Disney Institute - Frequently Asked Questions

We respect the time and energy it takes for any organization to determine how to use their resources to improve their business. Choosing a professional development program that suits your organization is an important decision; therefore we want you to have all the information you need.

This web site shares our approach to professional development and highlights our program content as well as gives you access to our Starting Point tool to help determine your organization's greatest areas of growth opportunity. Hopefully, this will help you decide if Disney Institute is the right fit for your needs. If you have not been able to find the answers to your questions on this website, please contact us and we will do our best to assist you.

In the meantime, you may find the answers you are looking for among the questions others have asked. Feel free to peruse the entire bank of questions or select a section that you think is most relevant to your questions.

About Our Processes
About Our Programs
About Customization
Other Questions

What is the minimum group size?
The minimum group size is 20, but contact us for creative solutions for smaller groups.

Can individuals enroll in programs?
Disney Institute individual enrollment programs are perfect for anyone seeking professional development by themselves or even a small group from the same organization. To check out the dates of your desired program topics, click here.

Where are classes held?
Sessions are held both at the Walt Disney World^® Resort in Orlando, Florida and at the Disneyland^®Resort in Anaheim, California. All our 3½-Day and 1-Day Seminars are held in our world-class meeting and convention facilities and also include behind-the-scenes field experiences throughout each resort.

Are CEU credits available?
Yes. See Continuing Education for specific details on acquiring credits.

Is there an age requirement for your programs?
16 years is the minimum age, except for our Youth Programs. However, we do offer some unique Behind-The-Scenes Tours appropriate for the accompanying Guests of Disney Institute program participants.

Can we purchase Disney Theme Park tickets at a discounted price?
Yes, we offer Disney Institute participants special group and convention rates on tickets.

Do you sell your videos or workbooks separately?
No. Due to the proprietary nature of the content, our comprehensive videos and printed materials are the exclusive product of our programs.

Are there any books that have been published about the Disney Institute?
You can go to any on-line or local book store to order "Be Our Guest," the only published book currently in print (Paperback ISBN # 0786853948) officially sanctioned by Disney Institute. Or you may call 800-222-6747 for quantity discounts available directly from the publisher, Disney Editions.

Are language translation services available?
Yes. You can provide your own translation service, or we can refer you to local translators familiar with our content.

Do I need a government-issued photo-ID?
For any program with a Behind-The-Scenes experience, each participant must have in their possession a government-issued photo-ID (i.e. State-issued Drivers License, Valid Passport, etc.) This is standard policy required by Disney Security.

Are there any discounts on the program price?
Our programs already include a discount for groups. We are competitively priced in the marketplace and consistently receive feedback that the money spent on our programs is the best investment our participants have ever made.

How do I respond to concerns that the Walt Disney World^® Resort or Disneyland^®Resort cannot offer a serious learning destination?
The opportunity to study Disney's approach to business and observe this approach in action throughout any of the Disney Destinations is an unparallelled learning experience offered nowhere else. To learn more about how Disney Institute has helped many Fortune 500 companies and national not-for-profit associations achieve new levels of success, read our Case Studies.

Can I combine programs with Tours, Teambuilding, or other events?
Yes. We can combine Team Building or Behind-The-Scenes Tours with our other programs or integrate them into your existing meeting agenda.

Can we add a business tour to our presentation?
Absolutely. We call these business tours "Field Experiences" and our group program seminars already include them. We have a variety of options for each business development topic offering you the chance to leave the meeting room and venture out to the parks and resorts to see our content in action.

If we add a Field Experience, will we need to charter a bus?
Yes, we require one bus per 45 people. This cost is not included in the Field Experience price, but we are happy to coordinate motorcoach services.

Can I "buy out" a program so the content is personalized to my specific group, audience, or industry?
Yes. When you purchase a Group Program, we personalize your experience so you can take our philosophies back to your business.

What are the differences in the formats of the professional development programs you offer?

90-Minute Presentation - A fun, informative introduction where we reveal elements of our Disney success formulas and inspire you to apply it to your business. A handout is included.
3-Hour Workshop - We offer a more in-depth approach and allow your group to create an action plan applying our concepts to your business. A workbook is included.
1-Day Seminar - We go beyond the classroom into our 47-square mile living laboratory to delve deeper into topics through field experiences, guest speakers, and experiential activities. A workbook is included.
Multi-Day Program - Similar to the 1-day, but much more in-depth, with added benchmarking experiences and interaction with Disney leaders. A large manual with specifics about our business philosophies is included.
Custom Solutions - We can design a custom program that specifically meets the needs of your group.

Can the 90-Minute Service program be done in 60-minutes? Is it the same price?
Yes, the 90-minute program can be condensed for a keynote address, but to receive the full value of the program we recommend 90 minutes. It is the same price for 60 to 90 minutes.

Can you come to my organization/conference and do a program for us?
We do provide on-site programs at your corporate headquarters or conference center*. We also offer on-site collaboration at your place of business if your organization is pursuing a Custom Solution. In terms of worldwide access, "The Disney Keys to Excellence" provides an executive summary of our programs to the general business community in selected cities across the country.
*Some restrictions apply. Contact a Business Solutions Advisor for details.

Who are your facilitators?
Our professional facilitators come from rich and diverse backgrounds; they are dynamic presenters who are effective in relationships, skilled in business and passionate about the Disney approach. To learn more specifics visit Our Facilitators page.

Do we have access to your executives as speakers?
Yes, this is one of the benefits of our program. We showcase some of our executives on video during the program, which allows you to hear from them directly. Also, our 3½-day and 1-day immersive programs provide your group with numerous opportunities to interact with Disney leaders. If you are looking for a Disney Executive for a keynote speech, explore our new Executive Series.

I have specific goals and challenges within my organization. Can Disney Institute help?
Yes! Disney Institute has been a catalyst for positive organizational change in many organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to smaller businesses and national associations. Using our Custom Solution, we will develop a powerful learning event based on your organization's unique goals and objectives. Please contact us to design a detailed proposal to fit your needs.

What constitutes a Multi-Phase Custom Solution?
To develop your Custom Solution, we work hand-in-hand with you to determine your needs and create a proposal that includes our program recommendations, price, and timeline. Pricing varies according to program length, number of participants, learning objectives, field experiences, guest speakers, activities, and/or processes.

How much does a Custom program cost?
Each program is uniquely developed to your criteria, so each has its own pro forma budget and suggested price.

Where do I find information on hosting a meeting or convention at the Walt Disney World^® Resort or at Disneyland^® Resort? Can I add Disney Institute programming to my meeting agenda?
For information on hosting a meeting or convention at the Walt Disney World^® Resort, visit www.disneymeetings.com. For information on hosting a meeting or convention at Disneyland^®Resort, visit our Disneyland^® Resort meetings site. Disney Institute programs are available to all meetings & conventions booked at an official Disney Destination - contact your Disney Sales or Services manager for more information.

Do you have courses on cooking or animation?
Although these were offered at one time at the Walt Disney World^® Resort , Disney Institute now features only business programs based on the core competencies of The Walt Disney Company and we are delighted to have expanded these offerings to the Disneyland^® Resort and beyond. Also, you can find fabulous personal enrichment programs available on a Disney Cruise Line voyage. Visit www.disneycruise.com.

Do you have programs for Youth Groups?
Please visit the following web site for more information: www.youtheducationseries.com.

How do I become an animator?
Please visit the following web site for more information: www.disneycareers.com and click on "Who We Are", and then click "Walt Disney Feature Animation" under "The Walt Disney Studios" heading.