Vero Beach in February

[CatherineH]

Hi Everyone, We just became DVC members this year (BCV), but we have had several holidays at the BWV and plan to go again in October.

I want to book a holiday for February 28th - March 3rd (used air miles already to book our flights to Orlando). I thought it would be nice to try Vero Beach (reserved a one bedroom already) and have a quiet holiday away from the crowds at Disney during what I think is a very busy time.

I'm worried however because someone told me that the weather can be still on the cold side in Orlando/Vero Beach areas - has anyone been at this time of year? Will we be able to swim comfortably (Pools, Ocean?). Also I read on another discussion board that someone thought the Beach at Vero was dingy and had many posted signs warning of sharks etcetera. Is there any truth to this? And finally, we have three children (7, 8 and 10) - will there be enough for them to do? We are going for six nights - maybe we should book the last 2 - 3 nights at Disney.

Oops - one more question - how long does it take to drive from the Orlando airport to Vero Beach - I've had people say anywhere from 1hr 15 min to 2 hours.

Thanks everyone!

 

[ncligs]

Its exactly 114 miles (1 hr 45 min) from Orlando airport to VB. Have not been to VB in Feb- March yet.

 

[PamOKW]

Winter weather is tricky in Florida. You can have cold days, cool days and hot days all mixed together. Vero is at the start of the tropical area of Florida and tends to be warmer than Orlando in the winter. But, no one can tell you for sure what you'll hit on your trip. The pool is heated and chances are pretty good you'll get some swim time in there. Whether you'll be able to swim comfortably in the ocean is hard to say.

There is a permanent warning sign at Vero warning of the natural dangers in the ocean....sharks, jellyfish, riptides. These aren't always present but the ocean is "real" and needs to be treated with respect.

I find the beach to be beautiful but not in the sugar sand wide expanse sense. It fluctuates in size with the wave size. Sometimes the Florida ocean can have surfing waves and other times it is so calm it looks like a lake. The beach varies in how narrow it is as well. You cross a dune to get to the ocean...I guess you could call it "rough natural". There are no crowds to speak of and it's just wonderful.

The drive varies by route taken, speed driven, weather encountered and whether you hit any traffic/accidents. I would call it 2 hours from WDW and a little less from the airport.

 

[PamOKW]

For fun, I looked at the historical temps for that time period this year and last year for both Orlando and Vero. This year, there was an example of how things can really fluctuate.

On 2/28, Orlando had a high of 58 and a low of 35. By 3/2, the high was 81 and the low 65! In 2001, the temps stayed with highs in the 80's (even 90 one day) and the lowest, low was 61.

Orlando:
2/28/02 - 58/35
3/1 -- 67/47
3/2 -- 81/65
3/3 -- 83/59

Vero:
2/28/02 -- 60/37
3/1 -- 69/60
3/2 -- 79/69
3/3 -- 87/70

Orlando:
2/28/01 - 85/65
3/1 -- 83/64
3/2 -- 84/65
3/3 -- 90/66

Vero:
2/28/01 -- 89/66
3/1 -- 84/61
3/2 -- 86/64
3/3 -- 89/62

Layers -- is the key word for Florida in winter.

 

[SnowWitch]

Our family could stay at VB for 2 weeks and not get bored. However, we go in the summer and spend a great deal of time on the beach. There are plenty of activities to keep kids busy year round. We are already planning our next trip in May cannot wait!!!

 

[CatherineH]

Dear PamOKW,

I can't thank you enough for taking the time to reply to many of my queries - and for looking up past weather patterns in Orlando/Vero Beach. I realize weather-wise it's still risky - but you've made me feel much more optimistic.

In case of bad/cold weather - is there any attractions/kid's activities etcetera close to Vero Beach - Is Vero Beach a town or small city - is there movie theatres, public beaches ...

I think someone mentioned there were environmental excursions/eduational activities offered by VB - would anyone recommend anything in particular?

Take care everyone, and thanks for all your info

Cathy Henry & Family in Toronto

 

[SnowWitch]

Mel Fishers Treasure Museum-15minutes from resort

Kennedy Space Center-60 minutes from resort

Movie Center-30 minutes from resort

There are several nature excursions, a kayak adventure , I believe there is an age limit 8 and up.(not sure) $40 per person.
Several craft times $1.50 per child, you can borrow tennis rackets, balls from Eb and Flo's to play tennis at the courts at the resort. Also borrow basketballs there to play on their half court. There is a small lake you can fish in but you have to have your own equiment.

Let me know the ages of your kids, I have a copy of the activities list from our trip a few weeks ago and I can let you know the things available for those ages.

 

[PamOKW]

Here's a link that isn't all that helpful but will give an idea what Vero is like

Vero Beach

Vero Beach is a winter getaway spot for mostly well-to-do (to really RICH) folks. Primarily, they have winter homes and condos. The Disney resort is actually located in the middle of a very residential area...no other hotels in the area. If you drive down A1A you get into Vero Beach proper and will find some hotels and restaurants and lovely shops (not all that appealing for little kids). In recent years, Vero is getting more of a year-round population. It is pretty much a self-contained smaller town.

If you head out State Road 60 you will find lots of shopping including a large mall with movie theater. There is also a large outlet center in this area.

The Dodgers hold their spring training in Vero Beach. I'm not sure whether that will have started at the time you are there.

The beach in front of the Disney Resort does not have a lifeguard. However, immediately next door is a public, lifeguarded beach. Once again, down A1A there is also a very nice beach area called Jaycee Park. It has a picnic area and a boardwalk to stroll on (not an Atlantic City boardwalk....just a walking area).

 

[jcodespoti]

We went about 3/2002 The weather was AWESOME!!!! I think though that, according to the locals, that awesome weather came early (by about a week or two). Like Pam said it could be 58 or 85. I love that resort very relaxing and there are tons of resturants in the VB area. I would hit the tour of the airplane factory.


Joe in CT