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| Industry | Professional development and external training |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 1996; 29 years ago (1996-02) inLake Buena Vista,Florida, United States |
| Founder | Michael Eisner |
| Owner | The Walt Disney Company |
| Website | www |
Disney Institute is the professional development and external training arm ofThe Walt Disney Company. The company presents 'the business behind the magic' through seminars, workshops and presentations, as well as programs for professionals from many different industries, including healthcare, aerospace/aviation, professional sports, government/military, food/beverage and retail.
The Disney Institute was formerly a resort and learning center opened in February 1996 byMichael Eisner. The resort, which was partly based on theChautauqua Institution in New York,[1] was envisioned as a new direction in vacationing; one that was more about hands-on learning, personal development and interactivity rather than the more passive, entertainment-based experience traditionally offered in Disney's theme parks. The institute's original curriculum was pared down over the years due to lackluster attendance. Its main public campus closed in 2003 to becomeDisney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The program including accommodations and some meals started at $3,700.[2] At the time of the resort's closing, Disney Institute instructors compiled their customer service courses into a book titledBe Our Guest, Perfecting the art of customer service.[3]
Early on the Disney Institute hosted 40 different programs with 3-day to a week long stay ranging in price from $429 to $1,310.[4] The Conference Center, as well as other common buildings, were renovated and absorbed into the institute. Institute buildings included 28 program studios, a 225-seat performance center,[5] a 1,150-seat outdoor amphitheater,[5] a 400-seat cinema, a closed-circuit TV station (DITV),[5] a radio station (WALT)[5] and a sports and fitness center with a full service spa.[5] The resort had a restaurant called "Seasons"[5] and featured a themed dinner menu that rotated nightly.
Guests had to choose to participate in an array of over 80 programs. These programs were under categories such asAnimation,Culinary,Gardening,The Great Outdoors,Photography,Television andYouth.[5]
In 2000, Disney changed the focus of the institute from a family-oriented program, to a multi-day seminar for business professionals to learn the "secrets" behind Disney's customer service and business culture.[5] However, this concept did not last, and the resort was closed down in 2003 to make way for theDisney Vacation Club resort,Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.[5] Most of the Villas were torn down, except for the Treehouse Villas, which were renovated and reopened. The former Institute program studios and spa building were renovated as the clubhouse of the Saratoga Springs Resort.
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