Our Story

Our History

For more than eight decades, The Walt Disney Company and its affiliated companies have remained faithful to their commitment to produce unparalleled experiences based on the rich legacy of innovative content and exceptional storytelling. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio to today's global enterprise, The Walt Disney Company is a diversified leader in media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment and consumer products.

Of course, none of this would have been possible had Walt Disney not also re-written the rules of business.

With the support of his brother Roy, Walt created an effective organizational culture founded in values-based leadership, where employees are recognized for their achievements, encouraged to work as a team and think creatively and, in their consistent pursuit of excellence, continually break the confines of the status quo to surpass the expectations of the world.

Your Opportunity

Since the founding of Disney Institute in 1986, millions of professionals from around the world across the private, public and social sectors have had an opportunity to experience the time-tested best practices, sound methodologies and real life business lessons that have sustained the global success of Disney.

As the provider of uniquely Disney transformational learning experiences for more than 25 years, we inspire business professionals to think and act differently. The result? Outcomes that clearly illustrate ways you can adapt and apply these concepts into your organization. You will find your organization has more in common with Disney than you ever imagined.

Our Approach

As one of the most recognized names in professional development, the Disney Institute approach supports an organization’s transformative journey through discovery, execution and sustainment. These solutions enable organizations to draw from the core competencies of The Walt Disney Company as a catalyst for change and build a collaborative roadmap for success, unique to the organization.

Disney Institute also remains the only professional development company where your team can literally step into a “living laboratory” as part of your journey. Utilizing our theme parks and resorts at Disney Destinations around the globe, these field experiences can take you behind-the-scenes enabling your organization to see firsthand how business theory drives operational excellence.