Vero Beach during a hurricane/tropical storm?

[Bellesmama]

We're heading down to Vero Beach in less than 2 weeks and it seems like there's a couple of tropical storms/hurricanes brewing around...

Has anyone been down there during a storm?

 

[PamOKW]

Keep in mind that these storms are similar to blizzards in the winter. It's the season, they're out there, sometimes they just go away and don't cause any harm at all. If they really are going to be a problem, there is enough warning (unlike a tornado) to get folks to safety.

I was headed to Vero when a hurricane was predicted to be coming into the Florida coast. There was rain but not terrible on the drive down from MCO. When we got to the resort they had taken the precaution of bringing all the outdoor items (pool chairs, etc.) inside. They even held a "party" for the CMs who worked so hard. Next day-- beautiful sunshine and big waves. The storm turned out to sea and nothing happened.

If it's a tropical storm, it won't be great to be at a beachside resort in the pouring rain. I think Disney does their best to try and entertain children but adults are pretty much on their own -- Green Cabin Room might be an option.

 

[spiceycat]

when the hurricane hit the panhandle a few years ago - the biggest problem alot of the guests had was finding food - the restuarants were all closed.

so go visit the grocery store before you check in.

Also at the front desk if the assign you a lower floor - think before you start to complaint....

 

[canwegosoon]

Hello Charlie!!!

I would make sure you have a few heavier pieces of clothing packed(sweatshirt/jeans)...also a poncho or other rainwear, a flash light, (if you have children I would consider bringing a tap light), ditto the food post(make sure you have a can opener if needed), and if you can you might want to fill the bath 1/2 way up with water.

I actually don't mind hurricanes...it's the twisters that make me . I am sure you will have a great trip...pack cards, and other games too...tons of fun.

 

[allicat]

We are scheduled to leave for VB THIS Monday. Im hoping that "Charlie" stays away.
However, if Charlie becomes a hurricane and closes the resort what happens with regards to our stay? Do they refund our points?

After our VB stay,we are also going to Disney for a week so possibly I could use my VB points at Disney? Hurricane or not, our plane leaves on the 16th and we need a place to stay!

 

[spiceycat]

the panhandle didn't tell people to leave - so I don't think Disney will - if you are this upset - maybe you should cancel and try to make reservations in WDW now -

I think the VB resort would be okay - they are not directly on the beach - they have that brush area between them and the ocean -florida law. so even if the hurricane comes close - I think that VB will be okay. (okay sometimes I don't face have reality.....)

 

[allicat]

Spiceycat, Im not worried- we are an easy going bunch, I know we will have fun no matter what. I'll keep my eye on it and in all actuality, I think things might calm down by Monday.

 

[spiceycat]

I am surpose to go to Panama City Beach the last week in Sept. Guess where both the tropical storm and the hurricane may start to cross land - yea PCB......

we get tornadoes up here alot - so it is not winds - but the water that than can do damage. but makes the Hurricane so bad....of course all the tornadoes that is sets off doesn't help either.

 

[donald...really]

Didn't they evacuate the resort and send everyone to WDW once a few years ago when the hurricane was looking REALLY bad? I think this was the same storm that closed WDW for a day.

I asked a friend of mine who works at the Vero resort about damage to the resort during that hurricane. She said the place is built like a fortress.

 

[PamOKW]

When that "100 year hurricane" was predicted to hit, Vero did make preparations. I'm not sure that they actually evacuated. I think someone who posts/posted here was actually at the resort within a day or two. I think she mentioned that many people had cancelled but that there werent' any problems.

And yes, Vero is built to top standards but being on a barrier island there's always a chance of trouble if a giant storm hits.

The good side is that right after a hurricane, it is beautiful.

You can be prepared but there's no sense worrying. If it actually hits during travel time the airlines and DVC will work to resolve the problem. You just need to stay in touch with them and let them know what's happening (i.e., flight delay). Just not showing up is not a good thing.

The worst damage to Vero is usually the steps down to the beach. This spring they changed the design and the materials so hopefully they can now withstand the storms, too.

 

[TXMommy]

Vero Beach will not get a direct hit from Bonnie or Charley because they are both forecast to hit on the Gulf side - so even if they went straight across, they would be weakened by the time they hit Vero (still would be rainy and windy, tho). Actually, looking at the projected path, they will likely hit the Florida panhandle and continue north, so Vero should be fine. Probably just rainy. By Monday they'll both be long gone!

 

[floridafam]

We were there right before a tropical storm.

More than the usual amount of rain and the sea was really churning.

Actually, it was kind of fun to watch. It was very interesting.

We played a lot of checkers in the Green Cabin Room instead of being on the beach.

If they are ever going to take a direct hit, I'm sure they would take precautions for the guests at the resort.

 

[Beth]

Originally posted by PamOKW
When that "100 year hurricane" was predicted to hit, Vero did make preparations. I'm not sure that they actually evacuated. I think someone who posts/posted here was actually at the resort within a day or two. I think she mentioned that many people had cancelled but that there werent' any problems.

That was me...

I believe it was Floyd. We were scheduled in a beach cottage for two nights, if I remember correctly. Well, they ended up closing the resort for one night. So, we cancelled our stay, and they (MS)were more than accomodating with our points (no worries about banked or borrowed points.)

As it turned out, the storm passed thru real quick and, by the next day, the skies were clear. I called that morning and booked again for the next few nights in an Inn Room. (we're two hours away).

The first night we were there (after the closing), the waitress in Shutters said that there only 40 guests registered that night. It was all very cool, except that the fire alarm went off twice during the middle of the night. I can assure all of you - you will NEVER sleep thru the fire alarm at Disney's Vero Beach Resort!

The next day, there were a few people combing the beach with metal detectors - Mike? Was that you?!?

The guy I talked to had found, like, 20 silver pieces. I was absolutely amazed, but he was disappointed. He was looking for the "good stuff."

 

[madcoco]

No We were just up the "street" in W Melbourne. Had water to within 1 foot of the garage.It didn't last long.
One thing people seem to forget about the storms is the tornados and waterspouts that form off of them.We are now beachside up in Melbourne Beach and just talked to my nephew He was over there this afternoon checking on things. Tornado watch currently. You never know what to expect. I remember a TS in '94 that hit the West Coast of FL and moved across FL It caused a ton of damage and casualties in Brevard County from tornados. Better to be safe than sorry. Still feeling a little nervous being out on the Left Coast.Wishing you the best. Hope you all stay safe over there and batten down the hatches. Here is to hoping Charlie weakens before landfall.

 

[BobH]

A couple of years back (probably Hurricane Floyd) my friend was at Vero Beach and was told the resort would close during his stay. He was offered a room at OKW (it wasn't closing) and took it. While at OKW the parks closed down 1 day and he and his wife gave up and got a flight home. Although DVC was not obligated to refund his points because he took the offer of a room at OKW - DVc eventually did refund him for his unused nights since he cut his vacation short. You never know what will happen but he felt he was treated fairly.

 

[PamOKW]

Sorry -- mistake

 

[Beth]

Thanks, Mike.

I'm sure wishin' we were at Vero right now!

Well - it will be all over in 12 hours, whatever happens...

 

[madcoco]

You're welcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Please stay safe.