Vero Beach Adoration & Information Thread 2008

[loribell]

I remember you having to cancel and felt bad for you too.

We are planning to go to WDW during Christmas break. We were using some borrowed points and they have to be used before March 1st. Unfortunately there are no rooms available for our length of stay so we are waitlisted for the beginning of the trip.

But I am going to book a nice trip to VB for next July or August.

 

[kddlm]

Maybe someone on this thread can give me some encouragement........how are my chances of booking VB at the 7 mo. mark for April 8-12, 2009, then onto OKW from 4/12-4/15...probably an Inn room since we will need the 2 beds. Note that Easter Sunday is 4/12. Also, is it warm enough beach weather during that time of year?? I've already booked my flights to MCO, just waiting on the countdown for booking rooms.

 

[poohbear12880]

We're leaving tomorrow and I've never been to VB before.. yay! I just had a quick question about the refillable mugs. Can they be filled only by the pool, or can they be filled at Shutters and the Green Room as well?
Thank you!

 

[marymrg]

Does anyone know if you can purchase the DDE card at guest services at VB? We have always purchased ours at the world, but we are starting our trip at VB this year. I know the discount can be used at Vero Beach but I've never read that it can actually be purchased there.

 

[marymrg]

Maybe someone on this thread can give me some encouragement........how are my chances of booking VB at the 7 mo. mark for April 8-12, 2009, then onto OKW from 4/12-4/15...probably an Inn room since we will need the 2 beds. Note that Easter Sunday is 4/12. Also, is it warm enough beach weather during that time of year?? I've already booked my flights to MCO, just waiting on the countdown for booking rooms.

That's a tricky one. It is late in April for Spring break, but with it being Easter week, then I would have to say you are probably looking at a wait list for some of the days. But, you never know until you try! I have never booked an Inn Room, only a 2br at Easter. I did need to go on the waitlist because I forgot to book at 11 months out. My waitlist came through well before the trip.

 

[MEM]

We're leaving tomorrow and I've never been to VB before.. yay! I just had a quick question about the refillable mugs. Can they be filled only by the pool, or can they be filled at Shutters and the Green Room as well?
Thank you!

I'm here now and the mugs can be filled with soda/pop at Bleachers and the Green Cabin Room. In the morning, from about 7-10, you can get hot coffee at a table outside of Shutters.

 

[jcgarabe]

Help!! My DD and her DH are at Vero Beach as we speak - their first trip there, and they are ready to leave early and come home They are in their late twenties and are very disappointed that there is NOTHING to do at night. Apparently everything shuts down at 8 - stores etc. Can't find anyplace to even drive to for ice cream. They rented a car and are willing to drive up to an hour - any suggestions would be appreciated. They are not big on bars, but would like some type of downtown area where they could walk around, look at cute shops, get an ice cream, have a pizza etc.

 

[madcoco]

Sorry to hear The area is not for everyone. In Sebastian, try Captain Hiram's for entertainment(not so much the food) SquidLips also has entertainment on certain nights and much better food imho. If they like bikes for a real local experience try Earl's Hideaway The Roadhouse restaurant on US1 serves homemade icecream. Great place for breakfast. Can't remember how late they are open though. If they want to drive 35-45 minutes north up A1A/US1 is Melbourne Beach/Indialantic and across the causeway Melbourne. Numerous old shops and cafes in Melbourne. Bizarros for Pizza. MooMoo's for Ice Cream Beachside.

 

[bgsnmky]

Our first visit will be the night of Sept. 30th, oct. 1st and 2nd checking out on the 3rd.

Can't wait!!!

I haven't finished reading all the great posts on this thread.

I am trying to find the chair swap thread as I read it is not on hear anymore.

can someone post the thread for me. I wanted to read how it works and would like to be involved if anyone will be there before us or after us.

 

[RCharnay]

Just reserved for Sept 30 & Oct 1-Oceanview room. This will be our first trip. Eager to have some great seafood and take a walk on the beach. We really appreciate all the great tips on good restaurants. This will be a lzay holiday for us so I could care less about being active. Just want to relax with my honey and take in the ocean breeze-along with some yellow-tail or lobster!

 

[uicbear]

But I don't know if we were quite ready to come home last night.

We had a really nice first stay at VB. We were there from 6/24-6/28. The weather was pretty nice except for our third day, where it rained and rained and rained. Other than that, partly to mostly sunny with a nice breeze.

This was the first trip to an ocean for 5/6 of us. We booked 2 OVIRs, and all had a wow moment the second we looked out the balcony windows. We were on the fourth floor in rooms 2424 & 2425. I can't tell you how relaxing it was to wake up before the kids, grab my morning caffeine and sit on the balcony just watching the waves.

The teens of our group loved the beach and the water and got a thrill on our last full day when they said a couple of sharks were spotted in the water. My niece then proceded to act out a "Jaws" like scene where people were running from the water screaming "get out of the water....SHARK!!!! "

My 3 year old nephew found the joy of water slides. He loved, loved, loved the water slide at the pool. This was really the first slide other than the small one at SSR's HRS that he went on. Every time he'd hit the water he had the biggest smile on his face....priceless. He also had a great time doing the treasure hunt and the tot chef where he decorated an apron and a cookie, came back from each event just bouncin off the walls.

We didn't leave the resort the entire time we were there. I kinda expected the food choices to be limited especially since none of us our fish/seafood eaters, but figured since we were only going to be there a few days we'd make due. I did find myself missing the kitchenheadache: ok the end is near, I'd never thought I'd say that in any context), as we usually stay in a 1BR at SSR and I found myself on that rainy day just wishing I could whip up some pasta.

My brother however was missing the living room area of the 1BR. So this led to an interesting conversation about possibly purchasing a small VB contract so that we could book a couple days at the 11 month mark in a 1 or 2BR or maybe even a cottage(did I say small contract ). It'll have to wait a bit, but somehow I think this might be in our future.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Your rooms sounded absolutely wonderful...............it's making me wish I had booked OV instead of GV. But I had to book the GV if I was to have enough points to stay at the AKV. But I know I'll be dreamin' of those OVIR's.........we've had one before.

The teens of our group loved the beach and the water and got a thrill on our last full day when they said a couple of sharks were spotted in the water. My niece then proceded to act out a "Jaws" like scene where people were running from the water screaming "get out of the water....SHARK!!!!

Ok.....now you've got my full attention uicbear ! We'll be at Vero in like 6 weeks. Sure it couldn't have been a dolphin ? I've heard the fin sticking out of the water can be mistaken for a shark ? Did the CM's set up warnings ?

My 3 year old nephew found the joy of water slides. He loved, loved, loved the water slide at the pool. This was really the first slide other than the small one at SSR's HRS that he went on. Every time he'd hit the water he had the biggest smile on his face....priceless.

How cute. I love the Vero slide too. Now I think you have to make a plan to take him on all the pool slides in WDW. He'd love the POR, Poly, BWV, BC/YC/BCV and OKW slides ! These have been favs of my kids over the years.

purchasing a small VB contract so that we could book a couple days at the 11 month mark in a 1 or 2BR or maybe even a cottage

Ahhh....add-ons are always fun. But that being said, I've not had trouble being able to get 1 and 2 bedrooms at Vero at 7 months out. I've only ever checked for the summer months though. Now the BC.....that's another story. I think you'd need points at Vero to get that.

Thanks so much for the TR

 

[MiaSRN62]

We really appreciate all the great tips on good restaurants.

Hi RCharney !
Back on page 23 of this thread (post # 343) I compiled a list of restaurant suggestions made on this thread. I've copied and pasted here :


Lobster Shanty in Vero Beach ( http://www.verobeachlobstershanty.com/ )

Mr. Manatee's in Vero Beach ( http://www.planetvero.com/mrmanatees.htm )

Capt Hiram's for lunch in Sebastian http://www.hirams.com/

Ozzie's Crabhouse
6060 US Hwy. 1 South
Grant, FL 32949
(321) 724-0009 -----> what I read was "go for the food...not the decor". So I'm assuming this place is very very casual ? But the food is supposed to be great.


Ay Jalisco Inc1909 20th St, Vero Beach, FL
Tel: (772) 978-0661 (good Mexican food)

Outback Steakhouse1475 Us Highway 1, Vero Beach, FL
Tel: (772) 567-5222

Patio Restaurant1103 Miracle Mile, Vero Beach, FL
Tel: (772) 567-7215


Orchid Island Pizzeria right next to DVBR on the corner of A1A and 510. They serve a thin crust style pizzia with choice of lots of toppings, pasta dinners, and hot and cold subs. They will also deliver to the lobby of the resort. 772-388-5151
http://www.orchidislandpizzeria.com/


http://www.ocean-grill.com/index.php...WebPageID=7227 (Ocean Grill)

Boardwalk Cafe & Ice Cream CO
4079 Ocean Drive
Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: (772) 234-9570

Apples Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor
486 21st St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 567-5877

http://www.squidlipsgrill.com/locati...ml?method=list (Squid Lips Grill)

MoBay Grill in the Publix Plaza near Wal-Mart (Sebastian). A small Jamaican inspired restaurant. http://www.mo-baygrill.com/



http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1764324

 

[MiaSRN62]

bgsnmky : I am trying to find the chair swap thread as I read it is not on hear anymore.

can someone post the thread for me. I wanted to read how it works and would like to be involved if anyone will be there before us or after us.

Here is the swap thread.......it is officially closed. Starbox was gracious enough to organize it for all of us But maybe you can get someone to squeeze you in.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1762688

 

[uicbear]

Ok.....now you've got my full attention uicbear ! We'll be at Vero in like 6 weeks. Sure it couldn't have been a dolphin ? I've heard the fin sticking out of the water can be mistaken for a shark ? Did the CM's set up warnings ?

They were pretty sure it was a shark. I'll have to check again with the nieces, but they said the CM's cleared the water and kept people out for a while. They said the shark was swimming by one of the buoys and just wouldn't go away. She did mention that someone talked about it being a dolphin but I guess a couple swimmers actually saw it and said it was a shark. My niece stayed on the beach for about 30mins or so after and said that they were still keeping them out of the water.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

The teens of our group loved the beach and the water and got a thrill on our last full day when they said a couple of sharks were spotted in the water. My niece then proceded to act out a "Jaws" like scene where people were running from the water screaming "get out of the water....SHARK!!!! "

Hi there uicbear. We were just down the hall in 2413. Our kids were in a 2 bdrm. We probably said hi to each other and didn't know it. I was the one with the hand cart with boogie boards, chairs and umbrella. Anyway the thing in the water wasn't a shark, but closely related... it was a Manta Ray. I have a couple photos from the pier. Also have a couple photos of a sea turtle near shore.

We just got back ourselves and I just thought I would check the boards. I'll get back later with some photos, TR, and other stuff.

 

[uicbear]

Originally I wasn't going to post this as 99% of our interactions with CM's was really great, but my brother said that I should put this out there. There were 2 instances when members of our party were told that they were "breaking the rules" The first came when the teens and my sis-in-law wanted to fill their mugs. It was on that rainy day and the pool was closed. They were unaware that they could fill thier mugs at the GCR and they went to the Bleachers fill up station. While they were there I guess a CM yelled at them, litterally. Another scolding happened when my brother stopped by to pick up something from the dryer a little after 10, he didn't notice the sign when he put the stuff in.

Now I think that in both cases we were misguided in our behavior and would expect to be corrected . I don't think that's the issue. But I think what my brother has the issue with is how the CM approached the situation. We have usually just had things pointed out to us and told what the appropriate/alternative options are. But there really isn't a need for a CM to raise thier voice and I guess they were especially harsh in the mug refill situation. These 2 interactions kinda put a smudge on an otherwise gleaming trip.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Anyway the thing in the water wasn't a shark, but closely related... it was a Manta Ray. I have a couple photos from the pier. Also have a couple photos of a sea turtle near shore.

Yeah DisneyDayDreamer.......I feel a bit better now----though I know sharks can still loom. May I ask what time of day you all saw the ray and turtles ? Would u be able to post any of the photos ?

The first came when the teens and my sis-in-law wanted to fill their mugs. It was on that rainy day and the pool was closed. They were unaware that they could fill thier mugs at the GCR and they went to the Bleachers fill up station. While they were there I guess a CM yelled at them, litterally.

wow uicbear ?! I know grumpiness can definitely be found among disney CM's. I got a grumpy Vero CM on the phone a few weeks back. I called to ask if they rented snorkel equipment. It was about 8 pm. She replied, VERY grumpy, "what do u mean rent ???" I replied...."well....just like I asked. Do u rent out masks/snorkels/fins ?" She snidely replied "no". Then a somewhat coy, "sorry" (meaning that they didn't rent them.....not referring to her tone).
We've been scolded one time for the mugs----but not at VB. We were staying at the WL, while our in-laws were at the AS Music. We decided to meet at the ASM for breakfast (they had a little one and it was more convenient for them). I filled up my WL mug at Roaring Forks at WL. I'm standing in line to pay for breakfast----people all around---and the CM angrily snaps at me that I couldn't use my WL at the ASM drink station. Never even gave me the benefit of the doubt. I snapped back that I had no plans to fill up here, as we were staying at the Lodge and my mug was full from filling it there. But it was very embarrassing in front of other guests. Sorry you were spoken to like that uicbear. So where is the proper place to refill at VB ?

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Yeah DisneyDayDreamer.......I feel a bit better now----though I know sharks can still loom. May I ask what time of day you all saw the ray and turtles ? Would u be able to post any of the photos ?


wow uicbear ?! I know grumpiness can definitely be found among disney CM's. I got a grumpy Vero CM on the phone a few weeks back. I called to ask if they rented snorkel equipment. It was about 8 pm. She replied, VERY grumpy, "what do u mean rent ???" I replied...."well....just like I asked. Do u rent out masks/snorkels/fins ?" She snidely replied "no". Then a somewhat coy, "sorry" (meaning that they didn't rent them.....not referring to her tone).
We've been scolded one time for the mugs----but not at VB. We were staying at the WL, while our in-laws were at the AS Music. We decided to meet at the ASM for breakfast (they had a little one and it was more convenient for them). I filled up my WL mug at Roaring Forks at WL. I'm standing in line to pay for breakfast----people all around---and the CM angrily snaps at me that I couldn't use my WL at the ASM drink station. Never even gave me the benefit of the doubt. I snapped back that I had no plans to fill up here, as we were staying at the Lodge and my mug was full from filling it there. But it was very embarrassing in front of other guests. Sorry you were spoken to like that uicbear. So where is the proper place to refill at VB ?

Hey Mia, I'm still trying to get home back to normal... dogs, plants, garden, house cleaning, grass cutting, etc... I will post some pics when I get caught up.

I too got the megaphone alert that I was not allowed on the pool deck when I was trying to refill my mug (there was lightening in the area). I raised my mug and the CM said the refreshment center was closed also. Would have been nice to have been told that I could have gotten it filled elsewhere (I wasn't aware there was another place).

Still just checking in and commenting. I'll get some time tonight I hope to add some things.

 

[lisareniff]

Welcome back Rob and Uicbear!! Sounds like a great VB vacation!!!

...except for the megaphone cranky CM I wish they would use some of that crankiness on boys using the whole pool to play catch and not very well. Those balls hurt when your not expecting it! Spending the whole time at the pool looking over your shoulder is not relaxing.