What are the responsibilities and job description for the WDI Themed Finishing Internship Summer/Fall 2026 position at Walt Disney Imagineering?
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 June to December 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA.
What You Will Do
The Themed Finishes Intern supports the design and delivery of physical sets, installations, and themed elements by assisting with the development of tools, techniques, systems, and full‑size mock‑ups or prototypes used throughout the creative process. Working alongside experienced team members, including model builders familiar with physical, architectural, miniature, and digital 3D models, the intern will gain exposure to a variety of themed finishing methods while contributing to collaborative project work.
The Themed Finishes team spans multiple disciplines, including Rockwork, Character Façade, Character Paint, Hardscape, and Exterior Themed Foliage.
On any given day, you will support themed finish production through hands‑on creative and technical work, assisting with sculpting, fabrication, and field art across rockwork, character façade, character paint, and artificial foliage. You may support concept development, contribute to design scope for reviews, assist with mock‑ups and sample programs, and participate in finish execution using materials such as plaster and FRP. You will also help support color and finish development through paint samples, documentation, color matching, and review of paint submittals.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:
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 June to December 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA.
What You Will Do
The Themed Finishes Intern supports the design and delivery of physical sets, installations, and themed elements by assisting with the development of tools, techniques, systems, and full‑size mock‑ups or prototypes used throughout the creative process. Working alongside experienced team members, including model builders familiar with physical, architectural, miniature, and digital 3D models, the intern will gain exposure to a variety of themed finishing methods while contributing to collaborative project work.
The Themed Finishes team spans multiple disciplines, including Rockwork, Character Façade, Character Paint, Hardscape, and Exterior Themed Foliage.
On any given day, you will support themed finish production through hands‑on creative and technical work, assisting with sculpting, fabrication, and field art across rockwork, character façade, character paint, and artificial foliage. You may support concept development, contribute to design scope for reviews, assist with mock‑ups and sample programs, and participate in finish execution using materials such as plaster and FRP. You will also help support color and finish development through paint samples, documentation, color matching, and review of paint submittals.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Must possess a good sense of design skills, ability to visualize and translate from two-dimensional information to three-dimensional products, maintaining a strong interface with related disciplines (Architecture, Production Design, Show Set Design, Special Effects, etc.).
- 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.
- Foundational problem-solving skills related to field art direction and production environments.
- Strong appreciation for collaboration and the importance of teamwork in a multidisciplinary setting.
- Familiarity with presentation and productivity tools, such as PowerPoint, Photoshop, and Excel.
- A portfolio review is required for this position. For full consideration, please include a link to your portfolio on your resume. Applications without a portfolio link on the resume will not be considered a completed application packet and may not be fully considered for the position. Please visit our support site for additional information.
- Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree in, fine arts, environmental design, not limited to or related field
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.
- Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work
- Must be fully available for the duration of the internship
- Must be able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship program in the Glendale, CA area.
Salary : $27 - $28