Hello Mom,
First, rip tides... Any beach that has waves has rip currents and undertow. The water that comes in has to go back out and it either rips a hole through the waves and creates a drain funnel or it goes back under the waves in a sheet.
VB can have some very formiddable waves on any given day (just like HH). It is one of the main reasons I go there. Not intending to be scary, but I experienced a very scary situation with my DD (then 8) at Rehoboth Beach, DE. The lifeguard didn't notice her situation, but I did because I WATCHED her CONSTANTLY.
That is the key. Somebody, (you, DH, relative) needs to be committed to watching ocean play. Get your DS8 a boogie board with a strap that secures to his wrist and let him have fun with the waves in shallow water. DS5 and DD4 need to have an adult holding their wrist to go into the ocean, IMHO.
Again, not trying to be scary, just realistic. I spend a lot of time at the ocean, and it amazes me how many people just lay down and close their eyes while their little ones do whatever.
Ok, enough of Ocean 101. I think VB, short of not having WDW next door is the best resort for onsite fun for kids. Gracelrm mentioned archery, which I didn't know about. Someone the other day also mentioned they bought a metal detector at Target and had a blast finding treasures on the beach.
The resort provides daily activities for kids & adults with the best CMs of all the resorts.
They have a nice pool & Lighthouse w/spiral waterslide, a REALLY cool water play area for the real young kids (like 3-6 yr olds), a hot Jacuzzi, miniature golf, exercise room, ping pong, bike rentals, The Green Cabin Room (bar/restaurant) has 2nd floor covered deck that has a fantastic view of the ocean and is a nice place to relax with your favorite beverage. It also has live entertainment in the evenings. At night they have a campfire / s’more roast (bring the Cutter Advanced to fend off the No-see-ums). You can rent a small catamaran or jet-ski for ocean fun. Across the street they have a lake, picnic tables, nature trail, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Disney built a private tunnel under the road to access this area. And of course they have the ocean and great waves for boogy boarding. Everything from the ocean to the pool to your room is no more than 2 minutes away walking. So it is real easy to break up your day
Five minutes away is Pelican Island and a wildlife education center. Also minutes away is Sebastian Inlet were the Indian River meets the ocean. There are many good fishing spots around the inlet, and there are river excursions where you can see dolphins, manatee, and tons of other types of wildlife. About an hour away is Cape Canaveral, (where the Magic and Wonder dock), the Kennedy Space Center (with museums,tours, and shows), and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge with walking and driving tours.
You all will have a wonderful time for sure
