Vero Beach questions

[Toby]

Hi,

I was wondering about the Vero Beach resort. Is it an easy drive from Orlando airport? Would a 16yo boy like it - would there be enough for him to do, or is it basically for adults? Would you recommend it?

We have 3 tickets to Orlando next Feb, but after 3 trips to Disney World/Universal Studios this past year, we are on "Disney Overload".

Or can anyone recommend a good family resort on the beach within easy driving distance from the airport?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Credit Man]

Hi, Toby. As Vero is a DVC resort, if you post this question on the DVC board you will get more replies.
I have been to VB and it is a beautiful resort. Much more low key than being at WDW. If you are looking for a beautiful resort on the beach and a relaxing vacation, I can reccomend VB highly.

 

[kel3420]

Hi, We bought into Disney's Vacation Club two years ago, with Vero as our home resort. We visited for the first time last Thanksgiving and are going again this year same time. Our kids were 14, 13 & 4 last year and each one of the had a ball.

It is very quiet compared to other Disney resorts...very laid back. There are campfires several times a week, kids activities, but I think your son may be too old for these, my oldest were too old for the majority of them. But my kids like nothing else than swimming all day, either in the ocean or pool. If you are looking for a real "downtime" vacation, than Vero is great. There is very little nightlife althought there is musical entertainment in the lounge every evening. We would go there before dinner every night for drinks and maybe appetizers with the kids before heading back to our room or restaurant for dinner. After dinner, we sometimes would go out for ice cream (they have several special family activities during the week and an ice cream deal is one of them). I will admit the kids were bored at night. They did enjoy renting board games and movies and were usually so tired from swimming they were asleep early. We drove last year, and brought a handful of DVD's with the intention of watching them in the car, but they really didn't, so these came in handy at night for them. But really, once you come in for the day, get everyone cleaned up and eat dinner, it can get pretty late.

My kids are old enough to be left alone and the lounge is close walking distance, so that was nice for hubby and I later on in the evening.

Of course, you can always leave the resort. We did one day to go and see a movie, but that was all. Many people venture out for excursions and restaurants.

If you do a search on Vero or VB you will come up with alot of useful info - most of it on the DVC board.

Have a great trip,
Kelly

 

[kel3420]

Sorry, I meant to add, it is a very easy drive. It took us about 1.5 hours and we took a roundabout way driving along the ocean.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

If you are comfortable with it, there are jet ski rentals and kayak rentals for use in the sea.

Much will depend upon how much he likes the ocean, swimming in pools and generally just relaxing. The arcade room is pretty simplistic. He may enjoy the exercise equipment in the nautilus room.

 

[dreamflight99]

We've been sneaking away to this HAVEN for the past three years! We discovered it by chance, while driving down Sebastian Inlet four years ago. It's SO wonderful...it's difficult to describe.

Everything is TOP RATE, and much like the old resorts from the "Days Gone By" (on the Eastern Seaboard). Vero (the community) itself is fabulous! The Orange juice from the little Grove store nearby is HEAVENLY! The Indian River Mall is the nicest mall I've had the pleasure to shop. It also has a great movie theater, etc.

Everything is within a close proximity to the resort, and VERY easy to find using the maps/instructions provided at the front desk. There's a NEW Publix store nearby, with a Chinese food restaurant next door (the BEST!). The beach is never crowded, and the pool is always cool, clean and refreshing.

The restaurants offer tremendously great dishes, with one a bit more formal than the other. The activities are endless, and you can partake...or just relax. The underground parking is pure genious. You are also able to grab a cart and "bellman" your own luggage up the elevator to your room...villa...studio...etc.!

We are planning to stay for 9-10 eves next summer (1 BR Villa). The staff is fabulous, and have all been there quite a while. We just can't get enough of this place. They offer TEEN night once (maybe twice) per week. It's for TEENS only, ages 13-18. They watch movies, snack and just "hang-out" together. Our DD loves this activity, and has met lots of friends over the years. You can sign up for late night Turtle walks, and watch a loggerhead laying eggs in the sand (with Florida State Parks Fish & Game associates).

The drive from Orlando is a short one, only takes us a little more than an hour. We prefer to take the Beeline, and then cut through Melbourne, over the Causeway...and to the Resort (along the inlet). Hope you go...you'll have a wonderful time!!

 

[markey]

My husband loves the gulf side, is a shell person. He is burned out as far as the parks go, but loves DCL, this will be our 4th cruise (8/03) in a row. He wants to go to the beach this year instead of the parks before the cruise. It would be more convient to go to Vero instead of the gulf side because of DCL. I guess my question is, "Will he enjoy the Atlantic side at Vero, have been to Cocoa and Daytona, as well as the gulf side? Any input would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I, too, prefer the Gulf to the Atlantic, but absolutely love WDW's Vero Beach section of the beachfront. You shouldn't have any disappointments.

 

[ncligs]

All add to the above posts........ For us it was 97 miles from Orlando airport to VB ( Beeline 528 east to I95 South) it took us about 1hr and 30 minutes.
The resort is beautifull and laid back (very relaxing). The farthest walk from one end of the resort to the other would take 5 minutes. They have 2 onsite restraunts(Shutters and Sonyas).
The VB pool is one of DVC best(not counting SAB). Within 15 minutes of the resort is the Indian River Mall that has a Movie Complex there and a Food Court.
There are also chain restraunts like, Chilli's,Outback,TGIF, Bob Evans,Ruby Tuesday,etc.
I would also recomend getting a 1 BR or larger. Wait until you see the Beach Cottages(view).

 

[A kid at heart]

Besides everything else that has been mentioned there is a nice outlet shopping center close by.
It's really a nice resort, they have lots of scheduled activities for both kids and adults. They don't have a kiddie pool for the little ones, just a pirate ship with this slide for them to play on.