Vero Beach - just back!

[Pig Pen]

Well, sort of...we actually returned on April 21.

DH and I stayed at VB in a standard view Inn Room from April 13 to 15. This is our home resort and we decided we better visit before it was swept into the ocean by another hurricane (just kidding).

First of all - the resort is fabulous. We were always worried that if DVC ever changed the rules about using VB points onsite at WDW, we would be stuck with points at a resort that we didn't like. No more worries. We loved the resort and the beach. There was roof work occurring on the main inn building, and the walkway to the beach was being rebuilt, but other than that everything looked in good shape.

We stayed in 2312, an odd shaped Inn room that overlooked the pool and a slice of ocean. It was situated above the poolside snack bar. We had an enclosed balcony, 2 queen beds, a spacious kitchenette area. The room was in great condition and very clean. We were pleased.

We had a breakfast and a dinner in Shutters. DH had a mickey waffle which he loved. Both meals were good. We also had the seafood buffet in Sonya's on Thursday night. It was tasty, but I thought it a bit pricey for the offering. DH is allergic to shellfish but found enough to eat to fill him up.

We didn't venture too far away from the resort, other than to a Walmart to get some coffee (the same vile brew is served at Vero that is served at WDW resorts).

The CMs were all pleasant and accomodating. The resort did not seem very busy so maybe our room was an upgrade. We followed this visit with a few days at BCV at WDW - which was packed!

Overall, I would be very happy spending all my points at VB if DVC ever changed the rules on us!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Did you swim in the ocean, or were other peope in the ocean?

We have 2 visits planned to VB this summer, and the first is for Memorial weekend. I've looked in books and there is a beach in Vero that has lifeguards and free parking/showers. It's called South Beach park, did you happen to go there?

We had a wonderful 4 night stay at VB in March '04, but the ocean was too rough for swimming, so I'm hoping things will be better for us this year!

Bobbi

 

[poohbear7]

Glad you enjoyed your trip. We are going for the first time in May we had the same worry as you. Looking forward to it now any problems with chairs at the pool?

 

[Pig Pen]

Did you swim in the ocean, or were other peope in the ocean?

We have 2 visits planned to VB this summer, and the first is for Memorial weekend. I've looked in books and there is a beach in Vero that has lifeguards and free parking/showers. It's called South Beach park, did you happen to go there?

We had a wonderful 4 night stay at VB in March '04, but the ocean was too rough for swimming, so I'm hoping things will be better for us this year!

Bobbi

We didn't swim in the ocean, but others were. We took some long walks and got our feet wet. We didn't see any beach parks like you describe during our walks, but when we left the resort, we headed south and drove through Vero Beach. A few miles south of the resort was a park and boardwalk area which may be what you are talking about.

 

[Pig Pen]

Glad you enjoyed your trip. We are going for the first time in May we had the same worry as you. Looking forward to it now any problems with chairs at the pool?

There were plenty of free chairs by the pool whenever we went down. Some of the "prime" spots were taken early.

 

[Paul in CT]

I'm glad that you enjoyed VB. My DW and I really like it there, too. We must have had the same room as you twice, but on different floors (3rd and 4th). I don't know what it takes to get an Inn room with a full view of the ocean - maybe you have to be a cash paying customer.

I agree with you about the "vile tasting brew" they call coffee at VB and at WDW. I always make it a point to stop at the WalMart to get some better coffee along with the rest of the groceries.

We have yet to find a stand- alone coffee shop in Vero, although I suspect there might be one at one of the malls there. Even the Dunkin' Donuts (which does not have good coffee BTW) appeared to be closed when we were there in December. If you find one let us know.

Did you visit the Green Cabin Room? We enjoy getting a drink or dessert there at the end of the day. If the weather is nice, we sit on the deck and listen to the waves.

 

[Cora]

Pig Pen,
We were there at the same time...actually from 4/18 - 4/22. We were in a one bedroom in Villa 15 (near the temporary beach access). I was curious, could you hear the music in your room in the am? The reason I ask is that it seemed quite loud when I was at the pool at 8am. Just curious.

For those interested, we swam in the ocean. It was great and much fun.

The chair hogs were out very early at Vero. I would be at the pool around 8am most mornings and I would see people put there stuff down 8-8:30 and I would not see them again for the morning. Very unfair and rude.
Cora

 

[Daitcher]

Pigpen,

Glad you had a great trip. We will be making our first vist to VB Oct. 1st for 7 nights. Believe it or not we landed a Beach Cottage at the 7 month window. We love quiet relaxing beach trips and can't wait for this trip. We love DVC but assuming we love VB, that would be the icing on the cake. Any tips or suggestions for VB? We eat on site for almost all meals by the way. How was the food, poolside, restaurants, room service, etc?


DAVE

 

[Paul in CT]

My DW and I can recommend Captain Hiram's. The restaurant is by the water and specializes in seafood. We dined at the Sandbar there last December because the restaurant was still being renovated after the hurricanes, but I am sure it is all open now. It is on Rte 1 north of DVC and just before the WalMart.

The Ocean Grill in VB has a great location right on the ocean and the food is pretty good. If you want really good food, The Black Pearl Bistro in "downtown" VB is excellent. There's also a Black Pearl Riverside, but we have not dined there yet.

 

[Daitcher]

My DW and I can recommend Captain Hiram's. The restaurant is by the water and specializes in seafood. We dined at the Sandbar there last December because the restaurant was still being renovated after the hurricanes, but I am sure it is all open now. It is on Rte 1 north of DVC and just before the WalMart.

The Ocean Grill in VB has a great location right on the ocean and the food is pretty good. If you want really good food, The Black Pearl Bistro in "downtown" VB is excellent. There's also a Black Pearl Riverside, but we have not dined there yet.

Thanks for the sugestion, Paul. I'll put them on my list.

DAVE

 

[Sherri]

Did you swim in the ocean, or were other peope in the ocean?

We have 2 visits planned to VB this summer, and the first is for Memorial weekend. I've looked in books and there is a beach in Vero that has lifeguards and free parking/showers. It's called South Beach park, did you happen to go there?

We had a wonderful 4 night stay at VB in March '04, but the ocean was too rough for swimming, so I'm hoping things will be better for us this year!

Bobbi

Aren't there lifeguards at VB? Or do they just come out in the summer months?

 

[lisareniff]

Thanks for the report Pig Pen.

We are headed down to Vero for the first time next month. It will be just DH and I in an ocean view Inn Room (no kids!!!). We are very excited to see Vero. However, I'm just a little concerned with the construction going on. (It might cut into my heavy duty relaxation!)

So what is the deal with the roof work? What section are they working on? Is it noisy? Do you think anyone got displaced from an Inn Room because of the work?

I think we will bypass the Thursday seafood buffet (DH is vegetarian) but will make a trip to Capt. Hiram's!!

 

[Paul in CT]

Sherri,

There is a lifeguard at the pool while it is open, buy no lifeguards at the beach.

 

[brunoflipper]

we at a cpt. hiram's over spring break... our party of 9 all felt the food was horrible... it took an hour to get our food and the place was not busy( we walked in at 5 and sat right down)... to top it off, it rained and the roof was leaking onto several tables... i am hard pressed to think anyone really enjoys this place... the atmosphere was described by one of the diner's as like eating in a "sinking garbage scow"... shutters was, on the other hand, excellent...