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Imagine working side-by-side with industry leaders in your field of study. Imagine building upon the skills you've learned in the classroom within a family of legendary brands passionate about creating world-class experiences on a global scale. Now, imagine yourself in a paid Disney Internship.

WDI Themed Finishing Internship Summer/Fall 2026

Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10145774 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Apr. 09, 2026

Job 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 June to December 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA.

What You Will Do

The Themed Finishes Intern supports the design and delivery of physical sets, installations, and themed elements by assisting with the development of tools, techniques, systems, and full‑size mock‑ups or prototypes used throughout the creative process. Working alongside experienced team members, including model builders familiar with physical, architectural, miniature, and digital 3D models, the intern will gain exposure to a variety of themed finishing methods while contributing to collaborative project work.

The Themed Finishes team spans multiple disciplines, including Rockwork, Character Façade, Character Paint, Hardscape, and Exterior Themed Foliage.

On any given day, you will support themed finish production through hands‑on creative and technical work, assisting with sculpting, fabrication, and field art across rockwork, character façade, character paint, and artificial foliage. You may support concept development, contribute to design scope for reviews, assist with mock‑ups and sample programs, and participate in finish execution using materials such as plaster and FRP. You will also help support color and finish development through paint samples, documentation, color matching, and review of paint submittals.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Must possess a good sense of design skills, ability to visualize and translate from two-dimensional information to three-dimensional products, maintaining a strong interface with related disciplines (Architecture, Production Design, Show Set Design, Special Effects, etc.).
  • Basic knowledge of hand tools
  • Must be able to match colors and have strong skills in composition and drawing
  • Ability to take direction from senior creative leaders, take creative input and effectively evoke the same within design
  • Report out on design and production process to schedule, budget and management team as requested.
  • Foundational problem-solving skills related to field art direction and production environments.
  • Strong appreciation for collaboration and the importance of teamwork in a multidisciplinary setting.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

  • Familiarity with presentation and productivity tools, such as PowerPoint, Photoshop, and Excel.

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 in, fine arts, environmental design,  not limited to 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
  • Must be able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship program in the Glendale, CA area.

The pay rate for this role in California 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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