Disney Culinary Program

Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company; Orlando (FL); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Company-provided culinary uniforms and

Complimentary theme park admission and

Cast-exclusive discounts

Job summary

Disney offers a hands-on culinary program at Walt Disney World Resort, providing real kitchen experience alongside Disney chefs across fine dining and themed locations. The program mentors talent, develops technical skills, and reinforces Disney’s guest service excellence in a dynamic hospitality environment.

Participants learn cutting-edge techniques, safety standards, and world-class service while benefiting from weekly pay, provided uniforms, admission benefits to theme parks, and access to

Qualifications

• Eligible and authorized to work in the United States.
• Able to work Sundays–Saturdays, including holidays and overtime.
• Must be 18+ years old at application.
• Must be enrolled in or recently completed a US-based Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry program.
• Completed ServSafe®, HACCP, or sanitation course prior to arrival.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a variety of menu items under Disney chefs.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and sanitation.
• Demonstrate proper portion control and presentation.
• Communicate with guests and team members to ensure a magical dining experience.
• Uphold Disney values of teamwork, respect, and excellence.

Skills

Culinary skills

Knife skills

Food safety

Guest service

Teamwork

Education

Culinary Arts program (US)

Job description

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: September 14, 2026 – May 24, 2027 arrivals
• Baking & Pastry recruitment: September 14, 2026 – May 24, 2027 arrivals
• Program length: 4–6 months (16–24 weeks)
• Program dates will be discussed during interview

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

Benefits & Perks

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

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

*all pay rates will increase $1.00 per hour on January 3, 2027.