Catering Planning Associate
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10161939 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Oct. 02, 2026Job Summary:
Flex Type: On-Site - This role is considered on-site based in Orlando, which means the employee will work from a Company designated location on an ongoing basis.
Job Summary:
We help create magical experiences by supporting Front of House & Heart of House logistical planning for Catering Event Operations. In this role, you will serve as a self-starter who analyzes event details from Banquet Event Orders to ensure that all components are listed correctly to set the executing team up for success. You will evaluate components regarding logistics, details of floral proposals, diagrams, and staffing necessary for each event.
This role is administrative within an office setting, fully backstage and non-guest facing. Full scheduling availability is required as Catering is a 365-day operation. This includes weekends, variable shifts, and holidays. If selected for this role, you will report to the Planning Manager.
Responsibilities:
- Work independently with minimal leader supervision and make decisions that impact Cast Schedules and event execution.
- Communicate and collaborate with Partners across multiple lines of business to wholistically review the needs of the events.
- Make decisions with business & financial implications in mind regarding labor, space approvals, and competing priorities.
- Create reports to be utilized for Hourly Cast Scheduling related to events, both internal to Catering FOH/HOH as well as partnering areas.
- Ability to problem solve for challenges that arise during the planning phase of events.
- Proofread Banquet Event Orders and updates daily to review for missing information or conflicting details between all support documentation.
- Facilitate daily virtual touch base meetings with impacted partners to review event details.
- Attention to details relating to FOH and HOH equipment needs on Banquet Event Orders.
- Work in a fast paced, independent work environment.
- Proven ability to quickly foster genuine and strong working relationships across different departments.
- Ability to navigate through ambiguous situations.
Basic Qualifications:
- Understanding of the Convention, Group, and Wedding business.
- Knowledge of Walt Disney World Offerings in Parks and Resorts in addition to policies and procedures.
- Experience coordinating, planning, or executing events.
- Creatively “solve for yes” to enhance Cast and Guest experiences.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and ability to quickly learn new technologies.
- Demonstrate strong time management and organizational skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects with competing demands.
- Everyday implementation of The 5 Keys.
- Demonstrate professional excellence and integrity, and able to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
- High level of positivity and flexibility with changes in responsibilities daily based on operational needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Event planning or event services experience.
- DSCS, Lightyear, and My Time experience.
- Understanding of Scheduling and/or Culinary Operations.
Required Education:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Event Management, Hospitality, Communications or other related fields or relative work experiences.
The hiring range for this position in Orlando, FL is $22.10 to $27.65 per hour. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
About Walt Disney World Resort:
Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.
About The Walt Disney Company:
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 World Resort.
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.
