Disney's Vero Beach

 

Our family is a Disney family. We have been to Walt Disney World Resorts at least 40 times, in addition to two Disney cruises. We live in Windermere Florida. We are Disney people. You probably know this is not going to be a terrific review for Disney's Vero Beach.

The Good:

Typical Disney theming. Very on-point with all the little details which make this resort a Disney Resort. Pool area, although a little small is Disney-riffic, complete with chicken fingers and ice-cream! The beach is typical Atlantic Ocean, a little rough, dark and chilly but otherwise beachy. The outer rooms are full condo and the hotel proper units have kitchenettes, a great thing to have with kids. We liked the Peter-Pan theming.

The Bad:

The main kitchen supplies the pool snack bar, upper bar in hotel and both sit-down restaurants with food. This is not good. We literally had a one hour wait for chicken wings in the bar at 2:00 in the afternoon. The staff chided the set-up which is not a Disney type thing to do. The Atlantic Ocean can be rough for the little ones, next time you design a beach themed resort go for the blue/green, calm waters of the gulf. Decor was also dated. No granite countertops??

The Ugly:

Our room smelled of dampness and what we think was urine. We found a blood stain on a comforter and a bath towel. We viewed a fight between the kitchen coordinator and a waitress. Yes, we were two feet away and witnessed two Disney employees fight in front of us. Remember what I said about that wait in the bar, same deal in the sit-down restaurant . This all took place within 24 hours.

The Conclusion:

Disney helped us transition to Disney's Wilderness Lodge where we spent our week in sheer bliss. They did not charge us any extra for a club-level room in the lodge which is about the nicest resort they have. As usual Disney proved that even in crisis they make sure customers are being taken care of.

We rated Disney's Vero Beach Resort 2/5. We will not return. Every resort can have a bad day but all this coupled with the unpredictable Atlantic Ocean is too much to bare. We will be rating the lodge in another article.

 

 

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South Seas Resort, Captiva/Sanibel Islands Florida

Sanibel and Captiva islands, located off the West coat of Florida, are an oasis of Florida's real natural beauty. Our family has stayed on Sanibel (holiday inn) in the past. We loved the unmolested solitude that this area offers. Highlights from our last trip included the "Ding" Darling wildlife loop, fishing in the surf for Spanish Mackerel and enjoying the Southern hospitality and good food found at the many restaurants (must eat at Island Cow, delicious food and warm atmosphere).
This trip we picked:SouthSeas Resort
Located: Captiva island, FloridaWebsite: http://t.southseas.com/
The Good:
Beautiful resort, very tropical feeling. Many pools(quiet and not quiet), beautiful beaches (free chaise lounges and umbrellas). Unspoiled wildlife areas ( sea turtle nest sites on beaches). Sea School for kids( half and full day programs)-YES they take your kids $55.00 per kid half day, 100.00 full day, worth it!! Power-boat, kayak and bike rentals on premises. Several food options on premises, many more off premises-go off grounds for dinners, you will save a bundle and have many good choices.  Good local choices, off-premises:

•  RC Otters, Captiva- excellent breakfast burrito and belgian waffle for kids
• The Green Flash- upscale but friendly and great food
• The Lazy Flamingo-sports bar atmosphere
• Island Cow- must do once- excellent hush puppies!!
• Traders- Diver Scallops are from a dream- get dessert here too!

 Resort Amenities:

• Numerous pools, waterslides, hot-tub at main pool area
• Two main beach areas, complete with free chaise lounge/umbrellas/towel service
• Store/Market
• Ice Cream Pizza Shop, Formal restaurant/bar
• Numerous tennis courts including lessons for all ages
• 9 hole par-3 golf course
• Kids activity area and Sanibel Sea School (my kids loved this!!)
• Powerboat, kayak, bike and golf-cart rentals
• Nature trails
• Fishing docks
• Jet-ski rentals

The Bad:
Key cards kept losing efficacy. Dinner is limited to two main restaurant on premises $$$$ expensive side. More choices for lunch although we made sandwiches to offset costs for those big restaurant dinners. Skip the "Bubble Room", in Captiva, for dinner, go for dessert! Parking is tough as this area is sandwiched between bayside and gulf.
The Ugly: Nothing !!

Conclusion:

This place is a keeper!! Candy/ice cream shop with every candy known to mankind on premise. Banana Boat ride in bay behind a jet-ski-awesome even for little ones. Unspoiled nature(dolphin sitings everyday). Too much good stuff to list and this resort deserves a two week stay!

Rates:
High 700.00 per night. Low: 199.00 per night- check website for special deals!!
Our family rated this vacation resort Four out of Five! We would come back and will often! Great for families, good for couples too but this truly is a "family resort". We look for high quality service and accommodation. We use Disney Resorts as our bell-weather for the places we stay!

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