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WDI Illusion Development Intern, Summer/Fall 2026
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10141023 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jan. 22, 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 Orlando, FL.
What You Will Do
We are looking for an Illusion Development Intern to be a part of the very early stages of ideation in the Imagineering process. The intern will take part in creative and technical brainstorms which will lead to creating quick proof of concept mockups. These mockups will be for new special effects and illusions used in our theme parks. This is a very iterative process which will require all of the skill sets listed at any given time. The intern will be paired with the Illusion Development lead and take their direction. Must be a self-starter and motivated to innovate and invent!
As an intern on the team, you will have the opportunity to…
- Research materials and processes
- Refine designs
- Produce quick mockups and iteration
- Provide hand sketching
- Be involved in installation and integration
- Participate in brainstorming sessions
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Ability to manage time while working on multiple projects
- Proficiency in foam core assembly, soldering, and woodshop skills
- Basic electronics knowledge
- 3D printing and laser cutting experience
- Eagerness to learn new technical skillsets
- Experience with the following software:
- SolidWorks / or other 3D modeling software
- Rudimentary knowledge of AutoCAD
- Maya and/or Blender rudimentary knowledge
- Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Microsoft Suite
- Proficiency in prototyping
- Multi-disciplinary background (creative and technical)
- Dedication and passion to invention and design
- Comfort with hands on design
- Able to follow and apply all company drafting standards, policies, and procedures
- Valid Driver’s License Required
Education
Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree majoring in Industrial Design, Mechatronics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Interactive Media, Theater Design, Exhibit Design, or Fine Art.
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 Disney College Program
Additional Information
- Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work
- Must be fully 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
Materials Required
A portfolio review is required for this position. For full consideration, please include a link to your portfolio on your résumé. Applicants without a portfolio link on their résumé will not be considered a completed application packet and may not be fully considered for the position.
The pay rate as an Undergraduate student for this role in FL is $26.50 per hour. The pay rate as a Graduate student for this role is $27.50 per hour. 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.