VB Adoration & Information Thread (Plus 2007 Chair Swap)

[starbox]

I'll post pictures later this afternoon, but I wanted to give GLOWING reviews to the three activities we participated in yesterday.
First of all, I signed DD8 (my little naturalist) up for the "Creatures of Lagoon" 2 hour activity. The price was 20$. The naturalist (Marianne) and a CM took her to the lagoon and she got a pair of wading boots to use while they caught all sorts of wildlife in nets. DD8 got to see snakes, crabs, sehorses, puffer fish, jellyfish, and bunches of other creatures. The trip included a snack. DD8 said that it was "her idea of heaven". If you or your kids are interested in wildlife, don't miss this fabulous program.

Next, the kids did SnorklEARs. The cost was 30$ each and it was about an hour-long, supervised activity where they learned the basics of snorkeling. With the name, I thought it would be kiddie-snorkeling - but it was the real thing. The kids each got to keep their masks and snorkels and they are VERY high quality professional snorkel gear. I can't recommend this highly enough for anyone old enough to participate.

Finally, we did the Sea Turtle walk through Sebastian State Park - this is the free program you can sign up for in advance. They take a max. of 20 people down to the beach for turtle-viewing. WOW. I am SO glad I signed up. There's a turtle walk lottery through the resort, but the chances of getting in are going to be slim and it's an experience you don't want to risk missing.

We went to the State Park at 9:00 and watched an informative presentation on sea turtles. Then, we went out to the beach to wait on the boardwalk while researchers and scouts looked for turtles. When one was found, we were taken down to watch her nesting. They had special lights shining on the nest so you could clearly see her drop each of her eggs. When she was done, they illuminated her with the red lights so we could see her cover and disguise her nest and get good looks at her face. Finally, we watched her as she went back to sea. It lasted until about midnight, but it was unbelievable.

Today is our last Vero Day. I am going to update the FAQ on thr front page with lots of info about all the various turtle viewing programs. One thing I learned is that the public can NOT view the hatchlings - it is really, really dangerous for them and they would end up getting stepped on and killed.

It's supposed to rain later this afternoon, and if so, I'll get more pictures up.

 

[lisareniff]

Thanks for all the wonderful pictures and reports! Loooovve it!

Good news about the chair saving. I hope that is still the case next April when we go. Last year it look so silly to see one flip-flop on each chair to reserve a row, a stack of towels on a table, etc for an empty pool.

I was afraid of what was happening to Shutters. The menu has changed since last year and is much more limited. Last year we thought it had huge variety for our picky kids and my vegetarian husband. Looks like we will be trying some of the restaurants around Vero/Sebastian.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

DD is telling every cast member that "she actually gets to enjoy VB this year"

Okay, coffee is brewed and the family is stirring. I'm off to sit on thr baalcony and listen to the waves with my coffee!

Glad DD is really enjoying... I really love sitting on the balcony with my first cup (and actually only one for the day) of coffee. Just love the sounds and visions of the ocean. Very calming and down to earth. We tend to leave the door open a crack so that we can hear the waves all night. WOW... you've had a long stay... always hate that last day... the sad day... DW mentioned maybe we should go there in October.... Or save the points and take our grown kids to somewhere.... Ok.. I can do that. I guess... Have a great rest of your stay..

 

[starbox]

Just love the sounds and visions of the ocean. Very calming and down to earth. We tend to leave the door open a crack so that we can hear the waves all night. WOW... you've had a long stay... always hate that last day... the sad day... DW mentioned maybe we should go there in October.... Or save the points and take our grown kids to somewhere.... Ok.. I can do that. I guess... Have a great rest of your stay..

I think it would be very good for mental health to have the ocean nearby. DH and I started talking about moving to Sebastian when I retire. I have a feeling DS10 is going to end up in Orlando, and I am a Florida-born and raised girl, so I'd love to end up here. It just feels like being home.

We had 5 nights this year. I'd love a full week - I do not want to leave -especially since I know it will be a year before we can come back.

Here are a couple more pictures until I get back to the city.

 

[summergolf]

This place is a gem!! We lucked out (yet again!) and got the corner OVIR by the pool. Our balcony looks over the pool and ocean - two sets of double windows overlook the ocean - when I'm at the bathroom sink I can see the ocean in the mirror behind me - the room seems super large because of it's L-shape - gives me a little sitting area around the corner where the kitchen is for reading. To sum it all up, DNeph keeps saying "I think I've died and gone to heaven!!" Off to check my laundry - almost forgot to mention - the CMs here ROCK!!!!

This trip has been so amazing - I can't believe we still have SWW to look forward to!

We were there one night in May. I believe we were in the very room you are talking about...it was great

 

[DVCDawn]

Great thread -- subscribing.

 

[amylovesdisney]

Our 1st trip to VB but certainly not our last. It was just great. Starbox met up with us on the beach when she noticed the matching swap chairs. (Thanks again, Starbox, for pulling this together!).

Just a few tidbits from our time there .....

We arrived late (10pm) last Friday at VB so Guest Services was closed. The night shift Front Desk was not aware of our chair swap so we checked back with them the next morning. Still not aware of it but I persisted and she called someone in the back who knew what was going on. Wonderful gal who brought out our stuff and commented on how great these members must be to work together on having our beach items shared and passed down from one trip to the other. Once again - disboard-ers rock!!

We were very disappointed in Shutters and did not eat there a 2nd time. But the Orchid Island Pizzeria was GREAT!! Super guys from NY/NJ area who were very friendly and accomodating.

Our 1BR was in villa 14 (1430/1431) and was great. DD was in the same group with Starbox's children for Snorkelears - a don't miss activity! Well worth the time and $$. Marianne is wonderful. DS & DH also did the scuba thing w/her but it's not the same as "Discovery Scuba". They are both excited to pursue certification now.

Hair wraps/braids at the pool area - don't know if anyone has ever mentioned this before??

DS & DD did the Turtle Troop Adventure on Tuesday morning. MIL & I tagged along but only the kids' participation was charged the fee. Totally fascinating. It was from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and we met up with staff members who took us down the beach to see a new turtle nest. The kids helped mark the nest, take the measurements for the logbook, and stake things out. We listened to a lecture about the various turtles and saw a video about the hatchlings' trek from nest to the ocean. The kids each chose a turtle's name from those offered (previously tagged this season) and can now track their turtle on the internet. We looked them up last night and it was pretty cool. This event doesn't sound as comprehensive as the Sebastian Island event but probably a neat runner-up idea.

We used tons of Cutter Advanced and really did not have a problem with bugs until the last night at the Dive-In movie. I came home w/quite a few bites so I'm not sure if we missed a few spots with the spray or what.

We had some extra time when we left VB on Wednesday (stayed at the airport Hyatt our very last night) and visited Kennedy Space Center. Expensive but interesting - esp since we watched the shuttle lift off just after we arrived last Friday night.

We had a flyer in our brochure that announced there is a limited inventory of VB points available right now. DH & I had a serious discussion about adding on since we enjoyed our trip so much.

Now, it's back to "normal life" in Austin and counting down to another WDW escape!

 

[Lorelai71]

Hello Starbox,
Please tell me that it is still possible to get in on the chair swap. My family and I will be in Vero Beach for the first time: check in 8/10; check out 8/12.

Please let me know if this is still possible. Thanks

Also, in your trip report you mentioned that your children did SnorklEARs. Is this also for adults?

 

[minnieandmickey]

Starbox,
I sent you a PM while you were @ VB. Could you let me know about availability on 10/19-10/21? Thanks

 

[amylovesdisney]

I believe SnorkelEars is only for children 7-12. And I think it costs $20/child. The quality of the mask & the snorkel are so much better than anything we have found at our local sporting goods store. Money well spent.

 

[Lorelai71]

I believe SnorkelEars is only for children 7-12. And I think it costs $20/child. The quality of the mask & the snorkel are so much better than anything we have found at our local sporting goods store. Money well spent.

Thanks, do you know if there is snorkeling for adults?

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

Hi Starbox -
I sent you a PM - we'd like to sign up for the chair swap for 9/9 - 9/14 if available. Could you (or the person on this thread who is honcho-ing this) please let me know if we can be put on the schedule?

Thanks!

 

[MiaSRN62]

DH and I started talking about moving to Sebastian when I retire

Thanks Starbox and Amylovesdisney for the TR's and pics !

Starbox....my aunt and uncle live in Sebastian and they love it ! They relocated from Philly area maybe 15 years ago and have no desire to come back to PA (despite the fact that they weathered a couple nasty hurricanes). They said the hurricanes aren't enough to want to make them move back up north ever again. My uncle keeps sending me real estate ads for homes that are for sale down there (hint-hint). Ohhhhhh....how I wish !!! I will have to wait until my kids are out of school.

 

[TinkTatoo]

Can anyone tell me which day is Members Day this year? Thanks

 

[starbox]

I am still working on the logistics of adding more people to the swap. The swap lists and labels are already at Vero, so an addition will be a little complicated because I'll have to make a new list and send it to Vero when a swapper is there so that they can replace the old list. I'd hate to have anyone get left off the list - so please bear with me as I try to work out the logistics of making changes to make sure it's done well. There are four or five people who have asked to be added, and it's on my "to-do" list to get an updated list and labels together. I'll send everyone that's requested an addition a PM with details and confirmation once I have it.

 

[starbox]

Starbox....my aunt and uncle live in Sebastian and they love it ! They relocated from Philly area maybe 15 years ago and have no desire to come back to PA (despite the fact that they weathered a couple nasty hurricanes). They said the hurricanes aren't enough to want to make them move back up north ever again. My uncle keeps sending me real estate ads for homes that are for sale down there (hint-hint). Ohhhhhh....how I wish !!! I will have to wait until my kids are out of school.

I came home and looked up real estate . I need to stay put until I get teacher retirement, but one day..................

 

[starbox]

The FAQ on the frontpage now contains room rates and information about sea turtle viewing.

 

[minnieandmickey]

I am still working on the logistics of adding more people to the swap. The swap lists and labels are already at Vero, so an addition will be a little complicated because I'll have to make a new list and send it to Vero when a swapper is there so that they can replace the old list. I'd hate to have anyone get left off the list - so please bear with me as I try to work out the logistics of making changes to make sure it's done well. There are four or five people who have asked to be added, and it's on my "to-do" list to get an updated list and labels together. I'll send everyone that's requested an addition a PM with details and confirmation once I have it.

Thanks for all your work on this, I am looking forward to meeting you.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I came home and looked up real estate . I need to stay put until I get teacher retirement, but one day..................

We did the same thing... looking up real estate property. We really want to move south from Virginia. But like you, DW works for the school system and there is no reciprical retirement agreements between VA and NC, SC, or even GA. So we have to stay in VA for at least the next 5 years for her to get the real retirement benefits. Oh... How can I wait.......

 

[BAYBREEZE2]

Thank you so much for this wonderful thread. We love Vero and go once a year. One question I have is what the "rack" rates might be. We will be going in March but do not want to use points on the weekend.

Many thanks from here on the Cape