The Disney Institute Premieres New Professional Development Program

"The Disney Approach to People Management" program is reimagined to offer new ideas for hiring and retaining exceptional talent

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 20, 2008) - Disney Institute has introduced a completely new version of its popular 3½day seminar, The Disney Approach to People Management. Offered at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 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 line-up of new programs and content that let business professionals 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 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, Zemicke 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 programs are also offered at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. In addition, the 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.

The Disney Approach to People Management Program Overview

Opening Reception - The program begins with a welcome reception that introduces the program model and the facilitators who will host the group for the next three days. Participants’ expectations of the program are captured, and study begins of the first element of the program model - corporate culture. Participants learn how a proactively managed Disney culture guides the Company in its approach to recruitment and selection, training, communication and care.

Recruitment and Selection - Participants travel to the Walt Disney World Casting Center to experience the Disney employment process and see how new Cast Member enculturation and training begins.

Orientation - A study of training starts with an overview of Disney "Traditions," the renowned orientation program that dates back to the earliest days of Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Participants see how every aspect of this carefully orchestrated program is staged to introduce new Cast Members to the organization, educate them about the Company and encourage them to "buy in" to the Disney culture.

On-the-Job Training - Participants gain real-life experience as they train to operate a Disney attraction. This unforgettable experience showcases the importance of leadership and frontline trainers in reinforcing messages from Traditions and setting new hires up for success. Following the experience, participants explore other aspects of Disney training, including career management and developmental opportunities.

Communication - The afternoon focuses on how effective communication reinforces training messages and creates a knowledgeable and confident workforce. This session explores a broad range of effective Company and local-level communication tools. Participants also discover a Disney communication process that significantly reduces new-hire turnover, improves morale and generates cost savings.

Care - During a pre-opening visit to one of the Disney theme parks, participants see firsthand how the working environment Disney creates for its Cast Members directly affects the service provided to Walt Disney World Guests. The morning explores behind-the-scenes facilities and services designed to eliminate the "hassle factor" for Cast Members. The final session introduces participants to an array of programs and celebrations designed to inspire and recognize outstanding performance.

The program concludes with lunch and a special graduation ceremony.

To learn more about professional development programs available through the Disney Institute, visit www.disneyinstitute.com or call (407) 566-1738.