Vero Beach--What do you think?

[ChickieToo]

We are scheduled for BCV Oct 4-8 and Vero Beach October 8 -11. Our thought was to cancel Vero for obvious reasons, and when I called last week to get info on the status of the resort and my points, I was told that if we chose to cancel the points would be restored to my account. Today I called to cancel and they said that they would stand by what they told me last week, but that the resort was going to re-open on Oct. 1.

After a series of questions about the facility (all restaurants and resort ammenities will be available) and the beach (the dune was swept away, but they are cleaning up the beach and it is usable) I asked about the town. MS didn't really have much information about the town, but told me that the condition of the town didn't matter because the resort is on a strip away from town. I told her that I ws concerned about gas, restaurants, grocery stores being open and ready for tourist traffic, etc., but she didn't seem to think that was such a big deal. I think if the town isn't ready for tourist activity and its resources will be stretched too thin we should be mindful of the people who are trying to put their lives back in order.

Is anyone else due to be there around the same time? Did you cancel, or are you going? This will be our first trip to Vero and my DH wants to go? Any advice?

 

[dis-happy]

I wouldn't be so concerned. Our friends live in Melbourne--they came and stayed with us in HH when they evacuated--and now they are back is life is pretty normal. Schools started back up this week. Gas availability is not a problem. And your trip is a whole month from now. Yes, there may possibly a restaurant or two not open if repairs need to be made, and there was a lot of beach erosion, but as long as Ivan doesn't hit close by (and it seems not to be), I would plan on going anyway.

Another option is to call the local agencies or maybe get on the news pages for the Orlando Sentinel and see what they are saying.

HTH

 

[pumpkinboy]

Just a note, Disney's Vero Beach Resort (to use the full name) is actually in Wabasso Beach, FL, whcih is closer to Sebastian than Vero Beach itself. So the nice lady you spoke to was absolutely correct about damage to the town not having great effect on your VB vacation (it does affect the CMs there, as some of them had their homes damaged).

I have been taliking with a colleague who is from the area and who has a sister in Vero and parents in Ft Pearce; there is damage all around, but it's nothing they haven't seen before, and now that the power and electiricty is being restored they are just looking forward to returing to normal. Normal means tourists, so do your part and go have a lovely time there . Seriously tho, they will have had over a month to dwell on what got wrecked during Frances, and getting back to a normal routine is often a great relief.

If the resort is going to be opening, they will have both on-site restaurants open and in full swing, and they will know which restaurants are open in the surrounding area. The grocery stores are back in business, and the gas stations are being refilled, so by the time you get there, things will be getting back to normal (especially with Ivan taking a northerly track).

I expect other folks will be scared away, so you are going to have most things open and not many other ppl to crowd you (perhaps a welcome change after the parks). I hope you continue with your VB plans and have a great time.

Good luck!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

We are due to arrive at VB October 24th. Last week we put a back up plan into motion for a couple days at the YC. I was going to cancel my back up plan today, when I heard about the new tropical storm "Jeanne" in the Caribbean. According to The Weather Channel, Jeanne will be a hurricane shortly and possibly heading for Florida.

I am not cancelling my plan B yet...

MG

 

[msdis]

We are planning to be there 3rd week in Oct and was also glad to hear from 2 cm's (CRO & DVC-2 sets of ressies) today that things are going to be at full speed ahead within 2 weeks. I think we can actually help them out by going. They all need our business. We were mindful of respecting what has been lost but if we all stay away then it affects them even worse. We too are working on plan B and hopeful we won't need it. MG-they said a little while ago Jeanne hopefully will only be a cat. 1 when and if it gets there.

 

[rocketriter]

Remember that tourism is a big part of their economy, and by now they're likely to be grateful for your dollar. Are you helping them more by staying away, or by coming down and spending a few bucks in their establishments?

 

[donald...really]

We will be there mid-October relaxing by the pool and spending money!!! Anything to help the wonderful people of VB!!!

 

[manning]

Guess what. Tropical storm Jeanne is up and running with a projected path like Frances. That's the guess from the weather service right now. Soonest landfall in Fla about 8AM Sunday. More at accuweather sight.