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WDI Figure Animator Intern, Summer/Fall 2026
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10131863 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Feb. 02, 2026Job Summary:
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 approximate date of this internship is May/June 2026 to December 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA.
What You Will Do
As an intern working within WDI Animation you will have the opportunity to work with the team that is a one-stop shop for prototypical design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, figure finishing, installation, show programming and animation. This is the group that “creates the illusion of life” within our attractions to tell amazing stories! This department includes managers, technical specialists and engineers who provide delivery of high-quality Audio-Animatronics to Disney theme parks that are safe, meet creative intent, and are easily maintainable. You will have the opportunity to:
- Work closely with other Show Programmers to operate and maintain Animation & Show Programming system’s highly specialized hardware and software tools
- Assist in creating, debugging, and organizing Audio-Animatronic figures’ digital assets (character sheets, animation data, rigs, ride paths, shots, and/or models)
- Help develop Audio-Animatronics figures’ animation performance and functionality
- Create quality animation for Audio-Animatronics figures with compelling performances that adhere to the requirements of the mechanical system
- Partner with the creative team and overall show programming team to program special effects, audio, animated props and show action equipment
- Organize, secure and maintain show data created by the Animators and Show Programmers
- Learn proprietary software packages
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Proficiency in CG character animation
- Being a creative problem solver and an enthusiasm for coming up with inventive solutions
- Ability to function in a dynamic work environment, managing multiple project tasks
- Ability to provide basic technical support for computer graphic animation applications
- Ability to work with limited supervision but be able to integrate inputs from many individuals and work as a team member
- High tolerance for change and changing requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Desired software knowledge/familiarity among several of the following: Maya, MotionBuilder, Z-Brush, MS Excel, Adobe Creative, ShotGrid, Unreal/Unity
- A generalist mindset with the flexibility to contribute across a variety of skills and tasks
Materials Required
- A portfolio review is required for this position. For full consideration, please include a link to your portfolio on your resume. Applications without a portfolio link on the resume will not be considered a completed application packet and may not be fully considered for the position. Please visit our support site for additional information.
Education
- Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree majoring in Art, Illustration, Computer Graphics, Animation, Film, Television, Game Development, or 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 fully available for the duration of the internship
- Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA
The pay rate for this role in Glendale, CA 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, dependent on the level and position offered. 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.