When Michael Eisner was still at the helm of the Disney Company, one of his pet projects was a multifaceted educational program for visitors, based in a resort-like setting at Walt Disney World. Like Eisner himself, the original Disney Institute campus is no longer part of the Disney empire, but the concept has been resurrected as a business-oriented training program focusing on various aspects of management and leadership skills.

While the new Disney Institute primarily serves convention groups and corporate meetings, some seminars are open to individual participants who wish to learn about Disney’s systematic approach to quality control, human resources management, organizational creativity and building customer loyalty. Most seminars last three and a half days and include a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s Orlando operations, as well as in-depth exchanges with members of the Disney management team.

At $3,895 ($3,695 for early birds) per person including accommodations and some meals, the three-and-a-half-day seminars are not cheap, but the institute presents a terrific opportunity for professional development, which can easily be combined with a family visit to Walt Disney World. See www.disneyinstitute.com for seminar details and schedules.