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 Barbara Rivera, Convention Center Concierge at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort:

Hi Barbara, tell us about your role.

As the convention center concierge*, I’m responsible for assisting groups with whatever they might need while staying at our convention resort. Such requests might include greeting attendees, assisting with check-in and check-out, printing boarding passes, coordinating Disney’s Magical Express, securing dining reservations, and assisting with ticket and transportation services. I also serve as the liaison between the attendees and the banquets team. My role as the convention center concierge is really exciting to meeting planners, as this is an amenity we have at Disney that other convention hotels might not. 

Can you tell us about a typical day at work?

There’s never a dull moment!  Some days consist of typical concierge tasks as well as assisting the convention team. Other days I spend more time with the individual meeting or event planner. For example, today I am working with an event planner to coordinate pre-reserved dining reservations. I’ll also meet with attendees later to address any questions they might have about their MagicBands and FastPass+ reservations. It’s always fun being able to help attendees and their guests plan their leisure time. I love being able to offer suggestions about what experiences or attractions work best with their schedule and make recommendations based on their preferences.

How do you work with meeting and event planners?

Sometimes I’m the first point of contact with the meeting or event planner once they arrive on-site. I often act as a hub between the various teams, such as, convention services, catering, and front desk operations. It’s really important to be a friendly face and someone the planner can come to no matter what the request or issue may be. 

How do you work with meeting and event attendees?

It’s very beneficial that I sit directly in the convention center, in a high-traffic area. This allows me to assist attendees one-on-one with any questions or concerns they might have. I can also help with crowd-control and offer directions so our attendees never find themselves lost. I also attend the pre-convention meeting so that the meeting and event planner will know who we are and where we are located so that they can pass that information along to their attendees. Whatever the attendees need, I’m here to assist!

What is your favorite part of your role?

My favorite part of my role is the passion I have for what I do. It’s so important to love what you do, and I really do put my heart and soul into my role. Every day is different, and I never know what the attendees’ needs may be, so it makes me want to go above and beyond every day. There are even some guests who return year after year and tell me how they remembered what I did for them on their previous visit. I am humbled to know that I make magic for attendees during their visit to Walt Disney World Resort.

*This complimentary service is available onsite at the Disney Convention Centers on a limited basis, depending upon individual group needs. Disney convention services representatives will work with meeting and event professionals to determine availability for their group.