Although many impressive volumes have been written about Walt Disney’s philosophy and business practices, as well as those of his successors, one essential element in the paradigm has been overlooked or assigned scant little importance, the Disney culture. No corporate culture has been more painstakingly designed, clearly defined or diligently made known to every employee than Disney’s.

This book, written by a seasoned Disney insider, presents in detail, for the first time, the extraordinary role that this culture plays in the day-to-day operations carried out by seventy thousand Cast Members across twenty lines of business at the vast Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

One of the pillars upon which this culture stands—Disney’s seven core values, for which all are held accountable. The other pillar is the non-negotiable practice of feedback and coaching at every level of the organization. Everyone who visits Disney or hopes to speaks of the Disney magic. But it’s not the magic that makes it work, it’s the work that makes it magic. Behind the castle and the characters and the pixie dust is great leadership. And the single most essential element in the Disney leadership model continues to be the Disney culture. Many have written with great knowledge and insight about Disney’s enormous success. This is the piece they missed.