Disney Culinary Program

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.

• 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

• 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

• $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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 Serv Safe®, 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.)

• Currently enrolled full- or part-time in a U.S.
  
  -based Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry program and have completed at least one semester
• Graduated 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

• Visit  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 who choose to reside at Flamingo Crossings Village

• Weekly pay
• Company‑provided culinary uniforms and shoes
• Complimentary theme park admission and cast‑exclusive discounts