Disney Culinary Program - 2026

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: March–December 2026 arrivals
• Baking & Pastry recruitment: August – December 2026 arrivals
• Program length: 4–6 months (16–24 weeks)
• Program dates will be discussed during interview
  
  

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
  
  

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