WDI Special Effects Designer Intern, Summer/Fall 2025

About the Role & Program

Be a part of an innovative team and culture…

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

The Intern will be assisting with mock-up, design, production, installation, test/adjust and turnover of all special effects work for one or more attraction/project. This entails efforts both as an individual and while working with leaders and production staff

The approximate date of this internship is May/June 2025 to January 2026 and will be located in Orlando, FL.

What You Will Do

• Assist overall project team in scope development from concept stage through close-out.
• Preparation and delivery of documentation to establish FX scope on projects.
• Collaborate with all coordinated teams to ensure internal/external requirements are met.
• Field installation
• Maintenance and operations training assistance & post turnover support.
• Assist Special Effects lead during concept & design of special effects required to support the show, using appropriate creative and technical methods.
• We produce, install, maintain and fix theme park special effects equipment, per the Special Effects Lead Designers direction.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Able to form a general plan to achieve stated goals and the ability to track to that plan to ensure goals are met.
• Basic knowledge of Special Effects installed at Disney theme park attractions.
• General knowledge of related technical fields and their application to the creation of special effects, optics, mechanics, materials processes etc.
• Some knowledge of special effects/projection equipment, materials, and processes.
• Solidworks knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Disney theme park special effects’ experience.
• Theatrical training
• Industrial design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance background with some special effects and projection system design experience

Education

• Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university, earning BA or BS in the Arts, Engineering or in a related field

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:

• Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application posting OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Possess unrestricted work authorization

• Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or program.

Additional Information

• Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work

• Must be f ully available for the duration of the internship

• We provide limited housing opportunities for Florida Based Professional Interns through American Campus Communities, for more information click here

The pay rate for this role in Florida is $26.50 per hour for undergraduate students and $27.50 per hour for graduate level students. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park – Disneyland – Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. , which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering .

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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