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Disney Culinary Program

The Walt Disney Company
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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