Disney World Corporate Offsite Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Updated 2/2/2023*
Updated 2/2/2023*
All employees that have completed the 90 day introductory period are eligible to attend the retreat.
No, but your attendance is extremely encouraged.
No, the corporate offsite is considered a training event. You will only need to use PTO if you plan to extend your stay/trip; however, the following Monday is President's Day which is a 38North floating holiday.
Employees are responsible for purchasing their own airfare, and submitting an expense report for reimbursement. Be sure to keep your receipt as that is required to be reimbursed. 38North will cover the cost of the employee's roundtrip airfare only (capped at $500). Expense reports for costs associated with the offsite such as employee airfare should be submitted after the date of the offsite, not before. 38North will not cover the cost of airfare for employees that choose to opt out at the last minute.
Note: 38North will cover the cost of the employee's roundtrip airfare only. If the cost of the employee's airfare is lower than the $500 cap, the unused portion cannot be used to cover the cost of airfare for a family member/partner.
38North will reserve and purchase the hotel room block for the nights of the offsite at Disney's Coronado Resort and Gran Destino Tower. Those wishing to extend their stay at the resort will be charged for any additional nights upon check-in. Contact Erica at erica@38northsecurity.com for rate information if you're interested in extending your stay at our chosen resort.
If you are attending, you should still plan to take important contract calls and meetings. This isn't 100% time off.
Below is the itinerary for the offsite:
Wednesday (2/15/2023) - Arrival Date (unless you choose to extend your stay and arrive earlier)
Wednesday morning - fly into the happiest place on Earth
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST - Welcome Session (Employees only - Attendance is required)
Location: Catalonia Boardroom, located in the Lower Level of the Gran Destino Tower
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm EST - Welcome Happy Hour Reception (Optional event - Partners/Families are welcome to attend)
Location: Cancun Room in the Coronado Springs Convention Center (The Cancun Room is just passed the restaurants and shops area of the convention center. There is a covered walkway between the Tower and the Convention Center. You can find this walkway on the Lower Level of the Tower.)
Light fare and refreshments will be provided
Thursday (2/16/2023)
8:30 am - 1:30 pm EST - Training/meeting sessions (Employees Only - Attendance is required)
Location: Catalonia Boardroom, located in the Lower Level of the Gran Destino Tower
Breakfast will be served from 8:00 am - 9:30 am. Note: Breakfast will be ready 30 minutes prior to the meeting time for any early risers.
Lunch (BBQ buffet) will be served from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.
After 1:30 pm EST - Leisure time for you to enjoy Disney World and the surrounding area
6:00 pm - Epcot Park closing - Eat and Drink Around the World at Epcot (This is not a 38North-sponsored event. Please reach out to Erica or Francesca if you would like to be included.)
Friday (2/17/2023)
8:30 am - 1:30 pm EST - Training/meeting sessions (Employees Only - Attendance is required)
Location: Catalonia Boardroom, located in the Lower Level of the Gran Destino Tower
Breakfast will be served from 8:00 am - 9:30 am. Note: Breakfast will be ready 30 minutes prior to the meeting time for any early risers.
Lunch (Mexican buffet) will be served from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.
After 1:30 pm EST - Leisure time for you to enjoy Disney World and the surrounding area
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm EST - Closing Dinner at Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs (Optional event - Families/Partners are welcome to attend)
Location: Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs (1506 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830)
There is a complimentary shuttle bus that goes from the resort to Disney Springs.
Saturday (2/18/2023) - Departure Date (unless you choose to extend your stay)
Your attendance is required at the meeting/training sessions listed below:
Wednesday, 2/15: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Thursday, 2/16: 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Friday, 2/17: 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
All other events are optional, but we hope you'll join us!
If you are unable to attend the training session on Wednesday, then you will need to use PTO for that day.
There is a dress code for the training sessions, which is "resort casual." Khakis, jeans, slacks, dresses, etc are OK. Please no shorts or flip-flops during the training sessions.
There is no dress code for the Happy Hour reception or Closing Dinner. Please use your own discretion.
The resort has a luggage room and will hold your luggage if you plan to arrive before check-in time (3:00 pm) or depart after check-out time (11:00 am).
Yes! Disney's Coronado Resort has two (2) fitness facilities:
There is a fitness center in the lower level of the Gran Destino Tower, where we will be staying, which is open 24/7.
There is also the Mi Vida Health Club which is located near the Casitas Village Pool.
Additionally, there is a 0.9 mi jogging trail around the lake.
Yes! Partners/families are welcome and encouraged to attend. 38North will cover the employee's flight and accommodations for Wed-Sat. Airfare for family members must be covered by the employee, and any additional accommodations such as extending your stay must be covered by the employee as well.
Yes! Subject to availability of group rate rooms and at the employee's expense, rooms may be reserved at the Group Room Rates for the three days before Wednesday, February 15, 2023 and the three days after Friday, February 17, 2023 for employees wishing to extend their stays. You will be charged for the additional nights upon check-in.
Please contact Erica at erica@38northsecurity.com if you are interested in extending your stay.
Reach out to Erica at erica@38northsecurity.com as soon as possible to let her know if you are no longer able to attend.
Please refer to the following link for the latest guidance and updates: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/
Yes, we have access to special pricing for park tickets to the Walt Disney World parks. Please purchase tickets from the program microsite - https://mydisneygroup.com/38ncr2023. Once tickets have been purchased, you will need to make a Theme Park Reservation for each day you wish to visit. Park Pass availability is subject to change and is not guaranteed.
We will be staying at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Gran Destino Tower, which is a Disney property. There will be complimentary bus transportation to and from all Disney theme parks and water parks. Buses also run to the Disney Springs area and Disney′s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course.
Since this is considered corporate paid training, the same rules about repayment apply per our employee handbook.
If employment terminates for any reason, voluntary or otherwise, within one (1) year of the training offsite, the employee will be required to pay back 100% of the retail cost of the expenses, as well as 100% of all other approved expenses associated with the training activity (e.g. travel costs). Repayment is nullified should employment from 38North terminate as a result of a lay-off. These costs will be deducted from the employee’s final compensation check. If the employee’s final compensation check is less than the amount owed to 38North, the employee will be responsible for reimbursing 38North for the full cost. Additional questions should be directed to Human Resources at hr@38northsecurity.com.
Unfortunately, recent hurricane activity and limited flights to the Caribbean have limited our options, but Disney World is the most magical place on Earth! Universal Studios is also close by. And don't worry, we hope to have more corporate offsites in the future so this could be a potential destination for another year. Please send your suggestions to Erica at erica@38northsecurity.com :)