WDI Themed Finishing Intern

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 January 2026 to June 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA.

What You Will Do

The Themed Finishing Internis responsible for developing tools, techniques, and systems that support the design and delivery process of physical sets, installations, themed elements, and prop enhancement.  Teams often include an experienced model builder who is familiar with various types of model making such as physical dimensional models, architectural, miniatures, and digital 3D models as well as full-size mock-ups/prototypes.

Themed Finishingincludes, rockwork, character façade, character paint, epoxy, hardscape, and related themed finishing disciplines.  Team members must possess a good sense of design and can visualize and translate from two-dimensional information to three- dimensionalproduct. Will have a strong interface with related disciplines (Architecture, Production Design, Show Set Design, Special Effects, etc.).

The demands of this role require an entry level understanding of three-dimensional creative intent, problem solving and their application through the design, production, & field art direction process. As a member of the team, assignments may include participating in and sharing the design, execution and art direction goals of the department. Working environments will vary.

• Sculpt clay and/or foam models

• Participate in the building of rebar and lath armatures

• Assist design team leader with development of the desired concept

• Contribute scope details for individual design elements in preparation for reviews of all show design documents

• Participate with art direction and hands-on sculpting of cement plaster and FRP in rockwork

• Develop Character façade, or specialized dimensional elements for sample programs and field production projects

• Participate in the field art including rock work, character facade, character paint, and artificial foliage.

• Create paint samples on character façade sample/rockwork panels to prove out color and theming on site and create draw down documentation

• Research documentation on existing finishes

• Match colors and document finishes

• Check incoming paint submittals for color matching

• Create basic PowerPoint and/or Photoshop presentations for upcoming projects

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Working knowledge of dimensional design and construction or set design and production

• Basic knowledge of hand tools

• Must be able to match colors and have strong skills in composition and drawing

• Ability to take direction from senior creative leaders, take creative input and effectively evoke the same within design

• Report out on design and production process to schedule, budget and management team as requested.

Required Education

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higherattending an accredited college/universityearning a degree in fine arts, environmental design, 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

• Must provide own housing in Glendale, CA