VB 2013 Information & Adoration Thread ---CLOSED---

[caralyn817]

Yes they do, and if your spending time at the pool this is one resort where we actually get our monies worth in one hot day!!!

Thanks.

I called. No email. Blows me away. They said they could fax an activity list if you call them. Fax??? That needs to change.

When do you need an activity list for?

 

[CarrianneB]

I was wondering if the resort has the refillable mugs. We leave in 4 days do I'm curious. Thanks.

Yes they do - same ones as wdw resorts.

 

[ddiva]

At VB now and have to recommend Patisserie Vero Beach. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It reminds me of the Patisserie at the France Pavilion in Epcot. http://www.patisserieverobeach.com/

 

[mjrlee]

1

 

[scootert]

At VB now and have to recommend Patisserie Vero Beach. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It reminds me of the Patisserie at the France Pavilion in Epcot. http://www.patisserieverobeach.com/

We wanted to try this in May but the timing never worked out for us. Glad you enjoyed it - always good to have French pastries nearby!!

 

[Florida Mel]

I called. No email. Blows me away. They said they could fax an activity list if you call them. Fax??? That needs to change.

Yes, a little behind the times, come on Disney move with the times

 

[Legomom]

No email address I presume, thanks for the details I will drop them a line

So sorry, I mis-read your post. No I couldn't find any sort of email address for the resort.

 

[Florida Mel]

So sorry, I mis-read your post. No I couldn't find any sort of email address for the resort.

No problem I don't think they have one, or not one they're sharing

 

[HappyGrumpy]

Hi all,

we are looking at either Vero or Hilton Head for resale purchase, is there a thread or a section of this thread that discusses refurbishment of Vero Beach? If so can you point me in the right direction! Thanks so so much!

HG!

 

[princessK30]

Can anyone tell me how big the freezer in the mini-fridge is in the Inn rooms? Rough estimate/example of what it will hold? I'm hoping there's a freezer in it period and it's not just the fridge?...thanks!!

 

[PammyK]

Can anyone tell me how big the freezer in the mini-fridge is in the Inn rooms? Rough estimate/example of what it will hold? I'm hoping there's a freezer in it period and it's not just the fridge?...thanks!!

The fridge in the Inn rooms is the same size as the fridge in a regular studio. So just under the counter height and with a small freezer at the top.

Last trip to Vero, we fit the following in the freezer - a 750ml bottle of vodka, 3 water bottles and 3 small round rubbermaid containers that we used to make blocks of ice for the cooler bag.

As far as the fridge, I've fit a whole watermelon, though usually I cut up the watermelon and put it in tupperware before putting it in the fridge. I've fit a couple 12 packs of canned beverages, multiple medium-large size tupperware containers, a dozen eggs, a bag of grapes, 4 ears of corn, cold cuts, cheese and various other food items stored in ziploc bags/containers. So, while not huge, if you're organized, you can fit quite a bit in the fridge and freezer.

 

[dwelty]

The fridge in the Inn rooms is the same size as the fridge in a regular studio. So just under the counter height and with a small freezer at the top.

Last trip to Vero, we fit the following in the freezer - a 750ml bottle of vodka, 3 water bottles and 3 small round rubbermaid containers that we used to make blocks of ice for the cooler bag.

As far as the fridge, I've fit a whole watermelon, though usually I cut up the watermelon and put it in tupperware before putting it in the fridge. I've fit a couple 12 packs of canned beverages, multiple medium-large size tupperware containers, a dozen eggs, a bag of grapes, 4 ears of corn, cold cuts, cheese and various other food items stored in ziploc bags/containers. So, while not huge, if you're organized, you can fit quite a bit in the fridge and freezer.

you had me at Vodka.

 

[princessK30]

The fridge in the Inn rooms is the same size as the fridge in a regular studio. So just under the counter height and with a small freezer at the top.

Last trip to Vero, we fit the following in the freezer - a 750ml bottle of vodka, 3 water bottles and 3 small round rubbermaid containers that we used to make blocks of ice for the cooler bag.

As far as the fridge, I've fit a whole watermelon, though usually I cut up the watermelon and put it in tupperware before putting it in the fridge. I've fit a couple 12 packs of canned beverages, multiple medium-large size tupperware containers, a dozen eggs, a bag of grapes, 4 ears of corn, cold cuts, cheese and various other food items stored in ziploc bags/containers. So, while not huge, if you're organized, you can fit quite a bit in the fridge and freezer.

Oh wow! That's much bigger than I thought, that's great! I'm breastfeeding my daughter and I want to take some frozen bags of milk with me to be able to mix her cereal with - I wanted to make sure I wasn't going to haul my liquid gold and then have no where to store it! Can't wait for our Vero trip in August, first-timer here!

 

[dwelty]

Hi All...

We will be arriving at Vero for our first Visit on July 13. I know im probably asking too late but are there things that I should be trying to book ahead of time?? The kids are Boy-16, Girl-15, Boy-12, Boy-11.

We really want to have a relaxing vaca after years of park storming 10 days every summer. but I also want the kids to not be bored.

I think we will drive up one day to go to Typhoon lagoon but otherwise we will be sticking close to the resort.

thanks in advance for any advice!!

We have 2 girls, 10 and 6. We were afraid of the same thing, kids being bored and having nothing to do since they are used to the parks. Between the pool,beach,mini golf,and resort activities this never was an issue. We were there for three days and when it came time for us to leave for WDW for the rest of our trip, they were almost in tears about leaving. There were still things they wanted to do. I would not worry about it. Your kids are a little older, but are close enough in age to hang out together and find lots to do. In July the resort will be full with other kids their age as well.

 

[mommyoftwo08]

Hi -
We just booked our first trip to Vero for 9/13 to 9/17 - then we head to Jambo. Should I be making any dinner reservations? Does the pirate dinner still happen during that time frame?
Lastly - our Tables in Wonderland card is going to expire 8/31/13 and we need to get a new one. Can I do that at Vero beach, or should I do it online to be safe?

Thanks so much!

 

[kgeary]

Just passed ROFR at HHI and have 160 points we need to use by end of Feb. Has anyone been to VB in January and February? How is the weather? Still plenty of activities for the kids?

Any help would be great. Thanks.

 

[pennst8r]

We're headed to VB for the first time in August. Can anyone help me with room request for a 2br villa?

Thanks in advance!

 

[CTdaizy]

FYI: we are going to Vero Beach next week, called today to find out more info about SnorkelEars, and was told the lady who ran the program has retired. There's no replacement.. Kids are a bit disappointed!

 

[msaseifert]

This was something I posted on the Trip reports board but thought I would cross post here....enjoy!

We spent last week at Vero Beach and while our vacation week did have some struggles we had a fantastic stay at Vero Beach. With the ages of my kids though I don't think we will do an entire week again....Here are my thoughts.....

The GOOD:
-Cast members are so friendly and willing to help with whatever you ask.
-The room although not a beach view (was a parking/garden view) was really nice and convenient when getting stuff into our villa and when we got groceries.
-The room was great for 2 adults and 4 children ages 18, 17, 14, and 14....I really don't see how we could have put more in our room.
-The kitchen was adequate...the oven took a bit to preheat...we cooked ALL but one meal in our villa. The only thing I wished I had was a really sharp BIG knife....it was hard to cut up a watermelon with what was in the villa. We cooked breakfast & dinner everyday....BBQ, tacos, spaghetti, hotdogs/hamburgers, pizza, and one leftover night
-Resort is BEAUTIFULLY kept, very clean!
-Pool party on Saturdays is a lot of fun and you can get to know people that you may see later in the week.
-Bike riding and fishing fundamentals was fun for 14 year old girls....
-The beach - GORGEOUS!
-LOTS OF WILDLIFE....crabs, turtles, birds, lizards...etc.
-Lots of extra things to do BUT mostly geared towards little kids
-The turtle talk was awesome...everyone should try and go to learn about the turtles, very informative
-Lots of turtle nests very clearly marked which I found fascinating
-Lots of beach chairs, umbrellas, etc. available during the day for rent (for a price of course)
-Teenagers enjoyed the ONE teen night they organized. The campfires I am sure are fun but they are singing camp songs and most teenagers are not interested in this. Again they are more geared towards the younger maybe 12 and under kids.....just my opinion.
-Neat that they have a turtle walk lottery but its only for 25 people once a week.....you have to be pretty lucky to get in.

The BAD
-Honestly there isn't much to do after 7pm. The place to rent the mini golf clubs or the bikes or anything else for that matter closes at 7....I find this too early. Especially for teenagers who are looking for some after dinner entertainment.
-There was a pool table near the pool but the kids never wanted to play until at night after dinner at which time the cue and balls were no longer available
-The room we had didn't really have much of a view....parking lot wasn't something to really watch but honestly it was still nice.
-You have to have your key card to get into the pool area and the beach area....I know why this is required but it is still a pain when your carrying a beach bag, umbrella, chairs, etc.
-Also after 9pm your key card will not work to get onto the beach......I know this is to protect turtles but....
-The one meal we ate out was the Seafood Buffet....It wasn't BAD but it really wasn't GOOD either.....It was mediocre at best but we did fill our tummies...just not sure price was worth it.
-The internet was spotty at best....sometimes you win sometimes you lose....
-The turtle walk lottery is only once a week and only 25 guests so.....the chances that you will get chosen are slim....
-The service at the Green Cabin room is SLOW and the the cast members working there didn't seem to care much about anything....

The UGLY
-BUGS...Lots of them. We got chewed up by no seeums....did not even realize we were getting bit until too late. Got really chewed up last day (which was Sat 6/29) and still have little red dots all over our legs. I think we got chewed up right on beach in the afternoon cuz it rained and stayed overcast for a bit and that was when we were sitting on beach. WEAR BUG SPRAY ALL THE TIME!
-There just wasn't enough activities for older kids to enjoy in the evenings.....It stormed 2 nights in a row while we were there. There was lightning in the distance so obviously the pool had to remain closed. Without the pool there is NOTHING for them to do. The problem then is what do 14-18 year olds do? Not much nightlife for them.....at least the adults can go to the bar...SO...the teenagers who want to "hang out" as a group end up playing MANHUNT (which is a hip name for hide and seek) until 12am....

THE INCREDIBLE
-WILDLIFE is everywhere...
-When my hubby and I were walking on the beach after dinner one night a mamma turtle walked right past us and started her nest...we called the kids and over the next 90 minutes we stood and watched the mamma do everything she needed to do and then watched her walk back into the water.....we were so close we could hear her breathing and we could reach out and touch her. Definitely an experience that can only be described as FANTASTIC....Ive only seen 3 things in my life that could top it....2 were watching my own children being born, the third was watching baby turtles hatch in FT Lauderdale a few years back. Of course we knew that the event needs to be respected but some people just have no clue and I am pretty sure I ticked off some parents who were actually encouraging their child to get closer and touch the turtle while she was doing her thing....I said NO and stood in the way of the child....parents stomped off....OH WELL!
-A manatee swam in really close to shore and my hubby actually swam with her and got some incredible video with his go-pro....it was a really cool experience for him....he kept a respectable distance and she sort of played around while he was watching her.

A side note...they do have online check in and I did participate....you can only request buildings not floors. I did request building closest to pool and it was granted. All in all a good stay...just some observations we made. If anyone has any questions I am happy to answer

 

[dreamlinda]

"This was something I posted on the Trip reports board but thought I would cross post here....enjoy!"

What a wonderful, candid summary of your trip. As a VB lover I am glad you could appreciate the good points, and I agree with your not-so good comments. I am a bug bite magnet (my husband never gets bit) so feel your pain. I agree with your length of stay comment for teens. If you have a car and are comfortable with introducing them to the area and then letting them go there are movies etc in Vero Beach, but right at the resort teen entertainment post dinner is lacking.