Unless you’re working in a few spa treatments and lots of time by the pool, a trip to Walt Disney World isn’t really what you’d call a relaxing vacation. In fact, between the early starts, late nights, long lines and thick crowds, it can be downright stressful (but worth it).
Fortunately, if you’ve got some extra time during your visit to Central Florida, or you’re a Florida resident simply looking to escape the stresses of everyday life, blissful relaxation is available just a couple of hours southeast of Orlando at the Disney Vero Beach Resort & Spa.
Not sure if this standalone Disney resort is right for you? Put on your flip-flops and bring your bathing suit as we break down everything Disney’s Vero Beach Resort has to offer.
Disney Vero Beach Resort Tips & FAQs
Ready to take your own beach vacation? Before you book your reservation, check out these commonly asked questions, along with a few helpful tips to make the most of your trip.
How far is Vero Beach from Disney?
While Vero Beach might not be the closest beach to Orlando (that title goes to Cocoa Beach, which is just 70 minutes away by car), you still don’t have to drive very long to get to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort from Walt Disney World. The whole trip takes roughly two hours, depending on your route.
The fastest way to travel to Vero Beach from Disney World is taking the FL-528 E toll road, clocking in at about 107 miles or around an hour and 44-minute drive. Just keep in mind that you will need to pay approximately $3.70 in tolls to go this way.
Otherwise, if you don’t mind being in the car a bit longer to save a few bucks, there is also a toll-free route that will get you there in about two hours and 10 minutes or approximately 96 miles.
Does Disney have a shuttle to Vero Beach?
Unfortunately, although Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is relatively close to Walt Disney World, there is no shuttle bus available between the two. So, if you don’t have your own vehicle available, your best bet is to get a rental car. An Enterprise Rent-A-Car location is located just next door to Magic Kingdom, and there is even a complimentary shuttle that can take you from your Walt Disney World hotel directly to the facility.
When is the best (and worst) time to stay at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort?
Just like at Walt Disney World, the most popular time to head to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is during the summer. However, with nesting season in full swing for loggerhead turtles along the Treasure Coast, June and July are easily some of the best months for a visit. You can even go on a special Sea Turtle Night Walk to experience this magical time.
Although a completely different vibe, another great time to stay at the Vero Beach Resort is during the cooler winter months. As long as you stick to off-peak dates (steer clear of the holidays), you can usually enjoy wonderfully low rates comparable to what you can get a Disney World’s value resorts.
So, when shouldn’t you stay at the Disney Vero Beach Resort? While June and July are sea turtle nesting season, late August through October are when those sweet little babies hatch. Sure, this might seem like a great time to head to the beach.
After all, who wouldn’t like to witness those tiny turtles make a break for the big, blue world? However, to protect the turtles, it’s actually illegal to walk along the beach at night. Not to mention, it’s also hurricane season.
How long should you stay at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort?
Unlike vacationing at Walt Disney World, which can feel like a non-stop marathon, a stay at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is all about relaxation. To fully soak up that calming, beachside atmosphere, we suggest at least a two- or three-night stay.
And for those wishing to combine a trip to the beach with a Disney World vacation, we recommend you plan your visit to Vero Beach for after the theme parks so you can truly unwind before returning to the real world.
Well, sun worshippers, that concludes our trip to the coast and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Have you had a chance to stay at this relaxing waterfront retreat? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how you can save some cash and extend your Disney vacation with a trip to Vero Beach with our discount Disney World tickets.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, an Oceanside Escape Just 2 Hours from Orlando
While fun-filled theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are typically the stars of any trip to Central Florida, outside Orlando and Tampa, it’s Florida’s abundant natural beauty that takes center stage.
Located near the quaint oceanfront community of Vero Beach along the picturesque Atlantic Treasure Coast, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort – a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property – is the perfect hideaway for frazzled, theme park-weary tourists and Florida locals hoping to get away from it all.
Here, folks can soak up the sunshine enjoying an assortment of outdoor activities, get a hole-in-one at one of the area’s verdant golf courses, do some shopping or simply stick their toes in the sand and watch the waves roll in. It’s a choose-your-own beach adventure!
Staying at the Disney Vero Beach Resort
The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World might have Florida in its name, but it’s Disney’s Vero Beach Resort that is truly a love letter to the Sunshine State. The whole resort is an ode to Old Florida, from citrus farming and Walt Disney World to sea turtles and hunting for long-lost Spanish treasures. You’ll even find some nods to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who once held their spring training camp nearby.
Another thing you’ll notice about the Vero Beach Resort is how intimate it is compared to other Disney resorts. Touting a mere 211 rooms, the resort feels more like a charming seaside inn – a welcome departure from Disney World’s sprawling moderate resorts and jam-packed value hotels.
Disney Vero Beach Resort Rooms, Studios & Villas
The beachy vibes continue in the guestrooms, albeit with a more modern twist. While common areas are evocative of the laidback seaside hotels of the turn of the 20th century, the resort’s rooms kick things up a notch with brighter colors, ocean-inspired art and updated silhouettes.
Inside, rooms are airy and bright, featuring sandy neutrals with colorful pops of aquamarine and warm orange. And even if you can’t make it for sea turtle nesting season, you can still catch a glimpse of these adorable aquatic denizens in themed wall art and other design touches. Best of all, there’s tons of room to kick back and relax.
Not only are the standard guestrooms spacious compared to Disney World hotels, but as this is a Disney Vacation Club resort, those looking for a bit more space can also upgrade to a villa or, for a true beach experience, a waterfront cottage. And to top it all off, every single room comes with its own private patio, porch or balcony – perfect for catching the sunset gleam off the Atlantic at the end of the day.
Vero Beach Disney Rooms & Deluxe Studios
In general, all rooms and deluxe studios at the Vero Beach Resort are comfortably appointed with plenty of homey essentials, including a kitchenette stocked with paper plates and bowls, plastic utensils, a toaster, microwave, coffee maker and a mini fridge.
You’ll also find other in-room amenities, such as a flat-screen TV, alarm clock with radio, Blu-Ray player, hairdryer, iron, ironing board and an in-room safe. High-speed Wi-Fi is available, but, unfortunately, it’s not free. Finally, for those traveling with little ones, a Pack ‘n’ Play can be requested.
Deluxe Inn Room – Standard View
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Comes with 2 Queen Beds
Deluxe Inn Room – Ocean View
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Comes with 2 Queen Beds
- View of the Atlantic Ocean
Deluxe Studio
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Comes with 1 Queen Bed and 1 Full-sized Sofa Sleeper
- View of lush gardens
Disney Vero Beach Cottages & Villas
Offering more space than the deluxe studios and inn guestrooms, Disney Vero Beach cottages and villas feel like your home away from home. These larger spaces share many of the same amenities as their smaller counterparts.
However, rather than a kitchenette, villas and cottages come with a full kitchen equipped with everything you might need to cook a homestyle meal, such as dishes, glasses, utensils, pots & pans, a dishwasher, refrigerator, stove & oven, toaster, coffee maker and microwave.
Even the bathroom gets an upgrade with a relaxing soaking tub. Lastly, for those who like to pack light and need to do some laundry, a stacked washer and dryer are also on hand.
1-Bedroom Villa
- Sleeps up to 5 adults
- Comes with 1 King Bed, 1 Queen-sized Sofa Sleeper and 1 Twin-sized Sleeper Chair
- Views of the Atlantic Ocean, pool, verdant landscaping or hotel buildings
2-Bedroom Villa
- Sleeps up to 9 adults
- Comes with 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed, 1 Queen-sized Sofa Sleeper, 1 Full-sized Sofa Sleeper and 1 Twin-sized Sleeper Chair
- Views of lush gardens or the pool
3-Bedroom Beach Cottage
- Sleeps up to 12 adults
- Comes with 1 King Bed, 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-sized Sofa Sleeper
- Beachfront vacation with views of the Atlantic Ocean
Disney Vero Beach Resort Rates
Similar to other Disney hotels, Vero Beach Resort room rates vary depending on when you’d like to visit and the size of the room you need. For example, if you opt to visit during busy periods like the summer months and winter holidays, you can expect higher rates, while visiting during the off-season will net you a savings.
Additionally, as this is a DVC resort, those who are Disney Vacation Club members can also stay on points. That being said, you don’t need to be a DVC member to stay at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. In fact, if you like, you can even rent points to cover your stay if you don’t want to pay rack rates.
To give you an idea of what you can expect to pay, here are some price ranges for different room types at the Disney Vero Beach Resort:
- Ocean View Deluxe Inn Room – $185 to $365 or 13 to 31 DVC points
- One-Bedroom Villa – $255 to $440 or 21 to 53 DVC points
- Two-Bedroom Villa – $335 to $660 or 32 to 72 DVC points
- Three-Bedroom Beach Cottage – $720 to $1,135 or 59 to 126 DVC points
Disney Vero Beach Resort Dining, Recreation & Other Amenities
Just like Disney’s other deluxe villa resorts and deluxe resorts, there is an array of things to keep you entertained during your stay at the Vero Beach Resort. From hotel restaurants to a slate of recreational activities, here is everything you can take advantage of.
Vero Beach Resort Restaurants
Dining is one of our favorite parts of any vacation (or really, any day in general). Luckily, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort boasts a buffet of restaurants to keep you fed and happy on your oceanside adventures.
Wind & Waves Grill
Cozy and welcoming with an easygoing coastal vibe, the Wind & Waves Grill dishes up chic beach flavors with Sunshine State flair, featuring fresh Florida seafood and local produce. Think Key Lime Mickey Waffles for breakfast or Shrimp & cheddar Grits topped with pineapple chutney for dinner.
Previously, the Wind & Waves Grill has hosted its very own character breakfast, Goofy’s Seaside Character Breakfast, on Saturday mornings. Sadly, this popular offering is currently unavailable due to the pandemic. Open for breakfast and dinner
Wind & Waves Market
Serving all day long, the Wind & Waves Market is the Vero Beach Resort’s quick-service restaurant and one-stop shop for light bites like sandwiches, burgers, salads and sweets. Be sure to save room for a Mickey Whoopie Pie. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Wind & Waves Bar
We love a good pool bar. Offering up beer, wine and specialty cocktails crafted with liquors from the Sunshine State, the Wind & Waves Bar is the perfect spot to make a splash. Open for drink service
The Green Cabin Room
Inspired by the Spanish galleons that once roamed the waters near Vero Beach, The Green Cabin Room is an atmospheric spot for a cocktail or dessert. Along with your drink, you can usually also enjoy some live music, making this lounge a lively place to end your night. Open for drink service
Disney Vero Beach Recreational Activities
While you could certainly relax on the beach all day (no judgment here), there is also a world of outdoorsy adventures and other laidback activities available to enjoy during your stay, whether you’re in the mood for water sports out on the ocean or a serene spa treatment.
Without a doubt, one of the highlights of any visit to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort during June and July is sea turtle nesting season. In fact, this stretch of coastline is the main nesting ground for Loggerhead Sea Turtles. For the ultimate Sunshine State experience, join a conservationist in an educational nighttime walk to see this amazing annual event up-close.
Looking for more traditional seaside activities? Get out on the water with a kayak, wave runner or boogie board rental from Tide’s Water Sports. Or, cool off in the resort’s Mickey-shaped swimming pool, complete with a two-story, 163-foot water slide. Young guests will also love the pirate ship-themed Tiger Lily Wet Play Area.
But, that’s not all. Golfing is a quintessential Florida activity. Along with local golf courses, guests can also enjoy a little friendly competition a Port Holes Miniature Golf. Afterward, keep the fun going with a bicycle rental, bocce ball, scavenger hunts, basketball, baseball, tennis, catch-and-release fishing on the resort’s private lake and much more. And don’t forget the nightly campfire activities!
Lastly, for the ultimate in relaxation, don’t miss The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Treat yourself to a pampering spa treatment featuring eco-friendly products in a decidedly serene setting.
