WDI Special Effects Designer Intern

5 Months ago • Upto 1 Years

Job Summary

Job Description

The WDI Special Effects Designer Intern will assist in the design, production, installation, testing, and maintenance of special effects for Disney theme park attractions. Responsibilities include collaborating with project teams, preparing documentation, ensuring requirements are met, assisting with field installation and maintenance, and providing post-turnover support. The intern will use creative and technical methods in the design process, working with special effects equipment, materials, and processes. SolidWorks knowledge is required. The internship runs from May/June 2025 to January 2026 in Orlando, FL.
Must have:
  • Assist in special effects project development
  • Prepare and deliver project documentation
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams
  • SolidWorks knowledge
  • Basic knowledge of Disney theme park special effects
Good to have:
  • Disney theme park special effects experience
  • Theatrical training
  • Industrial design/manufacturing background
Perks:
  • Select benefits may be provided (medical, financial, etc.)

Job Details

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 Intern will be assisting with mock-up, design, production, installation, test/adjust and turnover of all special effects work for one or more attraction/project. This entails efforts both as an individual and while working with leaders and production staff

 The approximate date of this internship is May/June 2025 to January 2026 and will be located in Orlando, FL.

What You Will Do

  • Assist overall project team in scope development from concept stage through close-out.

  • Preparation and delivery of documentation to establish FX scope on projects.

  • Collaborate with all coordinated teams to ensure internal/external requirements are met.

  • Field installation

  • Maintenance and operations training assistance & post turnover support.

  • Assist Special Effects lead during concept & design of special effects required to support the show, using appropriate creative and technical methods.

  • We produce, install, maintain and fix theme park special effects equipment, per the Special Effects Lead Designers direction.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Able to form a general plan to achieve stated goals and the ability to track to that plan to ensure goals are met.

  • Basic knowledge of Special Effects installed at Disney theme park attractions.

  • General knowledge of related technical fields and their application to the creation of special effects, optics, mechanics, materials processes etc.

  • Some knowledge of special effects/projection equipment, materials, and processes.

  • Solidworks knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Disney theme park special effects' experience.

  • Theatrical training

  • Industrial design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance background with some special effects and projection system design experience

Education

  • Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university, earning BA or BS in the Arts, Engineering or in a 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 

  • We provide limited housing opportunities for Florida Based Professional Interns through American Campus Communities, for more information  


The pay rate for this role in Florida 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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From classic animated features and exhilarating theme park attractions to cutting edge sports coverage, and the hottest shows on television, The Walt Disney Company has been making magic since 1923, creating unforgettable stories that connect with audiences around the world. And we’re just getting started!

The key to our success…. The Cast, Crew, Imagineers and Employees who honor Disney’s rich legacy by stretching the bounds of imagination to create the never-before-seen, bringing unparalleled entertainment experiences to people of all ages. Begin a career that delivers unparalleled creative content and experiences to audiences around the world and just imagine the stories you could be part of…

What is #LifeAtDisney like? It’s a series of magical moments with cast members and employees developing and telling our stories in the most innovative ways. Whether it’s a day spent as a Disney VoluntEAR, or celebrating the release of a new interactive experience, retail product or movie, our days are filled with the knowledge that we are creating entertainment experiences the whole family can enjoy. Follow @DisneyCareers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a peek behind-the-curtain, and discover how you could connect to a world of stories with Disney!

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