Motivation Show Supplier Profile: Disney's Motivating Magic September 23, 2008
By Alexandra Haake
For Disney Resort Destinations, the experience "continues to reign supreme," says Senior Vice President for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, George Aguel. According to Aguel, Disney offers companies the chance to create an experience they could never give their attendees on their own. "Nothing says 'special' like having a Disney attraction, a land or an entire theme park for the exclusive use of your group."
Disney has noticed that companies are increasingly adding business components to their incentive trips, including training or meetings in the morning, followed by pure incentive activities in the afternoon and evening. Disney can provide a valuable business and entertainment experience in one through keynotes, workshops and behind-the-scenes tours.
The "Green" theme is also integral to Disney. Aguel says that corporate planners are interested in understanding the environmental commitment of destinations. All of the company's resorts in Florida and California have been certified green by the state's respective environmental agencies.
Disney has also transformed the popular gift card into a functional addition to the incentive trip by providing attendees with the card at their arrival. This allows them to experience the benefits of the card on site through spa treatments, merchandise or any other service that is not a part of the pre-arranged travel package.
Both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida recently opened the Toy Story Mania attraction. Disneyland Resort Paris now offers the infamous Tower of Terror. Both attractions are ideal for private events and planners can offer their guests an entire themed evening around each.
Disney awaits the opening of their first stand-alone resort in Hawaii to open on the island of Oahu in 2011. That same year they plan to unveil a new cruise ship, and then another in 2012.
Adventures by Disney carries the magic of Disney beyond the current resorts in Florida, California and Paris. It offers expertly planned and guided travel vacations to destinations around the globe including Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and the Americas.
Overall Disney's domestic business remains strong, despite the economic slowdown. "Disney destinations are among the last travel destinations affected and typically among the first to recover," says Aguel. This gives Aguel reason to be optimistic about Disney incentive programs in the future.
"Companies are extremely hesitant to cancel or discontinue incentives. Not only do incentive programs work—often better than cash rewards—but also the perception of a take-away is huge when programs are cancelled or discontinued." He says that while some companies decide to cancel programs, a majority is more inclined to scale back.
Those at Disney look forward to The Motivation Show because it provides opportunities to spend time reconnecting with friends and clients, and network with a diverse group of industry professionals and potential clients.
Stop by booth 1836 at The Motivation Show to hear more.
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