WDI Set Decorator Intern, Summer/Fall 2025

Job ID 10111161 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jan. 28, 2025

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Job Summary:

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 May/June 2025 to January 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA.

What You Will Do

We are looking for a Set Decoration Intern who will work within the department that provides set decoration services for all areas our guests see when they enter our parks. This includes attractions, retail spaces, restaurant spaces, display areas, landscape, facades and area development. The Set Decoration Department interfaces and supports other divisions within WDI, as well as departments within our parks including Creative, Architectural, Engineering, Show Art, Show Ride, Park Operations and Park Maintenance. The Set Decorator amplifies and embellishes the story. It is the mission of the team to create highly entertaining environments in which the magic of each Disney story is possible! As an intern, you will have the opportunity to…

Support the design, production and installation effort as advised by the Principal and Senior Set Decorator Leads for the project.
Interface and coordinate with other show related teams.
Support design development and communicate design concepts.
Maintain paperwork associated with the design effort and detail the implemented design.
Collaborate with other teams to ensure placement of props and decorations.
Assist in field installation of props and dressings when required.
Research historical information and design technologies in support of design effort.
Work with manager in order to adhere to budget and schedule.
Support mock-ups and presentations including set-ups and strikes.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Ability to work within a team environment and at the direction of Senior and Principal Designers.
Have a working knowledge of props or set decoration for theatre, film or television.
Knowledge of storytelling with objects.
Ability to work at heights above 30’ if needed.
Ability to lift 15 to 20 pounds.
Ability to periodically work third shift after the park closes.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
Previous experience in the technical aspects of Theater Arts and its associated skills.
Must be able to read architectural drawing packages
Working knowledge of construction materials, hardware, and tools
Experience working with hand tools.
Valid Driver’s License Required.

Preferred Qualifications

Working knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and SketchUp
Previous WDI internship or other Disney experience

Education

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university, earning a degree majoring in Interior/Retail Design, Technical Theater, Dimensional Design, Architectural Modeling, Applied Media Arts or related 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

Materials Required

A portfolio review is required for this position. For full consideration, please include a link to your portfolio on your résumé. Applicants without a portfolio link on their résumé, will not be considered a completed application packet and may not be fully considered for the position.

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.

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About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

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 Imagineering.

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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Hiring Process

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