WDI Ride Development Engineering Intern, Orlando, Spring 2026

Job ID 10129172 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Aug. 25, 2025

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Job Summary:

About the Role & Program

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 teams that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, we 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 Orlando, FL.

Ride Engineers build the most advanced systems that create magical and immersive attractions around the world. We work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment to develop unique experiences. The studio is comprised of Control (Software and Hardware) and Mechanical departments to accomplish that goal.

What You Will Do

As a Ride Development Engineering Intern who will work within the WDI studio which designs and develops rides that provide memorable moving experiences to Disney’s Guests worldwide. The intern may be involved in various project phases from concept to detailed design to testing. Although the Ride Development Engineering intern is responsible for various engineering activities, emphasis is placed on learning. Throughout the internship, the Ride Development Engineering Intern will be exposed to experts in various engineering disciplines. You will have the opportunity to:

Be part of an engineering team involved in ride system development, prototyping, simulation, or testing for a specific attraction or development project
Provide mechanical analysis of components and systems
Assist in the design of mechanisms and machines
Perform CAD model manipulation and creation!
Provide ride system interface information to other groups within Imagineering

Required Qualifications & Skills

Ability to understand and implement basic mechanical system design and their associated control system elements
Ability to understand and adapt general engineering principles
Ability to prepare technical documents and CAD drawings
Possess basic knowledge of mechanical components and manufacturing processes
Proven understanding of SolidWorks

Ability to perform basic calculations in:

Statics and dynamics
Kinematics
Strength of material
energy

Preferred Qualifications

Basic understanding of systems modeling, vibrations, and composites
Hands-on experience building and testing mechanisms, machines, or vehicles
Solid understanding of Matlab

Education

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or related

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

We provide limited housing opportunities for Florida Based Professional Interns through American Campus Communities, for more information click here

The pay rate for this role in Florida is $30.00 per hour for undergraduate students and $35.00 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 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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Explore this Location Lake Buena Vista, FL

Lake Buena Vista is home to the Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment complex, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and several resort hotels are located with the City limits.