Disney Culinary Program - 2026

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 • 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 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 Apply tot his job Apply To this Job