Story Lead Senior
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10142764 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Feb. 20, 2026Job Summary:
About the Role & Team:
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.
Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive changes in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us.
The Story Lead Senior role for the Story Development Studio will work in partnership with project teams in the creation of Disney Experiences that bring the magic of Disney stories and franchises to life through theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, unique vacation experiences, products and more around the world. In addition to high caliber creative writing skills, applicants should have knowledge of Disney stories, an overall understanding of the Disney storytelling approach, and the capacity to work well within a collaborative team structure.
You will report to the Executive of the Story Development Studio.
All candidates must include a cover letter with their submission.
What You Will Do:
Create or adapt original story concepts and develop them through research and the writing of overviews, outlines, treatments, scripts, and show information guides under the guidance of a senior member of the Story Development team and project teams.
Brainstorm within project teams, generate notes from writers’ room sessions in organized and timely fashion and as requested, help develop the story of a ride, environmental or media-based attraction, or related facility.
Generate nomenclature, sign copy for supporting show and operational graphics, operational spiels, show dialogue, and cast member training materials.
Manage story documentation throughout the life of the project.
Interact with leadership of TWDC, stakeholders and consultant talent. Able to receive constructive feedback, implement new direction through collaboration, and pursuit of excellence.
In addition to story, the Story Lead Senior casts and directs performer talent (including star talent) and directs and edits media and vocal recording sessions.
Work under tight deadlines, while maintaining individual creative integrity; communicate effectively at all levels in all disciplines.
Be empowered to make creative choices, with frequent review from senior Story Development team members.
Support company-wide communications as needed.
Required Qualifications:
Proven success writing for Entertainment Industry as a Story Editor, Executive Story Editor or Producer.
Bilingual with verbal and written fluency in Japanese and English.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Japanese and English.
Have knowledge and understanding of modern Japanese culture.
A solid understanding of story structure with the ability to write strong dialogue, clear and concise copy, and descriptive prose.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experiential storytelling in theme parks and other related story development preferred.
Degree in Creative Writing, English, Communications, Screenwriting, or a related field, a minimum of 5 years of professional writing experience—preferably within themed entertainment, the entertainment or media industry or other storytelling-driven fields including writing or directing for film, theater, television production, or other equivalent experience.
Additional Information:
Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.
The hiring range for this position in [location] is $115,500 to $154,800 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
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.