The first was to pick up the ECV, which we hired from Buena Vista Scooter Rentals. They are an official Disney provider, which means that they are allowed to drop off (and pick up) ECVs at Disney Resorts, as well as bring them into theme parks should your scooter malfunction.
This company also offered a Disney Vacation Club Member discount, which brought the price down for us, and because we were hiring for a month (give or take a day) they reduced the hire further for us. They are located off Sand Lake Road, which was roughly halfway between Orlando Airport (MCO) and Disney Springs – which was our next pit stop.
We parked in one of the new multi-storey car parks at Disney Springs – which were not operational on our last visit – and headed to Guest Relations to buy a Tables in Wonderland Card (TiW). This is a discount card for Florida residents ($175), Annual Passholders, and DVC Members. For APs and DVCMs the cost is $150. This gives you a 20% discount on food and beverages (including alcohol) at over 100 participating restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. 18% tip/gratuity is added automatically – no matter how big the size of the party. It is valid for up to 10 people on one check, and you also receive free Resort Valet or Theme Park parking for dining purposes. We were able to use TiW at Vero Beach, which is why we bought it on the way. We used it whenever we could, and Steve said it was definitely worth it. I’ll be making a note of the discounts we add throughout the trip report.
With the pit stops taken care of, we were on our way!
It took around 2 hours to get to Vero Beach from Disney Springs – it was a pleasant drive, but I do wish we had taken the ocean route like my friend suggested – our satnav had other ideas! We went down Highway 1, but really should have taken the A1A which would have been along the coast. Oh well, there will always be a next time, as we would return to Vero Beach in the future.
As we were pulling into Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, we saw a blue crab scuttling across the road – too quick for us to take a photo! But we did see plenty of lizards which are pretty much everywhere. Parking at this resort is underneath the main building (called The Inn), and you then take the elevator up to the lobby area. There are luggage trolleys (the hotel type ones) to help you to bring your bags up from your car. Didn’t seem to be any Cast Members to help do this like in the resort hotels at Walt Disney World.
Check-in time wasn’t until 4pm, but they told us they were running behind so would have to wait… and wait we did, we didn’t get into our room until well after 5pm. Not the best first impression! Since we had already brought our bags up from the car, we had to stay inside and keep an eye on them – which we didn’t feel too bad about, as by now, it was pouring with rain. We sat and watched cartoons (which I know is meant for the kids!) and then said hello to Donald and Goofy who were doing a Meet & Greet in the lobby.
Eventually, our room was ready, and we didn’t have far to go as we were on the 2nd floor (that’s 1st floor for us Brits) and our room was one of the first as you turned left from the elevators – Room 2224. We had a huge balcony with a gorgeous ocean view. The room was lovely and spacious, and we loved the art and photography on the walls.
I will only share this one photo of the room here, as a full resort tour is coming in day three of this trip report.
After settling in, unpacking, and refreshing ourselves, we went to grab some dinner at The Green Cabin Room – a lounge bar, which was literally next door to our room.
(Places to eat within the resort itself was limited as one restaurant had closed down – Sonya’s; Shutters was open, but we didn’t fancy a full on meal; and Bleachers was poolside, and closed at that time.)
There was seating outside on the terrace, as well as inside. We chose to stay inside and listen to the singer/musician that was performing. A dessert party had been going on, but was coming to an end. We found a table and sat down, and waited for a server to come over. We did have to wait a fair while, but she did acknowledge us as she was rushing around.
I don’t often drink on holiday as I tend to be the one that is driving, so having the opportunity to have a couple of drinks was very good! I had already decided to have this colourful Magic Star cocktail earlier in the day, when I was looking at the menu in the lobby! There is a super quick video below showing it changing colours.
The Green Cabin Room »
Starters…
US: Hummus Plate – Garlic Hummus and Cucumber Cream served with warm Pita Bread,Cucumber Slices, and Couscous Salad ($8)
Main Course…
Me: Sliders – Three Sliders: Southwest Chicken, BBQ Pork, and a Beef topped with American Cheese, Bacon, Pickles, Pico de Gallo, and Onion Strings ($12)
Him: BBQ Chicken Flatbread – Pulled Chicken topped with BBQ Sauce, Red Onion, Pepper Jack and Mozzarella ($14)
Drinks…
Me: Magical Star Cocktail – X-Fusion Organic Mango and Passion Fruit Liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, and a souvenir multicolored Glow Cube ($12)
Him: Angry Orchard Cider ($8)
The Green Cabin Room, Vero Beach
Bill: $54 + Tip: $9.72 + Tax: $3.03 = $66.75
TiW Discount: –$10.80
Total Paid: £55.95
We paid our bill, and used our Tables in Wonderland card, which I mentioned earlier – and on our way to recouping the $150 we spent on it! We didn’t hang around for too long, and walked the few metres back to our room where we sat out on the balcony to listen to the waves. Steve then went down to the resort store to pick us up a couple of Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars, because no stay at a Disney Resort is complete without one of those!
Read about the day after:
Day 3: Room With A View
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Tour
Read about the day before:
Day 1: Take Off
Travel Day – LGW to MCO / Check In – Hyatt Regency, Orlando Airport