Vero Beach - more "upscale" than other DVC properties?

[imgoingtodisney]

Just ran into my SIL at the grocery store. I was saying Id like to use my Disney dollars at the Vero Beach gift shop. She said it was very "upscale". Is it that much more upscale than WL? Or is it because she has never stayed onsite?
And does Vero Beach gift shop take Disney dollars? I have about $40 left from our WL vacation 6 weeks ago that are telling me to spend them on DVC t-shirts. Thank you

 

[Beth]

I must respectfully disagree with your SIL.

I find Vero no more "upscale" than any of the other DVC resorts. It is a very "comfortable" resort.

As far as the gift shop - it is smaller than VWL's & OKW's, but maybe a "little" larger than the one at BWV (the one in the lobby). I'm pretty sure they DO take Disney Dollars there, also.

There <i>are</i> some fairly "exclusive" residential areas surrounding the Disney resort, though. Perhaps it's "those" to which she's referring.

 

[PamOKW]

I haven't been to the gift shop in some time but in the past I wouldn't call it upscale. I would call it small and limited. It's nice enough to poke around but not a place for any real shopping. I'm 99% sure they will take Disney Dollars.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

I think ALL DVC resorts are very upscale (except maybe one). Certainly all the ones I have stayed in have seemed that way to me.

I'm confident you'll be very pleased, and given all your questions I just hope you have an absolutely wonderful time. I can tell you've really been looking forward to this. My only caution is that you don't build it up so much that nothing could come close. Maintain reasonable expectations, and I'm confident they will be exceeded. I know that's not easy, I think I get more excited than our kids when I know I'm heading to my 2nd "home".

Best wishes.

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

I'll bet she was thinking of those neat Vero prints that they have. Very nice as I recall, but a little on the pricey side.

 

[RobDoc]

If you want "upscale" at VB, take a ride into town. There are many boutiques there which could be the poster child for "upscale".

The store at the resort itself, except for the prints FFM mentioned, is typical Disney resort merchandise.

Enjoy!

 

[PamOKW]

Doc is right. If you want upscale there is plenty to be found in Vero Beach. The resort itself had to jump through hoops to be accepted. It blends so well into the landscape you almost don't see it until you are on top of it.

 

[Jimbo]

The resort itself had to jump through hoops to be accepted.

We were told the same thing when we stayed there in 1998. I'm just wondering if they <i>have</i> been accepted? Have the locals' fears of Disney been quieted?

 

[RobDoc]

Have the locals' fears of Disney been quieted?

Most definitely! Both VB and HH were met with initial skepticism- envisioning characters, rides and large crowds attracted to their communities. At both locations, DVC was able to convince the community leaders that no park-like atmosphere was intended, just a quality resort to compliment the area as it already existed.

With these assurances in place, the two communities welcomed DVC, the extra tourism and the extra tax-base which naturally followed.

At VB in particular, many locals have added Sonya's to their list of favorite local restaurants to enjoy. They also realize that Disney has the reputation (deserved) of being a good neighbor and attracting the type of guest always welcome in any resort area.

Enjoy the welcome!

 

[Candace]

Captain Midnight - you've got me interested now in finding out which DVC resort is not exactly upscale. I've stayed at all of them, and I can't figure out which one you mean. Let me know!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

you've got me interested now in finding out which DVC resort is not exactly upscale.

I think out of all the DVC resorts, most members know which one of them might not be completely up to the "upscale" standards referred to......

 

[dianeschlicht]

NOt really, Captain Midnight. Why so secretive?