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WDI Themed Finishing Intern, Spring 2026

Job ID 10133869 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Disney Experiences Date posted Oct. 06, 2025
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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 January 2026 to June 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA.

 

What You Will Do 

The Themed Finishing Intern is responsible for developing tools, techniques, and systems that support the design and delivery process of physical sets, installations, themed elements, and prop enhancement.  Teams often include an experienced model builder who is familiar with various types of model making such as physical dimensional models, architectural, miniatures, and digital 3D models as well as full-size mock-ups/prototypes. 
 
Themed Finishing includes, rockwork, character façade, character paint, epoxy, hardscape, and related themed finishing disciplines.  Team members must possess a good sense of design and can visualize and translate from two-dimensional information to three- dimensional product. Will have a strong interface with related disciplines (Architecture, Production Design, Show Set Design, Special Effects, etc.). 
 
The demands of this role require an entry level understanding of three-dimensional creative intent, problem solving and their application through the design, production, & field art direction process. As a member of the team, assignments may include participating in and sharing the design, execution and art direction goals of the department. Working environments will vary. 

  • Sculpt clay and/or foam models 

  • Participate in the building of rebar and lath armatures 

  • Assist design team leader with development of the desired concept 

  • Contribute scope details for individual design elements in preparation for reviews of all show design documents 

  • Participate with art direction and hands-on sculpting of cement plaster and FRP in rockwork 

  • Develop Character façade, or specialized dimensional elements for sample programs and field production projects 

  • Participate in the field art including rock work, character facade, character paint, and artificial foliage. 

  • Create paint samples on character façade sample/rockwork panels to prove out color and theming on site and create draw down documentation 

  • Research documentation on existing finishes 

  • Match colors and document finishes 

  • Check incoming paint submittals for color matching 

  • Create basic PowerPoint and/or Photoshop presentations for upcoming projects 

 

Required Qualifications & Skills 

  • Working knowledge of dimensional design and construction or set design and production 

  • 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. 

 

Required Education 

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree in fine arts, environmental design, 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 provide own housing in Glendale, CA

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 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.

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About Disney Experiences:

Disney Experiences brings the magic of Disney stories and franchises to life through theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, unique vacation experiences, products and more around the world. Disney shines in the travel industry with six resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Plus, Disney's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business; the world's largest children's publishing brands; one of the world's largest licensors of games across all platforms; and Disney store locations around the world and on the web.

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 Disney Experiences.

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.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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Hiring Process

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    There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.

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Explore this Location Glendale, CA

The Los Angeles County city is home to authentic Middle Eastern food, culture, and its very own “Walk of Fame.”

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