A Look at Disney’s Other Florida Destination – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Welcome to those of you joining me from Disney with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 3rd stop on our Magical Blogorail.
The topics this month is “Top 5 Tips for Visiting Disney During Spring Break”. I laughingly told everyone that there is only one tip – “don’t go to Disney”. But it got me thinking and I realized that there is a place you can go that won’t be so crowded and you can have magical memories that are a bit less hectic…
So join me as we head to the beach, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort to be specific, and allow me to share with you my Top 5 things about that resort and the surrounding area.
Let’s start with the resort, this little gem will bring you peace of mind any time of the year. It is located just 2 hours southeast of Walt Disney World Resort in Indian River Country along the Atlantic Treasure Coast. The resort resembles an early 1900’s beachfront vacation home and was the first Disney Vacation Club built outside the boundaries of Walt Disney World.
When you arrive on property you will realize that it is very secluded. There is no hustle and bustle of your typical beach areas. Here you can relax to the sound of the surf or hit the pool with the kids.
Three of My Favorite Things About the Resort
1) The Green Cabin Room – Make sure you relax in the afternoon on the beach front porch of this second floor bar that is themed after the wreckage of a Spanish galleon. It is a umbrella drink must moment. And on the weekends there is live music.
2) The Disney touches – Disney is not in your face here but the customer service will be just as you expect it. But if you look closely you can find hidden Mickeys or even find a character or two at their Saturday morning character breakfasts.
3) The Pool Area – It starts with a Mickey shaped pool with a Pirate Plunge slide and splash pad for the little ones. But that’s not all here… there is also a Peter Pan themed miniature golf course, bocce ball court, horseshoe pit, and an open area you can even play corquet on! There is no reason to get bored here. If you do they also have an entire separate area for campfires, archery, fishing, biking, etc.. It just goes on and on.
Do you wonder why I did not mention the beach, well it is because the under tow can be quite strong. So there are times when I would not recommend kids go in for swimming.
I highly recommend the beach for long walks at sunset, seashell hunting, or take the time to talk to one of the resort’s Naturalists about their sea turtle conservation program.
Resort Accommodations
There are 5 room options at Disney’s Vero Beach
- Deluxe Inn Guest Room – Located in the main building these room come with 1 King or 2 Queen Beds, a kitchenette, and have a garden or ocean view. (sleeps 4)
- Deluxe Studio – Located in adjacent buildings these rooms have 1 queen bed, 1 double-size sleeper, and kitchenette. (sleeps 4)
- One-Bedroom Villa – Located in adjacent buildings these rooms have 1 king bed in a master bedroom, 1 queen-size sleeper, twin-size sleeper, and full kitchen. (sleeps 5)
- Two-Bedroom Villa – Located in adjacent buildings these rooms are adjoining Deluxe Studio and One-Bedroom Villas . (sleeps 9)
- Three-Bedroom Beach Cottage – These are free standing 2-story cottages that include 1 king bed in master bedroom, 4 queen beds in 2 additional bedrooms, 1 queen-sleeper, and full kitchen. (sleeps 12)
The Local Area
If you want to get off property there is a lot to find in the Vero Beach area. My favorites are:
4) McLarty Treasure Museum -The area around Vero Beach is know as the treasure coast. Know for it’s pirates, ship wrecks, and treasure. The McLarty Treasure Museum is located on the site of the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet Survivors’ & Salvaging Camp. You will see treasure, ship wreckage, and Indian artifacts. It is a must see if you have a historian or pirate fan in your family.
5 ) Squid Lips Bar and Grill – Located close by in Sebastian this is a local and tourist favorite that you can drive too or take you boat and sail right on up. It has an interesting clientele that makes this a lot of fun but yet still family friendly. And on weekends they offer live entertainment that can have you out of your seat and following some woman with a parasol. Just saying it could happen…
In addition you can go golfing, kayaking, ride in an air boat, see a production in an open air theater, visit some of the local beaches, surf shops, etc. I don’t think you could ever run out of things to do.
If you want to sit on a lounge and enjoy umbrella drinks and semi-good books the entire time that works too. I’ll be happy to join you.
Do you think you could find yourself happily content here for an extended trip. I know I could!!
Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere .
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Orange should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:
- 1st Stop ~ Top 5 Tips for Visiting Disneyland During Spring Break with I am a Mommy Nerd
- 2nd Stop ~ Top 5 Tips for Visiting Disney World During Spring Break with Disney With Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
- 3rd Stop ~ 5 Reasons to Skip the Parks and Head to Disney’s Vero Beach with Capturing Magical Memories
- 4th Stop ~ Top Five Tips to Survive Disney Spring Break ~ Land and Sea Style with Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere
- Final Stop ~ Top Five Tips to Survive Disney Spring Break ~ Flower & Garden Festival with Disney Mamas
[…] <—-You are here 2nd Stop ~ Disney with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers 3rd Stop ~ Capturing Magical Memories 4th Stop ~ Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere Final Stop ~ Disney […]
[…] Stop ~ I Am a Disney Nerd 2nd Stop ~ Disney with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers 3rd Stop ~ Capturing Magical Memories 4th Stop ~ Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere Final Stop ~ Disney […]
We stayed here for the first time last summer and we fell in love! Our daughter must have gone down the water slide about 100 times. It’s definitely a place to go to escape the craziness of the parks but still have a some Disney magic!
teacherlady117 I know!! We went on our Honeymoon and were treated like royalty. So we have not had a chance to experience it with the kids. How old was your daughter when you went?
Wow! That looks like a fabulous option for Spring Break! I would love to check it out sometime. We really enjoyed Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort last spring. Like you described Vero Beach, it’s not got the hustle and bustle that you normally associate with the Disney Parks – but the subtle Disney nuances are really fun and make me feel at home!
Here’s a question for you — How about a MB Admin. Meeting at one of these great resorts?!
HeidiPortzlineStrawser I like the idea!! If we go in off season it would be easy to get rooms pretty cheaply. Looks like Sep through Nov is the time to go. You in?
Wow, what a great post Mary. Such a tranquil setting, I’ve never been there, but I would love to experience it one year. Your pictures just transported me out of my cold winter morning and put me straight into beautiful Florida weather! Thanks for sharing it with us! And I’ll join in that trip, school permitting, of course!
HeidiPortzlineStrawser No way – we need an ALL Magical Blogorail field trip! 🙂
I’ve always glossed over Vero Beach Resort – thanks for highlighting all the fun to be had. Imagine, I thought it looked boring in comparison to Disney’s more famous properties!
What a great alternative! Would you recommend tacking on a few nights at Vero after a WDW trip?
Great idea Mary!! My first thought was the same as your – you don’t go to WDW during Spring Break!! I’ve never visited Vero Beach or any of the other “non-park” Disney Destinations, what is the best way to book a vacation there? Possibly through our regular travel agent?
DonnaKayDisneyRegular travel agent can do it or through their website: http://www.disneybeachresorts.com/vero-beach-resort/ From time to time they also do have discounts so it is worth working with a TA on that.
DisneyMamaLin YES! I see this like a Land and Sea trip. Wear yourself with fun at Disney World and then head to the beach to relax!
ReturnToDisney It is different. It definitely has a slower vibe to it. But there is a lot to do if you want to look for it. Or a good book is a valid option.
ReturnToDisney HeidiPortzlineStrawserMickey_MDOD – Looks like Heidi may have started something!
CapMagicalMem I just happen to have a good book to two….maybe a good spot for a writing weekend!
Thank you for your review of Vero Beach, I have always wondered what it was like. How many days do you recommend staying there?
DawnCullo1 Depends on the family. My parents could easily do a week but it is relaxing so I might start with 2-3 days there to start. Sort of like you would with a 3 night cruise.
ReturnToDisney CapMagicalMemI am sure you could find some inspiration there.
CapMagicalMem She was 6 and my son was 2. He wasn’t brave enough to go down the slide. But he did love seeing the turtles.We were able to see a nest of turtles make their way to the sea. It was awesome! Did you guys happen to see any?
I would love to visit Vero Beach sometime! It looks so pretty there!
What time of year is your favorite time to visit Vero Beach?
This is great information! I’d love to visit one day with my family. I didn’t realize it was the treasure coast. Were you able to see any of the sea turtles nesting? That’s what I think is so cool about Vero Beach!
CapMagicalMem Sounds so lovely! Now to get the hubby on board with extending a Disney trip, because I can’t shorten one! Was the treasure museum appropriate for little ones? My 4-year old loves anything pirate or ship, but we’ve tried a couple museums and his patience goes fast!
adisneymom We went in May and did not see turtles. There were a couple of nests marked on the beach but no real action. It is interesting though. At night it is REALLY dark there as the lights deter the turtles from nesting. It makes it feel really remote.
LoriKetcherside The good news is I don’t think there is a bad time. I would go in spring or fall. Good times to still enjoy the outdoors but not to hot. But I would not shy away from July at all.
DisneyMamaLin CapMagicalMem I think it is like anything else, the kids will ear out before you do. But this one has some fun diplays and he will get into the aargh experience. I would definitely do it.
homeisthemouse CapMagicalMem No, we were there at the beginning of nesting season so no turtles just lots of warning about where not to step.
Wow I have never been and it looks so nice and perfect place to relax with the family.
Great post, Mary! Do you have any idea how far in advance you need to book Vero Beach? I am a DVC member so I have toyed with the idea of staying here, but it always seems to be booked up by the time I get around to it. It seems like a great spring break trip without all the bustle of the parks.
Rosanne @ The Disney Point
CapMagicalMem I guess like any animal there are seasons for nesting and having babies! I would love to see this some time!
Smart girl! I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Vero Beach; it might just be the Spring Break antidote. I LOVE your “Land and Sea” suggestion. Decompression on a beach after any Walt Disney World Resort vacation should be a prescription. Thanks for the great idea Mary!!
Okay, I need to plan a trip here as soon as possible! It sounds so relaxing. Best suggestion ever! 🙂
Oh good, you mentioned a seafood place! I was going to ask! Did you find any must-have dishes? I need to see how far Vero is from where we live. It would make a great weekend getaway!
That looks like fun! I haven’t been to any of the non WDW locations – this one looks great!
Wow! This looks like a really beautiful place! I’m sure it’s a lot of fun too! Thanks for a great review.
I want to go here! It has been on my list but I haven’t planned it yet. Looks like you had a great time!
Hi Mary!! Guess what? I live in Vero Beach!! It is the BEST town
ever!! It’s like being on a vacation everyday!! I love the Sunday
brunch at The Disney Resort!! Thanks for introducing everyone to our
beautiful little town!!
GreatKidDeals Now I am extremely jealous!! I also know who I am asking for things to do the next time we go. 🙂
JodiWhisenhunt For you it would be a weekend getaway. The seafood is great. I do recommend squid lips. I am pinging GreatKidDeals – do you have any great seafood places you would recommend?
RoeMo326 For DVC members I would recommend the 7 month mark and it should be relatively easy. Easier than Hilton Head. Paying guests can usually get something there.
I love Squid Lips….great food!!! I also love to hang out at Captain Hirams. The food is okay, but just hanging outside at the Tiki Bar is fun. They have great bands and the atmosphere is fun if it is still early in the evening (before everyone has too much to drink). Even the kids run around and dance!! If you drive into Vero (the places we mentioned are in Sebastian) I love Lobster Shanty at Royal Palm Pointe. Make sure you visit the Sebastian Inlet – beautiful!!!
This sounds like a blissful vacation spot! We went to Disney World last spring for our first time ever and had a blast creating memories that will last a lifetime. I’d love to check out Vero Beach for sure!
We have family in the Vero area and I had no idea there was a Disney resort there! I am going to check it out next time we go down. I’m always looking for someplace nice to stay.
This looks like such a lovely time! I am in dire need of a beach vacation…
[…] Stop: Skip the crowds and Head to Disney’s Vero Beach with Capturing Magical […]
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