Epcot International Food and Wine 2026 (ALUMNI only)

Our Program: Discover the Magic Within

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Disney Culinary Program – Walt Disney World® Resort

Join the magic of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival as part of the Disney Culinary Program! This unique opportunity is designed for passionate culinary students to gain hands-on experience working alongside Disney’s world-class chefs during one of the most celebrated festivals at Walt Disney World Resort.

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of global cuisine, featuring dozens of food marketplaces, cooking demonstrations, and special events. As part of the Disney Culinary Program, you will help create unforgettable dining experiences for guests from around the world.

While On a Program, Participants Will

• Prepare and present a diverse array of international cuisines in festival marketplaces across EPCOT
• Collaborate with culinary teams to deliver high-quality food in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment, outdoor environment
• Assist in setting up and maintaining food stations, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and compliance with Disney safety standards
• Interact with guests, sharing knowledge about food offerings and festival experiences
• Support daily kitchen operations, including food prep, cooking, plating, inventory management, and sanitation tasks
• Adhere to all Disney policies regarding food safety, allergen awareness, and guest service excellence
  
  

Where You’ll Work

• Guest-facing positions directly interacting with visitors within the festival marketplaces across EPCOT and/or the Festivals production kitchen (performing duties both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions)
  
  

Program Dates

Arrival Date: August 10, 2026

Departure Date: November 19, 2026

Due to labor needs, dates are non-negotiable

Compensation

• $23.00 per hour – Culinary Cook 2
• $26.10 per hour – Culinary Cook 1
  
  

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
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Have successfully completed a previous Disney Program at either the Walt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, FL or at the Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, CA. NOTE: Current Disney Program participants are not eligible to apply (Please speak to your leader about the extensions application process)
• Be 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

• Enrolled in or have completed a Culinary Arts program seeking a certificate or degree in the United States*.
• United States includes all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and all other United States territories.
  
  

What’s Next

Additional Information :

• Selected candidates will have a 30-minute interview with a recruiter
• Upon offer and acceptance, a non-refundable Program Participation Fee must be submitted within 10 days
• Housing Fee (for Flamingo Crossings Village) is due 3 weeks before arrival.
• Explore program offerings and resources at Experience.DisneyPrograms.com
  
  

Benefits And Perks

• Weekly pay
• Complimentary theme park admission
• Cast-exclusive discounts
• Housing and transportation are offered