WDI Ride Development Engineering Intern, Spring 2027

The Walt Disney Company; Lake Buena Vista (FL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Walt Disney Company’s Walt Disney Imagineering in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, invites applications for the Spring 2027 Ride Development Engineering Intern role. Be part of an innovative team building ride systems, prototypes, and simulations, from concept to testing, with mentorship from expert engineers.

The approximate internship runs January 2027 to June 2027 in Orlando, FL, with pay rates of $31/hour for undergraduates and $36/hour for graduate students.

Qualifications

• Ability to understand and implement basic mechanical system design and their associated control system elements.
• Ability to understand and adapt general engineering principles.
• Ability to prepare technical documents and CAD drawings.
• Possess basic knowledge of mechanical components and manufacturing processes.
• Proven understanding of SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Ability to perform basic calculations in: Statics and dynamics, Kinematics, Strength of material and Energy.
• Hands-on experience building and testing mechanisms, machines, or vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Be part of an engineering team involved in ride system development, prototyping, simulation, or testing for a specific attraction or development project
• Provide mechanical analysis of components and systems
• Assist in the design of mechanisms and machines
• Perform CAD model manipulation and creation!
• Provide ride system interface information to other groups within Imagineering

Skills

Mechanical design

Control systems

CAD drawings

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Kinematics

Statics & dynamics

Prototyping

Education

Mechanical Engineering student

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Imagine working side-by-side with industry leaders in your field of study. Imagine building upon the skills you've learned in the classroom within a family of legendary brands passionate about creating world-class experiences on a global scale. Now, imagine yourself in a paid Disney Internship.

WDI Ride Development Engineering Intern, Spring 2027

Job ID 10158669 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Aug. 24, 2026

Job Summary:

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 2027 to June 2027 and will be located in Orlando, FL.

Ride Engineers build the most advanced systems that create magical and immersive attractions around the world. We work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment to develop unique experiences. The studio is comprised of Control (Software and Hardware) and Mechanical departments to accomplish that goal.

What You Will Do

As a Ride Development Engineering Intern, you will work within the WDI studio that designs and develops rides that provide memorable , moving experiences to Disney’s Guests worldwide. The intern may be involved in various project phases from concept to detailed design to testing. Although the Ride Development Engineering intern is responsible for various engineering activities, emphasis is placed on learning. Throughout the internship, the Ride Development Engineering Intern will be exposed to experts in various engineering disciplines. You will have the opportunity to:

• Be part of an engineering team involved in ride system development, prototyping, simulation, or testing for a specific attraction or development project
• Provide mechanical analysis of components and systems
• Assist in the design of mechanisms and machines
• Perform CAD model manipulation and creation!
• Provide ride system interface information to other groups within Imagineering

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Ability to understand and implement basic mechanical system design and their associated control system elements
• Ability to understand and adapt general engineering principles
• Ability to prepare technical documents and CAD drawings
• Possess basic knowledge of mechanical components and manufacturing processes
• Proven understanding of SolidWorks and AutoCAD
• Ability to perform basic calculations in: Statics and dynamics, Kinematics, Strength of material and Energy
• Hands-on experience building and testing mechanisms, machines, or vehicles

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic understanding of systems modeling, vibrations, and composites
• Solid understanding of MATLAB

Education

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechatronics, 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
• We provide limited housing opportunities for Florida Based Professional Interns through American Campus Communities, for more information click here (opens in new window)

The pay rate for this role in Orlando, FL is $31per hour for undergraduate students and $36 per hour for graduate level students. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

About Walt Disney Imagineering:

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 Imagineering.

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.