Bill Zanetti

Academic leader and instructor with expertise in entertainment management, theme park operations, and industry-connected teaching.

Theme Park Analyst UCF Instructor Entertainment Management AI in Education
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About

I'm an instructor at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management, where I teach courses spanning entertainment, theme parks, attractions, digital marketing, merchandise, technology, and guest experience.

My career blends academic leadership with hands-on industry expertise gained at The Walt Disney Company, Universal Orlando Resort, and other major entertainment organizations. I design original courses that connect classroom learning to real-world practice, and I serve as Chair of the Faculty Assembly and Faculty Executive Committee.

Beyond teaching, I coordinate the college's Teaching Colloquiums and created an AI Lunch and Learn series to help faculty explore artificial intelligence in education and research. I'm passionate about bridging the gap between academia and the themed entertainment industry.

Academic Leadership

Chair of Faculty Assembly & Faculty Executive Committee. Coordinator of Teaching Colloquiums with monthly seminars on best practices.

Original Course Design

Designed 5+ original courses including Digital Marketing in Entertainment, Technology & Innovation in Theme Parks, and Merchandise Management.

Industry Experience

Professional background at Disney, Universal, D23, Hardrive Productions, and the City of Orlando spanning retail, attractions, production, and marketing.

International Teaching

Taught internationally in Dubai through a UCF partnership with Dubai Parks and Resorts, training Emiratis in theme park leadership and management.

Experience

Academic and industry career spanning entertainment, theme parks, and hospitality

Coordinator, Teaching Colloquiums
University of Central Florida — Rosen College
Aug 2024 – Present
Manage a monthly seminar series featuring faculty and guest speakers on best teaching practices. Created an AI Lunch and Learn series to support faculty understanding of AI in teaching and research.
Instructor, Tourism, Events, Entertainment & Attractions
University of Central Florida — Rosen College
Aug 2023 – Present
Teach six courses in entertainment, theme parks, attractions, digital marketing, merchandise, technology, and guest experience. Designed multiple original courses. Chair of Faculty Assembly and Faculty Executive Committee.
Adjunct Instructor, Tourism, Events, Entertainment & Attractions
University of Central Florida — Rosen College
Aug 2015 – Aug 2023
Taught eight courses across entertainment management, event technology, production, guest experience, product development, and theme park management. Taught internationally in Dubai.
Seasonal Retail Coordinator & Candy Maker
The Walt Disney Company — Magic Kingdom Park
Jan 2010 – Jan 2017
Main Street U.S.A. & Tomorrowland Merchandise. Focused on guest service, retail performance, and front-line problem solving.
Director of Online Brand Management & Technology
Hardrive Productions
Oct 2011 – Dec 2013
Managed online promotional strategy, audition support systems, and digital materials for entertainment clients including DreamWorks Animation, Universal Studios Singapore, and Nickelodeon campaigns.
House Manager & Director of Social Media
City of Orlando — The Gift & Holiday Lights Orlando
Nov 2008 – Dec 2012
Oversaw production coordination, social media strategy, event logistics, and guest-facing operations at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park.
Attractions Host (Opening Team)
The Walt Disney Company — Disney's Hollywood Studios
Nov 2006 – Jan 2010
Toy Story Midway Mania opening team. Worked in attraction operations, guest flow, safety, and show quality, including collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering.

Courses Taught

Undergraduate courses at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management

HFT 2563
Digital Marketing in Entertainment
Original Course
HFT 3362
Technology & Innovation in Theme Parks
Original Course
HFT 3362H
Honors Technology & Innovation in Theme Parks
Original Course
HFT 3395
Entertainment Technology & Innovation
Original Course
HFT 4377
Entertainment Production Management
Original Course
HFT 4466
Merchandise Management in Theme Parks
Original Course
HFT 3375
Entertainment Business
HFT 3443
Event Technology
HFT 4752
Managing Guest Experience in Theme Parks
HFT 4755
Theme Park & Attraction Management
HFT 4759
Product Development in Theme Parks
HFT 4795
Entertainment Arts & Events

Education

Master of Business Administration
Rollins College — Crummer Graduate School of Business
May 2015
Specializations in Marketing & Entrepreneurship
Coursework in Operations Management
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
University of Central Florida — Rosen College
December 2009
Specialization in Theme Park & Attraction Management

Awards & Recognition

Peabody Award Nominee
Defunctland
Nominated for a Peabody Award as Executive Producer of Defunctland, the acclaimed documentary series exploring the history of defunct theme park attractions and entertainment.
Dean's Star Award
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Recognized for outstanding contributions to teaching, student engagement, and service at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Professional Affiliations

Themed Experience & Attractions Academic Society
Founding Member
Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)
Member
IAAPA — Intl. Assoc. of Amusement Parks & Attractions
Member
Entertainment Mgmt. Advisory Board, Rosen College
Founding Member

Get in Touch

Whether it's about teaching, industry consulting, or speaking opportunities

Phone
Email
Location
Orlando, FL