Disney Culinary Program - Epcot International Food and Wine 2026 only

Job ID 1329876BR Location Orlando, Florida, United States / Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Jan. 02, 2026

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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 10, 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:

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)
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 and have completed at least one semester or have graduated from a full- or part-time in a U.S.-based Culinary Arts program (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

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
Free transportation to work and nearby shopping/dining
Housing in an innovative apartment community at Flamingo Crossings Village

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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.

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