WDI Special Effects Designer Intern, Glendale, Spring 2027

Job Posting Title:
WDI Special Effects Designer Intern, Glendale, Spring 2027
Req ID:
10158464
Job Description:
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 January 2027 to June 2027 and will be located in Glendale, CA.

 

What You Will Do   

The Intern will assist with mock-up, design, production, installation, test/adjust and turnover of all special effects work for one or more attraction /project. This entails efforts both as an individual and while working with leaders and production staff.  

  Assist overall project team in scope development from concept stage through close-out  

Preparation and delivery of documentation to establish FX scope on projects.  

Collaborate with all coordinated teams to ensure internal/external requirements are met  

Field installation  

Maintenance and operations training assistance & post turnover support  

Assist Special Effects lead during concept & design of special effects required to support the show, using appropriate creative and technical methods  

We produce, install, maintain and fix theme park special effects equipment, per the Special Effects Lead Designers direction  

 

Required Qualifications & Skills   

Able to form a general plan to achieve stated goals and the ability to track to that plan to ensure goals are met  

Basic knowledge of Special Effects installed at Disney theme park attractions.  

General knowledge of related technical fields and their application to the creation of special effects, optics, mechanics, materials processes etc.  

Some knowledge of special effects/projection equipment, materials, and processes  

Solidworks knowledge  

 

Preferred Qualifications   

Disney theme park special effects experience  

Theatrical training  

Industrial design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance background with some special effects and projection system design experience   

 

Education   

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning BA or BS in the Arts, Engineering or r elated field   

 

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  

Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA   

The pay rate for this role in California is $26.50 per hour for undergraduate students and $27.50 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.
Job Posting Segment:
WDI Creative Development
Job Posting Primary Business:
Show Systems (WDI)
Primary Job Posting Category:
Creative Intern
Employment Type:
Full time
Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Glendale, CA, USA
Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:
2026-08-24