VB Adoration & Information Thread (Plus 2007 Chair Swap)

[loribell]

We were there the second week of June and there was lots of turtle nesting activity - no hatchlings yet, but were told that they won't do organized (legal) walks at night once the hatchlings start emerging because it is too risky for them. There is not a good (or legal) way to see emerging live hatchlings, but during the season, there are morning walks to check on nests, and often times you'll be able to see little ones that did not quite make it.

As cute as they are, the hatchlings are much better off without people walking on the beach at night.

Very true! I did read that you can see them sometimes in the mornings though if they didn't make it into the ocean when the CM's go out to check on them. Is this correct?

 

[starbox]

Very true! I did read that you can see them sometimes in the mornings though if they didn't make it into the ocean when the CM's go out to check on them. Is this correct?

Yup. They do morning naturalist walks and turtle info walks at VB. You can see all sorts of neat stuff in the morning! I highly recommend doing any and all activities that involve the naturalist at VB - she is fabulous!!!!

 

[BroadwayGirl]

Very true! I did read that you can see them sometimes in the mornings though if they didn't make it into the ocean when the CM's go out to check on them. Is this correct?

This is true...on Sept 14th I was up for sunrise and met up with Lonnie and Jennifer from DAK Animal Programs who were checking the existing and new nests. There was a hatched nest they checked and there were 2 hatchlings who hadn't made it up and out of the sand into the surf. They were brought down to the water to try their fins and hopefully they will survive into adulthood.

 

[loribell]

It sounds wonderful. I know my amost 9 yo dd, who is an animal lover, would be in heaven if she was able to see either of these events.

We are going to do our Disney trip to Disney Land next summer but I am planning to also book a week at VB at some point too.

So which would you rather see, the nesting or the possibility of seeing a couple of the hatchlings?

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Not slamming VBR by any means, but if you can travel during off-season, you're better off buying at one of the WDW resorts and trading, as the VBR annual dues are considerably higher. Also if you ever think you might want to rent/trade your points, having an 11 month advantage at WDW will work greatly in your favor.

We own at BWV, and have traded out to VBR twice now, and are strongly considering doing so again next year. Because we can travel in the off-season, we can get whatever we want at the seven month mark, yet still have the 11 month advantage for booking holidays and Food & Wine Festival at WDW.

Anne

Hey Anne, sorry for the delayed response. That's exactly what we're doing. We've owned at BWV since 1998 and have gone to VB 8 or more times. When we can't work within the 7 month window then we'll do something about it. I think with the addition of 2 more large (non beach) resorts that VB and HHI are going to start becoming more difficult. We'll just have to wait and see.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Hey Anne, sorry for the delayed response. That's exactly what we're doing. We've owned at BWV since 1998 and have gone to VB 8 or more times. When we can't work within the 7 month window then we'll do something about it. I think with the addition of 2 more large (non beach) resorts that VB and HHI are going to start becoming more difficult. We'll just have to wait and see.

I agree. That is why I bought a small 50 pt. contract, just to at least reserve the Inn room at 11 mos. VB has been getting great reviews, don't know how long it will be kept a "secret"!

 

[dani0622]

Anyone down there now? I'm leaving in three weeks and just checked weather and this week it's VERY bad! Severe weather alerts and coastal flooding. When I further investigated experts are predicting a major hurricane for the area for the month of October. Now it has me very worried.

 

[dort]

Anyone down there now? I'm leaving in three weeks and just checked weather and this week it's VERY bad! Severe weather alerts and coastal flooding. When I further investigated experts are predicting a major hurricane for the area for the month of October. Now it has me very worried.

I've been watching the weather myself, DH and I are leaving 10/13 for a week. Hope the hurricane stays out to sea
When are you going to be there?

 

[dani0622]

Oh so sorry Dort!! We are leaving the 20th so we have a little while more time before you. Go figure, today was the first day I checked the weather for down there. I hope everyone is ok who is there now too!

 

[keliblue]

This is true...on Sept 14th I was up for sunrise and met up with Lonnie and Jennifer from DAK Animal Programs who were checking the existing and new nests. There was a hatched nest they checked and there were 2 hatchlings who hadn't made it up and out of the sand into the surf. They were brought down to the water to try their fins and hopefully they will survive into adulthood.

We also did this on the 19 & 20th of Sept Saved 11 hatchlings that couldn't make it out on their own I was so proud

 

[ont/ohana]

We are thinking of a trip to VB for New Years eve 2008. Here's the questions for all the VB experts:
Is the weather nice enough to swim ( we live in Southern Ontario so 70 is warm in the winter)?
How long is the drive from Orlando airport?
Are the garden view inn rooms far from the beach/main bldg?

Any more advice or suggestions would be appreciated

 

[starbox]

We are thinking of a trip to VB for New Years eve 2008. Here's the questions for all the VB experts:
Is the weather nice enough to swim ( we live in Southern Ontario so 70 is warm in the winter)?
How long is the drive from Orlando airport?
Are the garden view inn rooms far from the beach/main bldg?

Any more advice or suggestions would be appreciated

I am a Florida-born girl that wants it HOT before I swim, so I am going to defer the first part of your question.

It takes us right at 2 hours to get to VB from Orlando, but faster drivers likely make it in less time. I'd say 1 1/2 hours - 2 hours.

Garden view inn rooms are inside the main building, just not facing the ocean. The entire resort is still relatively small and compact if you compare it to anything at WDW.

 

[ont/ohana]

Thanks Starbox for the quick response, one more question I forgot, are there laundry facilities?
Thanks again for the quick answers

 

[MrsNick]

ohana, there are laundry facilities...

In the main building, they are on the fourth (top) floor next to the elevators. In the side buildings, they are on the garage level near the elevators. If you are in a 1 BR villa or larger, you'll have laundry right in your room. HTH

________________________________________________________________


Now, to change the subject, the last two years, DH and I visited VB in July, and were thinking of going in May. However DH and I discussed next year's trip today, and it looks like we can't travel in late April, May, June or July next year (and we have an August use year). So...how's the weather the last two days of March/first week of April?

I called MS today and got a 1 BR ressie for that time period (waitlisted for one day in the middle). Will we be able to enjoy the beach or will we be cold (we're coming from NY where it will be much cooler than VB).

Hope someone who's been there at that time can advise If it is likely to be chilly, I might cancel the ressie.

 

[dort]

Anyone down there now? I'm leaving in three weeks and just checked weather and this week it's VERY bad! Severe weather alerts and coastal flooding. When I further investigated experts are predicting a major hurricane for the area for the month of October. Now it has me very worried.

Hi dani0622, i was just reading an article from an online Treasure Coast newspaper and it sounds like typical October weather is back in the forecast, chance of showers and thunderstorms. Let's hope so. I will be upset if we can't sit on the beach. 9 days and counting for me

 

[dani0622]

Thanks for the update Dort! I have my fingers crossed for both of us!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We are thinking of a trip to VB for New Years eve 2008. Is the weather nice enough to swim ( we live in Southern Ontario so 70 is warm in the winter)?

Hmmm... average ocean temp in January is 61 degrees. I'm an ocean loving lunatick, but I have to say we swam with dolphins in a wetsuit in 60 degree water and I don't think we'll be doing that again.

Average pool temp in January is 82 degrees....

 

[ont/ohana]

Thanks for all the quick answers, after reading this thread we decided to change our plans and we booked today to go this new years eve for a week Can't wait to see all these wonderful things and places first hand, we will report back after we get back. Thanks for disdaydreamer for the ocean temps, coming from southern Ontario where it will be snowing, we are going in the ocean (even if it is only up to our ankles ) This trip is going to be a surprise trip for our DD10 and DD7, any creative ideas how to gift it on Christmas morning?

 

[bcvdreamer]

Hi! My dh and I returned a few days ago from a 4 day trip to VB. It was our first time there and I wanted to thank everyone for their great advice on this thread.

We had a nice, relaxing stay. The CM's were all so friendly. The ocean was rough, and the it was the first time I ever saw beach erosion. It was a big topic on the local news. My SIL, who lives approx. an hour south of VB was aware of the beach erosion at Vero. The bottom section of the walkway to the beach was covered up to the top of the handrails by sand.

It rained so much that McKee Botanical Gardens was closed because the paths were flooded. We also tried the nature preserve, but the roadway to the parking was flooded. We didn't want to drive the rental car through the water, so it just meant that we had more time at the pool drinking frozen beverages.

I have to recommend Ocean Grill for dinner. It was great. We both had the special, which was a shrimp, lobster and steak kabob served over vegetable rice. It came with a choice of two side dishes. We chose a salad and a baked potato. The Ocean Grill has ocean views, and it has a great decor. During this time of year they open at 5:45pm for dinner. Our dinner for two plus two beers and a glass of wine came to $80. It's located about 10 - 15 min. from the resort. 1050 Sexton Plaza, Vero Beach, FL. They accept reservations for parties of 5 or more. 772.231.5409

The front desk gave us restaurant guide where they break the restaurants into casual dining, family dining and fine dining. They also have a price guide.

We also ate at the Hula Grill which was just ok. We ate every breakfast at Shutters because of the wonderful service by all of CMs. We also had great service at The Green Cabin Room.

We'll be back to VB...the kids want to come the next time. I think they'd love it.

 

[dort]

Hi bcvdreamer! So glad to hear you liked Vero. My dh and i leave next saturday, i can't wait. Love that Resort!! You are so right the CM's are wonderful.
We were there in May for 4 days and will be back again next May!!