VB experts: can I have an overview?

[Dodie]

We're thinking of maybe doing a long-weekend in late spring/early summer. We're not DVC members, so we would probably do a cash stay (or rent points if we can find them).

I have NO IDEA of what VB is like, but am sure we would enjoy it because it is a Disney property. Could someone provide an overview/summary of the amenities, area, types of units, etc? What's on the Disney site is pretty vague.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Verandah Man]

My family was just at VB in November 2002, we had a GREAT time there just resting and relaxing. We had 6 in our group and stayed in a 2 BR villa.

I highly recommend VB, it was just what we needed!!!

If you would like to see some photos of our trip to VB, click the link below that reads VerandahMan.com, that will take you to my website, then click on Disney's Vero Beach.

 

[PamOKW]

provide an overview/summary of the amenities, area, types of units, etc?

I'll try to give you the $.02 tour. There is the main Inn building which you see in all the pictures. The Inn rooms are similar to studios in that they have kitchenettes. They have 2 queen beds instead of the queen bed and sofa bed that you find in the studios. Looking at the Inn from A1A (toward the ocean), there is a building to the left that contains studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas. To the right, is the lovely pool area that has a slide, fun water area for small children, hot tub and mini-golf. There is also a sauna and workout area and massages are available. Bikes are available for rent. You then have two additional villa buildings. There is sidewalk that runs along between these buildings and the water. On the other side of the sidewalk/path are 6 Beach Cottages (Grand Villas) alon the the border of the property. There is a dune that keeps the ocean from being visible at ground level....but it's right there. You walk out a small boardwalk and down some steps to the beach. Different watercraft and umbrellas, chairs, etc. are available for rent. There is a public beach (with lifeguards) right next door.

The resort tries to provide different activities for children and teens. Among these are games in the pool, campfires at night, etc. There is a snack bar at the pool, two restaurants and a lounge in the resort.

It is a wonderful relaxed feeling. It's not "go-go-go" at Vero Beach.

The resort is actually a little north of Vero proper (Wabasso/Orchid Island on the map is more where you'll find the resort). Vero is an upscale winter getaway community that, like much of Florida, is now evolving into a year-round community as well. There is a large mall and an outlet center on State Road 60. There are also additional shopping centers in this area. There are more boutique like shops along A1A (the road that runs along the ocean) and in the center of Vero's beach area. Golf is available. There is a theater in Vero.

It really depends on what you enjoy and what type of group you are. There are things for families with small children to enjoy and there are activities for a 60-something couple who want some touring/shopping. There isn't a theme park available but if you know what you'd like to do, it can probably be found in the area or at the resort. The area is known for deep sea fishing if that holds any interest.

Almost forgot -- There is a tunnel that goes under A1A and takes you across the street. There are tennis courts and basketball courts here. There is also a pond where I believe you can fish.

The area directly around the resort is luxury condos and homes. There are no other hotels nearby. Many of these homes are used by snowbirds so things tends to be quiet between May and October.

 

[vbfamily]

There is a main inn and villas-in the main inn you can have an ocean view or a garden view-you can book accordingly-prices are different.

They have studios, 1br, 2br and Beach Cottages.

There is a lot to do-you will get an activity sheet when you check in. They have crafts, scavenger hunts, water balloon toss, etc. They have a mini putt-putt golf course, a playground, a pool with a great slide, a hot tub, bike rentals, the beach, waverunner tours and more.

They have a snack bar in the pool area that serves pretty good food and drinks. Shutters is a casual breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant-some of their offerings can be a little pricey. Sonya's is more of a fine-dining restaurant-great Sunday brunch and seafood buffet twice a week-especially if you go during stone crab season!!

I saw recently that someone had a problem with some of the food but we ususually find it to be excellent. Shutters makes a homemade sorbet every evening for one of their dessert selections. Yum!

They have a mercantile where you can get Disney gifts, food-a pretty good selection of groceries, soda, citrus, film, movies, magazines, sunglasses, etc. You would be better off buying your groceries on the way in.

Most of the CM's we've encountered at VB have been very friendly.

They also have the campfire a couple night a week where you have s'mores and sing songs. They have story time with milk and cookies.

They have the Green Cabin Room-a bar-we enjoy it-especially sitting outside overlooking the ocean.

As you can tell, we love VB-I've lost count how many times we've been there-I think we like it better than WDW

You said you were paying cash. There are some discounts available to Disney Club members, there is also a discount available in the back of book you can buy at the local bookstore-the Birnbaum offer-which will get you 25% off if it is available.

Renting points will be cheaper than either discount I mentioned, even if you pay for housekeeping-you won't get it every day if you stay on pts but you will if you pay cash.

Ask any more questions if you need to.