History of the Disney University:

Every Disneyland resort cast member passes through the halls of the Disney University at some point in their Disney career, beginning with Traditions. But where and when did the Disney University begin? In 1962, Van Arsdale France was inspired by Ed Ettinger, Public Relations director who exclaimed," What we need is something that affects the total organization. Some tired training program won't do it. We need something like a university...a program which pioneers new ground in this revolutionary concept of Walt's." And thus the University of Disneyland was created. The name would later be changed to Disney University and replicated in every Disney site around the world. The university's humble beginnings began in a trailer on Harbor Blvd. complete with one projector and the resort's first IBM eletric typewriter. One of the first classes designed after the orientation program was called "You're On Stage at Disneyland," focusing on the product cast members deliver to guests- happiness-and emphasized that we are in the show business, a sentiment that continues to be part of who we are as Disneyland Resort cast members.

CHEERS... DR LEE