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COURSE LOGISTICS
(FAQS)

Course Logistics: FAQ

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE?

This is a 3 credit PMBA elective course. It counts as a marketing or management elective. Even if you are not specializing in marketing or management - this course may appeal to you, as we look at things like leadership, operations, innovation, etc.  All play a role in creating exceptional customer experience! GB702 Marketing Strategy is the pre-req.

WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE COURSE?

We will have 3 pre-trip meetings on May 11, 12, & 13, 2020 from 6pm-9pm on Loyola's Timonium campus. The Disney study tour component is May 15-20, 2020. A wrap-up session will be held on June 12, 2020 in the evening. Note that May 15 and May 20 are travel days. You have the freedom to book your flights at any time on those travel days -- this is intended to provide you the opportunity to minimize time away from work. Please note that attending ALL sessions (at Disney and Timonium) including group dinners is mandatory.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU DURING THE COURSE?

This is a study tour, not a vacation. While you will have fun and sufficient free time, you are expected to complete coursework (readings, presentations and written assignments), including a course project where you will apply CXM tools/concepts to an (your) organization. As an experiential course, it is imperative that you show up on time for everything and actively participate. You are an ambassador of Loyola - your professionalism matters!

HOW DO YOU ENROLL IN THE COURSE?

Click here to view our Enrollment Info page.

HOW MANY STUDENTS & INSTRUCTORS WILL BE IN THE COURSE?

Approximately 12 to 16 students. Dr. Rick Klink and Dr. Qiyu (Jason) Zhang will co-lead the course.

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM COST?

The program costs $1,520 (excluding tuition). Your spot in the course is not reserved until the first payment is received, making it first-come-first-served. All payments are non-refundable. Some prior students have noted that their organizations will provide reimbursement under their conference attendance policy. Upon request, the instructors can provide the itinerary on Loyola letterhead.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE COURSE?

  • Disney seminars on CXM topics facilitated by Disney Cast members (Disney-speak for employees :). 

  • Service operations tour which gives you backstage access to restricted areas like Disney's Utilidor system ("secret tunnels").

  • 4-Day Park Hopper Pass which allows entry to more than one theme park per day. With Park Hopper you can go to and from all four of the Disney World Parks in a single day - Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Disney Epcot. 

  • Accommodations at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort (double occupancy - same gender). You may request a single-room (for an additional cost). Please note the study tour is a credit bearing course and therefore spouses and guests are not permitted to accompany or room with you (Loyola policy).

  • Most meals. Included are Disney meal vouchers (for 5 breakfasts and 4 lunches) and 2 group dinners. You are on your own for 2 or 3 dinners (this is intended to give you maximum flexibility with where you choose to dine). 

  • Disney's Magical Express bus transportation to/from Orlando airport. Note that Disney provides free transportation within the resort (i.e., between the hotel and theme parks).

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WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COSTS?

  1. Tuition associated with 3 credits

  2. Be Our Guest Book. The book is required and you may choose to obtain a hard copy or electronic; new or used. Found on Amazon for approx. $9-$15.

  3. Two or three dinners (see above). The number depends on your Friday arrival time.

  4. Airfare (see below)

  5. Incidentals (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)

SO WHY ISN'T AIRFARE INCLUDED IN THE COSTS?

We purposefully excluded airfare from the program costs, so that you could book your own flights for two reasons:

  1. It should save you money. Buying group airfare is more expensive than a lot of the promotional deals on Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit. All three fly direct routes between BWI and Orlando. If you shop, you should be able to book your roundtrip for as little as $250-$300. (We've actually seen a one-way ticket for as low as $64 on Southwest.)

  2. It gives you flexibility. Official programming at Disney begins in the very early morning on May 16 (Saturday). Thus you will need to arrive no later than Friday night (May 15). The official programming concludes late at night on Tuesday (May 19). Thus you may depart anytime on Wednesday (May 20) or thereafter. In short, the added flexibility allows you to arrive early or extend your stay (at an additional cost). It also allows you to travel to/from an airport other than BWI....so if you want to return on a flight to Philly or DC, you can. 

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CAN I GET A SINGLE ROOM IF I WANT?

Yes, you may. The cost for a single supplement is $475 (the cost of the extra room) which is due with the deposit. Again, please note the study tour is a credit bearing course and therefore spouses and guests are not permitted to accompany or room with you (Loyola policy).

If you have furthers questions, contact Dr. Rick Klink at rklink@loyola.edu or Dr. Qiyu (Jason) Zhang at  jzhang1@loyola.edu

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