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Overview

Exploration Series

The Disney Exploration Series offers students the unique opportunity to learn more about how the Walt Disney World® Resort operates in key areas. There are several Disney Exploration Series topics to choose from, and each two-hour series meets once a week, for eight weeks.

Each class is highly interactive and encourages each participant to fully experience all aspects of the 47 square miles of the Walt Disney World Resort as a learning laboratory. Consisting of a series of conversations and presentations facilitated by Disney leaders across the resort, participants get to learn about different experiences and how to apply it in both their personal and professional lives.

In these courses there are no tests, quizzes or papers, because their learning outcomes are already established. We encourage you to share this information with your faculty and advisors to hear their advice or guidance around potential credit opportunities. As with some of our programs, the schedules and offerings are subject to change and availability may be limited.

Exploring Marketing

Gain a deeper understanding of how we maintain customer loyalty by both staying true to our brand and marketing our new Guest experiences. In this DES, you will:
  • Identify ways we maintain Guest loyalty by providing new experiences that strengthen our brand.
  • Report on the decision making process by which we determine whether to change, maintain or enhance.
  • Differentiate the application of the marketing strategies as applied to the Disney Vacation Club®, Disney Cruise Line® and Corporate Alliances.

Exploring Disney Heritage

Take a journey back in time discovering the roots of The Walt Disney Company. Learn about Walt's vision through exploring historical milestones.

Exploring People Management

Human Resources (HR) plays a huge role in developing the over 50,000 employees and Cast Members of the Walt Disney World Resort. In this DES, you will:
  • Differentiate the ways we create a fun and supportive environment for our Cast.
  • Define methods of motivating Cast Members who perform the same role day after day.
  • Understand the concept of productivity as it relates to Guest, Cast and business.
  • Examine coaching and feedback models used to help our Cast be successful.

Exploring Guest Service

Hospitality is the hallmark of the Walt Disney World Resort. Through our theme parks and resorts, we strive to satisfy and delight our Guests in the world's most hospitable vacation destination. In this DES, you will:
  • Investigate our multi-faceted approach to providing world class hospitality.
  • Discuss how we anticipate and respond to the changing tastes of our Guests.
  • Cite ways we cultivate a competitive advantage.
  • Understand the applicability of customer service, loyalty and profit.

Exploring Leadership

Discover how our leaders balance the needs of Cast, Guest and business to create the most magical place on earth. In this DES, you will:
  • Assess how our leaders balance the needs of Cast, Guest and business to create the most magical place on earth.
  • Compare and contrast leadership philosophies of our top leaders.
  • Define the crucial components of Disney leadership.
  • Recognize the leadership skills you already possess.