Cast Members Celebrate 30 Years of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Just two hours south of Walt Disney World, nestled along Florida’s scenic Treasure Coast, sits Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. As Disney Vacation Club’s first off-site resort, this idyllic beach hideaway has been home to vibrant Disney storytelling, memorable family traditions and impactful ocean conservation efforts since it first opened its doors on October 1, 1995.

The resort is more than a vacation getaway – it’s a retreat where the beauty of Florida’s beaches blends with Disney’s signature hospitality. Families return year after year to stroll the dunes, relax under swaying palms and discover the unique connection between the resort’s magic and its natural surroundings.
 
The resort has also played a vital role in protecting Florida’s coastline, particularly through sea turtle conservation. Since 2007, cast members and conservation experts have been educating guests about these endangered species and inspiring the next generation of wildlife protectors.

This milestone year is especially meaningful thanks to three remarkable cast members who have been here since day one. All three discovered Disney’s Vero Beach Resort the same way – through a job posting in the local newspaper – and have spent the last three decades creating unforgettable memories for guests and fellow cast members alike.

Today, they proudly wear that special blue nametag, a symbol of the Walt Disney Legacy Award – an honor given to cast members who consistently inspire others, go above and beyond and bring Disney’s values to life through their dedication.

For Altamese “Patty” Jacobs, a proud Vero Beach native, the Disney magic began right at home. Patty started in housekeeping before eventually finding her long-term home at the front desk as a Room Readiness Coordinator.

What she treasures most about her job is the people she meets along the way. She never thought she’d meet so many people from all across the globe. “I work for a company that touches other countries and brings people together,” Patty shared, “that’s different for me, and I love it.”

“Disney is a place for happy.” she explains. “If you like people and you like to make magic, this is your place to be because it doesn’t matter what your role is, you can do it. That is my aim always. I aim to make people happy.”

Patty’s goal to make happy happen is shared by her leader, Nicole Luecker, who spent two decades at the front desk before taking on other leadership roles and eventually returning as an Area Manager. No matter the position, her most cherished memories are about the guests she has met.

“So many of our guests are returning guests. They come year after year,” she shared. “Recently, I was speaking to one of our guests from the UK, who I met 20 years ago. He was updating me on his family. It’s so beautiful that after 20 years, we still keep in touch and share our family stories, and it’s not just this one guest. It’s so many of our Guests here at Vero. When they visit, it’s like a family – we’re united again.”

Dawn Allen began in Merchandise and remembered opening day as a true celebration. “It was wild. It was a party. We had confetti cannons. We had huge decorations on the beach. Each department did a little skit on stage…just lots of fun!” she recalled.

From that very first day, the most enduring part of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, for Dawn, has been the closeness of the cast. “We’re more like family than just a resort. Everybody really gets to know each other. It’s a close-knit, cozy atmosphere.”

Now, in her role with HR, Dawn helps sustain those values of fun and family with each new generation of cast members. She also spent time as both a Traditions Facilitator and Orientation Leader.  “My favorite part is when I meet cast members on their very first day and I see that sparkle in their eyes,” she shared, “I know that I’ve got the chance to inspire them in their role and help them enjoy their time here. It’s very fulfilling.”

For three decades, the magic of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort has remained timeless. Cast members have welcomed families home, created countless memories, and helped protect the wildlife that makes Florida’s treasure coast so special.

The resort’s story is one of balance – a place where sunrise walks on the beach, turtle hatchling releases and the laughter of families by the pool all blend into one shared tradition.

Here’s to 30 yEARS of magic, family, and conservation at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and to the cast members whose dedication ensures that waves of Disney magic will continue to roll on for generations to come.