One of my favorite experiences as a Disney adult, was attending Disney Institute. As a professional who delivers leadership training for a living, I was intrigued what leadership magic might be behind the guest experiences we all enjoy. My search led me to find Disney Institute, which offers professional development courses at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. To appreciate what it is today, it’s interesting to know how it came to be.
How it Started
The idea of the Disney Institute was born during Walt Disney Worlds’s expansion and transformation era under the leadership of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner. Eisner’s inspiration was the historic Chautauqua Institution in upstate New York. The Chautauqua Institution, founded in 1874, is a non-profit organization, offering weekly programs and courses each summer in an array of fields such as arts, education, religion, and music. After visiting the institution, Eisner believed that there was a market for Walt Disney World guests who wanted to add an enrichment experience to their Walt Disney World vacation. He decided to move forward with the idea, and the Disney Village Resort (now Saratoga Springs) was converted into the Disney Institute.
The Disney Institute opened its doors to guests on February 9, 1996, offering over eighty different courses spanning several core studies. While some existing buildings from the former Disney Village Resort were used in the remodel, added buildings were constructed to make space for the many interactive experiences. When the institute first opened, there was a three-night stay minimum.
The institute’s grounds featured spacious bungalows and townhouses, all steps from the immersive experiences of the property. The Disney Institute featured 28 program studios, a 1,150-seat outdoor amphitheater, a 225-seat indoor performance theater, a 400-seat movie theater, a closed-circuit radio station (WALT), a closed-circuit TV station (DITV), an 18-hole championship golf course, clay tennis courts, a youth center, six different swimming pools, and a fitness center. Courses included culinary arts, gardening, rock climbing, tennis, golf, photography, TV/radio production, & youth programs.
Despite the enormous investment and breadth of offerings, Disney struggled to succeed. With prices up to $1985 per person (depending on length of stay), it was cost-prohibitive for most families. After just 4 years of disappointing participation and financial performance, Disney Institute closed in 2000. To make Disney Institute a profitable venture, the Disney Institute was conceived to share Disney’s expertise in leadership, customer service, and business excellence with organizations and professionals. It evolved from the original Disney Institute, which focused on guest enrichment experiences, into a business-focused entity offering professional development and training programs and launched in 2009.
Disney Institute Today
Today, at both Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort and at Disneyland’s Grand Californian Resort, Disney Institute provides workshops, courses, and consulting services to help businesses and leaders apply Disney’s principles and practices to their own organizations. It leverages Disney’s decades of experience in creating exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence to help other companies achieve similar success. Current course offerings include Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence, Disney’s Approach to Employee Engagement, and Disney’s approach to Quality Service.
Disney Institute also offers business consulting services and meeting planning. Their consulting services help organizations apply Disney’s principles of leadership, customer service, and operational excellence to their own business. Additionally, Disney Institute can assist with meeting planning, offering expertise in creating engaging and effective meetings and events. They leverage Disney’s experience in event management to help organizations plan and execute successful meetings, conferences, and workshops.
What to Expect at Disney Institute
First let me say, when I went in 2018 it was (like many other things) way more affordable than it is today. It’s one of the most expensive professional development courses I’ve attended, but at the same time, one of the most unique and memorable. It was in approximately $3500 per multi day course when I attended. It’s now upward of $5000 for multi day courses. Of note, single day courses start at $1950.
For the admission fee, you’ll receive a full day of immersive learning, including in-park, back-stage experiences. These experiences provide participants with a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s operations, offering insights into how Disney creates its renowned guest experiences and maintains its exacting standards of service and efficiency. To offset cost, it’s helpful to know that Disney Institute’s programs are recognized by various professional organizations (such as SHRM, ANCC, PMI) and associations for continuing education credits. Check with your professional organization or association to confirm the eligibility of Disney Institute courses for continuing education credits.
Lunch is provided and hotel accommodations are offered at a discounted rate. Aside from the time you’re backstage during class, park admission is not included. As an annual passholder though, I went to the parks on my arrival day, and after class during my stay. As for the classes themselves, the classroom environment is fun and interactive. You’re at small tables with fellow participants who, thanks to the skilled course facilitators, will be like friends by the end of the day. Workbooks are provided, with course content and space to take notes. To me, the most valuable part of the program is the Disney Institute facilitators. They are not actors, nor teachers, they’re experienced Disney leaders who bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the program.
During my two courses, Leadership and Employee Engagement, I was able to go backstage at both Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. It was interesting to see our guides, who were current park leaders interact with cast members, and share what a day is like in their shoes. At HS, we were there during a shut down of Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster and got to see the park manager orchestrate ride evacuation, EMS response, and guest experience to ensure everything went smoothly and with minimal guest disruption. He did it all without breaking a sweat!
Overall, I’m glad I attended and would highly recommend the experience, especially if your employer has a budget for continuing education and you’re getting credits for attending.
For more information on Disney Institute visit www.disneyinstitute.com
What an amazing experience!
What an experience! I wish I could get credit to match the cost. I know my employer will not pay for this I tried for a fraction and online. This sounds like fun though!
This is fascinating Ruth. What a wonderful opportunity this proved to be! I found this blog super interesting!