Disney Culinary Program - 2026

Job ID 1329875BR Location Orlando, Florida, United States / Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Jan. 02, 2026

Apply Now

Job Summary:

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

Apply Now

About Walt Disney World Resort:

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

Where Does Your Story Begin?

Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.
Be Part of the Story

There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.
The Next Chapter

Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location Orlando, FL

Whether you’re a theme park enthusiast, bird watcher, foodie, water sports fanatic, sun worshipper, arts patron, serious shopper or anything in between,the possibilities are endless in Orlando. And wonder is always within reach.