Job Description
Job Summary:
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 3, 2026
- Departure Date: November 19, 2026
- Possible opportunities to apply for a program extension or full-time/part-time position, subject to availability
*Due to labor needs, dates are non-negotiable
Living on Your Program: Flamingo Crossings Village - Program participants have the option to live at Flamingo Crossings Village, the fully furnished apartment community owned and operated by American Campus Communities, 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
Learn and Grow Professionally with Disney - Exploring opportunities available after your program through extension opportunities, additional internships, part/full-time roles and more (subject to availability)
- Attend Disney Programs learning sessions where you can gain new skills, meet industry professionals and Disney leaders and more
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:
- 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 full- or part-time in a U.S.-based Culinary Arts and have completed at least one semester (includes all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories) OR
- Graduated from a Culinary Program within past 24 months (includes all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories)
NOTE: Current Disney Program participants are not eligible to apply (Please speak to your leader about the extensions application process) - 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
- 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 & Perks - Weekly pay
- Company-provided culinary uniforms and shoes
- Complimentary theme park admission and cast-exclusive discounts
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Weekly pay, Full time, Part time, Casual work, Local area, Night shift, Weekend work,