Disney's Vero Beach

As fun as vacationing at Walt Disney World is, do you ever return from a trip feeling like you need...a vacation? We always try to schedule a day relaxing at our Disney resort. Even so, the pull of the theme parks is strong, and it's hard to stay away for very long. That's why I was thrilled to discover a place with Disney magic far enough away for a peaceful respite. Disney's Vero Beach Resort is a two-hour drive from Disney World - close enough to sleep in, drive down and still be in the pool by lunchtime. Yet it is miles away from the theme park crowds, and better yet, it's right on the beach.

Checking In to Disney's Vero Beach

I drove down with my family for a long weekend at this Disney Vacation Club resort. Pulling up outside, we were greeted by the familiar "Welcome Home" signs, a fixture at all DVC resorts.

Despite the familiar signs, I immediately saw the difference in the lobby. It was quiet. The constant buzz of families that is a trademark of the Disney World resorts was missing - almost like having the resort to ourselves. We were handed a very full list of activities planned over the next few days - campfire singalongs, character breakfasts with Goofy, dodgeball, water slide races, arts and crafts.

Our room, a studio in Villa 14, is the smallest room type at Vero Beach, where the largest is a three-bedroom free-standing beachside villa. The studio was oddly shaped and a bit small - with our queen bed, a sofa bed for our son, and a port-a-crib for the baby, there was little room to walk. We did have a kitchenette with a microwave, sink, coffee maker and mini-fridge (and a "free sponge!" as my six-year-old excitedly observed), plus a tiny closet and small bathroom.

Outside, two plastic chairs and a tiny table filled out a terrace with an almost-view of the spiraling water slide and a play boat with shooting water fountains for small children. For stays longer than a couple of days, I would definitely recommend upgrading to at least a one-bedroom suite. Besides the extra room, you'd get a washer/dryer and a larger bathroom. Best of all, you'd get a full kitchen. Cooking one or two meals a day (breakfast and lunch) instead of heading out to the restaurant would pay for the upgrade.

Swimming, Water Slide Races and Dinner at Shutters

We changed into bathing suits and headed out to the pool. On the way, a bit of Disney magic - a small brown bunny - greeted us. We passed an 8-hole mini golf course and the Breakers Beach Bar & Grill on the short walk to the pool - for later. Finding chairs poolside was no problem, the beach bar served Mickey ice cream bars, and the water slide races were in full swing - we weren't missing the theme parks at all. The pool was busy enough, mostly with guests either just off the Disney cruise line or preparing to head out to sea, Orlando residents out for a long weekend or Disney World theme park visitors in search of recuperation.

After a fun swim, we discovered another plus of staying at a Disney resort so far from the crowds - we walked right into Shutters, the casual restaurant, without a reservation or a wait. The ladies working there were so nice, doting over our baby (who sat up in a highchair for the first time on this trip) and telling our older son he had to eat all his dinner before he could order dessert. The chefs in the open kitchen even posed for a picture from my son's camera.

The children's menu was exactly the same as the ones at Disney World, so we knew what to expect - kid-friendly food in Mickey-shaped plates with lots of healthy options like grilled chicken, fruit and carrot sticks. From the adult menu, we enjoyed a really flavorful and light yellow tail snapper with plantain gnocchi, an onion and mushroom flatbread and tender ribs.

Sea Turtles and the Beach

Walking around the compact resort was relaxing, but views of the beach are restricted by tall sea grapes because of Disney's commitment to protect the sea turtle nesting grounds on the beach. In fact, each night we had messages on our phone reminding us to close the blinds after 9:00 pm, and signs along the beach and walkways reminded guests not to use flashlights after dark.

The next day, we opted for the beach. We were totally unprepared and paid $36 for two lounge chairs, cushions and an umbrella for the day. Because we came out late in the morning, we had to lug our beach toys and baby supplies all the way to the end of the row, at the top of a steep sand dune. We noticed a lot of regulars with their own portable chairs and umbrellas, set up closer to the water - definitely a better way to go.

All in all, I'd definitely recommend Disney's Vero Beach as an add-on to a Disney World or Disney Cruise Line vacation, or just a relaxing Florida beach vacation by itself. Be forewarned: I hear many guests who schedule a few days at this resort in the middle of their Disney World vacation are reluctant to return to the madness of the theme parks. Save Disney's Vero Beach for the end of your Disney trip - your feet will thank you. (Reviewed May 2008)

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Disney's Vero Beach is located: on Florida's Atlantic coast, about a two-hour drive south of the Disney World Resort in Orlando.
9250 Island Grove Terrace, Vero Beach, Florida 32963
Phone: (772) 234-2000; Reservations: (800) 500-3990
Web site: Disney's Vero Beach

^{As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.}