Lisa & Vero beach fans,
Seems we were there at the same time and my daughter recognized your daughter - sure they spent quality time at the top of the slide shivering waiting for there turn.
It was our first trip to Vero and we loved it. Sadly, my husband past away in February, so this was a difficult first vacation without him, but we choose the perfect spot. Traveling alone with 3 children young children (almost 11, 9, & 4)is daunting, but Disney VB was great for all.
I was able to watch my youngest in the Pirate play area (which he had hours of fun sliding down the mini slide, running in the fountains of water, and scooping the sand that had accumulated in the water.) While the oldest either swam in the pool (and did the water slide repeatedly), played mini golf (must get the weekly pass), or shuffleboard, ping pong.
The cool weather and rough waves, made spending time on the beach difficult, but my children would rather swim in the pool - so this wasn't really a problem for us.
Food:
We were at the mercy of the resort since I wasn't ambicious enough to rent a car and had taken a limo from WP. Although we had friends in the area that provided some groceries (staying in an Inn room we were limited on what we could make), and we went to dinner with them a couple times. We had shutters for breakfast 2 times which was $35 for 3 kids meal and one adult and it was typical mickey stuff. My 10 year old has an adult appetite, but likes kids food. So one mickey waffle wasn't enough.
The one dinner we had was nice and the staff worked with us on getting something more grown up but enjoyable for my son. They made a special alfredo pasta dish - which was the best dinner at the table. My daughter didn't like the mickey mac n cheese, and my youngest ate plain elbows. My prime rib was flavorful, but I wish I choose some seafood.
Several lunches at the poolside bar were good. Again the kids meal choices weren't plentiful. Not sure why they didn't have a burger plate for kids. Very expensive for chicken nuggets.
Captain Hirams was nice and good food, fun atmosphere, good place for children.
Activities:
Kids did the unbirthday party and seaside chefs, both enjoyable. Son also played flag football and made some friends he could hang with in the pool. Wish we had done the fishing fundamentals, because when we walked to the lake and looked off the dock there were so many fish in the water.
Also did a airboat ride, which was great. It was the coldest day and windy, so that made it less pleasant, but saw over 30 alligators and many birds nesting with young babies. It was great fun.
http://www.airboatadventuretours.com/
Room:
We had Inn OV room # 2225. Enjoyed being on the 2nd floor not far from elevator and stairs. Plus the view was fantastic. First night wished I could turn off the ocean because it was so loud
Service:
Before arriving I worked with the gift shop to provide a fun basket for the kids. Debbie helped make it special with pool toys and coloring activities. Then when we arrived there was another basket (free) from the concierge filled with fun snacks.
It was a special trip and made my children feel happy after all we had experienced with their father's sickness and death this past winter.
Trip home:
Unfortunately, the trip home proved difficult as both my oldest children started throwing up in the limo to the airport from motion sickness, which continued for the 3 hour flight to NY. Upon arriving home, my oldest son didn't get better and he ended up having emergency surgery that day for a twisted vein in his groin. He recovered quickly, but it will probably be some time before I can get everyone on a plane again.
Hopefully next year back at VB.
Thanks for the info that helped us plan our trip.
Therese
