Epcot International Food and Wine 2026 (ALUMNI only)
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 1329877BR Location Orlando, Florida, United States / Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Jan. 01, 2026Job Summary:
Our Program: Discover the Magic Within
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Disney Culinary Program – Walt Disney World® Resort
Join the magic of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival as part of the Disney Culinary Program! This unique opportunity is designed for passionate culinary students to gain hands-on experience working alongside Disney’s world-class chefs during one of the most celebrated festivals at Walt Disney World Resort.
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of global cuisine, featuring dozens of food marketplaces, cooking demonstrations, and special events. As part of the Disney Culinary Program, you will help create unforgettable dining experiences for guests from around the world.
While on a Program, participants will:
- Prepare and present a diverse array of international cuisines in festival marketplaces across EPCOT
- Collaborate with culinary teams to deliver high-quality food in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment, outdoor environment
- Assist in setting up and maintaining food stations, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and compliance with Disney safety standards
- Interact with guests, sharing knowledge about food offerings and festival experiences
- Support daily kitchen operations, including food prep, cooking, plating, inventory management, and sanitation tasks
- Adhere to all Disney policies regarding food safety, allergen awareness, and guest service excellence
- Guest-facing positions directly interacting with visitors within the festival marketplaces across EPCOT and/or the Festivals production kitchen (performing duties both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions)
- Arrival Date: August 10, 2026
- Departure Date: November 19, 2026
*Due to labor needs, dates are non-negotiable
- $23.00 per hour – Culinary Cook 2
- $26.10 per hour – Culinary Cook 1
Responsibilities:
Culinary Assistant – Cook II
- Work in fast-paced settings (à la carte, buffet, catering, fast-casual)
- Develop skills: hot/cold prep, sauce-making, garde manger production, fry
- Gain proficiency: sautéing, roasting, grilling, starch/vegetable cookery
- Allergy awareness, use of seasonal ingredients, menu planning
- Extra experience may qualify you for a Cook 1
Basic Qualifications:
- Have successfully completed a previous Disney Program at either the Walt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, FL or at the Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, CA.
NOTE: Current Disney Program participants are not eligible to apply (Please speak to your leader about the extensions application process) - Be at least 18 years old at application
- Unrestricted work authorization in the U.S. (includes all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories)
- Be fully available to work Sunday through Saturday, including days and nights, holidays, weekends, and overtime
- Be open to a starting pay rate of $23.00 per hour
- Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs., standing, walking, climbing stairs, and performing duties both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
- Adhere to Disney Look and Food & Beverage appearance guidelines
- Ability to prepare, cook, taste food for quality/consistency
- Completed a ServSafe®, HACCP, or sanitation course prior to arrival
- Skilled with knives; familiar with basic cuts
- Strong communication skills, guest service commitment
- Willing to use Personal Protective Equipment (cut gloves, eyewear, ear plugs, etc.)
Required Education
Enrolled in or have completed a Culinary Arts program seeking a certificate or degree in the United States*.
*United States includes all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and all other United States territories.
Additional Information:
What’s Next
- Selected candidates will have a 30-minute interview with a recruiter
- Upon offer and acceptance, a non-refundable Program Participation Fee must be submitted within 10 days
- Housing Fee (for Flamingo Crossings Village) is due 3 weeks before arrival.
- Explore program offerings and resources at Experience.DisneyPrograms.com
- Weekly pay
- Complimentary theme park admission
- Cast-exclusive discounts
- Housing and transportation are 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.
