Disney Imagineering Internships: Your Guide to a Magical Career

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is the creative engine behind Disney's world-renowned theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships. For students and recent graduates with a passion for storytelling, innovation, and experiential design, a Walt Disney Imagineering internship can be a golden ticket to a fulfilling career. These internships offer invaluable on-the-job training, challenging projects, and the opportunity to present findings to senior management. The Walt Disney Company also provides additional programs for students and recent graduates across a wide range of disciplines.

What is Walt Disney Imagineering?

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide.

Who is Eligible for a Walt Disney Imagineering Internship?

Walt Disney Imagineering offers paid professional internship opportunities to college students and recent graduates. To be eligible, you must be pursuing or have recently graduated with an undergraduate or graduate degree.

How to Prepare for Your Application

The world of Imagineering thrives on storytelling, innovation, and collaboration. To make your application stand out, consider these key steps:

Tailor Your Resume

Whether you're aiming for a role in Set Decoration, Interior Design, Architecture, or Engineering, your resume should highlight relevant coursework, hands-on experience, and technical skills. Use the job description as your guide to pinpoint the skills and experiences that align best with the specific role you're targeting. Even if you feel you don't have a lot of work experience yet, you may have more material to share than you think! What relevant volunteer experience do you have? Are you active in any clubs or organizations? You can also visit your school counselor or career center for assistance on crafting a well thought out resume and cover letter.

Read also: Pros and Cons of the DCP

Showcase Your Passion

Demonstrate your passion for Disney, your understanding of the brand, and your aptitude for experiential design.

Build a Strong Portfolio

For creative internships, a portfolio is not optional-it’s essential. Include a direct link on your resume.

The "Imaginations" Design Competition

Walt Disney Imagineering sponsors a design competition called "Imaginations" to identify and nurture the next generation of diverse Imagineers. Hundreds of students from universities across the United States have participated, presenting their projects to Imagineering executives. Many participants have gone on to become interns and work on Disney projects worldwide.

Past participants emphasize the value of "Imaginations":

One participant stated, "Imaginations was the experience that brought all of my passions together and helped me to understand how they could become the foundation for a career. I found myself surrounded by people who valued my skills and who were eager to give me a shot."
Another shared, "Imaginations will always hold a special place in my heart. Upon arriving on campus, I instantly felt at home as I was surrounded by people with similar passions, and I couldn't wait to collaborate and learn from them. Through this program I've learned how to dream big, as well as transform those dreams into a reality."
One participant noted the collaborative nature of the program: “Imaginations was such an impactful program for me because it provided a medium in which I was able to learn how to collaborate in a diverse team with various skill sets all working together to achieve a common goal, which is very similar to the working environment at Walt Disney Imagineering."
Another emphasized perseverance: "Imaginations taught me the importance of perseverance. My persistence eventually paved the way for an unforgettable internship opportunity. Throughout my experience I have been able to collaborate with supportive mentors to bring amazing projects to life."
One participant viewed it as an audition: "Imaginations is so much more than a design competition - it's an audition, really. It gives students the golden opportunity to demonstrate a knowledge of the Disney brand and an aptitude for experiential design, as well as the stage on which to present it."

Types of Internships Available

Walt Disney Imagineering internships span various fields, including:

Read also: College Programs at Disney

Set Decoration
Interior Design
Architecture
Engineering
Accounting & Tax
Business, Operations & Strategy

Example: Finance Intern Position

To illustrate the specifics of a WDI internship, let's examine the Finance Intern position.

Responsibilities

A Finance Intern's responsibilities include:

Maintaining financial reports
Monitoring and controlling costs and budgets
Tracking commitments from internal and third-party consultants and contractors
Preparing budgets and performing financial sensitivity analysis
Assisting in the development and monitoring of key internal controls
Developing working relationships with internal customers
Identifying financial issues and presenting analyses for management evaluation
Understanding accounting impacts to areas of responsibility
Promoting financial controls throughout the organization
Interfacing with project/department team members, management, and internal/external customers
Developing financial analysis to influence valuable decisions and alternatives/proposals for operational improvements
Working with the project team to establish budgets, costing strategies, and maintain Estimated Final Costs (EFCs)
Setting up and maintaining Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)
Providing regular reporting and analysis management (e.g., cash flow analysis and forecasting, completion cost reporting, AOP)

Requirements

To qualify for a Finance Intern position, candidates typically need to demonstrate:

Organizational skills and initiative
Creative approach to problem-solving
Strong verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Experience with creative thinking and fast turnaround production
Ability to develop and interpret financial models
Ability to handle several projects simultaneously and work with deadlines
Demonstrated digital literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Must be a junior or senior pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship
Current Disney Interns, College, International, or Culinary Program Participants: You may only work for ONE consecutive year (12 months) in any combination of an internship and/or program
Be at least 18 years of age
Possess unrestricted work authorization
Candidate must be available to work full time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) for the duration of the internship
This internship is a primarily on-site position
Must be able to provide own housing and reliable transportation for work in the Glendale, CA area

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with SAP and Business Intelligence Software (such as Microsoft PowerBI or Tableau) is preferred.

Important Information

Location: Primarily on-site in Glendale, CA.
Duration: The approximate dates for the internship are May/June 2025 - August/September 2025.
Pay Rate: The pay rate for this internship is $22.00 per hour.
Housing & Transportation: Candidates must provide their own housing and reliable transportation.
Work Authorization: Candidates must possess unrestricted work authorization.
Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.

Where to Find Internship Postings

WDI Internships will start to post on August 25th. You can find internship postings on the Walt Disney Company's career website, www.disneyinterns.com. Familiarize yourself with the offerings on this site to plan for the positions you would like to apply for once you are eligible.

Additional Opportunities

Consider exploring the Disney College Program as another avenue for gaining experience within Disney.

The Magic of Working at Disney

The Walt Disney Company has been creating unforgettable stories and entertainment experiences since 1923. The key to their success lies in the Cast, Crew, Imagineers, and Employees who stretch the bounds of imagination to create the never-before-seen.

LifeAtDisney involves magical moments with cast members and employees developing and telling stories in innovative ways. Whether it’s a day spent as a Disney VoluntEAR, or celebrating the release of a new interactive experience, retail product, or movie, the work is filled with the knowledge that you are creating entertainment experiences the whole family can enjoy.

tags: #disney #imagineering #internships #requirements