WDI Show Ride Animation Programming Intern, Summer 2025

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 August/September 2025 and will be located in Glendale, CA.  

What You Will Do

As an intern working within the WDI Ride Animation Programming team, you will have the opportunity to work with the Show Programming group, a one-stop shop for show integration, figure programming and rigging, as well both character and ride animation. Our group “creates the illusion of life” within our attractions to tell amazing stories! This department includes managers, technical riggers, figure animators, ride animators, and sequence programmers. These disciplines combined help provide delivery of high-quality content to Disney theme parks that are safe, meet creative intent, and are easily maintainable. You will have the opportunity to:

• Work closely with our show ride programmers to operate and maintain Animation & Show Programming system’s highly specialized hardware and software tools

• Assist in creating, debugging, and organizing ride vehicle digital assets (animation data, rigs, models and ride paths)

• Help team develop safe and reliable ride animation profiles that meet creative intent but also adhere to the requirements of the vehicle

• Partner with the show Creative Director and other Show Programmers to animate ride vehicle and show effect motion profiles

• Assist in prototyping ride motion choreography for new ride systems

• Assist in organizing and maintaining secure show data created by the Ride Animators and Show Programmers

• Learn proprietary software packages

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Proficiency in animation software: Maya and/or Motion Builder

• Understanding of the basic principles of animation

• Basic understanding of physics

• Being a creative problem solver with an enthusiasm for coming up with inventive solutions

• Ability to function in a dynamic work environment, managing multiple project tasks and adapt quickly to new and unfamiliar toolsets

• Ability to provide basic technical support for computer graphic animation applications

• Ability to work with limited supervision, while being able to integrate inputs from many individuals and work as a team member

• High tolerance for change and changing requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Desired software knowledge/familiarity among several of the following: Maya, MotionBuilder, MS Excel, Adobe Creative, ShotGrid, Unreal/Unity

Education

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree majoring in: Art, Illustration, Computer Graphics, Computer Science, Animation, Film, Television, Game Development, 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