Legendary Former Senior Vice President Lee Cockerell, who oversaw 40,000 cast members at Walt Disney World, to directly mentor Japanese business leaders and entrepreneurs on-site

Miraino Publishing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, Representative Director: Satoshi Ito) will hold the "Walt Disney World Inspection Tour 2026," a site visit program where Japanese business leaders, entrepreneurs, and next-generation leaders will travel to Orlando, Florida, USA, to learn directly from Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World Resort. The tour will take place from Saturday, October 31, 2026, to Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (National Holiday).

Free pre-registration for guidance has begun today. Participants will stay in Orlando for three nights and four days, with the core program including a keynote speech & workshop by Mr. Cockerell and a lunch meeting with him. The entire tour will be navigated by Mr. Hiroshi Ueda, the Japanese facilitator.

This program focuses on "experiencing the real thing on-site," which cannot be obtained through books or online courses. In an era where the value of "know-how" is relatively decreasing due to the spread of AI, the program aims to help participants find their own "personal philosophy (axis of life)."

"Personal Philosophy" is the central concept of this program, advocated by General Facilitator Hiroshi Ueda.

Background: In the AI era, "Personal Philosophy (One's Own Axis)" is valued more than "Know-how."

In recent years, AI has become capable of instantly presenting many operational procedures and logical "correct answers."

Amidst this, the argument is spreading that the value remaining for humans lies in emotions and philosophies that transcend logic, namely, "How do I want to live?" – each individual's personal philosophy. This program is an attempt to find that axis not in the extension of daily life, but through an extraordinary experience on-site.

At the core of this program is the perspective of Lee Cockerell, who led approximately 40,000 people at Walt Disney World. While he has publicly stated that he has had AI learn his management know-how in recent years, he argues that human values such as "magic" that moves people and leadership are becoming even more important in the AI era. This program is an attempt to deliver that question to Japanese business leaders.

Program Features

- Keynote Speech & Workshop by Former Disney Executive: Keynote speech and workshop by Lee Cockerell based on his experience leading an organization of 40,000 people, and a lunch meeting with him (November 2).

- Extraordinary On-site Experience: Three nights and four days immersed in the authentic Orlando, home to Walt Disney World, one of the world's largest theme parks.

- Small Group Format x Full Tour Facilitation: Capacity: [20 people]. General Facilitator Hiroshi Ueda will accompany participants throughout the entire tour to support their discovery of "personal philosophy."

- Presentation Opportunity to Epcot Japan Pavilion Buyers (for interested/eligible participants): For participants handling Japanese products, a separate opportunity will be provided to present to local merchandisers (buyers).

Speaker Profiles

Lee Cockerell Served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World Resort, overseeing the operations of approximately 40,000 cast members and 20 resort hotels. Joined Disney after working at Hilton and Marriott. After retiring, he lectures and coaches worldwide as an expert in leadership and customer experience. His four books, including "Creating Magic," have been translated into 21 languages.

Hiroshi Ueda (General Producer) A human resource developer with a unique background in a traditional Japanese restaurant, Mitsukoshi, and Disney. Born in the long-established restaurant "Kichiya," he joined Mitsukoshi. He passed the US Disney training program, to which only 11 out of 12,000 employees were selected. He then served as president of Tiffany in Guam and as director of Mitsukoshi USA at Disney (Epcot Japan Pavilion) in Florida, managing over 250 people, making him one of the few individuals who understands both Japanese and American business and culture. He left his career to return to Japan for family caregiving and is now active as a coach, author, and speaker. As the proponent of the program's central concept, "Personal Philosophy (the root of one's own life)," he plays a role in integrating participants' learning into their lives throughout the entire tour.

Comments

Satoshi Ito, Representative Director, Miraino Publishing Co., Ltd.

"AI now handles many of the 'how-to' aspects. That's precisely why, for today's leaders, what's needed is not a faster correct answer, but their own unique axis – their personal philosophy – of 'How do I want to live?' This time, we have created a venue for participants to find that axis through the words of Lee Cockerell, who built world-class service, and through an on-site experience. We hope it will be an opportunity for each participant to walk forward as the 'CEO of their own life' after returning home."

Lee Cockerell (From provided video message / translated from Japanese)

"Hello everyone. This is Lee Cockerell. I was the Senior Vice President of Operations here at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. I was also involved in the opening of Disneyland Paris, and a few years ago I visited Tokyo Disneyland. It was wonderful.

I am very pleased to be working with the people at Miraino Publishing on this Walt Disney World Tour. I look forward to meeting and talking with you all when you come here in October.

For me, the keys to success were three things: 'education,' 'experience,' and 'exposure to new worlds.' I believe this tour will provide you with all three.

Travel always brings new insights. It will enrich your careers. Please take advantage of this opportunity. I look forward to seeing you all here in Orlando soon. Take care. Thank you." *This is a Japanese translation of a video message provided by Lee Cockerell.

Event Overview

Program Name

Walt Disney World Inspection Tour 2026

Dates

October 31, 2026 (Saturday) - November 3, 2026 (Tuesday, National Holiday) - 3 nights, 4 days on-site

Location

Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida, USA

Target Audience

Japanese business owners, sole proprietors, and next-generation leaders

Capacity

20 people (minimum number of participants required for operation)

How to Participate

Pre-register for guidance on the official page → Apply after attending an information session or individual consultation

Pre-registration URL

https://utg.intlstage.com/p/dl3iia?ftid=7JWGXRxaQbEG

Organizer

Miraino Publishing Co., Ltd. / Inspire Intelligence Academy

Other

We also welcome partnerships, proposals, and media coverage in addition to tour participation.

*Details such as participation fees and application conditions can be confirmed on the official page and through individual guidance.

Company Profile

Miraino Publishing Co., Ltd. Location: Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture Representative: Satoshi Ito, Representative Director Business Activities: Publishing books and content, planning and operating inspection and training programs to deliver overseas knowledge to Japan, etc. URL: https://mirainopublishing.com/

Notes on this Release

This program is independently planned and organized by Miraino Publishing Co., Ltd. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or in any capital or business relationship with The Walt Disney Company or its affiliated companies and group companies. The names "Walt Disney World," etc., used in this text are for the sole purpose of describing the speaker's background. All names and trademarks belong to their respective rights holders.

Contact for Media Inquiries

Miraino Publishing Co., Ltd. Public Relations: Satoshi Ito Email: info@mirainopublishing.com *We also accept consultations for interviews, filming, and individual interviews with speakers.