Vero Beach???

[rigsby25]

Instead of going to WDW, we are contemplating going to Vero Beach for our first time. We are looking at Oct 19 for 5 days. Is that a good time? What can we do when we go? Please - if anyone has been there, send me your reactions, suggestions, etc. DH and I are in mid 50's. Has anyone done the scuba diving? Please reply - also - do you drive from the Orlando airport? Do you go to WDW during your stay? Universal? Kennedy Space Center? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[evsmama]

October is a GREAT time! Not too hot, not too cold, and I think the sea turtles are hatching around that time. There are special tours to see them. Vero is really laid back. If you can't get ocean view, a pool view can be great because you can sometimes get a view of the pool and ocean at the same time. The kayak tours & 'jungle crusies' are relaxing and fun, and you never know what you're going to see. We saw some manatee from the fishing pier at the state park about 3 miles from the resort (can't remember the name but anyone at the resort will be able to tell you).

We are WDWers usually, but have spent a few trips to Vero and love the relaxation. There's also a nice nature preserve just before you come over the bridge to the island. Last May we spent 11 days and right after planning it, thought maybe we'd made a mistake, that we'd be bored & would wind up going to WDW or other parks in between. No such thing! We got into such a relaxation mode we were ready to stay longer.

We have flown into both Orlando & West Palm, & have found Orlando to be a much easier drive. It's about 1 1/2 hrs to Vero and typically smooth sailing. West Palm was riddled with construction and traffic and a bit more difficult to navigate. Once there though, the airport is smaller and very little lines. So, I guess it's a matter of taste. Also, at WP, much fewer car rentals on site at the airport. You typically have to return the car off-site then take a shuttle to the airport. That was a big hassle w/ alot of luggage.

Good luck and have a great time!!

 

[Disney_Villain]

We stayed at VBR the first week of November 2007, coming off DCL. The last week of October 2007 saw Hurricane Noel pounding the East Coast. When we arrived at VBR they told us that we were lucky as our arrival day was the first day in a week that VBR had sunshine and no rain.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We love VB and do use our car to explore the area, and also places farther afield, like Canaveral Seashore on the check in day. We were in VB when Hurricane Katrina was battering Miami, the skies were magnificently wild and the rain was horrible, but we survived.

We've gone to WDW only once during a VB stay because we had booked an Illumination cruise, and there had been a mix up with the VB reservations.

Bobbi

 

[DisDaydreamer]

October is great. Only problem is risk of tropical storms & hurricanes. Otherwise it is perfect. Don't know if you have seen the thread below yet, but it has a lot of info and answers to many questions about VB

EDIT: I forgot the link to the VB thread. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1713110

 

[Harley-Mouse]

If you are looking to get some good RR this is the place. Don't go to WDW just enjoy the resort, pool, beach, And if you would like to go some where go to the town ov VB. Drive from MCO is about 1 1/2 hr. Enjoy the resort.

 

[bonnielynn]

Is there things to do at Vero beach or around the area?

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Is there things to do at Vero beach or around the area?

Here is the link to our VB info thread... lots of info and questions answered http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1713110

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Here is the link to our VB info thread... lots of info and questions answered http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1713110

Ok, the whole east coast is 90+ degrees. How is the beach with these high temps?

 

[rigsby25]

Hey you Vero Beach people. I don't think there is enough information out on Vero Beach. Come on. Give up your secrets!!!!

 

[rigsby25]

I was just on the member site and I didn't see a private balcony listed for the inn rooms. Is this true?

 

[bobbiwoz]

I was just on the member site and I didn't see a private balcony listed for the inn rooms. Is this true?

Each inn room has a private balcony!
Bobbi

 

[SLM]

My DH and I (also 50 plus!) spent a week in VB last year and loved it. We stayed in an OVIR-nice size balcony with a wonderful view-we spent the day at the resort at the pool or beach and went out for dinner nearly every night. We did eat at Sonia's-ask for an ocean view table-and liked it very much. We took a day trip to Kennedy Space Center one day and were glad we did. Then we drove home along the coast and ate in some little BBQ place. If there is a night life we weren't looking for it that trip, so I would check out some guidebooks.
We're trying HH this fall-Vero was so nice we thought we'd visit the non WDW resorts before we go back to Orlando. Although we had a good week the last time (2006) we both said let's take a break and go back when AKV is open and there will be some new attactions.

 

[lisareniff]

Since we have young children and go during the spring I didn't answer previously..

VB is great for relaxing and enjoying the ocean. We did a Kayak tour and really enjoyed it - even with a 12 and 6yo. The Space Center is also a good day trip. I feel WDW is too far for a day trip. If you feel the need to go to WDW just tack a couple days there at the beginning or end of your trip.

 

[rigsby25]

Well we booked. I don't think I have been this excited since we made our first DVC reservations. I have been searching and searching for pictures, trip reports, etc. and I can't wait for this vacation. Because my husband knows someone who works at the airlines, and they told him that a major airline is going under in 4 to 6 months, and ours would follow, we took all of our miles to go first class! Even if the airlines don't fold, we will have gone first class for the first (and probably last) time of our lives. Since the kids aren't coming, we can rent a small car for the two of us. And I don't think the per bag charge will apply to us either. Thanks so much for your input, and if you can think of anything else we should know, please do tell us!

 

[Tracy0729]

What airline ?

 

[rigsby25]

I wasn't going to say seeing how its just rumor, but it should be pretty obvious anyway. Airlines are really suffering now. The person works for United, and they said American wouldn't be more than a couple of months behind them.

 

[MEK]

I just returned from Vero (3 night stay) and I could have stayed much longer. The McKee Botanical Gardens are a 20 min drive. Unfortunately, they are closed on Monday and we did not know that. So don't go on Monday.

The resort is kind enough to give you a map (not to scale) of some of the closer attractions. You can easily drive to a super walmart, publix, and drug store.

There is an interesting path called the "Jungle Trail" which is approximately 1/2 mile from the resort. You can rent bikes and ride the trail. It is partially shaded, which was nice in June.

The resort is pretty compact. It was nice to be able to do the circle- room, beach, pool, room, ect.

I thought the beach chairs and umbrella were pricey, but they were so worth it for spending relaxing time on the beach.

I will say - I thought the pool slide was wicked. I did not expect it to be that fast and when I tried to lift my head I almost gave myself a concussion. Then my son reminded me that the heavier you are the faster you go (and I am not that heavy)

We used the tennis courts, which was fun. You can get rackets/balls from Eb & Flo's.

I would definately recommend the day trip to KSC. It's a straight shot, hour ride. KSD is very interesting and its easier to get there from Vero than Orlando.

Have a good trip.