WDI Master Planning Intern (Glendale)   

About the Role & Program   

Be a part of an innovative team and culture…  

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 that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.  

The approximate date of this internship is January 2027 to June 2027 and will be 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 Master Planning studio focuses on five key areas of expertise: Land Planning, Urban & Regional Planning, Transportation & Infrastructure planning, Environmental Planning & Permitting, and Real Estate Development & Entitlements.  

We are looking for a Master Planning intern who will have the opportunity 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. We manage the long-term development framework for sustainable growth of each resort and provide expertise to support new business opportunities. 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 the 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 and services  

• 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 & development  

• Membership in relevant professional organization(s)   

• In pursuit of advanced professional degree (i.e. Master’s) in planning-related field  

Education   

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree majoring in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Real Estate Development or 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 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.