Just a couple of hours drive out to the east of Orlando brings you to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.
Having cornered the market in accommodation from luxury to budget around the Walt Disney World complex in Orlando, those clever marketing execs at Disney have expanded their horizons and created 2 beachside resorts Hilton Head located in South Carolina and Vero Beach on the Atlantic Coast of Florida.
Last summer, we spent 3 days / 2 nights at Disney’s Vero Beach resort and can highly recommend it to anyone looking for that something a little different. The hotel is designed in the old fashioned style, quaint and architecturally pleasing to the eye.
As you drive up to the gatehouse, you are greeted with the usual courtesy by a liveried guard. He checks your reservation off his list and then he directs you to pull round under a large canopy where you can leave the car whilst you go in and complete the formalities of checking in.
A large galleried reception area awaits with large comfortable sofas to sit and relax should you have to wait at the desk for service.
We were checked in by really helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff who furnished us with maps, brochures and information.
We were then directed to the nearest underground car park to the accommodation we had selected, as with many of the areas around the hotel, the management are very security conscious and you are required to swipe your room key to access the car park.
There are several options for accommodation which range from a Deluxe Inn room in the main building and a Studio room both of which have a fully fitted kitchenette, to 1 and 2 bed vacation “homes” and for that touch of luxury a 3 bedroom vacation cottage.
There are 6 of the 3 bedroom cottages and they line the shoreline. The cottage is built on 2 levels with 3 separate en-suite rooms to the ground floor and a large open plan, living, dining and kitchen area on the first floor. On the first floor there is a balcony at the front and the back of the cottage to make the most of the glorious weather at either end of the day. Leading out from each of the bedrooms is also a further patio area. Just perfect for sitting and sipping those sun-downer cocktails while listening to the waves pounding against the shoreline.
At the time we were visiting (August) it was turtle hatching season and there were notices up in the cottage that at night-time once the sun had gone down and you had switched lights on within the cottage, guests are respectfully asked to pull down all of the blinds in order to protect the hatchling turtles.
We chose to have breakfast brought to the cottage and 2 charming ladies brought the trays on a trolley out to the cottage where we dined on the sumptuous fare of fruit, eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles, juice, coffee and breads.
Disney have thought long and hard about the activities provided for the guests and these are ones that maximise the location and surroundings and make the most of the environment around Vero Beach.
One of the most popular activities for the young and young at heart is the Sing Along Campfire. Sing old favourites whilst toasting marshmallows over an open fire.
Fishing fundamentals – a 90 minute class which teaches the technique of Catch and release fishing.
Join in a 10 mile Jungle Trail bike adventure where you get to see some of the beautiful seaside location and learn more about the flora and fauna of the area with your expert guide.
For those who may suffer retail therapy withdrawal symptoms there is a shop selling Disney merchandise and also a Pin Trading stand where you can trade with other guests or with the cast members.
As you would expect, in keeping with other Disney hotels, there is a variety of eating places that cater to those looking for a 5* meal to a pool side café catering to the hungers of small children at lunchtime. For the adventurous, there are also BBQ’s you can borrow to cook your own supper by the beach.
The beach is wide and clean and you can hire umbrellas and sun loungers and cushions. The sea was warm with some pleasant waves that provided opportunity for those who wanted to surf. There is also a large pool for those who prefer their swimming without the unexpected waves.
Tennis courts and crazy golf are also provided for those looking for something a little more energetic that topping up the tan.
All in all an excellent resort for some much needed R and R at the end of a busy time in Orlando at the Theme parks.
Having cornered the market in accommodation from luxury to budget around the Walt Disney World complex in Orlando, those clever marketing execs at Disney have expanded their horizons and created 2 beachside resorts Hilton Head located in South Carolina and Vero Beach on the Atlantic Coast of Florida.
Last summer, we spent 3 days / 2 nights at Disney’s Vero Beach resort and can highly recommend it to anyone looking for that something a little different. The hotel is designed in the old fashioned style, quaint and architecturally pleasing to the eye.
As you drive up to the gatehouse, you are greeted with the usual courtesy by a liveried guard. He checks your reservation off his list and then he directs you to pull round under a large canopy where you can leave the car whilst you go in and complete the formalities of checking in.
A large galleried reception area awaits with large comfortable sofas to sit and relax should you have to wait at the desk for service.
We were checked in by really helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff who furnished us with maps, brochures and information.
We were then directed to the nearest underground car park to the accommodation we had selected, as with many of the areas around the hotel, the management are very security conscious and you are required to swipe your room key to access the car park.
There are several options for accommodation which range from a Deluxe Inn room in the main building and a Studio room both of which have a fully fitted kitchenette, to 1 and 2 bed vacation “homes” and for that touch of luxury a 3 bedroom vacation cottage.
There are 6 of the 3 bedroom cottages and they line the shoreline. The cottage is built on 2 levels with 3 separate en-suite rooms to the ground floor and a large open plan, living, dining and kitchen area on the first floor. On the first floor there is a balcony at the front and the back of the cottage to make the most of the glorious weather at either end of the day. Leading out from each of the bedrooms is also a further patio area. Just perfect for sitting and sipping those sun-downer cocktails while listening to the waves pounding against the shoreline.
At the time we were visiting (August) it was turtle hatching season and there were notices up in the cottage that at night-time once the sun had gone down and you had switched lights on within the cottage, guests are respectfully asked to pull down all of the blinds in order to protect the hatchling turtles.
We chose to have breakfast brought to the cottage and 2 charming ladies brought the trays on a trolley out to the cottage where we dined on the sumptuous fare of fruit, eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles, juice, coffee and breads.
Disney have thought long and hard about the activities provided for the guests and these are ones that maximise the location and surroundings and make the most of the environment around Vero Beach.
One of the most popular activities for the young and young at heart is the Sing Along Campfire. Sing old favourites whilst toasting marshmallows over an open fire.
Fishing fundamentals – a 90 minute class which teaches the technique of Catch and release fishing.
Join in a 10 mile Jungle Trail bike adventure where you get to see some of the beautiful seaside location and learn more about the flora and fauna of the area with your expert guide.
For those who may suffer retail therapy withdrawal symptoms there is a shop selling Disney merchandise and also a Pin Trading stand where you can trade with other guests or with the cast members.
As you would expect, in keeping with other Disney hotels, there is a variety of eating places that cater to those looking for a 5* meal to a pool side café catering to the hungers of small children at lunchtime. For the adventurous, there are also BBQ’s you can borrow to cook your own supper by the beach.
The beach is wide and clean and you can hire umbrellas and sun loungers and cushions. The sea was warm with some pleasant waves that provided opportunity for those who wanted to surf. There is also a large pool for those who prefer their swimming without the unexpected waves.
Tennis courts and crazy golf are also provided for those looking for something a little more energetic that topping up the tan.
All in all an excellent resort for some much needed R and R at the end of a busy time in Orlando at the Theme parks.