Vero Beach Question

[mackeyapp]

We just came back from our first summer trip to Florida and now we are wondering about going back next summer and perhaps going to Vero Beach. What would out chance be of getting a studio or inn room around June 26-July 3rd. Would a full week there be too much, should we look at staying a few nights back at DW. Thanks for the help.

 

[PixiePop]

Hi~

We were there this year from July 2nd- 5th. I had no problems getting the room by calling day to day and adding to the reservation daily.


Regarding length of stay, it is a personal decision, but for us 3 days was enough....we just aren't the type to go to the beach or pool all day long too often.

It was really nice there though and we will definately go back again but probably not for any longer than 3 days.

 

[Mahusky]

7 days for us is just about enough. Try 3/4 days in WDW and 4 at Vero.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We just came back from our first summer trip to Florida and now we are wondering about going back next summer and perhaps going to Vero Beach. What would out chance be of getting a studio or inn room around June 26-July 3rd. Would a full week there be too much, should we look at staying a few nights back at DW. Thanks for the help.

Well... I'll step in since starbox and lisareniff don't seem to be around... Florida is bliss to visit. Your chances of getting anything other than a cottage at almost anytime is pretty good. We've reserved VB a dozen times at the 7 month mark... OVIR and 1BRM.

A full week will leave you wishing for two weeks. I think it is the perfect resort... Ocean, Pool, great rooms... the best CMs.... And really... if you get board, many other places to go.. let me know if you want to know what else outside of DVC there is to do there.

 

[mackeyapp]

Thanks everyone!!
OK, I'll bite,

What else is there to do around Vero Beach? We are not familiar with the area and would love to know anything you can tell us. We have 2DS (9 & 10) and feel that they will enjoy the warm water beach (we are from Atlantic Canada) and we think a change will be good since we are back to DW in Dec/Jan (No Complaint).

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Thanks everyone!!
OK, I'll bite,

What else is there to do around Vero Beach? We are not familiar with the area and would love to know anything you can tell us. We have 2DS (9 & 10) and feel that they will enjoy the warm water beach (we are from Atlantic Canada) and we think a change will be good since we are back to DW in Dec/Jan (No Complaint).

Well... since you asked.

Across the street they have a lake, picnic tables, Jungle trail, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Disney built a private tunnel under the road to access this area. 5 minutes away is Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and a wildlife education center and actually you can walk or bike the Jungle Trail (5 miles I think) to Pelican Island. Just a few minutes further up the road is Sebastian Inlet State Park 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 north is Port Canaveral, (where the Magic and Wonder dock), the Kennedy Space Center visitor complex, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge with walking and driving tours. 20 minutes south is McKee Botanical Garden (18 acres) with some REALLY cool vegetation and trees. 30 minutes south in Fort Piece is the Manatee Observation and Education Center.



Edit: The McKee link above seems to be having trouble... It is the right link though. Must be something going on with the website.

 

[mackeyapp]

Thanks Rob

DH and I will enjoy going through some of the sites this evening. Now I have a very important question, is there any SHOPPING nearby???

We generally don't rent a car when we go to DW and spend the entire time onsite so I would like to think that there may be some shopping in the Vero Beach area for "moi" .

One other question-I had read somewhere that the swimming (in the ocean) isn't the greatest. What is your opinion on this matter.

Thanks for all your help
Joan

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Thanks Rob

DH and I will enjoy going through some of the sites this evening. Now I have a very important question, is there any SHOPPING nearby???

We generally don't rent a car when we go to DW and spend the entire time onsite so I would like to think that there may be some shopping in the Vero Beach area for "moi" .

One other question-I had read somewhere that the swimming (in the ocean) isn't the greatest. What is your opinion on this matter.

Thanks for all your help
Joan

Not a whole lot in the way of shopping near the resort. Most shops and stores are about 10 minutes away (by car).

My take on the ocean is a little biased. I spend 70% of my day in the ocean. I love Florida's east coast beaches for the waves. If you want to literally swim (like distance swimming) I would say not, but playing in the waves and riding the waves is a blast. Your sons are old enough that you should buy them boogie boards and ship them down. Actually, now that I think about it, I believe starbox's chair swap this year included 2 boogie boards. I think she had so much fun coordinating it that she will do it again next year. That reminds me.... if you haven't seen this thread then you will get a lot of information from it.

Have a great day, Joan.

 

[mackeyapp]

We think the same way as you, having fun in the waves would be a blast with the big waves crashing on the shore. We will have trouble getting the boys out of there, and Mom and Dad too.

Thanks for the info about the swap-if we are lucky enough to get a spot at our desired dates I would like to get involved in such a great idea.

Would you recommend a studio or oceanview inn room. We have to be frugal with our points this coming trip and next after taking family down last week and using more points than normal.

I think you have convinced me that a week would not be too long.

Now, the big question will be getting our desired dates-June 26ish to July 3rd

We have to wait and what our boys school schedule for next year will be. Grading day this year was June 29 so getting away on the 26 wasn't a problem. Should be about the same for next year.

Thanks Again Rob

Joan

 

[gracelrm]

One of my sons was 10 on our last trip to VB and he participated in many of the activities at VB, he really enjoyed archery and another activity where they took them to Pelican Island (I think???) and they explored and studied some of the sea life. That kind of stuff is exactly what my son loves to do and the CM's were wonderful with him. We were there in October and the resort was not full, so most of the activities he participated in had only 2 - 4 children. Later in the week, it got more crowded and there were many more children involved in the activities.

 

[lisareniff]

Would you recommend a studio or oceanview inn room. We have to be frugal with our points this coming trip and next after taking family down last week and using more points than normal.

I think you have convinced me that a week would not be too long.

Rob gives great advise on VB doesn't he? I'm going to save his paragraph on things to do around the area. Our first and only family trip was 5 nights in 2 connecting OVIRs and we didn't leave the resort except for supplies and 1 dinner.

That trip was 3 nights WDW/ 5 VB. I thought that 5 nights was OK but 6 would have been better ....but if we did 6, I might think 7 might be better

I highly recommend the OVIRs over the studios. First off you have a view of the ocean, and that alone is worth it. The Inn rooms also have 2 queen beds which would be much better for 4 people. Just remember that an OVIR can face the south(pool) and north as well as the east (ocean). They all will have an ocean view, just not as direct. Being in the Inn makes it easy to access the common rooms and dining if the weather is rainy.

I put together a little map on google with restaurant in blue and shopping in green if you are curious about the locations of things.
VB Google Map

 

[lisareniff]

I also wanted to add that my DD's were 10 and 4 when we went last Feb. Our older one LOVED the resort. She only did a couple organized activities since she is shy, but loved the mini golf and other lawn games.

 

[Mahusky]

Rob gives great advise on VB doesn't he? I'm going to save his paragraph on things to do around the area. Our first and only family trip was 5 nights in 2 connecting OVIRs and we didn't leave the resort except for supplies and 1 dinner.

That trip was 3 nights WDW/ 5 VB. I thought that 5 nights was OK but 6 would have been better ....but if we did 6, I might think 7 might be better

I highly recommend the OVIRs over the studios. First off you have a view of the ocean, and that alone is worth it. The Inn rooms also have 2 queen beds which would be much better for 4 people. Just remember that an OVIR can face the south(pool) and north as well as the east (ocean). They all will have an ocean view, just not as direct. Being in the Inn makes it easy to access the common rooms and dining if the weather is rainy.

I put together a little map on google with restaurant in blue and shopping in green if you are curious about the locations of things.
VB Google Map

Second or Third lisareniff's advice OVIR is MUCH Better than Studio IMHO!

Lisareniff great google map! Another awesome rest to add Ti Amo Sempre. Great Italian.

32 days!!!! Can't wait!

 

[mackeyapp]

Thanks again to all of you for the terrific information. I think we will try to get a OVIR for a the full week. You all have convinced DH and I. We will be waiting for our 7 month window to get things started. I would be interested in the swap program as it sounds like a great idea, especially for us arriving by air.
Joan

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Thanks again to all of you for the terrific information. I think we will try to get a OVIR for a the full week. You all have convinced DH and I. We will be waiting for our 7 month window to get things started. I would be interested in the swap program as it sounds like a great idea, especially for us arriving by air.
Joan

We are all just happy to pass on information to you... We (DW & I) are torn between the OVIR and the 1 bdrm.... we absolutely love the ocean view and leaving the balcony door open at night to hear the waves... but we also love the kitchen and laundry in the 1bdrm. Damn... why aren't there OV1BR rooms? Hey Lisa... hope all is well on your side of the world.

 

[kritter]

Can someone tell me the difference betweeen the OVIR rooms and the one bedrooms??? Thanks,

 

[Candace]

Can someone tell me the difference betweeen the OVIR rooms and the one bedrooms??? Thanks,

OVIR are all in the main building. You have a GUARANTEED ocean view (although sometimes it might be an angled view). OVIR have 2 queen beds, but also have a kitchenette like the studios do. The rroms are nice and large for a hotel room.

1BR units are in the outer buildings (still only a view steps from the main lodge), but you do have to walk to get to restaurants, general store, etc. There are no guaranteed ocean views, but you do have the usual one bedroom setup with full kitchen, washer/dryer, living room, bedroom, etc. King bed in the bedroom and fold out sofa in the living room. They are very nice and roomy, but remember, there is no guarantee what view you will have.

 

[kritter]

OVIR are all in the main building. You have a GUARANTEED ocean view (although sometimes it might be an angled view). OVIR have 2 queen beds, but also have a kitchenette like the studios do. The rroms are nice and large for a hotel room.

1BR units are in the outer buildings (still only a view steps from the main lodge), but you do have to walk to get to restaurants, general store, etc. There are no guaranteed ocean views, but you do have the usual one bedroom setup with full kitchen, washer/dryer, living room, bedroom, etc. King bed in the bedroom and fold out sofa in the living room. They are very nice and roomy, but remember, there is no guarantee what view you will have.

The deluxe Inn room with ocean viewes are less points. What does the kitchennette consist of?? And no washer/dryer correct??

Anyone have any pics of thse rooms????

 

[Candace]

The deluxe Inn room with ocean viewes are less points. What does the kitchennette consist of?? And no washer/dryer correct??

Anyone have any pics of thse rooms????

Kitchenette is the same as in the studios: small undercounter fridge, small sink, and microwave. Paper plates and plastic ware for 4, but real mugs and glasses. No washer and dryer, but there is one available on the 4th floor that is free to use. No pictures of the kitchenette, but here are two of the rooms. Yes they are less points than the 1BR. They are just one room - like a large hotel room. Studios are the same points - just have the 1 bed, 1 sofa sleeper design. For the same points as a studio, I much prefer the OVIR.
I also put links to the room layouts from Disney's website. In the INN room, you can see the kitchenette location just to the left of the entrance.

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/vb4.jpg
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/vb19.jpg
http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc...esorts/veroBeach/floorPlans/deluxeinnroom.jpg
http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc...orts/veroBeach/floorPlans/onebedroomvilla.jpg

 

[dis@dills]

Rob gives great advise on VB doesn't he? I'm going to save his paragraph on things to do around the area. Our first and only family trip was 5 nights in 2 connecting OVIRs and we didn't leave the resort except for supplies and 1 dinner.

That trip was 3 nights WDW/ 5 VB. I thought that 5 nights was OK but 6 would have been better ....but if we did 6, I might think 7 might be better

I highly recommend the OVIRs over the studios. First off you have a view of the ocean, and that alone is worth it. The Inn rooms also have 2 queen beds which would be much better for 4 people. Just remember that an OVIR can face the south(pool) and north as well as the east (ocean). They all will have an ocean view, just not as direct. Being in the Inn makes it easy to access the common rooms and dining if the weather is rainy.

I put together a little map on google with restaurant in blue and shopping in green if you are curious about the locations of things.
VB Google Map

SWEET Map!!! We will be doing a split vacation The Dolphin and VB in Aug. Our VB stay will be our first there and we can't wait. I will add the map to the VB lover's thread info.

Thanks,
Matt