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 Linda Woo, Assistant Director, National Sales:

Hi, Linda. How do you and your team work with meeting and event planners?

The discovery process is one of the most important elements of working with a Disney Cast Member to ensure our client’s meeting is a success. At Disney, we customize the solution to the needs of our customers to ensure the goal of the meeting is achieved. We have so many unique things to offer when hosting a Disney meeting that starting with discovery helps set us apart.

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

One of my favorite memories was bringing a client on a site visit to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World Resort. The client held their annual convention with us in 2012 and had not been back to the resort hotel since then. When they visited Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort this past fall, they fell in love with all the refurbishments and expansions being made. The additional food and beverage options and the new tower addressed exactly the solution they were looking for to accommodate their needs for the event. At the end of the evening, we surprised the CEO (who is a huge fan of the Avatar movie) with a ride on Avatar Flight of Passage. To watch his reaction was a pure joy and priceless.

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

There is constantly something new and innovative going on at Disney. From our Theme Parks to our Resorts, we always have something new to share. The re-imagination of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is going to take this convention hotel to a different level and allow us to provide our clients with a new solution they may not have considered in the past. I am amazed by how many things set us apart, such as complimentary Wi-Fi in our Guest rooms and meeting space, the Disney Institute, and other unique resort and park experiences.

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?

Content and education are two of the biggest trends I am seeing in the industry. What better way to inspire your attendees than holding a meeting in a destination with so much creativity and innovation!

What is your favorite part of your role?

Making people smile every day. I love creating magical moments for people when they are least expecting it. Getting people on-site to experience Disney is finding a customer for life.

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

Attendees can always look forward to experiencing something new each time they visit a Disney destination. For example, we just opened the new Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park in California this summer, followed by Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in 2019.

Specifically designed with meeting planners in mind, the expansion of Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center at Walt Disney World Resort allows for larger programs and for attendees to experience the newly-refurbished Guest rooms.

Tell us – How does Linda’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.