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
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Hands-on culinary training in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
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Networking with Disney Chefs and industry leaders
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Engaging with food ingredients and products sourced globally
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Competitive pay and other program perks
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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
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Bus transportation provided by Disney Programs connects you to Disney Parks and Resorts as well as local grocery stores and shopping
Program Dates
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Culinary recruitment: September 14, 2026 – May 24, 2027 arrivals
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Baking & Pastry recruitment: September 14, 2026 – May 24, 2027 arrivals
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Program length: 4–6 months (16–24 weeks)
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Program dates will be discussed during interview
Key Responsibilities
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Prepare and cook a variety of menu items under the guidance of Disney chefs
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Maintain the highest standards of food quality, safety, and sanitation in accordance with Disney and industry guidelines
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Practice proper portion control and presentation techniques to deliver visually appealing and delicious dishes
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Communicate with guests and team members to ensure a magical dining experience
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Uphold Disney’s core values of teamwork, respect, and excellence in guest service
Responsibilities :
Culinary Assistant – Cook II
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Work in fast-paced settings (à la carte, buffet, catering, fast-casual)
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Develop skills: hot/cold prep, sauce-making, garde manger production, fry
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Gain proficiency: sautéing, roasting, grilling, starch/vegetable cookery
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Allergy awareness, use of seasonal ingredients, menu planning
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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
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Learn techniques: plated desserts, breads, cookies, petit fours, cupcakes
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Exposure to food cost control, product ordering
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Developing skills: mixing, proofing, cutting, baking
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Allergy awareness, use of seasonal ingredients, menu planning
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Extra experience may qualify you for a Baking & Pastry 1 position
Basic Qualifications :
- At least 18 years old at application
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Unrestricted work authorization in the U.S. (includes all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories)
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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
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Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs., standing, walking, climbing stairs, and performing duties both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
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Adhere to Disney Look and Food & Beverage appearance guidelines
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Ability to prepare, cook, taste food for quality/consistency
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Completed a ServSafe®, HACCP, or sanitation course prior to arrival
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Skilled with knives; familiar with basic cuts
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Strong communication skills, guest service commitment
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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
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Graduated from a full-time or part-time Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry program based in the United States within the past 24 months.
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May need to meet school-specific requirements (GPA, credits)
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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?
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Visit DisneyPrograms.com and the Culinary – Disney Programs Support page to learn more
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Selected candidates will be invited to a 30-minute phone interview
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Upon offer, a non-refundable Program Participation Fee is due within 10 days
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A non-refundable Housing Fee is due three weeks before arrival for those
Benefits & Perks
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Weekly pay
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Company-provided culinary uniforms and shoes
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Complimentary theme park admission and cast-exclusive discounts
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$23.00 per hour – Culinary Cook 2 / Baking & Pastry 2
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$26.10 per hour – Culinary Cook 1 / Baking & Pastry 1
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$27.10 per hour – Culinary Cook 1 Signature
- all pay rates will increase $1.00 per hour on January 3, 2027.
