We're staying at Vero Beach! Now what?

[veenstra56]

I have to be honest. We wanted to book a reservation at a Disneyworld resort for early Dec., but there was nothing available to us. There was, however, something at Vero Beach. Now please don't misunderstand- we think that VB is wonderful looking from pictures, and we are really very excited about our upcoming visit, but the problem is that we have never been to the resort. In fact, we have never even been to the area.

Therefore, this question is for those who know Vero Beach- both the area and the resort: What is there to do? What is there to see? Where should we drive to see things outside of the general area? Are the on-site restaurants good? How about the restaurants outside of the resort? How do you rate the resort?

Any information would be much appreciated. I am checking with any online site I can to educated myself on all things Vero Beach, but I'll take all the help I can get.

Thanks!

 

[bobbiwoz]

VB is in a quiet area. We have enjoyed the restaurants on site and we go to Capt. Hirams for other meals. There are restaurant menus of off site restaurant in the lobby, so you can get a feel for what's in the area.

VB is lovely. If you want Disney things, you won't find them right out, but look for the details. Look at the shiny wood floor in the lobby and see the distressed wood where loggerhead turtles have walked across the floor.

I'm assuming that the campfires are year round. There have always been activities scheduled for adults and children when we've been there.

On Rt. 1, just north of the turnoff for VB resort, stop at Hales Orange grove store, and get some oranges, and for sure some of the best OJ we've ever tasted.

South of the resort in Ft. Pierce, there's Harborbranch Oceanographic Institute and we went there for a 1/2 day tour and then a few hour boat ride. You may see manatees in the protected waters of the institute. You can get information from the front desk regarding a nature center that's only a mile away or so.

DH and I have always loved the bike ride on the Old Jungle Trail. It's about a 5 mile loop, but I've learned here that there's another part, that goes north, heading toward Sebastian Inlet. Once you get off A1A, you're riding next to a slow river, you are so not in the commercial area that is Orlando, just a lovely part of Florida. There's a small park at the end of that loop of the Trail.
Rent the bikes at VB resort, and they give you a map.

My DSis had a wonderful massage, and a yoga lesson at the resort. She was thrilled.

VB is a wonderful place to relax. We're going back in March, it's been too long since we've last been, that was in August '05 .

Bobbi

PS. Here I didn't even mention the wonderful ocean! We've never been in December, so I don't know what the water temp will be like, but we've enjoyed swimming in and walking along the water. There are rocking chairs on the back porch if you don't have an ocean view room. There's a thread on one of these DVC boards that is of pictures, and one is of a breaching whale that was taken from one of the balconies of the resort. Something to see for sure!!!! We've only seen the tracks of turtles, and places where nests were, but I don't think there is active turtle activity in December.

 

[Lenc324]

We can't wait to get back to Vero. I'm just sorry I didn't cut my WDW trip shorter and head to Vero for a few days.

 

[ACDSNY]

We just came back from 2 nights at VB at the end of our WDW trip. Even with a little rain I wish we would of stayed another night. We were in a 2 bedroom in Building 12, 3rd Floor with a good view of the ocean. Collected alot of shells on the beach, it was great to relax after a week at WDW.

We ate a Shutters a couple of times and had room service breakfast on our check out day. Everyone had a great time and now we want to stay in a beach cottage.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We love VB. Here are some thoughts.

They have a nice pool & Lighthouse waterslide, a hot jet pool, miniature golf, exercise room, ping pong, bike rentals, The Green Cabin Room (bar/restaurant) has 2nd floor covered deck that has a fantastic view of the ocean and is a nice place to relax with your favorite beverage. It also has live entertainment in the evenings. At night they have a campfire / s’more roast. You can rent a small catamaran or jet-ski for ocean fun. Across the street they have a lake and nature trail, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Disney built a private tunnel under the road to access this area.

Five minutes away is Pelican Island and a wildlife education center. Also minutes away is Sebastian Inlet were the Indian River meets the ocean. There are river excursions where you can see dolphins, manatee, and tons of other types of wildlife. About an hour away is Cape Canaveral, (where the Magic and Wonder dock), the Kennedy Space Center, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge with walking and driving tours.

Have a great trip.

 

[EpiscoDisFan]

we can't wait to go back. there is constant offerings everyday for the kids, our children loved it. the pool is really fun. but again, the key to VB is the gift of slowing down, relaxing, walking, talking, listening etc.
you can walk the beach for miles. you can rent bikes. you can fish in the pond disney owns across the street. you can grill out at the "hidden" picnic grounds. spend a whole day, for several days in a row, sitting in a cabana, build sand castles, drink mojito's, read trashy novels.
ahhhhhh, now i can't wait till we get back.

 

[fishermouse]

We love VB. Here are some thoughts.

Five minutes away is Pelican Island and a wildlife education center. Also minutes away is Sebastian Inlet were the Indian River meets the ocean. There are river excursions where you can see dolphins, manatee, and tons of other types of wildlife. About an hour away is Cape Canaveral, (where the Magic and Wonder dock), the Kennedy Space Center, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge with walking and driving tours.

Have a great trip.

Now you have my attention: How's the fishing in the inlet?

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Now you have my attention: How's the fishing in the inlet?

Wish I could give you a detailed response, but I haven't fished in many, many years. However, I can tell you that there are always quite a number of people fishing the inlet. Must be for a good reason.

 

[princessesrule4]

We booked Vero last spring break for 3 nights. We loved it so much that we stayed 2 more nights! We also bought a small contract there so we can get the 11 month window! Shutters is good for breakfast and dinner and we ordered lunch by the pool everyday. We ordered pizza from Orchid's one night (they deliver) and it was good - ate it by the pool. We actually never left the resort - it was the most relaxing vacation we've had in a long time! It isn't WDW so you may be disappointed if you really want the theme park experience, but is is a wonderful beach resort! We are booked for this spring break - can't wait! Mabye you could keep trying to get a couple of nights at WDW and then head to Vero for a couple more nights. I'll bet you will want to stay at Vero longer! Have a great trip!

 

[genealle]

If you expect Disney World you will be disapppointed.

Vero is quiet and charming.
Vero is beautifull.
If you want to sun bathe, Vero is for you.
If you want to be a tourist commando, it ain't gonna happen.
Activities for kids is plentiful, but if they expect Disney World, you're in trouble.
We didn't care for the restaurants at Vero.

YMMV

 

[Carole]

Vero Beach is very relaxing. We enjoyed eating off-site at Squid Lips and Captain Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty (hope I got the name right). DH really enjoyed the Grouper sandwiches at both places. Cell service is very poor in Vero Beach. Our inn room had no cell service....