be there on a Monday. Maybe next time. How about the "Unbirthday Party"? Are reservations needed for that?