VB Side trip!

[gracelrm]

We're going to VB in October for a few days. We're thinking about surprising the kids on Oct. 10th and driving over to WDW for MNSSHP. I'm still a little undecided because it's supposed to be a relaxing beach vacation, but we've never done MNSSHP and since we're so close - I feel like we ought to. Not that parking will be a deciding factor or anything, but I was curious about paying for parking at the Magic Kingdom. We're DVC members and I know we get free parking while we're there staying at a resort (as does every other person staying at a WDW resort), but somewhere in the back of my mind, I'm thinking we have free parking even if we're not staying there. Have I dreamed that up or is it true?

 

[jonestavern]

We would like to know this, also.
we will be traveling back to WDW & so the parking is a question here too.


Is there a sticky or thread with a compilation of VB hints & tips?
I have searched the recent threads & trip reports, but we need more info on local restaurants, sights etc.

thanks in advance-
Jean & Chris

 

[bobbiwoz]

An AP will give you free parking at the parks, DVC membership will not.

Bobbi

 

[gracelrm]

Thanks - bobbiwoz

jonestavern - I have a link to a recent post that has some VB recommended restaurants - I'll try to figure out how to post a link


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=824199&page=2&pp=15

Wow - maybe that worked!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We would like to know this, also.
we will be traveling back to WDW & so the parking is a question here too.


Is there a sticky or thread with a compilation of VB hints & tips?
I have searched the recent threads & trip reports, but we need more info on local restaurants, sights etc.

thanks in advance-
Jean & Chris

We love the VB area. Likely, you will be plenty happy to just stay at the resort (especially if you love the beach), but if you want to venture out then consider a cruise on the Indian river, which is the most wildlife abundant river in the country. Also, there are many airboat rides on the Indian river, lake Okeechobee, and the everglades. The Sebastian River just north of VB, and sports a number of para-sailing rides. Pelican Island is just 5 minutes from VB. Cape Canaveral, about an hour north of VB, has a huge wildlife preserve and many wildlife tours and trails. While at CC you also can spend most of a day at the Kennedy Space Center. Just some of the things to do. Hope this helps a bit.

 

[Leigha]

Can you tell me a good airboat company and approximately how much it cost per person? Thanks!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Can you tell me a good airboat company and approximately how much it cost per person? Thanks!

We haven't done an airboat (YET), but we want to. I did some searches on the Internet recently and it seems there are a good number of people in this business. I tend to look at the quality of the website in determining the quality of the business I am considering. A good website is not cheap.... so, if they have a quality website with "flash" and other state-of-the-art technology, I assume they must be making a pretty good profit and is likely a solid business. Airboats differ in the number of occupants from 2 to 10 or more. I think I would prefer to take a little bigger boat, just because I am not real keen on alligators and snakes, and think a bigger boat with other occupants make me a little more safe. Just my phobia though.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

We are staying at SSR in June 07 with my DSIS and kids. She really wants to see the ocean and we were thinking of taking a daytrip to Cocoa Beach. How much further is it to VB? What is the beach like? Does anyone know

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We are staying at SSR in June 07 with my DSIS and kids. She really wants to see the ocean and we were thinking of taking a daytrip to Cocoa Beach. How much further is it to VB? What is the beach like? Does anyone know

Cocoa and VB are about an hour apart. Both beaches are pretty identical with beautiful blue water and good waves. There is a nice beach cam you can visit at www.twopalms.com There are other cams, but this one actually updates every 5-20 seconds. I just took a look and it looks pretty rough right now. Probably from the tropical storms in the Atlantic. Have a a great trip.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thanks DisDayDreamer! Sounds like we could just visit VB and check it out! It is, after all, Disney

 

[dvc guy]

If you are staying at VB and your parking permit is valid you will recieve free parking at WDW

 

[MAGICFOR2]

 

[starbox]

I grew up in Florida and there have been three times that I said "hey, Disney is only a few hours away - why not do a day trip and drive back after the park". It always seemed like a good idea in theory - but then, once I was at WDW I did not want to leave till closing. Then, as soon as I got in the car on those dark, exit-less stretches of empty Florida highway, the sleepies would hit. A two hour drive felt like a six hour drive.

IMHO, the trip from VB to WDW is not bad at all - especially in the morning. I would not enjoy the drive back to VB from WDW at night - especially after a special event.

I think your best bet is to get a studio that night and crash there.

 

[gracelrm]

dvc guy: have you done this before - stayed at VB, but made a daytrip to WDW?

 

[dvc guy]

gracelrm
We have done BB for one day from VB,
We left around 6 Pm to head back, as posted it seems like a much better idea on the way there then the way back.
It is doable but you are looking at 4 hours of driving in one day.

 

[sheryl0521]

IMHO, the trip from VB to WDW is not bad at all - especially in the morning. I would not enjoy the drive back to VB from WDW at night - especially after a special event.

I think your best bet is to get a studio that night and crash there.

Agree - that is a good plan!
We just got back from VB and were quite surprised on the length of the ride from MCO to VB. It was long and 95 had lots of trucks.