As part of our on-going "5 Minutes With" series, every month we’ll introduce you to a new member of our Disney Meetings 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 John Ferrer, Senior Sales Manager, Resort Sales at Walt Disney World Resort:

Hi, John, tell us about your role.

I am proud to be part of a team that manages our northeast corporate accounts. In my role, I strive to create wonderful, memorable experiences for our clients built upon a foundation of trust, integrity, and respect. As a Cast Member for the past 20 years, I am truly passionate about our brand and how we have evolved over the years. 

Can you tell us about a typical day at work?

I am genuinely excited to come to work every day – it sounds corny, but it’s true! It’s a humbling experience to come to work and be part of such a diverse team of Cast Members. Every day, I make it my mission to create happiness for our clients, develop a trusting partnership with them, and provide creative solutions to make their meeting a success. 

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

We always begin with the discovery process by asking our clients intentional questions to understand the purpose of their organization’s meeting and the message they want to convey to their attendees. If I am working with a returning client, I try to elevate and enhance their meeting experience to take it to the next level each year. 

For example, I have clients who stay at the same convention hotel every year, but may be looking to change things up a bit and convene somewhere new. With the major renovations coming to Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, I recommend that my return clients plan their meetings in one of the new, dedicated meeting spaces within these convention hotels.

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

My favorite Disney memory was a very magical moment for me. After having the honor of collaborating with one of our returning clients, they surprised me with a thoughtful, personalized gift – a printed cell that blended iconic Characters from their brand with images of me and my family. I have the picture hanging in my office as a reminder of the trusting, lasting relationship we have built together over the past 10 years. 

What is your favorite part of your role?

My favorite part of my role is no doubt representing the Disney brand. I am humbled to be working at the place where dreams come true. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

What inspires you every day? 

What inspires me every day is providing creative solutions for our clients and fostering solid relationships built on trust. I am grateful to have worked with such amazing clients throughout my Disney journey. It is a truly humbling, rewarding experience to work for this company. 

Tell us – How does John’s story inspire you? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn using hashtag #DisneyMeetingsBlog. 

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 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.