Vero Beach 2014 Information & Adoration Thread

[tb1972]

Has anyone ever eaten at Mr. Manatee's Grille?

We haven't eaten at Mr. Manatee's, we ate at the Lobster Shanty in May which is in the same area as Manatee's and didn't care for it. I'm curious if others have experience with Manatee's.

 

[PammyK]

Okay, this was getting too close to the bottom of the page so I think a photo is in order to bump it back up. This is the Campfire Sing-A-Long on May 24, 2014.

 

[Twinprincesses]

What days do they do the campfire singalong

 

[staceyrhood]

What days do they do the campfire singalong

I'd like to know too...headed there in 2 weeks and my kids would love it

 

[tofubeast]

What days do they do the campfire singalong

Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat at 8:30

 

[msaseifert]

In the am we are packing up, headed to Epcot for a few hours then headed to VERO BEACH! We are looking for an inexpensive lunch option (not mcdonalds) to fill our tummies before hitting the road. Originally our plan was to go to Sea Dog Brewery but we found that it doesn't open until 4pm. We will probably leave AKL...Kidani around 12:30ish. ...any suggestions for something close or should we just eat QS in Epcot?

 

[Belle & Ariel]

In the am we are packing up, headed to Epcot for a few hours then headed to VERO BEACH! We are looking for an inexpensive lunch option (not mcdonalds) to fill our tummies before hitting the road. Originally our plan was to go to Sea Dog Brewery but we found that it doesn't open until 4pm. We will probably leave AKL...Kidani around 12:30ish. ...any suggestions for something close or should we just eat QS in Epcot?

We drove over from Disney last month. We took I-4 east to 528 then 95 South. There were a lot of places to stop along the way. We preferred to get out of crowded Disney, drive a little, and then stop.
The first few exits on 528 have a lot of fast food restaurants. Fill your gas tank before you get to 95; prices are about 20 cents a gallon higher there.
Enjoy Vero!

 

[PammyK]

In the am we are packing up, headed to Epcot for a few hours then headed to VERO BEACH! We are looking for an inexpensive lunch option (not mcdonalds) to fill our tummies before hitting the road. Originally our plan was to go to Sea Dog Brewery but we found that it doesn't open until 4pm. We will probably leave AKL...Kidani around 12:30ish. ...any suggestions for something close or should we just eat QS in Epcot?

Why not try one of the local Alehouse locations? They're reasonably priced, have good, inexpensive daily lunch specials and the one in Lake Buena Vista is a pretty easy hop over to 528 when you're done. On Wednesdays they have chicken enchiladas for $4.99 or a pulled pork sandwich for $5.99. They also have a full menu to choose from in the specials don't sound good to you.

From the resort, you'd take Osceola Parkway to exit 68, turn left at the light onto SR535, at the 3rd light (I'm pretty sure it is the 3rd light - it is the one after Crossroads) make a left (there are two left turn lanes, be in the one on the right) and the Alehouse will be on your right.

When leaving, you'll need to turn right out of the parking lot, but at the first light, make a u-turn to go back from whence you came. You can either hop on I4 to 528, or you can go straight which will put you on Palm Parkway. Turn right at Central Florida Parkway, then left onto Westwood Blvd and that will end at your entrance onto 528 at International Drive.

 

[dizfan]

Checking out tomorrow.
Our original plan was 2 nights OKW, 2 nights VB, 2 nights HHI. After the first night at VB, we called DVC. Thanks to Brenda at VB, we were able to cancel the HHI reservation and add a day at VB. Tomorrow we head to SSR for 1 night before flying home.
VB exceeded all our expectations. Great resort and some of the nicest CMs we have encountered. It was great to meet a CM who has worked here since the day it opened.
Thank you to everyone for suggestions.

Not sure if we were lucky or why, but first two days had great waves for body surfing with no board. Today was much rougher. He others enjoy the escort as much as we have.

 

[tofubeast]

VB exceeded all our expectations. Great resort and some of the nicest CMs we have encountered. It was great to meet a CM who has worked here since the day it opened.

I so agree with you about the CMs. We were blown away by how sweet they were during our stay last November. Yet another reason why we are returning for Thanksgiving with them again!

 

[KPlanck]

We are at Vero Beach now, departing Sunday. We will pass along two beach chairs, sand pail, sand shovel, sand rake, sand hoe, and possibly two boogie boards, and any unopened drinks we have. We plan to leave Sunday mid day. PM me if you want them.

 

[pkmingo]

We are at Vero Beach now, departing Sunday. We will pass along two beach chairs, sand pail, sand shovel, sand rake, sand hoe, and possibly two boogie boards, and any unopened drinks we have. We plan to leave Sunday mid day. PM me if you want them.

Just pm'd you! Thanks!

 

[mitchwebb]

A couple of pages ago someone mentioned a teen area being made, does anyone have any more info on it. Also is the swimming in front of the Hotel have good waves. Is there another beach around that would be better for surfing.

Thanks

 

[mickeysmiles]

Hello, So i am new to this thread. We are heading to Vero Beach for a week starting on Sunday. Our first time, my parents are treating us with their DVC. We have a DS 10, 7 and DD 2yrs. Any suggestions or can't miss things would be great.

Also we wanted to do the Turtle walk at night, but when we called they told us we needed to be there to sign up for it. How quickly does it fill up? Should we be worried we wont make the list?

Thanks!

 

[CTdaizy]

Mickeysmiles: we went this route for a turtle walk- they might have something for you.

http://www.conserveturtles.org/barrierislandcenter.php?page=bicprograms

 

[mazoo77]

Mickeysmiles: we went this route for a turtle walk- they might have something for you.

http://www.conserveturtles.org/barrierislandcenter.php?page=bicprograms

I agree with CT. We went with the Archie Carr Refuge Turtle Walk the past 2 years as well and saw turtles laying their eggs on both occasions. It's about 5 min from VBR, I don't remember paying but we bought some things from the gift shop which supports the organization. It was a lot of fun and we enjoyed it, my kids are 14 and 10. It keeps you out late, we got back around midnight. It's a late night with a lot of walking on the beach and waiting but worth it IMO. Also, don't forget your bug spray, the skeeters are always looking for a midnight snack.

The beach and resort are great and like the others mentioned, the CMs are awesome. Going back 7/20 and can't wait!! One more thing, The Creatures of the Lagoon is a good activity at the resort for your kids, your boys will enjoy it. My kids can't wait to get back and do it again this year.

Have a great vacation!

 

[mickeysmiles]

I agree with CT. We went with the Archie Carr Refuge Turtle Walk the past 2 years as well and saw turtles laying their eggs on both occasions. It's about 5 min from VBR, I don't remember paying but we bought some things from the gift shop which supports the organization. It was a lot of fun and we enjoyed it, my kids are 14 and 10. It keeps you out late, we got back around midnight. It's a late night with a lot of walking on the beach and waiting but worth it IMO. Also, don't forget your bug spray, the skeeters are always looking for a midnight snack.

The beach and resort are great and like the others mentioned, the CMs are awesome. Going back 7/20 and can't wait!! One more thing, The Creatures of the Lagoon is a good activity at the resort for your kids, your boys will enjoy it. My kids can't wait to get back and do it again this year.

Have a great vacation!

Thanks so much!

 

[houseofduck]

I recently made a reservation for a few nights in November. I am hoping to visit before and/or after a cruise. When I made the reservation, I did it quickly and just made it for two adults, but we will have our children with us. Is it really necessary to include the kids on the reservation? I can call or email member services, but just wondering if I have to add them. Will we run into any problems if they are not on the reservation?

 

[Tink6666]

We should be at Vero beach in 4 hours...so excited! !

 

[scanglen]

Why not try one of the local Alehouse locations? They're reasonably priced, have good, inexpensive daily lunch specials and the one in Lake Buena Vista is a pretty easy hop over to 528 when you're done. On Wednesdays they have chicken enchiladas for $4.99 or a pulled pork sandwich for $5.99. They also have a full menu to choose from in the specials don't sound good to you. From the resort, you'd take Osceola Parkway to exit 68, turn left at the light onto SR535, at the 3rd light (I'm pretty sure it is the 3rd light - it is the one after Crossroads) make a left (there are two left turn lanes, be in the one on the right) and the Alehouse will be on your right. When leaving, you'll need to turn right out of the parking lot, but at the first light, make a u-turn to go back from whence you came. You can either hop on I4 to 528, or you can go straight which will put you on Palm Parkway. Turn right at Central Florida Parkway, then left onto Westwood Blvd and that will end at your entrance onto 528 at International Drive.

Hi, PammyK! Well, right across the street from the entrance to The Downtown Disney Hotel a Court (where the Crossroads Shopping Center with Goodings Grocery Store is), there a few great options... We ate breakfast at Perkins, a long-time fave of ours; with their Belgian waffles served with an assortment of syrup flames ( apricot, berry, strawberry and maple... YUMYUMYUM!!!). But there is also a great pizza restaurant (can't think of the name, but they serve a deep-dish, Chicago-style pizza with a crust that's more like a pie crust). There is also a TGI Friday's in that plaza - always one of my faves!

BTW, if you love to shop (like me), you can continue on that road that leads into the Crossroads Shopping Center, and follow it toward the left, following signs to the Premier Outlets... There are amazing outlets there, including a Vera Bradley Outlet! I scored an adorable purse in a current pattern - retailed for $110, for only $45! You could even grab lunch in their food court!