How to Become a Disney Imagineer: Your Top Questions Answered

Download Article
Download Article

Becoming a Disney Imagineer might seem like a dream come true if you’re a long-time Disney fan. Thankfully, this career isn’t limited to just architecture or engineering—the Imagineering team employs all sorts of creative professionals, from artists to writers to IT experts and construction managers. The road to an Imagineering career definitely isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible, either! Check out some of the answers to some frequently asked questions, and see if this job is the career for you.

Section 1 of 5:

What is a Disney Imagineer?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Officially, they work for Walt Disney Imagineering Research Development, Inc. This is a really wide umbrella, including the Disney theme parks, cruises, merchandise, publications, games, and more. Disney Imagineers are the creative professionals who help bring the Disney brand to life. If you’ve seen something really cool at Disney World or had a really fun time on a Disney cruise, it was probably thanks to a team of Imagineers! [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are over 140 job titles within the Imagineering department, ranging anywhere from landscapers and special effects experts to archivists and costume designers. All of these jobs help translate Disney’s creative ideas to the big stage for tourists far and wide to enjoy. [2]
    • For instance, Imagineers are behind the design and construction for Star Wars Land, along with Toy Story Land.
    • Disney Imagineers come from a variety of fields, like architecture, construction, IT, design, project management, production, illustration, engineering, model making, writing, and more. [3]
    • If you’d love to work with your favorite franchises, then Imagineering might be the future job for you!
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

What kind of education do you need to be an Imagineer?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Disney Imagineering involves a lot of skill-based careers, ranging from architecture and concept art to engineering and IT work. Look at the specific job posting to see what kind of experiences the Imagineering team is looking for—it might depend on the job. [4]
    • You can find open positions here: https://jobs.disneycareers.com .
    • For instance, a project design manager would need a Bachelor of Architecture as well as a Master’s.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re applying for college or still undecided in your major, look for a program that will help you get the skill set you need to be an Imagineer. Pick a degree program that really appeals to your personal interests and talents—this way, you’ll have a solid educational foundation for the future. [5]
    • For instance, if you love architecture, you might look for colleges with a good architecture program.
    • If you’re a fan of making costumes, you might go to a specialty school for design.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

What type of work experience do you need?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For all Imagineering jobs, you'll need background experience in your respective field, whether it’s graphic design, engineering, IT, writing, or something else. The amount of background experience will depend on how advanced the job is—a manager position will need a lot more work experience than an entry-level job, for instance. [6]
    • Try to include relevant job experience on your resume. Disney Imagineering likes to see people who have tackled the same types of projects in the past.
    • Double-check the job listing to see what kinds of experience the Imagineering team is looking for.
    • Look for jobs and internships in the theme park industry. These can be a little hard to find, but can really set you apart as a possible candidate. [7]
Section 4 of 5:

Do you need anything else to land a job?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The Disney Imagineering team wants to get a taste of your talents and accomplishments. Collect some samples of your recent work and organize them on a website or digital file, which you can attach when you apply for the job. These don’t need to be Disney-related projects—focus on past projects or works that really showcase what you’re capable of. [8]
    • Portfolios aren’t exclusive to art-related careers. Include photos and documents of anything you’ve worked on in the past. For instance, if you’re an engineer, you might include a picture of a public fountain that you built.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s definitely important to have a firm background in a specific field. However, Disney Imagineering is all about thinking outside the box, and the recruiters love finding people who can throw their hat into a lot of different rings. If you’re skilled in multiple areas, show that off in your resume or in a future interview! [9]
    • For instance, you might have a degree in engineering but be talented at professional writing as well.
    • You might have a background in architecture but also love to draw.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Disney offers a lot of different internships for up-and-coming professionals. These don’t guarantee you a spot on the Imagineering team, but they do help you learn the basics of being a Disney employee, and how to handle a bunch of different projects at once. [10]
    • As an intern, you’ll be working with Imagineers, so you can get a sense of what their job is like.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “Imaginations” is a Disney Imagineering-sponsored contest for up-and-coming professionals. [11] Put together a creative presentation that you think could really take Disney Imagineering to the next level—if the Imagineering team likes your idea, you might get invited to a special conference with them in California. [12]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Search online for digital classes offered by reputable learning sites. For example, the website Khan Academy, there is a course called Imagineering in a Box. In this course, it prepares you and gives you a behind the scenes of all the magic. It's highly suggested you do this course before applying. Keep your eyes peeled on the web for any new classes in the works—these are a great way to learn the ropes. [13]
    6. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

How much does a Disney Imagineer make?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Become-a-Disney-Imagineer-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A software engineer might make anywhere from $62,000 to $138,000, while a technical director can earn between $48,000 and $163,000. A principal architect makes somewhere between $88,000 and $176,000, and a concept artist can make anywhere between $35,000 and $79,000. Overall, it really depends on your experience, and what Imagineering field you’re hoping to enter. [14]

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Communication and passion go a long way when it comes to being an Imagineer! You’ll have to work collaboratively a lot, so it helps to be flexible. [15]
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Most Imagineers don’t work on a traditional, hourly schedule. As an Imagineer, you’ll have to dedicate lots of time and effort to your creative projects. [16]
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to Apply to be a Nike Product Tester
      How to Be an Amazon Product Tester: Requirements for Amazon Vine
      How to
      Quit a Job over Text (with Examples)
      How to
      Be a Professional Escort
      How to
      Embalm
      How to
      Become a Contract Delivery Service for the United States Postal Service
      Employees vs. Employers: What's the Difference?
      How to
      Get Ordained in the UK
      How to Become a Professional Paranormal Investigator
      How to
      Become a Bodyguard
      How to
      Become an Alchemist
      Here’s Why Morgues Are More Likely to Hire Women
      How to
      Become an Oil Rig Worker
      How to
      Be a Call Center Agent
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/travel/theme-park-vacations/mean-disney-imagineer/
      2. ↑ https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/travel/theme-park-vacations/mean-disney-imagineer/
      3. ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
      4. ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
      5. ↑ https://insidethemagic.net/2011/03/interview-answering-how-do-i-become-an-imagineer-with-disney-artist-don-carson/
      6. ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
      7. ↑ https://insidethemagic.net/2011/03/interview-answering-how-do-i-become-an-imagineer-with-disney-artist-don-carson/
      8. ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
      9. ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
      1. ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
      2. ↑ https://disneyimaginations.com/about-imaginations/what-is-imaginations/
      3. ↑ https://disneyimaginations.com/enter-the-competition/project-submission/
      4. ↑ https://www.insider.com/disney-offering-free-online-course-how-to-be-imagineer-2020-4
      5. ↑ https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Employer=Walt_Disney_Imagineering/Salary
      6. ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
      7. ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 51,650 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Dev P.

        Oct 29, 2023

        "This article gave me good overview of Disney imagineering, and I liked the additional information of how I can ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement