Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the program start? / What time does the program end?
Start Time: Most 3 1/2 day programs begin at 5pm, and dinner is provided. (The Disney Approach to Loyalty programs begin at 4:30 pm.) The 5-Day programs begin at 8 am on day two. All guests will receive an e-mail approximately 14 days prior confirming the start time and meeting location.
End Time: The 3 1/2 day programs concludes after the luncheon and graduation ceremony at approximately 2 pm. The 5-Day programs conclude at 4pm on day six.
What if I am late arriving and miss a part or all of the opening night festivities? Who can I contact in case I am late for a program?
Please contact the Disney Institute by calling (407) 566-1738 between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday through Friday. The representative on the line will make sure the facilitator of the program is aware of your challenge. If you arrive late, missing the opening night entirely, please ask at the Front Desk for assistance on where your program will meet the following day.
What if I need to leave early on the final day of the program? Where can I store my luggage if I have checked out of my room on the final day of the program?
Luggage can be stored with our Bell Service cast members. Bell Service is located near the Front Desk of your resort. You can also contact them by pressing the bell service button on your in-room phone.
What do we wear?
Clothing should be business casual. Please wear comfortable shoes since there will be walking involved in parts of your program.
How do I make a priority seating at a Disney restaurant for dinner?
For Florida programs, you can contact our dining partners by dialing (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). The Cast Member can assist in booking a priority seating at one of our many dining locations. For California programs, you can contact our dining partners by dialing (714) 781-DINE (714-781-3463) from an outside line or simply 3463 from any resort phone. The Cast Member can assist in booking a priority seating at one of our many dining locations.
Can additional people/family/friends stay in my room?
Additional guests are allowed in your room. Our resort rooms accommodate up to 4 adults. For Florida programs, there is no charge for the first two adults in the room (including yourself), but there will be a charge of $25 + tax per additional adult in the room. For example: If you are bringing two adult guests to stay in your room with you, the Front Desk would charge an additional $25 + tax for the third adult in your party. For California programs, there is no additional charge for up to four (4) adults.
How will I receive my tickets?
Your Theme Park tickets will be on your room key (for Florida programs) or at the program registration desk the first night of your program (for California programs). If you have noted that you are arriving early for a California program, your Theme Park tickets will be waiting for you at the Front Desk upon check-in.
What is the address and phone number of my hotel? (also hotel info such as pools, fitness facility, internet access, etc)
To view detailed information about your resort in Florida, please click here. To view details information about your resort in California, please click here.
What will the weather be like during my program?
Although we cannot tell you exactly what weather to expect during your vacation, here are the average high/low temperatures, followed by the average monthly rainfall in inches during the three-month periods indicated:
Orlando, Florida Area
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January - March
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74/51ºF
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2.1 in.
|
|
April - June*
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88/66ºF
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2.7 in.
|
|
July - September*
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91/73ºF
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3 in.
|
|
October - December
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78/58ºF
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3 in.
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* The summer months generally have high humidity.
Anaheim, Calilfornia Area
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January - March
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70/49ºF
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3 in.
|
|
April - June
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76/56ºF
|
.34 in.
|
|
July - September
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84/64ºF
|
.16 in.
|
|
October - December
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75/52ºF
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1.1 in.
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Even though you’re here for business, you don’t have to dress like it. We encourage you to wear casual office clothing. In addition, we recommend you bring a light sweater, sweatshirt or jacket because the meeting rooms can be quite cool.
What are the chances that a program will be cancelled?
The Disney Institute has seldom had to cancel any scheduled classes. In the case of a program cancellation, you would be notified and informed of your options including rescheduling to another program.
What is the refund policy?
If for any reason you are unable to attend your program, you can cancel for a full refund 60 days before the program start date. If you must cancel within 60 days before the program start date, you may transfer to any other available date. You may not cancel or transfer your reservation within 30 days of the program date.
I have difficulty walking for long periods of time. How much walking is involved in a program or tour?
Perhaps 1/2 to 1 mile per day. There is no walking on opening night. Plus, the walking is not continuous. It's usually slow as we walk a little, stop, talk a little - and then walk a little, stop, talk a little, etc. A comfortable pair of shoes is recommended for the exploring you’ll do during the field experiences.
Are there wheelchairs available and what is the cost?
The Front Desk has a limited number of wheelchairs and can not reserve them for guests ahead of time. Upon your arrival ask the Front Desk if a wheelchair is available. There is no cost for the wheelchair, but the cast member will ask for your credit card information.
Are there ECV’s available and what is the cost?
The Front Desk does not have ECV’s available, but there are two companies that can be of assistance.
Care Medical Equipment 1-800-741-2282
Walker Mobility 1-888-726-6837
I am a single parent bringing my children, is there anywhere my children can go while I am in meeting?
There is no individual sign-up programming for children but there are baby-sitting services available through the company Kids Nite Out that can be arranged through your concierge or Guest Services at the hotel. The best answer is to bring another adult that can enjoy the Parks with the children while you are in meetings. At Walt Disney World, children ages 16 years and older can participate in many WDW tours (see www.disney.com and search "tours") on their own.
Is smoking permitted in either the convention center conference rooms or at the parks?
Although most locations are smoke free, there are designated areas for smoking within our parks and convention centers. Please see a Cast Member for designate smoking areas.
What else do I need to bring? (i.e. ID, etc.)
Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.) for access to any backstage areas.
What if I forgot my pre-program material?
If you forgot it, don't worry about it; this material is meant to get you to think about your business and there will be other opportunities in the program to do this.
Do I need park tickets for the field trips?
No. The field trips are part of your program and therefore tickets are not needed for park entrance during these times.
What’s the best way to get from/to the airport?
At Walt Disney World, Disney’s Magical Express Service is the latest innovation in Disney’s legendary commitment to service and convenience. You will receive complimentary transportation from the Orlando International Airport to your Disney Resort hotel and back again. For more information, or to set up your Disney’s Magical Express Service, please visit www.disneyconventionears.com/DME.
The Disneyland Resort Express makes it easy to travel between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Orange County's John Wayne Airport (SNA), and the Anaheim Resort. You can trust that the Disneyland Resort Express will get you to and from your hotel in a timely manner! For more information on schedules and rates, please visit www.graylineanaheim.com and click on Airport Shuttles, or call (800) 828-6699.
What are the procedures for checking out on the last day of the program?
Your rooms are paid for as part of the price of the Disney Institute program. The only payments that you would need to finalize on your room nights would be any incidentals (room service, phone charges, etc.). This can be taken care of at the Front Desk on your last day or by requesting express check out upon your arrival by giving the Front Desk a credit card on which to charge any incidentals.
Is photography permitted during the program/tours?
Photography and video taping of the field experiences is generally restricted and there is to be no audio or visual recordings of the program sessions. However, you may still bring a camera as there are certain areas along the tour where photography is allowed. Your facilitator(s) will advise you when you may or may not take pictures.
