
Announcing the first-ever
Disney: Tech Behind the Magic Experience.
Keep scrolling for full details and how to apply.

GET A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT TECHNOLOGY THAT POWERS THE MAGIC
When cutting-edge technology meets Disney creativity, there are no limits to what can be developed. See for yourself - be part of history and the first-ever Disney: Tech Behind the Magic Experience. This exclusive, immersive opportunity will provide unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to 20 students the day prior to the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing in Orlando.
Program Highlights
- Full-day experience mingling with Disney technologists at Walt Disney World Resort
- Exclusive sneak peek at the innovative technology that is shaping the future of entertainment
- Paid registration for the 2017 Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing event
- Paid travel and lodging, including meal stipend
P.S. Program participants may also be considered for internship positions for spring or summer 2018.
How to be Considered
Step one:
Tell us why you’re the perfect candidate. Create a two-minute video and be prepared to share a link to it in your application. We want to hear your thoughts about these two questions: “What is your favorite use of technology by Disney?” AND “Why do you want to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing conference?”
Step two:
Show us your work! Include a link to your GitHub profile or other online portfolio in your application.
Step three:
Showcase where you’ve been in your career journey thus far. Submit a current resume that showcases your unique skills and background.
Meet our people, experience our work culture, and see the real magic behind the magic. Explore FAQs and Terms and Conditions below, then apply here.
More Information
2017 Disney: Tech Behind the Magic Experience TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. SUBMISSION PERIOD: Application acceptance begins July 3, 2017 and ends July 20, 2017 at 23:59 PM.
2. ELIGIBILITY: You must: (a) be 18 years of age or older by October 1, 2017; (b) be a legal resident of the 48 continental U.S. or D.C., (c) be currently enrolled in an accredited, degree-granting program at an academic institution on a full- or part-time basis in October 2017; and (d) pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering or related field.
Current employees of the Walt Disney Company are not eligible to apply for the Disney: Tech Behind the Magic Experience scholarship.
3. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Eligible applicants must submit: (a) an online application, (b) link to GitHub or other online portfolio showcasing your work, (c) link to a two (2) minute video addressing the following two (2) questions: “What is your favorite use of technology by Disney?” and “Why do you want to attend the 2017 Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing conference?”; and (d) a resume/CV including details of your education, work experience, and any extracurricular activities and achievements.
4. LIMITATIONS: Limit one (1) application per person. Your application must be received by 23:59 PM on July 20, 2017. Applicants that submit incomplete applications, fail to submit their applications on time, or who do not meet all eligibility criteria will be disqualified.
5. RECIPIENT SELECTION: The Walt Disney Company will review and score eligible applications based on the following criteria: technical skill; uniqueness of video; and involvement in technology field as demonstrated in resume/CV.
6. RECIPIENT NOTIFICATION: The Walt Disney Company will notify the scholarship recipient(s) via phone/email on or about August 11, 2017.
7. SCHOLARSHIP(S): Twenty (20) scholarships are available to be awarded. Each scholarship includes: (a) participation in Disney: Tech Behind the Magic Experience, a technology-focused immersive experience at the Walt Disney World Resort, (b) registration with 2017 Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, (c) round trip coach-class air transportation from a major commercial airport near scholarship recipient’s legal residence in the continental United States to the Orlando International Airport, (d) five (5) nights hotel stay at either a designated hotel close to the Orange County Convention Center or at the Walt Disney World Resort (to be determined), (e) ground transportation between the Orlando International Airport and the hotel and between the designated hotel and the Walt Disney World Resort, and (f) meals during the 2017 Disney: Tech Behind the Magic Experience (when meals are not provided a meal allowance will be provided by The Walt Disney Company).
TRIP MUST BE TAKEN OCTOBER 2, 2017 THROUGH OCTOBER 7, 2017. If a potential scholarship recipient is unavailable to travel during the designated timeframe for any reason, their scholarship will be forfeit without compensation of any kind and an alternate scholarship recipient will be selected (time permitting). If a scholarship recipient’s residence is located fifty (50) miles or less from the Walt Disney World Resort, then The Walt Disney Company will provide a $200 gift card to subsidize the costs of ground transportation in lieu of air transportation. The Walt Disney Company shall determine air transportation, ground transportation between the Orlando International Airport and the hotel, ground transportation between the designated hotel and the Walt Disney World Resort, hotel accommodations and offsite meals in its sole discretion. Air transportation, ground transportation and hotel accommodations are subject to availability and certain regulations, conditions and restrictions may apply. Once travel and hotel accommodations have been confirmed, no changes will be allowed except by The Walt Disney Company. The Walt Disney Company will not replace any lost, mutilated or stolen tickets, travel vouchers, certificates or gift cards. Airline tickets issued in conjunction with a scholarship are not eligible for frequent flyer miles, and no code share flights may be used. No one-way trips or upgrades allowed. Unless otherwise necessitated by The Walt Disney Company, no stopovers are permitted on air transportation tickets issued as part of a scholarship; if a stopover otherwise occurs, the scholarship will terminate and full fare will be charged from the stopover point for the remaining flight segment(s), including the return. Scholarship recipient(s) are solely responsible for any and all excess baggage charges, taxes and any other charges incurred after or in connection with the issuance of airline tickets.
Certain documentation may be necessary for travel and hotel stay, such as photo identification, passport and/or other requirements. Scholarship recipient(s) are solely responsible for any documentation and requirements and determining applicable procedures and restrictions. Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit may be required at hotel check-in for incidental charges (e.g., room service, use of telephone/IT services, laundry and all other optional extra services not provided within each scholarship).
In the event a scholarship recipient engages in behavior that, as determined by The Walt Disney Company in its sole discretion, is obnoxious or threatening, illegal or that is intended to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person, The Walt Disney Company reserves the right to terminate the scholarship or other applicable experience(s) early, in whole or in part, with no further compensation. Scholarship recipient(s) agree to comply with additional codes of conduct that may apply to certain elements of the scholarship.
Scholarship(s) cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or offer. Scholarship elements may not be separated. All taxes are solely the responsibility of the scholarship recipient(s). Scholarship recipient(s) are not entitled to exchange or transfer of scholarship(s) or to obtain cash or other substitutes. The Walt Disney Company may substitute a scholarship or portion thereof of equal or greater value. Any portion of any scholarship not accepted or used will be forfeit. All expenses not specifically mentioned herein are not included and are solely each scholarship recipient’s responsibility.
8. PRIVACY POLICY: All personal information provided by you for this scholarship program is subject to The Walt Disney Company’s privacy policy located at https://disneyprivacycenter.com.
9. GRANT OF RIGHTS: By applying for a scholarship, you grant The Walt Disney Company (and its successors and assigns) the right to use (a) your video (or portion thereof) and (b) your name, address (city and state), voice, likeness, photograph, biographical information and/or statements about this scholarship program, in perpetuity, without notice, requirement of permission, attribution or compensation, for any commercial, promotional or other purpose throughout the universe in any and all media now known or hereafter devised, in all languages and in all versions, except where prohibited by law. Your essay may be edited, adapted, modified and/or used to create derivative works by The Walt Disney Company in its sole discretion.
10. RELEASE: By applying for a scholarship, you release and hold harmless The Walt Disney Company and its subsidiary and affiliated companies from any and all liability for claims, injuries, losses or damages of any kind, resulting, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from participation in this scholarship program.
11. DISPUTES: You agree that all disputes, claims and causes of action at law or in equity arising out of or connected with this this scholarship program shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these terms and conditions, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Disney offering this award?
A: The Disney: Tech Behind the Magic Experience is designed to provide 20 college students in computer science fields of study with an opportunity to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing event, as well as offer an exclusive sneak peek at the technology that is transforming every business within The Walt Disney Company and shaping the future of entertainment. We would like program participants to walk away with a solid understanding of the amazing accomplishments of Disney’s female technologists and the exciting career opportunities in technology at Disney.
Q: What does the award include?
A: The program includes:
- Exclusive, full day of “behind the scenes” tech experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort
- Registration for the 2017 Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing event
- Airfare, lodging, and a daily meal stipend
Q: What if I have already registered for the Grace Hopper conference on my own?
A: If you are selected to participate and have already registered and paid for the Grace Hopper conference on your own, you will be reimbursed for your fee once your prior registration has been confirmed.
Q: What is the Disney: Tech Behind the Magic Experience about?
A: Participants will have the unique and exclusive opportunity to learn about technology behind the scenes of Disney attractions, content and experiences. Specific details regarding the experience will be disclosed only to selected participants due to confidentiality.
Q: Are there required time commitments during the Grace Hopper event?
A: No, participants are free to enjoy the conference and participate as they wish, including stopping by the Disney booth to say hi!
Q: When is the application deadline?
A: Applications must be received by 11:59 pm on Thursday, July 20, 2017.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A: In order to participate, you must:
- Be enrolled in an accredited, degree-granting program at an academic institution on a full- or part-time basis in October 2017
- Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher in a program such as, but not limited to, computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- Be available to attend the entire Grace Hopper conference, which will be held from Wednesday, October 4 through Friday, October 6 in Orlando, Florida
- Be available to attend a full day of “behind the scenes” activities on Tuesday, October 3 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida
- Be available to work with a contact at Disney to arrange travel that allows for the activities above
- Must be at least 18 years of age by October 1, 2017
Q: Do I have to be a computer science student to apply?
A: No, but you must be studying computer science, computer engineering, OR a closely related field.
Q: What are you looking for in participants?
A: Ideal qualities in our participants include but are not limited to:
- Passion for technology and how it can be used to create incredible experiences
- Demonstrated progress toward degree completion in technical field
- Involvement or leadership in related student organizations
- Interest in technology advancements in film, media, sports, hospitality, or other entertainment related areas
- Affinity for Disney
- Considering a career as a technologist in the entertainment realm
Q: How will decisions be made?
A: Decisions are made by a review committee based on information included in the application for admission as well as a phone or video call.
Q: When should I expect to hear if I’ve been accepted?
A: Decisions will be made and selected participants will be notified in mid-August
Q: How should I expect to hear if I’ve been accepted?
A: Selected program participants will be notified by phone or email
Q: Is this an internship offer?
A: No, this is not an internship offer, however, program participants may be considered for Spring 2018 and Summer 2018 internship positions and will have the opportunity to network with Disney technologists and hiring leaders throughout the entire week.
Q: What are the travel dates?
A: Program participants must be available for the following dates:
- Monday, October 2nd - Travel Day
- Tuesday, October 3rd - Disney: Tech Behind the Magic Program
- Wednesday, October 4th through Friday, October 6th - Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing event
- Saturday, October 7th - Travel Day
Q: How is travel arranged? Can I arrange my own travel?
A: Travel is arranged through Disney Travel and one of our team members will assist with arrangements. Arrangements may not be made independently.
Q: What if I can’t attend all of the dates?
A: Participants must be available for the entire itinerary.
Q: What it I have an emergency and can no longer attend? Can a friend or family member attend in my place?
A: If you can no longer attend due to an unforeseen circumstance, we ask that you reach out to your Disney contact immediately to let us know. Unfortunately, the trip/experience is non-transferable and cannot be used by anyone other than the selected participant.
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