Tucked away on a peaceful beach, children are eating dole whip, watching the waves roll in, and building Cinderella’s sand castle. Three words that best describe Disney’s Vero Beach resort are tranquil, quaint, and quiet. Honestly, it’s the perfect way to reset and relax while still enjoying the best Disney has to offer. Plus, it’s a SUPER easy drive just about 2 hours southeast of Walt Disney World on South Florida’s Atlantic Treasure Coast. My husband and I were lucky enough to have escaped (huge thanks in part to my dad for watching our kiddos) the craziness of Disney World for the tranquility of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort this past Memorial Day for the most incredible parent’s only vacation!
Beach at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Plain and simple – Disney + Beach = JACKPOT! Vero Beach is NOT like a Daytona Beach or Panama City Beach, where it’s jam-packed with people. The time’s we have vacationed, maybe 20 families were out enjoying the beach (Labor Day and Memorial Day). So when I say peaceful, boy do I mean it. Make sure to pack your sand toys and buckets because you can find amazing seashells and build some great castles. I have a tradition of making Mickey heads wherever we go, as you can see in the picture. The water temp was a little chilly this trip when we first got in and started swimming. After a few minutes, it felt great and was a nice relief from the heat! The waves crash into the shore perfectly for boogie boarding and body surfing! A pod of dolphins swam behind us as we were catching waves on our boards. Quite a few kids were getting surf lessons too. I know next time we bring the kids, our son wants to try! They also provide paddleboard and kayak rentals.
Lastly, the resort is famous for the nesting Loggerhead turtles. My husband and I spoke with the conservation zoologists as they were patrolling the beach each morning on their ATVs. We even got to watch them put up new nesting sites as the working dog sniffed the area to verify that eggs had been laid (see picture below). If you are up early enough in the morning (7 am-ish) you can still see the turtle slide trails out of the ocean, up to the nest and then back down into the water. In July, the zoologists offer three nights a week guided tours to watch the hatchling turtles scurry back into the sea.
A Tour Around Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Disney Vacation Club knows how to create magic when they build a resort. Vero Beach takes you back to a simpler time with the theming, decor and ambiance. They offer studio rooms all the way up to beachfront three bedroom cottages. In the grand scheme of resort size, it’s pretty small, so that also helps keep things calm and quiet. In the early morning, you will find free coffee in the library/game room. For an afternoon pick me up in the lobby, Mickey sprinkle sugar cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate chip cookies with citrus flavored ice water are available (as many as you want!)
A Look at the Vero Beach Pool
The pool is a short walk from the main lobby. A towering lighthouse slide looks over the Mickey shaped pool. On this past trip for Memorial Day, the pool was still pretty open. When you usually imagine a Disney resort pool, you think of everyone packed like sardines. Right behind the slide is the kiddie area with a massive pirate ship and Mickey’s flag flying high (see picture below) as well as a colossal playground. Most weekends you will find a DJ poolside playing the hits in the afternoon, as well as cast members playing fun games for children and adults. My brother won the watermelon eating contest (18+) last Labor Day! A fun perk for fellow Disney Vacation Club members is free mini golf! The course is only nine holes, but I literally got the worst score of my life LOL! Trust me; it’s harder than it looks.
The Spa at Vero Beach
Last but NOT least, the Spa at Vero Beach Resort was divine. Besides the playing in the beautiful blue water, we couldn’t wait for our couples’ massages and facials. Surprisingly, it is not a Senses Spa, but the quality was just as good. We each got a hot stone massage and custom facials. Wow oh wow that was just what the doctor ordered! Just make sure to call a few weeks before arrival to ensure availability. Check out the link to see what services they offer https://verobeach.disney.go.com/recreation/spa/.
Food at Vero Beach
“Food glorious food” … there’s nothing quite like eating a churro, dole whip, Mickey pretzel or Mickey ice cream bar with the sand between your toes staring out at the blue waters of the Atlantic. At the poolside quick service, Wind & Waves Market, you can find your favorite Disney Parks treats as well as excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Wind & Waves was our go-to for lunch. I loved the salad and wraps while my hubby enjoyed the sandwiches.
Next to the market is the Wind & Waves bar! We thoroughly enjoyed our cocktails while lounging poolside. They have a few drinks that are different from the bar scene on Walt Disney World property which was nice. The other fantastic bar is the Green Cabin Room inside the main lobby. Inside, it’s decorated like the cabin of a ship, but you walk outside onto the deck, and all you see is the ocean. That view with our drinks in our hands was perfection. That bar also plays host to some of the lively adult only evening activities. We enjoyed WINNING a round of majority rules, similar to Family Feud. Our team name was Fantasyland LOL!
The main table service restaurant is the Wind & Waves Grill. They are open for breakfast and dinner. It’s pretty laid back, so we easily snagged a walk up with no wait. But if you’re traveling with a bigger party, making a reservation is the best bet. This restaurant was top-notch! We were incredibly impressed. It’s a show kitchen, and we were seated right in front. We both started with the conch chowder (amazing). Then for entrees, I chose the swordfish, and my husband got the yellow fin tuna. WOW is all I can say… when we finished, my husband personally thanked the chef. Let’s just say two thumbs way up!
Since we arrived on Memorial Day (Monday), I booked us the Pirate Night buffet. It did not disappoint. Fun fact, to eat first your table aka ship must be the loudest. Of course, our table won (we were STARVING). Goofy and Donald came bounding into the room in their best pirate attire and played fun games with the kids. Then after dinner, they took pictures with the guests. Also on Saturday mornings, they offer Goofy’s Beachfront Breakfast. Make sure to make your reservations in advance for both character dining options!
Thoughts on Disney’s Vero Beach
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is worth it. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the Hilton Head resort because it’s not “on the water.” Vero Beach “knocks it out of the water.” Especially if you think you want a Disney vacation, but maybe a more laid-back vibe. Also, it’s pretty “cheap” in the realm of Disney and Disney Vacation Club points. After our parents’ only escape, we’re hoping to make it back down in July with the kiddos. We all want to see the baby sea turtles!! Have you stayed or are thinking about a Vero Beach Resort vacation? Post in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out the resort website for more information and availability https://verobeach.disney.go.com/.
Life is too short not to live YOUR happily ever after, so my husband and I decided to move the family out of the D.C. suburbs to live in the land of the mouse. I’m raising 2 kids on pixie dust and dole whip behind the castle. Everyday is a new adventure with Mickey! I look forward to sharing my pro mom tips to help you create your own magical adventure.
