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 Denise Sparacio, Assistant Sales Director at Disneyland Resort:

Hi, Denise, tell us about your role.

I have the privileged role of selling private events at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. I lead a team that works with Southern California-area hotels and convention centers to provide conference groups with specially-priced tickets and private events. Most of our groups express an interest in hosting a unique and/or a private experience. Our team is tasked with finding that special venue inside a Disney theme park to host their experience. For groups with a couple hundred guests, we recommend Stage 17 in Disney California Adventure Park, and Aladdin’s Oasis and Starcade in Disneyland Park. For our larger groups, we can provide a customized “After Dark in the Park” party or events in our themed lands. 

Can you tell us about a typical day at work?

There isn’t a typical day in my role, which I really enjoy! As the parks evolve and we continue to grow and offer new experiences for all our guests, our group offerings change as well. We have standard park event concepts that we use as a guideline, however, most of the time we are creating a unique and custom experience for each group. All groups are looking for an experience that fits their size, demographics, and budget. Our goal is to provide the perfect Disney event experience. 

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

Starting from the beginning, we need to understand several details, including the event’s purpose, date, number of guests, scope, and what they have experienced at their events in the past. We gather as much information about the group as we possibly can, and with this critical information, we are able to find the best location in either of our theme parks. 

The next step is to invite the planner(s) for a site visit to the Disneyland theme park location and collaborate with them to create the perfect party for their attendees. One of my favorite parts of my job is taking clients through the parks and showcasing our offerings. Not just showing the venues, but seeing our guests enjoying themselves, meeting a Disney character, and experiencing our park culinary offerings or a park attraction. We have a unique product that I am honored to represent.

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

I don’t have one best memory. Any time I am in the theme parks with clients or our team, I realize how fortunate I am and truly blessed to be in this role. Our Disneyland theme parks are absolutely amazing. Whether I’m taking a client out on a site visit or scouring the parks for a park event location, I can always find the magic of Disney.

What is your favorite part of your role?

Our team! Park Event Sales is a small, but mighty team. We have the best partnerships at the Disney Parks that we work with daily on client opportunities. Everyone comes together to provide opportunities and resolutions to whatever challenges we may present. Working as a team is so much better than working as an individual. I am part of the GREATEST team!!

What challenges you every day? 

In Sales, we have to balance between company guidelines and what the client is requesting. Finding that perfect balance is the biggest challenge and finding the solve is the most gratifying.

What inspires you every day?

Our Cast Members! At Disney we have an incredibly talented, compassionate, caring Cast that strives to always do what is best for our Guests.  

Tell us – How does Denise’s story inspire you? Let us know on FacebookTwitter, 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.