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Disney Culinary Program

Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 1299986BR Location Orlando, Florida, United States / Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Aug. 15, 2025

Job Summary:

Disney Culinary Program – Walt Disney World® Resort
Step into the magic with the Disney Culinary Program at the Walt Disney World® Resort! As a participant, you’ll gain hands-on culinary experience in our world-renowned parks and resorts, engage in exceptional learning opportunities, and live in a vibrant community with fellow participants from around the globe.

What You’ll Do: As a Culinary Cast Member, you’ll bring your passion for food to life by delivering outstanding dining experiences to guests from all over the world. You’ll work alongside industry professionals and contribute to the legacy of one of the world’s leading entertainment and hospitality companies.
Program Highlights:

  • Immersive, on-the-job culinary training
  • Participation in exclusive learning and development sessions
  • Networking with professionals and peers from diverse backgrounds
  • Living in a shared housing community with fellow program participants
Program Dates: We are currently recruiting for arrival dates from September 2025 through April 2026. Program lengths vary based on school requirements and must range between 4 months (16 weeks) and 6 months (24 weeks). Arrival availability will be discussed during the interview process.

Compensation:
  • $22.00/hour – Cook 2 / Baking & Pastry 2
  • $25.10/hour – Cook 1 / Baking & Pastry 1
  • $26.10/hour – Cook 1 Signature
What You’ll Do
  • Prepare dishes across a variety of restaurant locations and cuisines
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment
  • Follow standardized recipes and apply recipe conversions
  • Learn and grow alongside experienced culinary professionals

Responsibilities:

Culinary Assistant – Cook II

  • Work in fast-paced environments: à la carte, buffet, catering, production, or quick-service (may include guest facing cooking location)
  • Develop skills in hot and cold food prep, sauce-making, and salad/sandwich assembly
  • Understand food allergies, seasonal ingredients, and menu planning
  • Gain proficiency in line stations: sautéing, roasting, grilling, and starch/vegetable cookery
Culinary Assistant – Baking & Pastry
  • Work in a fast-paced bakery, banquet, catering, or restaurant settings
  • Learn techniques for plated desserts, breads, cookies, petit fours, cupcakes, and more
  • Gain exposure to food cost control and product ordering

  • Develop skills in mixing, proofing, cutting, and baking

Basic Qualifications:

  • Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
  • Possess unrestricted work authorization in the United States*
    *United States includes all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and all other United States territories
  • Demonstrate the ability to prepare, cook, and taste food items to ensure quality and consistency
  • Ensure all food meets Disney’s quality, taste, and presentation standards
  • Be flexible and available to work a variety of shifts, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and special events
  • Be capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs., pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, prolonged standing, walking, and climbing stairs in both indoor and outdoor environments, in all weather conditions
  • Have knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and proper food handling techniques
  • Display proficient knife skills and understanding of basic culinary cuts
  • Exhibit strong communication skills and a commitment to outstanding guest service
  • Adhere to the Disney Look and Food & Beverage appearance guidelines
  • Students with additional education or experience may be considered for Cook 1 roles

Required Education

  • Currently enrolled full-time or part-time in a United States-based Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry program
    *United States includes all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and all other United States territories
  • Must have completed at least one semester or graduated within the past 24 months
  • May need to meet additional school-specific requirements (e.g., GPA, credit hours)

Additional Information:

Benefits & Perks
  • Weekly pay
  • Company-provided culinary uniforms and shoes
  • Complimentary theme park admission and cast-exclusive discounts
  • Free transportation to work and nearby shopping/dining
  • Housing in an innovative apartment community at Flamingo Crossings Village
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 six weeks before arrival for those

About Walt Disney World Resort:

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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