Job Posting Title:
WDI Ride Development Engineering Intern, Spring 2027Req ID:
10158669Job Description:
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
Job Posting Segment:
WDI Global Business Operations & StrategyJob Posting Primary Business:
Ride Engineering (WDI)Primary Job Posting Category:
Engineering InternEmployment Type:
Full timePrimary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Lake Buena Vista, FL, USAAlternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Date Posted:
2026-08-24Skills Required
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, at junior level or higher
- Ability to understand and implement basic mechanical system design and associated control system elements
- Ability to understand and adapt general engineering principles
- Ability to prepare technical documents and CAD drawings
- Basic knowledge of mechanical components and manufacturing processes
- Proven understanding of SolidWorks and AutoCAD
- Ability to perform basic calculations in statics, dynamics, kinematics, strength of materials, and energy
- Hands-on experience building and testing mechanisms, machines, or vehicles
- Basic understanding of systems modeling, vibrations, and composites
- Solid understanding of MATLAB
- At least 18 years of age
- Possess unrestricted work authorization
- Reliable transportation to and from work
- Fully available for the duration of the internship
The Walt Disney Company Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The Walt Disney Company and has not been reviewed or approved by The Walt Disney Company.
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Pay Growth & Progression — Recent union agreements raised wage floors for large groups of park cast members—e.g., Disneyland’s $24/hour minimum rising to $26 over the contract and Walt Disney World’s path from $18 toward about $20–$20.50 by 2026—signaling upward movement in hourly pay. These steps are described as meaningful improvements for many frontline roles.
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials outline medical, dental, and vision coverage for many full‑time roles, wellness resources, and (in Central Florida) access to Centers for Living Well clinics and pharmacy. References to mental‑health support and paid time off reinforce a strong core health offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Complimentary theme‑park admission and discounts on hotels, dining, merchandise, and recreation are positioned as signature perks. Education support through Disney Aspire adds notable lifestyle value for eligible hourly employees.
The Walt Disney Company Insights
What We Do
The Walt Disney Company is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that operates through segments including entertainment, sports, and experiences.
