VB Adoration & Information Thread (Plus 2007 Chair Swap)

[Lexxiefern]

Maybe there can be a "beach set" thread like the Christmas tree and refrigerator threads. A large stroller bag would easily fit a couple of chairs, beach umbrella and sand toys, and make transfers easy. I'd gladly contribute in exchange for the stuff - heck, if I were going to be there after you I'd just offer to buy it from you - it'd save me a stop at Wal-Mart!

This is a great idea! Last May I went with my sister and our 4 girls (2 each). We flew, so we could not bring all of our beach stuff back with us. We just left it in the room I hope that mousekeeping kept it, I would hate to think it just got thrown out.

When we went last October we drove, so I just stuck all the beach stuff in the rooftop carrier. This October we are driving again, so I will just bring the same stuff. But for the trips I fly, I would definately love the idea of a swap!

 

[starbox]

Snoopygirl-
May is usually a great month for Florida weather and most schools are still in session, so I'd say you picked a perfect time to enjoy VB.

Maciec -
I really enjoy the beach resorts and don't find them overly Disney at all. Instead, they are like upscale resorts with Disney-style themeing, great programming, and very nice and helpful CMs. There are little touches of Disney, but it is very subtle.

 

[Lexxiefern]

Congratulations on your anniversary !

Bobbi

Thanks Bobbi!

 

[starbox]

Based on the requests here, a Beach Chair Swap list has been added to the FAQ at the top of the thread. Please start by listing your dates and then we'll see how many swaps we can get going at once. If nobody is planning to leave a body board and sand toys prior to June 14th, I can promise that I'll be leaving one at that point.

 

[wendyk]

We have 2 OVIR booked for August 19 checking out Aug 25th. Been wanting to go here for years! myself, SIL and the 4 kids should have a blast! Husbands are staying home. Anyone ever have a massage there?
I'd be interested in a chair swap.

Wendy

 

[Luv2trav]

I am interested in chair/umbrella swap too. We will be there from May 20th-May 24th. Can someone share the details on how to do this. I would be happy to start it if need be... Is it just chair or lounge chairs? I know we prefer lounge chairs but we are open to others.

Wendy

 

[starbox]

I am interested in chair/umbrella swap too. We will be there from May 20th-May 24th. Can someone share the details on how to do this. I would be happy to start it if need be... Is it just chair or lounge chairs? I know we prefer lounge chairs but we are open to others.

Wendy

Wendy, I'll add you to the list. We'll see how many people are interested and then figure out how to arrange everything. I actually got two nice body boards w/ wrist straps just today, so they will be ready to swap after June 14th.

 

[bjakmom]

Here's an older thread re: VB chair swap that was going http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1401285
- I'll PM those posters and direct them here - I'll also put a post with link on the resorts forum for those who don't frequent the DVC forums.

DNeph(9) and I are interested in chair/umbrella/board swap - we check in on 6/3 and out on 6/6.

Thanks for coordinating all this great info, Starbox!!! We are so excited about our first visit to VB - I would like ANY info about the best way to see the nesting TURTLES at VB or the surrounding area - someone mentioned a turtle program that has a fee - anyone have any info? Also read something about placing your room keys in for a lottery for turtle walks? DNeph is a turtle fanatic- since we live on the beach up north (plenty of waves and sand, no turtles ), learning about/praying to see turtles is the whole reason for this trip (at least for him) - any help to make that happen would be greatly appreciated!

 

[starbox]

Here's an older thread re: VB chair swap that was going http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1401285
- I'll PM those posters and direct them here - I'll also put a post with link on the resorts forum for those who don't frequent the DVC forums.

DNeph(9) and I are interested in chair/umbrella/board swap - we check in on 6/3 and out on 6/6.

Thanks for coordinating all this great info, Starbox!!! We are so excited about our first visit to VB - I would like ANY info about the best way to see the nesting TURTLES at VB or the surrounding area - someone mentioned a turtle program that has a fee - anyone have any info? Also read something about placing your room keys in for a lottery for turtle walks? DNeph is a turtle fanatic- since we live on the beach up north (plenty of waves and sand, no turtles ), learning about/praying to see turtles is the whole reason for this trip (at least for him) - any help to make that happen would be greatly appreciated!

bjakmom - thanks for spreading the word about a the chair swap. I thought I remembered an older thread, but was not sure if it was for last year or this year. Hopefully we can fill up at least one good swap. You'll be there right before we are!

I am hoping someone can post with details about the turtle walk lottery and turtle walk. Here's an article that ran in our local paper - it looks like you can make resevations via. the Mclarty Treasure Museum as well.

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/travel/destinations/flacentral/stories/seaturtles052004.html

 

[Luv2trav]

Wendy, I'll add you to the list. We'll see how many people are interested and then figure out how to arrange everything. .

Thank you!! I am so excited about Vero. I think I am looking forward to Vero more than Disney. I think it's because my DS's (5,3) have only been to the beach once and that was only for 2 hours....

 

[TEXASPRINCESSES]

Please add me to the beach chair swap for May 31st thru morning of June 3rd...to whom are we sending money and what do we need to do to really ensure this happens!!!!!!!!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Great idea. I know we'll probably purchase a body board, small chairs, and sand bucket stuff once we get down there, and it will notbe riding in the car home with me.

Poor body board (named Fa) I can see it swishing down the shoreline... and I hear "Fa Love Ma".

 

[LarryKeith]

Where do you get Bodyboards and the are there different styles, types ?
Average price? Going for first ocean trip to VB end of July. Very excited. Also I figured I would just buy Beach unbrella chairs at Wall Mart, and leave them there when we leave. But I know my kids are going to want a boogy board everyday there, so renting would be foolish. Any Tips on Boogy board grateful.

 

[kdzgon]

Based on the requests here, a Beach Chair Swap list has been added to the FAQ at the top of the thread. Please start by listing your dates and then we'll see how many swaps we can get going at once. If nobody is planning to leave a body board and sand toys prior to June 14th, I can promise that I'll be leaving one at that point.

We'll be there May 21 - 25, and would be interested in chairs, umbrella and sand toys. I've never participated in a swap, though so I need a "primer", especially as so far it looks like we'd be first! I think I have a nice big net bag (soccer ball bag) that we could use to bag a few things, too - I'll check tonight for sure.

Laurie

edited to add: OOPS - looks like luv2trav will be there the same time (we might actually arrive on the 20th - not exactly sure yet) - we'll be there with our 2 - 4 YO DGS, so I'm guessing we may well meet up there!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Where do you get Bodyboards and the are there different styles, types ?
Average price? Going for first ocean trip to VB end of July. Very excited. Also I figured I would just buy Beach unbrella chairs at Wall Mart, and leave them there when we leave. But I know my kids are going to want a boogy board everyday there, so renting would be foolish. Any Tips on Boogy board grateful.

Ooh... me, me, me... I can answer this one.

If your signature pic is of your family (excl. Cinderalla), then I would want better than what they rent you at the beach. Little kids = Walmart. Big kids = Ron Jon surf shop at Cocoa beach (a little north of VB).

You want a board that fits between your hip joints and about 6 inches above your head. You want a board that has some flexibility, but you shouldn't be able to squeeze the board between your thumb and finger and make it compress enough to leave an indentation.

Now... here is why you just bought that board for $49 to $99 (more if want). Most people let the waves crash behind them and they are pushed by the wash to the beach. This is like riding the train around MK.

You... are going to ride the top of the waves. You are going to free-fall 4' - 8' on that board like you are flying. This is like Space Mountain without the waiting lines.

Now the fun part. Go out into the water far enough that you can stand (for the most part) and the body board is floating on the water right under your arm pits. When the right wave comes along it is going break between you and the beach. The water you are standing in will drop way down in front of the wave. You want to turn to the beach, take your weak hand and grab the flat nose of the board and use your other hand to grab the side. As you are squatting down with the water dropping push the back end of the board into your hip points that are now bent with your knees bent too. When the water starts rising again thrust yourself up and forward (like a frog) and immediately start kicking and do that watermill paddling thing with your strong arm. At some point if you have caught the wave you will feel that your paddling and kicking is not what's propelling you any more, so now grab the front of the board now with both hands. You are now close to or on top of a wave. Push down on the nose of the board to cause the whole board to flex and create a cupping action to hold on to the wave. You are now screaming down the top front side of a large breaking wave (go ahead scream). Now (very important) pull up on the nose of the board because you are about enter water that is flowing out while you are going in. If you let the board nose dig under that outflowing water you are going to look like you're in a front end loaded washing machine. I have been through the washer many times, but when you hit everything just right it is an awsome rush and truly addictive.

One last point. 1 out of 10 waves will be breaking at the right time for where you are standing. You can jump on the board and paddle over the swells or small breakers, but if you find a large wave is going break on or over you. Turn and face the beach. Hold the board on the sides at the very back of the board and point the board to the beach. Duck your head, lift your legs and you will penetrate the wave like a bullet. ANY OTHER METHOD will make you a very humble person.

Have a great time.

 

[MrsNick]

We'll be there May 21 - 25, and would be interested in chairs, umbrella and sand toys. I've never participated in a swap, though so I need a "primer", especially as so far it looks like we'd be first! I think I have a nice big net bag (soccer ball bag) that we could use to bag a few things, too - I'll check tonight for sure.

Laurie

DH and I will be there July 22 - 29, and would be interested in chairs, umbrella and body boards, but like Laurie, I've never participated in a swap, so would love some pointers as to how this works? Thanks!

 

[keliblue]

We would love to participate in the beach chair swap we don't have children but will play with the buckets and shovels anyway Our dates are Sept 19-21

 

[starbox]

One last point. 1 out of 10 waves will be breaking at the right time for where you are standing. You can jump on the board and paddle over the swells or small breakers, but if you find a large wave is going break on or over you. Turn and face the beach. Hold the board on the sides at the very back of the board and point the board to the beach. Duck your head, lift your legs and you will penetrate the wave like a bullet. ANY OTHER METHOD will make you a very humble person.

Have a great time.

You totally need to offer a VB body-surfing camp each summer for Dis-boarders! Our method with the kids is just to say - here's a board, there are waves - GO!!!! They could use some instruction!

 

[Lexxiefern]

Anyone ever have a massage there?
Wendy

Yes, I have! It was very nice. They offer both short and long massages. I want to say the short is 25 min and the long is 50 min. Be sure to go to Ebb and Flo's as soon as you get there to sign up for one. We went on check-in day and most of the massages were booked up for the next week I was only able to get the 25 min massage - it was way too short! FYI, the shorter massage was only upper body. Also, all the morning and evening massages go first as well. Definately do it! And don't forget to use your DVC discount

 

[DisDaydreamer]

You totally need to offer a VB body-surfing camp each summer for Dis-boarders! Our method with the kids is just to say - here's a board, there are waves - GO!!!! They could use some instruction!

OMG... that would be my dream job... I really love this thing.. riding the waves... I always am trying to help those around me to learn the secret of topping the waves.... It is truly the difference between riding the wash and riding the waves. I am a nut... I know... but for the thrill seeker, I have found the secret way to experience something even better than surf-boarding. This is riding the top of the wave... and flying down on a board over the wave at uncontrollable speed... and landing safely is totally dependant on pulling that front edge up before you hit that water. It is all in the timing.... Isn't everything....

Starbox knows I love Vero Beach... she is an equal or greater lover of VB, but I cannot compare the waves, the pool, the CMs, the wildlife (DW & I are wildllife lovers), to any other resort of any name. Disney's Vero Beach is just heaven on earth.

I want to own at VB....