Vero Beach DVC Resort Closed thru September

[Sarangel]

From the Orlando Sentinel:

Disney's Vero Beach Resort sustained damage during Hurricane Frances and could remain closed through the end of September or longer, the company said Wednesday.

"Has it been decimated? Has the roof been ripped off? No. But there are things we're evaluating right now," said Mariska Elia, spokeswoman for Disney Vacation Club, which operates the resort.

Elia would not discuss the extent of the damage, citing an ongoing survey that she said began Monday and was expected to take the rest of the week to complete.

But, she said, "Everything is structurally intact."

The time-share resort features a large main building that overlooks the beach, with less than a football field's worth of vegetated dunes and sand separating it from the open sea where Frances came ashore. Smaller villas also dot the property near the water.

The speed of the winds that battered the resort during the weekend is unclear. Three miles inland, the National Weather Service reported sustained winds of 56 mph and gusts of 82 mph. The beachside winds were most likely higher, forecasters said.

Disney canceled reservations through Sept. 30, and is rebooking guests at other resorts or rescheduling visits. Elia said it was possible the resort could reopen before or after that date.

In the meantime, the 250 hourly cast members are temporarily out of work. Their last paid day on the job was last Thursday, when the company evacuated everyone in advance of the oncoming storm.

Disney asked them to come to the resort today to pick up their paychecks. Elia said the company was working to give the displaced workers temporary relief assistance.

 

[Geyser Gazer]

I also heard on another board that they will not be accepting any new reservations until 10/19. Guess those with reservations between 10/1 and 10/18 are in DVC limbo.

 

[edward.lee8]

We have reservations Oct 14 thru 18, a short trip with our grandaughter who lives in Fla. When I called to ask about our reservation they said they were still evaluating the damage and would have a better nswer next week. We usually go to the Boardwalk but wanted to try Vero beach. Is there much to do there normally? Our grandaughetr is 11 and we are always concerned that there will be things to do for her.

Ed Lee

 

[ShadowWind]

Doesn't surprise me a bit. We live just south of Vero Beach and the coastline was hit particularly hard by Frances. Not even sure if there is power out there for a lot of the residents. Gonna take a bit of time to clean up the mess that Frances created and there is still a small, but possible chance of Ivan doing something if it crosses Florida as well. I think they are just being careful, and can't blame them. Florida has had some tough times this last month.

 

[edward.lee8]

It appears that IVAN will probably miss most of Florida. Our prayers are with the people in florida. They have really been hit hard . I spoke with my grandaughter and she tells me that where she lives ( outside Fort Lauderdale ) didn't lose power but they spent a few nervous days.
ed lee

 

[Geyser Gazer]

I have confirmed with MS that Vero will be open again by 10/1, and have read posts that suggest opening as early as 9/20.

 

[edward.lee8]

Thanks for the info.
I called Vero beach the other day ands was told they woyld be re-opening the end of September. i suppose that could change if this latest hurricane hits the east coast again. It's incredible the bad weather they are getting there this year.

looking forward to trying out a new Disney property.

Ed Lee

 

[edward.lee8]

Does anyone have any suggestions as far as things to do in Vero Beach. We will have our 11 year old grandaughter.

thanks

Ed Lee

 

[Geyser Gazer]

Vero will officially open again Monday 9/20 but Sonya's and the childs pool play area will remain closed for repairs.


edward,
I'm sure she would love to go down the pool slide 100 thousand times, it's fun to collect shells, body surf with a boogie board, participate in several daily programs, go for walks, learn about and maybe even observe a sea turtle, etc. She's likely to run into kids her age, may end up making a new friend before it's time to go. Check out the DVC board for additional ideas.

 

[edward.lee8]

Thanks, I'm sure she will make new freinds, she usually does.

Ed Lee

 

[edward.lee8]

Well it looks like Vero beach was hit again. Its unbelievable, florida just keeps getting hit. About two years ago my house burned to the ground with everything in it. So i think I can emphasize with the folks in Fla. We moved 4 times over the next year while rebuilding our house and buying pretty much everything you need to get by.
Our prayers are with the folks down there.
Ed Lee

 

[duranfan]

I am a long time Vero Beach resident and charter member annual FL passholder.
IF I had reservations at VB resort in the next 6 months I would definately cancel them.
Hurricane Jeanne did damage but Hurricane Frances did mass destruction on our city ESPECIALLY the beachside. Disney resort being better built coz of building codes and of course disney builds their property well probably escaped major damage. HOWEVER, the dune line, shores are REALLY REALLY bad.

google for tcpalm.com and you can see local pixs of the damage. When you stay at Vero Disney I imagine most guest check out various spots on the barrier island, I can't emphasize how damaged the beaches/board walks/scenry is here.

We will 'heal' and so will nature but it will take time. I just don't see paying the big bucks to come to our city at the moment. I know the subdivison NEXT to VB literally had entire ocean front homes destroyed completely.

 

[edward.lee8]

Disney just cancelled our reservations, they said they will be closed at least until November.
Well I Guess we will wait till next year to see what Vero beach is like. Being a Red Sox fan I'm used to waiting till next year.

ed lee