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 Michele Caroli, Senior Event Services Manager at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort:
How do you and your team work with meeting and event planners?
Using discovery questions, we find out the planner’s needs, including what the end result should look like, what has worked in the past and what hasn’t, and what their overall expectations are.
Can you describe one of your best Disney memories related to your position assisting a convention/meeting group?
One of my groups had the opportunity to do their events at Magic Kingdom Park. With help from our Park and Entertainment partners, the group was greeted by screaming fans and atmosphere actors (that were relevant to the group’s business) when they arrived. At the end of the evening, the group had a “Kiss Goodnight” via a customized fireworks show just for them!
What is one of the greatest Disney Differences for attendees meeting at a Disney destination?
There is a whole team ready to work with the client on all aspects of their meeting. With thousands of hotel rooms, six convention hotels, and several additional Disney Resort hotels available for groups, we have a large variety of options to accommodate any type of meeting you are planning. We are your partner every step of the way in planning your group’s experience.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is one location that truly embodies the Disney Difference. In the summer of 2019, attendees can stay in the new 15-story tower featuring over 500 Guest rooms, a club lounge, a morning coffee bar, new meeting spaces, a rooftop lounge and restaurant, and panoramic views.
What are some of the latest, most innovative meeting trends you are seeing in the industry? How do you incorporate these trends into your client’s meeting?
We are seeing that most groups – regardless of size – are using meeting apps. This used to be seen only in the very large groups – now most are doing it. We can work closely with our technology partners to create a customized meeting app. Then, the groups are able to cut back on brochures/programs – this becomes a savings to them and helps with environmentally-friendly initiates. Sustainable meetings are another trend we are seeing!
What is your favorite part of your role?
Although I love the pre-planning part of my role, my favorite part is the personal interaction with both the clients and the attendees when the group is on-site.
What can attendees look forward to when meeting at a Disney destination?
We have many exciting new features coming up here at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. We just finished refurbishing all of our existing Guest rooms – each room now has plenty of outlets for all of our Guests’ gadgets! This is just one of the many new, exciting features coming to this Disney Resort, and there is plenty to look forward to!
How does Michele’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.