VERO BEACH 2016 Information & Adoration Thread

[BentheRed]

Confirming what others have said about villa renovations - building 15 is closed for renovations now and they hope to have it open "sometime in June". Sounds like this is your best bet for a renovated villa if you arrive after June. I don't know whether 14 or 12 is next though...

 

[NanaPapa]

We got here Sunday. Got a 1 br in building 12, my favorite building. Gave us a handicapped room but neither my wife nor I are handicapped. I don't care for the handicapped amenities in this room but I realize some people need it. If that's my only gripe for this trip, I'm very blessed. This is our 20th Memorial Day at DVBR and it is by far the least crowded I've seen it. The pool deck was only about half full yesterday. I guess with all the rooms being renovated there are fewer people able to book. Glad I booked 11 months out. Ate at Shutters last night and it was very good. The pirate dinner/dance party was moved to the Seagrape Room. Weather has been beautiful so far, but hot and humid. Being from Alabama, I feel right at home.

Have a great time and stay cool!
If you can spare an extra minute while you are there, I am trying to find out the room numbers of the 3 rooms facing the pool on the 3rd floor...the ones with the covered balconies in the middle. I would be grateful if you get a free moment!
!

 

[jerseygal]

We got here Sunday. Got a 1 br in building 12, my favorite building. Gave us a handicapped room but neither my wife nor I are handicapped. I don't care for the handicapped amenities in this room but I realize some people need it. If that's my only gripe for this trip, I'm very blessed. This is our 20th Memorial Day at DVBR and it is by far the least crowded I've seen it. The pool deck was only about half full yesterday. I guess with all the rooms being renovated there are fewer people able to book. Glad I booked 11 months out. Ate at Shutters last night and it was very good. The pirate dinner/dance party was moved to the Seagrape Room. Weather has been beautiful so far, but hot and humid. Being from Alabama, I feel right at home.

We also ate dinner at Shutters our first evening and we enjoyed our meal. ENJOY, just returned, so relaxing there!

 

[BentheRed]

Hi, this will be our first trip to VB. Does the pool have life vests for small children like other resort pools? ...and are you allowed to take these to use on the beach too? We're planning our packing

 

[missycj96]

Would someone be able to provide an update on the food situation at the resort? We will be staying for almost a week in an ocean view inn room in August with 2 kids so the restaurant closings are a real concern for me. We did this a few years ago and ate many meals at the various restaurants at the resort, and bought the kids lunch at the pool almost every day. Since we won't have a kitchen, I'd like to have a clear idea of what to expect. We had a great time there and are looking forward to coming back. Last time I booked late and stayed in a garden view room. This time I booked early and was very much looking forward to the beautiful ocean view.

 

[jerseygal]

If you walk past Building 12(next Villa building to Inn), down to the area where the campfire is, there is a little path leading to a secured Disney Resort Gate(you will need key access to get back in). Very close to building 12, it puts you right at the public beach for those that wish to swim in front of a lifeguard. There is a cute little Deli, Penny Hill Beach Emporium, which has very good breakfast sandwiches, hot egg platters, juice, and subs, even some beach items like hats, t shirts, and had some swimsuits also. Didn't try the subs, but I would imagine they were great because the breakfast items was very good and reasonable! Next to that is Orchid Pizza, which we didn't try, but I read is good as well. The pleasant CM at checkin told us about both of these places! ENJOY!

 

[MousekeTom]

Hi, this will be our first trip to VB. Does the pool have life vests for small children like other resort pools? ...and are you allowed to take these to use on the beach too? We're planning our packing

Yes they do.
I don't know if it is allowed, but nobody is monitoring whether they leave the pool area.

 

[bbn1122]

If you walk past Building 12(next Villa building to Inn), down to the area where the campfire is, there is a little path leading to a secured Disney Resort Gate(you will need key access to get back in). Very close to building 12, it puts you right at the public beach for those that wish to swim in front of a lifeguard. There is a cute little Deli, Penny Hill Beach Emporium, which has very good breakfast sandwiches, hot egg platters, juice, and subs, even some beach items like hats, t shirts, and had some swimsuits also. Didn't try the subs, but I would imagine they were great because the breakfast items was very good and reasonable! Next to that is Orchid Pizza, which we didn't try, but I read is good as well. The pleasant CM at checkin told us about both of these places! ENJOY!

Thanks for the info regarding the the gate to the deli and pizzeria. We will be there in August, so this helps with the food situation.

 

[gabriellyn]

If you walk past Building 12(next Villa building to Inn), down to the area where the campfire is, there is a little path leading to a secured Disney Resort Gate(you will need key access to get back in). Very close to building 12, it puts you right at the public beach for those that wish to swim in front of a lifeguard. There is a cute little Deli, Penny Hill Beach Emporium, which has very good breakfast sandwiches, hot egg platters, juice, and subs, even some beach items like hats, t shirts, and had some swimsuits also. Didn't try the subs, but I would imagine they were great because the breakfast items was very good and reasonable! Next to that is Orchid Pizza, which we didn't try, but I read is good as well. The pleasant CM at checkin told us about both of these places! ENJOY!

Wow - we've been three times and never knew this! Thanks for the information.

 

[Alice Sr.]

I am planning our 1st trip for next year. We would need to go in early spring or late June. I read that there are no see ums(?) and Man o Wars(?) in the area. Is there a time of year when they are typically worse? Are the no see ums only a problem for a couple hours a day at sunup and sunset? My DD has 2 DD's that will be 1 and 4 at the time we go. Mostly concerned about the no see ums, won't really want to put any spray on their delicate skin so would plan on not being outside when the no see ums are out, unless they are out all of the time but just worse early and late in the day. Also concerned about the 4 year old getting stung by the MoW, do they typically come in that close to shore? I doubt we would have her in the ocean over her knees. Thank you for your assistance, much appreciated.

 

[jerseygal]

I am planning our 1st trip for next year. We would need to go in early spring or late June. I read that there are no see ums(?) and Man o Wars(?) in the area. Is there a time of year when they are typically worse? Are the no see ums only a problem for a couple hours a day at sunup and sunset? My DD has 2 DD's that will be 1 and 4 at the time we go. Mostly concerned about the no see ums, won't really want to put any spray on their delicate skin so would plan on not being outside when the no see ums are out, unless they are out all of the time but just worse early and late in the day. Also concerned about the 4 year old getting stung by the MoW, do they typically come in that close to shore? I doubt we would have her in the ocean over her knees. Thank you for your assistance, much appreciated.

We were at Vero last week end of May. Saw no see ums, also when you are on the beach by the Disney Boardwalk where the beach chairs/cabanas are set up, look to the left toward the public beach and the lifeguards put out flags with colors depending on surf conditions. With the remnants of Bonnie brewing, flag was red, riptide up and down east coast, so most people were just wading, not many were out far. Maybe I read wrong, but July and August typically tend to be months with jellyfish etc. Water quality was SO CLEAN, very little seaweed and Gorgeous! Enjoy!

 

[gabriellyn]

I am planning our 1st trip for next year. We would need to go in early spring or late June. I read that there are no see ums(?) and Man o Wars(?) in the area. Is there a time of year when they are typically worse? Are the no see ums only a problem for a couple hours a day at sunup and sunset? My DD has 2 DD's that will be 1 and 4 at the time we go. Mostly concerned about the no see ums, won't really want to put any spray on their delicate skin so would plan on not being outside when the no see ums are out, unless they are out all of the time but just worse early and late in the day. Also concerned about the 4 year old getting stung by the MoW, do they typically come in that close to shore? I doubt we would have her in the ocean over her knees. Thank you for your assistance, much appreciated.

On our last trip I was bitten HUNDREDS (I counted) of times by the sandflies - they are teeny tiny and the bites are painless until a few days later and start to itch ferociously, much more so than typical mosquito bites. No one else in my family was bit - this was because I woke up earlier than everyone else and sat by the pool and foolishly did not apply bug repellent. When the boys were up later - after nine or ten, there wasn't a problem, so they are mostly active in the morning and evening hours. We are going again this August and I assure you I will not make the same mistake twice.

Regarding MoW's, we've been numerous times during August and have never seen one there.

 

[MousekeTom]

.... We would need to go in early spring or late June. I read that there are no see ums(?) and Man o Wars(?) in the area. Is there a time of year when they are typically worse? Are the no see ums only a problem for a couple hours a day at sunup and sunset? .... Also concerned about the 4 year old getting stung by the MoW, do they typically come in that close to shore? ....

Portuguese man o' war pass by the Florida east coast every March. Most of the years, they reach the shore and can be spotted on the beach. Occasionally some years are bad but not often. You can usually spot them in the water by their large jelly bubble above the surface and easily spot them on-shore to avoid them. The tentacles are what you need to worry about. Sometimes their tentacles get caught up in sea weed, so you need to avoid sea weed this time of year as well. If observant, your chances of getting stung are very low and it is limited to March. If you are going in March, you might want to bring some Accent meat tenderizer just in case. It really calms the sting.

The no see ums (midgies) are common along the coast of Florida and most fresh water regions as well. They might even be active along the central Florida lakes at WDW. They primarily bite at dusk and dawn and are active most of the year. They are less active in the colder months. My family typically doesn't spray for no see ums, because the bites are not that bad (less painful than a mosquito bite) and you can avoid bites by staying in a breezy area while outside, e.g. balcony, pool or beach. Keep your fingers crossed for windy evenings. I brought twelve guests to DVBR in May. We mainly got bit while sitting at the campfire and only one of my granddaughters (5yo) reacted with small red spots where she was bit. If it's not that hot you could dress them in long pants with shoes and socks - Floridians would rather be bit.

 

[joanjett1976]

Hi everyone! This will be our first trip to Vero Beach. We'll be in a Studio room Aug 20-25. Going to keep reading this thread to get a handle on the dining situation as we'll be there during closures. Very excited to see photos of refurbed Studios!!!

 

[The Prophet]

For those looking for off-site dining -- Groupon has a dinner for 4 package at Squid Lips
Two appetizers and four entrees --> a $119.94 value for $62

 

[MarriedAtDisney]

Checked in today. Big changes to renovation timelines. Now saying all rooms won't be renovated until well into next year. The restaurant/pool bar renovations start in a few weeks. Changes coming to the gift shop and other areas too.

VERY disappointed with narrowed menu at the pool bar. Eliminated fish tacos, grilled chicken sandwich, steamed shrimp, sweet potato fries, etc. you can have a burger, fried chicken strips, a fried chicken sandwich or a grilled cheese. They said people complained it took to long so they simplified the menu. Took just as long today....for my simplified Costco burger and fries. You're at a beach resort, and you eliminate everything beachy and leave what I can buy at McDonald's for a third of the price....

Room is beat to he11. They can't wait 20 years to gut these rooms. They take a beating. I'm paying $650 a night for two cash nights around five points nights. If I didn't love this resort, I'd feel ripped off. A lot of other small reductions that make the place a lot less magical. No hair braiding by the pool, daughter upset.....she loved the lady and hugged her every year. The store seems thinned out, reduced merchandise. No posters in the elevators, etc.

The staff are fantastic as usual, so friendly and helpful....but the physical resort is hurting. Should have skipped a year.

 

[Alice Sr.]

We were at Vero last week end of May. Saw no see ums, also when you are on the beach by the Disney Boardwalk where the beach chairs/cabanas are set up, look to the left toward the public beach and the lifeguards put out flags with colors depending on surf conditions. With the remnants of Bonnie brewing, flag was red, riptide up and down east coast, so most people were just wading, not many were out far. Maybe I read wrong, but July and August typically tend to be months with jellyfish etc. Water quality was SO CLEAN, very little seaweed and Gorgeous! Enjoy!

Thank you, glad to hear about the water quality.

On our last trip I was bitten HUNDREDS (I counted) of times by the sandflies - they are teeny tiny and the bites are painless until a few days later and start to itch ferociously, much more so than typical mosquito bites. No one else in my family was bit - this was because I woke up earlier than everyone else and sat by the pool and foolishly did not apply bug repellent. When the boys were up later - after nine or ten, there wasn't a problem, so they are mostly active in the morning and evening hours. We are going again this August and I assure you I will not make the same mistake twice.

Regarding MoW's, we've been numerous times during August and have never seen one there.

Are the sandflies and no see ums the same thing? Thanks for the heads up, that would be bad if it happened to one of my GD's.

Portuguese man o' war pass by the Florida east coast every March. Most of the years, they reach the shore and can be spotted on the beach. Occasionally some years are bad but not often. You can usually spot them in the water by their large jelly bubble above the surface and easily spot them on-shore to avoid them. The tentacles are what you need to worry about. Sometimes their tentacles get caught up in sea weed, so you need to avoid sea weed this time of year as well. If observant, your chances of getting stung are very low and it is limited to March. If you are going in March, you might want to bring some Accent meat tenderizer just in case. It really calms the sting.

The no see ums (midgies) are common along the coast of Florida and most fresh water regions as well. They might even be active along the central Florida lakes at WDW. They primarily bite at dusk and dawn and are active most of the year. They are less active in the colder months. My family typically doesn't spray for no see ums, because the bites are not that bad (less painful than a mosquito bite) and you can avoid bites by staying in a breezy area while outside, e.g. balcony, pool or beach. Keep your fingers crossed for windy evenings. I brought twelve guests to DVBR in May. We mainly got bit while sitting at the campfire and only one of my granddaughters (5yo) reacted with small red spots where she was bit. If it's not that hot you could dress them in long pants with shoes and socks - Floridians would rather be bit.

Thank you! Based on your info, I think for our 1st trip I will steer toward June, that should clear us on the MoW's. My youngest DD is one of those people that react to bug bites worse than most. Her oldest DD seems to be following in her footsteps, it's too early to tell for the baby. I lived in Miami for several years (back in the day) and don't recall these little pests. I also spent many spring breaks at this beach (further back in the day) as my Aunt lived in Sebastian and don't recall them then either. Although I was just a kid and no doubt just oblivious. I really want to share this part of FL with my babies but if after their 1st visit they leave looking like they have the measles it might be hard to get them back.

Checked in today. Big changes to renovation timelines. Now saying all rooms won't be renovated until well into next year. The restaurant/pool bar renovations start in a few weeks. Changes coming to the gift shop and other areas too.

VERY disappointed with narrowed menu at the pool bar. Eliminated fish tacos, grilled chicken sandwich, steamed shrimp, sweet potato fries, etc. you can have a burger, fried chicken strips, a fried chicken sandwich or a grilled cheese. They said people complained it took to long so they simplified the menu. Took just as long today....for my simplified Costco burger and fries. You're at a beach resort, and you eliminate everything beachy and leave what I can buy at McDonald's for a third of the price....

Room is beat to he11. They can't wait 20 years to gut these rooms. They take a beating. I'm paying $650 a night for two cash nights around five points nights. If I didn't love this resort, I'd feel ripped off. A lot of other small reductions that make the place a lot less magical. No hair braiding by the pool, daughter upset.....she loved the lady and hugged her every year. The store seems thinned out, reduced merchandise. No posters in the elevators, etc.

The staff are fantastic as usual, so friendly and helpful....but the physical resort is hurting. Should have skipped a year.

Maybe, hopefully the shaved down menu is to try and keep up with more business since the other eateries are closed. That would be very sad if that is where they are headed for the future, almost a deal breaker . Also disappointed to hear (but not surprised) the reno is taking longer. If you find out what happened to the braid lady and whether she will be back I would love to know. I hope you have a good time despite the early disappointments. Thanks!

 

[MarriedAtDisney]

Maybe, hopefully the shaved down menu is to try and keep up with more business since the other eateries are closed. That would be very sad if that is where they are headed for the future, almost a deal breaker . Also disappointed to hear (but not surprised) the reno is taking longer. If you find out what happened to the braid lady and whether she will be back I would love to know. I hope you have a good time despite the early disappointments. Thanks![/QUOTE]

They will be adding more choices when they convert Sonyas into the grab and go / expanded bar area. I too hope they bring some beachy food back. The cast members here obviously don't know at this point. I will be sending a nice letter with our thoughts. Encourage anyone else interested to do the same. I'm sure the facilities stuff is decided but menus should be flexible.

Btw Apparently the braid station hasn't been here at all 'this year' according to a few lifeguards.

 

[czmom]

We missed the hair braid lady too. My daughter was looking forward to it

 

[Ensusieasm]

Portuguese man o' war pass by the Florida east coast every March. Most of the years, they reach the shore and can be spotted on the beach. Occasionally some years are bad but not often. You can usually spot them in the water by their large jelly bubble above the surface and easily spot them on-shore to avoid them. The tentacles are what you need to worry about. Sometimes their tentacles get caught up in sea weed, so you need to avoid sea weed this time of year as well. If observant, your chances of getting stung are very low and it is limited to March. If you are going in March, you might want to bring some Accent meat tenderizer just in case. It really calms the sting.

The no see ums (midgies) are common along the coast of Florida and most fresh water regions as well. They might even be active along the central Florida lakes at WDW. They primarily bite at dusk and dawn and are active most of the year. They are less active in the colder months. My family typically doesn't spray for no see ums, because the bites are not that bad (less painful than a mosquito bite) and you can avoid bites by staying in a breezy area while outside, e.g. balcony, pool or beach. Keep your fingers crossed for windy evenings. I brought twelve guests to DVBR in May. We mainly got bit while sitting at the campfire and only one of my granddaughters (5yo) reacted with small red spots where she was bit. If it's not that hot you could dress them in long pants with shoes and socks - Floridians would rather be bit.

For several years I have been going the first week of February, and there are always some PMo'W during my stay. Some days there are quite a few.