WDI Master Planning Internship

About the Role & Program

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 from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

The approximate dates of this internship are January 2027 to June 2027, located in Glendale/Anaheim, CA.

What You Will Do

The Master Planning Studio stewards the master planning process, communicates key data and context for planning decisions, and contributes to projects through thoughtful planning advice and support, enabling the full development potential for our resorts. The studio focuses on five key areas: Land Planning, Urban & Regional Planning, Transportation & Infrastructure Planning, Environmental Planning & Permitting, and Real Estate Development & Entitlements.

We are looking for a Master Planning intern to support the Walt Disney Imagineering Master Planning functions in one or more areas, including land and urban planning, transportation and infrastructure planning, land strategy design work, and/or real estate development and entitlements. You will have the opportunity to:

• Support the Master Planning Studio on relevant, day-to-day, planning-related design issues.
• Provide creative, production, and/or technical land and urban planning support to Master Planning and/or project-specific teams across Walt Disney Imagineering.
• Provide planning and design documentation in the form of graphic illustrations, imagery, boards, color renderings, and research and documentation on assigned projects.
• Work closely with the Designer and/or team leaders to coordinate and assist in completing site planning analysis, 3D visualization, and property-wide master planning initiatives.
• Build graphic visualizations and presentation storylines.
• Conduct research and provide data analysis to help inform short and long-term planning and development decisions.
• Provide inputs and updates to a global planning database.
• Monitor and analyze industry trends and market changes.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Ability to visualize and communicate complex information in simple and bold ways.
• Experience with graphically communicating and problem solving via sketching, digital design, etc.
• Ability to quickly analyze and synthesize data to apply to planning and design strategy.
• Ability to learn key project delivery methods while working on a variety of project types and scales.
• Advanced design drawing capabilities in Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Solid understanding of CAD software.
• Proficiency in digital design tools (3D Studio Max, SketchUp, Revit).
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS and extensions.
• Strong strategic, technical, and analytical skills.
• Highly collaborative and team-oriented work style.

Preferred Qualifications

• Job-related experience with large-scale community and/or resort planning.
• Job-related experience with digital-based design in architectural, city planning, and/or urban design.
• Experience with sustainable site planning and development.
• Membership in relevant professional organization(s).
• In pursuit of an advanced professional degree (i.e., Master's) in a planning-related field.

Education

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher at an accredited college/university, earning a degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Real Estate Development, or a 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 the 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.
• Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA.

Materials Required

A portfolio review is required for this position. For full consideration, please include a link to your portfolio on your résumé. Applicants without a portfolio link on their résumé will not be considered a completed application packet and may not be fully considered for the position.