Job Description
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
- G raduated 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
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Weekly pay, Full time, Part time, Casual work, Local area, Night shift, Weekend work