What to expect at VB?

[Disneyflyer]

Ever since discovering this forum I have been suffering from severe WDW withdrawal symptoms! My two DD's are starting to show the effects of these symptoms as well!

How much Disney flavor can we expect to see at VB during our trip next month? Will there be any character sightings? I'm almost tempted to take a day trip to MK just to satisfy some of our WDW cravings!

 

[CarolMN]

We've visited VB twice. In our experience, there are not a lot of characters there. There is (or used to be) a character breakfast on one of the weekend mornings with Max (Goofy's kid).

I bought a refillable mug at VB with Disney characters on it and there is Disney merchandise in the gift shop. While we were there, there was a cake (I think it was cake) on display in the lobby that was a tribure to the 100 Years of Magic Celebration. IIRC, there were some hidden mickey's and a sign along one of the pathways that gave the distance to the other DVC resorts.

There is a lot of things for kids to do there - I'd encourage you to spend a couple of nights there before or after you next trip to the WDW, especially if the kids like to swim!

 

[vbfamily]

I think they do the character breakfast with Max and Goofy 2 days a week during the busy season-I know for sure they have one on Sat.

I don't think you will see any other characters there. We find VB to be "Disney" enough for us when we don't want to go to WDW. They have merchandise, Mickey food for the kids in the restaurants, a Mickey shaped pool with a nice slide and pirate ship.

I can certainly see where some people would want to take a day trip to WDW, though. I think it's all a matter of personal opinion. For us, VB is the perfect combo of Disney and relaxation and is not as hectic as Orlando. Some people like the more fast paced vacation.

It's about a 2hr drive to WDW.

I'm sure once you get there you'll see if it has enough for you. If you want to make a day trip over to WDW, just talk to someone at the front desk. I'm sure they can help you with any details.

Have fun.

 

[DISNEY QUEEN CPA]

The first time that my family ( DH, DS 6yo & myself) vacationed at VB, we stayed for a week. We had a great time!! My DS was 2 yo and it was a very relaxing vacation. We enjoyed the beach & pool and just loungeing around. Our DS had a great time at the goofy & Max breakfast. We did however, miss WDW after about 5 days at VB so we drove up to WDW on the 6th day. It took us about an hour & 45 min. to get there. It isn't a bad drive and was worth us getting our Disney fix for the day.

After our first VB vacation, we started breaking up our Spring vacation stays between VB & BWV. We usually go for 8 to 10 days in May/June and spend 3 or 4 nights at VB & the Remaining 5 or 6 at BWV. This seems to work out the best for us. We get the best of both worlds that way.

There are alot of great activities for kids at VB. Our DS enjoys the Kids Club & daily activites. There is miniature golf, rental bikes, and various other fun stuff like water balloon tosses.

This will be our 6th Spring trip and each trip is more fun than the last!!! WE never get tired of VB or WDW. We will be heading to VB for 4 nights on 6/5/03(the day after DS School is out) and then onto BWV for 6 nights. I can hardly wait!!!

After all this snow, I am definitely ready for a warm or even hot vacation in Florida.

I would recommend doing a combo trip at VB & WDW. You will have a great time!!

 

[dvc guy]

I think that you have gotten a great overview of VB. We just got back last week and it was GREAT.

IMHO a one day trip to WDW is a bit much. It is a 1hr and 45 minute ride and can make for a long day for the kids and adults. We went to Typhoon Lagoon and it closed at 5 Pm. After TL we headed over to the ESPN zone for dinner. Made for a nice day but a lot of traveling. The best thing about Vero is everything is right there. Have a great trip!!!!!!!

 

[Disneyflyer]

Thanks very much for the info! Sounds like a terrific place to unwind...as much as possible with a 2 and 5 year old! We'll definitely give the character breakfast a try.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

If you really wanted to go to WDW, instead of a day trip, I'd tack on a night's stay at the begining or end of your trip at WDW resort. You could check out the parks, and have a comfortable place to stay with the kids onsite. You could stay at WLV, and have teh advantage of nice parking, a pleasant boatride ot MK, and a comfortable room to spend the night in. Just a thought. I wouldn't be in a rush to go to WDW without a room with little ones, that's one of the big advantages you have with your DVC membership.

 

[Disneyflyer]

Good point Cpt. I was thinking the same thing. Might as well make the most of the experience. Even if it is only for a day.

 

[rwodonnell]

Originally posted by vbfamily
...We find VB to be "Disney" enough for us when we don't want to go to WDW...

I don't understand these words that you speak. "...when we don't want to go to WDW..." Can someone please translate?

 

[vbfamily]

rwodonnell:



I know it'w weird, but we actually have more fun at VB than at WDW. We are total beach bums and need the beach.

We are going to WDW in October and may not be able to squeeze in time at VB and I'm really sad about that-thinking of giving up some days at WDW to go to VB.

 

[Claudia1]

We were also unsure about missing WDW but Delta Airlines made the decision for us. The best airfare was thru Orlando, so we decided to make our last day at BWV. We check out of VB on a Thursday and fly out on Friday, around 7pm.

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by vbfamily
rwodonnell:



I know it'w weird, but we actually have more fun at VB than at WDW. We are total beach bums and need the beach.

We are going to WDW in October and may not be able to squeeze in time at VB and I'm really sad about that-thinking of giving up some days at WDW to go to VB.

Good point, we like to hit the beach as well. Even on WDW trips, it's nice to take some down time at the beach, the parks and WDW scene isn't always very restful with little ones.