Epcot and Vero Beach

[epcotisbest]

Going to DVB for the first time in a couple of weeks. Being in Fla during Flower and Garden Festival we are thinking about driving (will have our own car) to Epcot one day.

How far is this drive and does it make sense to drive that far, spend the day, stay for Illuminations, then drive back to the beach? In our younger days we would not have hesitated, but now in our 50s we are a bit concerned.

I suppose we could just get a room at WDW for the night, or an inexpensive off-site to avoid the drive back the same day, but we would be giving up a night in what is hopefully a beautiful one bedroom at DVB.

Other Vero tips appreciated as well.

Ricky

 

[wdwmagic]

It is about 2 hours, and just over 100 miles from Epcot to Vero.

I have some photos up at http://www.wdwmagic.com/Resorts/Disneys-Vero-Beach-Resort/Gallery.htm

I found the restaurants to be a bit questionable. We did Sonya's, and it was not worth the cost. I would suggest eating off-site.

 

[epcotisbest]

Thank you for the link to the wonderful photos.

Two hours is not so bad a drive, I suppose either via 95 and Beachline or turnpike, but after 12 plus hours at Epcot, that 2 hours may seem much longer.

 

[Funfy]

First of all Vero Beach is amazing. Vero Beach-the town itself has amazing things to do-at least to my family.

Things to do: Botanical Gardens-beautiful, Mel Fischer Musuem-started here before he went to the keys and found the Atocha, State treasure museum, and shopping right down the road in a small little place surrounded by trees, and the first Federal Bird sanctuary.

Places to eat: Ocean side Grille, Long Point Restaurant and Tackle Store-just fun and several other restaurants-one near a bridge right past downtown.

The beach is beautiful. Hopefully, you are going when the turtles are hatching. One of the three places-literally on the planet where you can get a Dole Whip ice cream-at the pool concession stand.

If you are driving, try to fit in your own beach chairs-you have to rent theirs-resorts can't provide their own there.

Also, I would recommend buying an inexpensive metal detector-then go do the tour at the state treasure museum right down the road-then get treasure hunting fever! Also, read the signs at the resort. One of the ships of the 1719 fleet shipwreck from Spain literally went down right at the resort.

I have been three times and we have loved it every time and are trying to get back asap. :sohappy:

 

[epcotisbest]

Thank you, some good tips there.
The botanical gardens and Mel Fischer Museum are going on the list.
The restaurant recommendations are appreciated.
We will take our own beach chairs and I just ordered a portable beach cabana called an Abo that should come in handy.
And...a Dole Whip!!! Had no idea.
Really looking forward to first trip to Vero.
Thanks again.

Oh...love your avatar.
Ricky

 

[Funfy]

Also, I would highly recommend St Augustine if you have never been. It is worth driving to St Augustine, spending the day and getting a hotel between Daytona and Vero. Then just a short drive to Vero from there.:wave:

 

[twebber55]

ninos Italian.. best italian we ve ever had

 

[epcotisbest]

Thanks for the Italian restaurant tip.

We have been to St. Augustine a couple of times and really enjoyed it.

What about these no see um bugs I keep reading about?

Is the Vero Beach Art Museum worth the time?

 

[Funfy]

We didn't find it to be so. But, in their defense, when we went they were in-between exhibits, so, they let us wander around and look at stuff (in lobby-non exhibit rooms) for free. I would check their schedule.

Don't remember, (might be winter) but the manatees come up to power station and they have some place to view them. Didn't get to that, but, you can look that up too.

Be sure to walk through the tunnel under the street and across to the pond. That is the only place to find grills if you do any cooking. Our tradition is to grill steaks our last night. We buy the lightable bags of charcoal and the disposable grill covers. But, take bug spray-that can get iffy near the pond.

 

[epcotisbest]

Sounds like maybe you went to the museum at an off time. We'll probably go by just to see.
We too always grill out at least one night. Thanks for letting me know about the grills.
One of our best trips ever was to Crystal River on the Gulf Coast, where we went swimming with manatee. It was in December and the manatee congregated around the spring head in the river. You could not approach the manatee, but if one approached you, you could reach out and touch it with one hand. Actually had several to do this. They are as big as a couch but as gentle as a cotton ball. It was a wonderful experience. Had wetsuits to help with the chill of December, but still cold the morning we went.
My wife loved this experience as well, but we both were a little concerned about the idea of intruding in their space. Though we had mixed feelings at first, we realized we did no harm and these trips help to educate the public and contribute to the conservation of these wonderful animals.

 

[wdwmagic]

Places to eat: Ocean side Grille, Long Point Restaurant and Tackle Store-just fun and several other restaurants-one near a bridge right past downtown.

What did you think of the Ocean side Grill? We nearly went there, but it was closed for the season.

 

[Funfy]

We really liked it. The food was really good. The atmosphere is really cool. There is a lot of wrought iron and stories behind the decor. And it is right on the beach. At the end of a cute little shopping center too.:slurp:

 

[epcotisbest]

Three more days!

 

[mainstreetusa1]

If you just want to chill out, then try lunch outside at the Green Cabin Room -first floor at DVB overlooking the Ocean; just sandwiches, salads, etc but wonderful place to while away a few hours.

Travelling up to Epcot and back in a day very do-able, but once you're at DVB and in relax mode it may feel like too much effort!!

If you want to see manatees we've always seen them (but usually go in cooler weather so can't promise!) at the power station at Vero Beach....sounds a bit sad I know, and yes I did wonder why my hubbie thought taking me to the power station would be a remotely interesting thing to do!

 

[epcotisbest]

As a follow-up, the drive between Epcot and DVB is indeed easily doable. Tolls add up on the Beachline, but it is quicker than 192, but 192 is much more scenic. We did spend the night in Orlando...got a great rate at The Peabody on International Drive through a bid on Priceline and we went to Seaworld for part of the next day before heading on to DVB.
Just north of DVB on US1 is Sebastian, the location of several very good seafood restaurants along Indian River Drive....Mulligans....Capt. Hiram's...Grill and Chill...and our favorite...Squidlips, where if you get there before 6 p.m. Weekdays they have a happy hour that includes .49 cent peel and eat shrimp that were wonderful. Don't know about drink specials, but they had several.
And I can confirm you can get a Dolewhip at DVB!!!
Liked DVB fine, but so far our 6th, and least favorite by far of our DVC trips. Guess I just prefer WDW to sunburn, sand in your shorts and all that quiet and relaxation.

 

[gojoe]

Agree

As a follow-up, the drive between Epcot and DVB is indeed easily doable. Tolls add up on the Beachline, but it is quicker than 192, but 192 is much more scenic. We did spend the night in Orlando...got a great rate at The Peabody on International Drive through a bid on Priceline and we went to Seaworld for part of the next day before heading on to DVB.
Just north of DVB on US1 is Sebastian, the location of several very good seafood restaurants along Indian River Drive....Mulligans....Capt. Hiram's...Grill and Chill...and our favorite...Squidlips, where if you get there before 6 p.m. Weekdays they have a happy hour that includes .49 cent peel and eat shrimp that were wonderful. Don't know about drink specials, but they had several.
And I can confirm you can get a Dolewhip at DVB!!!
Liked DVB fine, but so far our 6th, and least favorite by far of our DVC trips. Guess I just prefer WDW to sunburn, sand in your shorts and all that quiet and relaxation.

I agree. That's how we did it. Nice drive. We were thinking of taking a day and driving to Vero (Pool Hopping). I have an e-mail from DVC stating it's OK to pool hop as long as I call first. I really want the beach and a place to shower and a nice meal before we return.