As part of our on-going "5 Minutes With" series, every month we’ll introduce you to a new member of our Disney Meetings & Events team at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California or Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Whether they work in our Disney Convention Resorts, Theme Park Operations, Catering and Convention Services, Sales, Entertainment or dozens of other event-support areas, these Cast Members and their teams are responsible for creating magical experiences and unforgettable events for meeting and event industry professionals, and their important attendees and guests, every single day.

Let’s meet Marisa Ramos, Senior Sales Manager, Park & Event Sales at the Disneyland Resort:

How do you and your team work with meeting and event planners?

My team and I work with meeting and event planners from the start of their interest in hosting a group experience in one of our Theme Parks through an inquiry process. These inquiries are received from resort partners, including our Good Neighbor hotels, any of our Southern California convention bureaus (primarily Anaheim or Long Beach), or direct through our Contract and Lead Management department. Recently, we've receive many of our inquiries as a direct result of our Disney Meetings & Events social media posts and other various social media outlets.

Upon receipt of our inquiries, we begin a communication process to discover the client’s needs. We start from the beginning to discover who they are, why they are here, when they are coming, their number of Guests, and, most importantly, what the goal of their event is. Once we know the answers to those questions, we identify the best possible park event experience to achieve their goal.

Planners can expect that our Cast Members are invested in their goals and all will contribute to their group’s experience within their respective roles to deliver an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Can you describe one of your best Disney memories related to your position assisting a convention/meeting group? 

There are so many, it is impossible to identify just one! With all the various groups that we serve daily, the variables of their demographics, and the goals of their visit, there is one thing that remains consistent among all the groups: it is the utter awe and joy that you can see on the attendees’ faces when they enter and experience the event that is created just for them.  

I’ve witnessed laughter and tears from first time visitors, guests overwhelmed with a giddy, childlike joy to experience an attraction over and over again because it is exclusive to their group; executives and professionals reverting back to childhood at the sight of their favorite Disney Character and the opportunity to snap a picture; and not to mention their excitement at the sight of their culinary delights. As a Cast Member, these are the moments that are magical to me.

What is one of the greatest Disney Differences for attendees meeting at a Disney destination? 

One of the greatest Disney Differences for our attendees is simply our Four Keys. Our Four Keys of Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency deliver a world-class experience to each and every Guest each and every time they are with us. We also build magical relationships that enable us and our partners to create and deliver unforgettable Disney experiences!

What are some of the latest, most innovative trends you are seeing in the industry? How do you incorporate these trends into your client’s meeting or event? 

Actually, many of the latest trends for events within the industry are truly going back to basics.

Event safety and security are at the top of the list. With the awareness of recent events taking place in very popular destinations, groups appreciate our focus on safety for their attendees. 

In terms of the overall experience, it is the opportunity for human engagement through the customization of events to create a personal experience through branding opportunities within their event, similar to our “hidden Mickey’s”, and focusing on the senses by immersing participants with scent, taste, touch. As an entertainment company, it is what we do best to transport Guests to a moment, past or present, allowing them to “unplug” and lose their sense of time, if only for an evening, in order to acknowledge their contributions and let them know that their time is valuable. 

What is your favorite part of your role?

The favorite part of my role are the relationships that I have built with my leaders, co-workers, operating partners, industry partners and groups. I am blessed every day to interact with these amazing people who are on purpose with me on this journey to deliver magical experiences that not only exceed the expectations of our Guests, but ourselves as well. It takes every participant to achieve the end result, and we continue to learn and grow together. Representing the Walt Disney Company and our groups requires a tremendous amount of balance and passion, which we all share. There is an unspoken understanding of what we do and how we do it. It is humbling and gratifying to be a part of something that is so much bigger than myself. 

What can attendees look forward to when meeting at a Disney destination? 

Attendees can look forward to a once in a lifetime, world-class unique experience!  Whether they are vising our Theme Park(s) for the 1^st, 10^th or 100^th time, they will never experience the park the same. It is always changing and evolving and bringing to life the classic and new stories that everyone among all walks of life can connect with. As a Cast Member, I often reflect on the words of Walt Disney himself, as they ring true at every turn in my career: “You can design, create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” Also, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” 

How does Marisa’s story inspire you? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram using #DisneyMeetingsAndEventsBlog. 

We're eager to help you create the perfect meeting or private event for any size group, theme and objective. To speak with a Disney Meetings & Events representative about our pricing and options available at our Disney Parks & Resorts destinations in Florida, California, Hawaii or at our international destinations, please contact us or submit a request for proposal or sign up to stay in touch and continue learning more about Disney meetings and events.