Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort Celebrates 25 Years of Disney Magic
As I say all the time to my clients, there is so much magic to explore outside of the Disney Parks. One of those locations to experience that magic is a more relaxing setting is Disney’s Hilton Head Resort in South Carolina. And, today, that resort happens to be celebrating its 25th anniversary!
Guests who visit Disney’s Hilton Head Resort are treated to a resort set among mature live oak trees (some are more than 300 years old) in a setting that is reminiscent of a 1940’s-era hunting and fishing lodge. In addition, Guests can enjoy several recreational activities and 12 miles of picturesque beaches.
Image Credit: Disney
Disney’s Hilton Head Resort also boasts a relaxing pool area with the Water Tower Slide a the Big Dipper 72,000-gallon heated pool. The youngest Guests are invited to frolic with the water-spitting frogs at the Little Dipper Pool. If you are a nature lover, there is plenty of fishing, biking, kayaking, and strolling on the beach to do!
Like all Disney Destinations, Cast Members are the heart and soul of Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. To celebrate the resort’s 25th Anniversary, Disney has chosen to highlight one of the amazing Cast Members at the resort that goes above and beyond to make sure Guests have a memorable visit.
Image Credit: Disney
Disney Parks Blog caught up with the General Manager of Disney’s Hilton Head island Resort, Jerome Smith, to learn more about his unique history at the resort and why he loves making magic on a daily basis.
After spending his entire career in hospitality, Jerome had the opportunity to discuss his future taking a role with Disney. After his first meeting, Jerome said, “Within an hour I knew my career was going to be with Disney. I could feel the magic, the appreciation Disney has for its Cast Members, and that it was a place where I can dream bigger.”
Image Credit: Disney
Jerome’s original position at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort was in food and beverage manager when he joined the team back in 2012. At that time, he was in charge of overseeing the resort’s two quick service locations and bar. After just two weeks and impressing the management team, Jerome was put onto a leadership path.
He worked three more years as the food and beverage manager where he was constantly challenged by the general manager to continue to do everything he did behind the scenes while still continuing to interact with Guests and fellow Cast Members to improve everyone’s experience. Jerome’s enthusiasm doing so lead him to be appointed as the resort’s first duty manager.
Photo: Kayak.com
From there, Jerome was promoted to general manager and became the first African American and first South Carolina local to hold this position. His leadership skills were quickly tested as Hurricane Irma approached the area a few weeks after being promoted. With his leadership and support, Cast Members acted quickly to get Guests off the Island, close the resort,m repair damage, and reopen to welcome everyone back as soon as possible.
“We are a family here, both cast members and Disney Vacation Club members — we are all family,” said Jerome. “My word of the year is ‘impact,’ how can I make the biggest positive impact for all 150 cast members and our guests. Everything they say to me matters, and I know what I say matters to them.”
Image Credit: Disney
In between all the business of his duties of General Manager of Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, Jerome still manages to receive visits from Guests every week. He knows that the work he does daily providing excellent customer service and building relationships is what will keep Guests coming back to vacation year after year.
Let’s start planning your visit to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort! Fill out the form below or send an email to Holly@MickeyTravels.com for a FREE, no-obligation quote to book your Disney vacation. EVERY vacation package* booked EXCLUSIVELY with me by March 15, 2021 will receive a Disney Gift Card as a thank you with your final travel documents. In addition, one lucky client will receive a FREE MemoryMaker ($169 value). As an agent with MickeyTravels (a Platinum Earmarked Agency), I will be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package and I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best rate available by Disney!. I work with all Disney Destinations and destinations outside of Disney. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch via email at Holly@MickeyTravels.com or calling 954.401.9577. Also, make sure to CLICK HERE to follow along with my Facebook page for all things Disney and giveaways!
*Vacation package must be a minimum of 3 nights with 3-day tickets
Image Credit: Disney
