Disney Institute is the professional development and external training arm of The 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 by Michael Eisner. The resort, which was partly based on the Chautauqua 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 become Disney'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 titled Be Our Guest, Perfecting the art of customer service.[3]