Epcot International Food and Wine 2026 (ALUMNI only)

The Walt Disney World Resort, located in Orlando, Florida, is one of the most famous and beloved entertainment complexes worldwide. Known for its iconic theme parks, magical experiences, and world-class hospitality, the resort attracts millions of visitors each year from all over the globe. Walt Disney World Resort is part of The Walt Disney Company, a globally recognized leader in family entertainment and media. The resort offers a wide array of career opportunities in various fields including hospitality, culinary arts, entertainment, and operations. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and professional development, Walt Disney World Resort serves as a dynamic workplace for individuals seeking to be part of a positive and innovative environment.

This particular opportunity is part of the Disney Culinary Program during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, a celebrated annual event showcasing global cuisines and culinary artistry. The program is designed exclusively for former Disney Program participants and provides passionate culinary students an immersive, hands-on experience alongside Disney’s world-class chefs. Participants will engage in preparing and presenting diverse international dishes in festival marketplaces across EPCOT, contributing to memorable dining experiences for guests from around the world. This role offers participants the chance to work both indoors and outdoors in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment, enhancing culinary skills while maintaining the highest standards of safety and food quality.

The program runs from August 3, 2026, to November 19, 2026, with non-negotiable dates due to labor needs. The position is compensated generously, with wages starting at $23.00 per hour for Culinary Cook 2 and $26.10 per hour for Culinary Cook 1 roles. Participants will gain proficiency in various cooking techniques such as hot and cold prep, sauce-making, sautéing, roasting, grilling, and vegetable cookery while developing key allergy awareness and menu planning skills. Besides culinary duties, program participants will be expected to interact with guests, share knowledge about food offerings, and contribute to maintaining clean, organized food stations in compliance with Disney’s safety standards. Additionally, candidates must adhere to Disney Look and Food & Beverage appearance guidelines and commit to the use of personal protective equipment as needed.

The Walt Disney World Resort provides an enriching environment where culinary students can grow professionally while contributing to one of the most magical places on earth. The program also offers various perks such as weekly pay, complimentary theme park admission, cast-exclusive discounts, and housing and transportation options to support participants during their stay. This is an unparalleled opportunity to gain valuable industry experience in a fun, diverse, and high-standard culinary setting, perfect for those aspiring to excel in the culinary arts and hospitality industry.