Creating Enchanting Events & Magical Moments: Meet Rebecca, Event Manager
"Creating memorable experiences can create a lifelong Disney fan," said Rebecca Lewis, an Event Manager with Strategic Meetings and Events at Walt Disney World Resort. From arranging and coordinating the logistical details of an event to working with her partners in sales and marketing, Rebecca and the Walt Disney World Gatherings team craft unforgettable events every day across our parks and resorts.
Rebecca's career began 27 years ago in Merchandise on her Disney College Program and from there, a myriad of experiences and roles across Walt Disney World have set her on a path to Event Services. From supporting conventions and catering to working at signature fine dining locations like Narcoossee's and Yachtsman Steakhouse, each opportunity provided her with new skills that have made her successful in her current role. One of her favorite projects to be a part of was opening Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom.
"It was a tremendous amount of work, and we spent months before the opening planning and preparing everything," said Rebecca. "In addition to the pressures of opening a new food & beverage location, it was important that we respect the legacy of the 'Skips' that came before us. Our guests had high expectations based on their love of the classic attraction and I feel our team delivered. It's a very different location for Magic Kingdom from both a theming and culinary perspective. It is now a favorite amongst our guests and I'm proud that I was a part of helping to establish it."
Through the years, her love for the company and what it means to the guests has continued to inspire her work.
"We each have a responsibility to ensure that our guests have the best experience possible when they visit us at one of our parks, resorts or cruise ships. Every role has its challenges, but at the end of the day, for me, it's the guest response that gets me every time."
In her current role with Walt Disney World Gatherings, she is grateful for being surrounded by her team who are always great resources for each other.
"Everyone is willing to stop what they are doing to answer questions or act as a sounding board for ideas. We truly have the goal of helping one another succeed."
Something she's learned throughout the years is that no matter how well you've prepared, there will always be curveballs. In the event world, that can be venue or décor challenges or a surprise dietary need that requires the team to find a solution quickly, so the guests have a seamless experience.
"I had a Haunted Mansion dinner event a couple of weeks ago and there were multiple challenges that came up behind the scenes, but to see the jaws drop when the guests walked in was amazing! They were speechless for the first five minutes, walking around taking videos and pictures. We even had a few that did a Facetime with their family members to show them how the room looked."
As The Walt Disney Company celebrates 100 years of wonder, Rebecca is inspired to be a part of what the future may hold.
"I'm forever excited to see what we'll dream up next as a company! New cruise ships, new resorts, new attractions, and more! Even reimagining our existing offerings is exciting to watch."
Ready to be part of the story of the next century at Disney? Click here to explore the possibilities!
