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Industry News

 

Disney Institute Premieres New Professional Development Program

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Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — March 20
Disney Institute has introduced a completely new version of its popular three and a half-day seminar, The Disney Approach to People Management. Offered at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, the updated program features new content, case studies and behind-the-scenes field experiences that create an unparalleled professional development experience.

This refreshed program is the latest in a lineup of new programs and content that let business professionals from other organizations experience the business behind the Disney magic.

The Disney Approach to People Management takes participants behind the scenes of Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts to see how the company recruits, selects, trains, rewards and recognizes more than 62,000 cast members (Disney-speak for “employees”) who work at the Florida destination. The program is also a study in how to create a positive, service-driven corporate culture.

“Walt Disney always envisioned the Walt Disney World Resort as a showcase to the world for new ideas,” said George Aguel, senior vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and leader of the Disney Institute. “Disney Institute programs bring Walt’s vision to life by turning our theme parks and resorts into a giant living laboratory where business professionals from other organizations can come to network, learn and be inspired.”

The Disney Approach to People Management holds a unique place in Disney Institute history. Created in response to countless requests from professionals seeking to benchmark Disney business practices, the program premiered in 1986 as the first professional development program that Disney offered to other organizations.

Aguel added, “It’s important to note that while we’ve introduced a new program experience for participants, the core content has changed surprisingly little since the first program launched more than 20 years ago. That’s a testament to Disney philosophies and best practices that have withstood the test of time.”

Wade Zernicke is general manager of Schneider Logistics, a global provider of transportation and logistics technology services. A Disney Institute alumnus, Zernicke participated in the February premiere of The Disney Approach to People Management.

“Our company promotes continuing education, and Disney Institute offers the training requirements we were looking to fulfill,” Zernicke said. “Our team faces many similar challenges as Disney in providing excellent customer service, so we’ve been able to adapt many Disney management practices and techniques to our organization, especially in regard to employee recognition.”

The Disney Approach to People Management is one in a series of professional development programs available at the Walt Disney World Resort. Other programs explore quality service, loyalty, organizational creativity and leadership excellence. Many of these programs are also offered at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. In addition, Disney Institute offers group programs at Disney destinations in the U.S. and abroad. Group programs can also travel to client offices and sites around the world.

For more info: http://www.disneyinstitute.com

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