Disney Culinary Program

Job Summary:

Disney Culinary Program - Walt Disney World Resort

The Disney Culinary Program offers aspiring culinary professionals the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a world-renowned hospitality environment. Participants work alongside seasoned Disney Chefs, learning the art and science of food preparation, presentation, and service in a diverse range of settings, from fine dining restaurants to themed fast-casual locations. This Program is designed to mentor talent, develop technical skills, and instill Disney's legendary commitment to guest service.

Program Highlights

• Hands-on culinary training in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Networking with Disney Chefs and industry leaders
• Engaging with food ingredients and products sourced globally
• Competitive pay and other program perks
• Access to exclusive Disney learning and development resources
• Program participants can choose to reside at Flamingo Crossings Village, a fully furnished apartment complex run by American Campus Communities and located just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort
• Bus transportation provided by Disney Programs connects you to Disney Parks and Resorts as well as local grocery stores and shopping

Program Dates

• Culinary recruitment: September 14, 2026 - May 24, 2027 arrivals
• Baking & Pastry recruitment: September 14, 2026 - May 24, 2027 arrivals
• Program length: 4-6 months (16-24 weeks)
• Program dates will be discussed during interview

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a variety of menu items under the guidance of Disney chefs
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, safety, and sanitation in accordance with Disney and industry guidelines
• Practice proper portion control and presentation techniques to deliver visually appealing and delicious dishes
• Communicate with guests and team members to ensure a magical dining experience
• Uphold Disney's core values of teamwork, respect, and excellence in guest service

Responsibilities:

Culinary Assistant - Cook II

• Work in fast-paced settings (à la carte, buffet, catering, fast-casual)
• Develop skills: hot/cold prep, sauce-making, garde manger production, fry
• Gain proficiency: sautéing, roasting, grilling, starch/vegetable cookery
• Allergy awareness, use of seasonal ingredients, menu planning
• Extra experience may qualify you for a Cook 1 / Cook 1 Signature position

Culinary Assistant - Baking & Pastry

• Perform responsibilities within bakery environments such as buffet locations, concierge, catering services, or table service restaurants
• Learn techniques: plated desserts, breads, cookies, petit fours, cupcakes
• Exposure to food cost control, product ordering
• Developing skills: mixing, proofing, cutting, baking
• Allergy awareness, use of seasonal ingredients, menu planning
• Extra experience may qualify you for a Baking & Pastry 1 position

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old at application
• Unrestricted work authorization in the U.S. (includes all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories)
• Be fully available to work Sunday through Saturday, including days and nights, holidays, weekends, and overtime
• Be open to a starting pay rate of $23.00 per hour
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs., standing, walking, climbing stairs, and performing duties both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
• Adhere to Disney Look and Food & Beverage appearance guidelines
• Ability to prepare, cook, taste food for quality/consistency
• Completed a ServSafe, HACCP, or sanitation course prior to arrival
• Skilled with knives; familiar with basic cuts
• Strong communication skills, guest service commitment
• Willing to use Personal Protective Equipment (cut gloves, eyewear, ear plugs, etc.)

Required Education:

• Currently enrolled full- or part-time in a U.S.-based Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry program and have completed at least one semester (includes all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories) OR
• Graduated from a full-time or part-time Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry program based in the United States within the past 24 months.
• May need to meet school-specific requirements (GPA, credits)
• Individuals who have not obtained a high school diploma and are currently enrolled in a dual enrollment program with a college are not eligible to apply

Additional Information:

What's Next?

• Visit DisneyPrograms.com and the Culinary - Disney Programs Support page to learn more
• Selected candidates will be invited to a 30-minute phone interview
• Upon offer, a non-refundable Program Participation Fee is due within 10 days
• A non-refundable Housing Fee is due three weeks before arrival for those

Benefits & Perks

• Weekly pay
• Company-provided culinary uniforms and shoes
• Complimentary theme park admission and cast-exclusive discounts

Compensation

• $23.00 per hour - Culinary Cook 2 / Baking & Pastry 2
• $26.10 per hour - Culinary Cook 1 / Baking & Pastry 1
• $27.10 per hour - Culinary Cook 1 Signature
• all pay rates will increase $1.00 per hour on January 3, 2027.

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About Walt Disney World Resort:

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.

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 World Resort.

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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