Product Design (Toys) Intern, Spring 2027
About The Position
Disney Consumer Products’ Product Design team develops toys and play experiences inspired by Disney characters and stories. The intern will work with designers and product development partners on concepts across categories such as plush, action figures, games, playsets, outdoor play, and roleplay, with the opportunity to follow selected products through ideation, prototyping, sampling, and production. The internship is a full-time, six-month commitment in the Orlando, Florida area, approximately January 2027 through June 2027. The role supports concept development, sketching, prototype refinement, trend research, sample review, and presentation preparation. The intern will participate in brainstorming and concept reviews and collaborate with product development, Sourcing, and Merchant partners. Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a BFA or related design degree; senior enrollment is specified. A portfolio is required and should showcase relevant sketches, concepts, or projects, particularly toy and character design and illustration, including character development from multiple viewpoints and translation of two-dimensional artwork into three-dimensional forms. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eastern Time, 40 hours per week, with possible weekend work or shifts outside those hours. The internship is based in the Orlando area. The intern must arrange housing and reliable transportation to and from work. Pay is $23.00 per hour; select medical, financial, and other benefits may be provided.
Requirements
- Be enrolled in an accredited college or university, pursuing a degree and taking at least one class at the time of application, or currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess unrestricted work authorization.
- Have a strong portfolio demonstrating sketching, ideation, anatomy, form, and function; 3D development is a bonus.
- Have experience with or a strong interest in toy design or industrial design.
- Have working knowledge of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Procreate.
- Be comfortable sketching and communicating ideas digitally and by hand.
- Have strong collaboration skills and openness to feedback in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
- Have a genuine passion for Disney storytelling, characters, and the play experiences they inspire.
- Be enrolled as a senior and currently pursuing a BFA or related design degree; Industrial Design majors are welcome.
- Submit a portfolio review showcasing relevant sketches, concepts, or projects, emphasizing toy/character design and illustration, with character development from multiple viewpoints and translation of two-dimensional artwork into three-dimensional forms.
- Be fully available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Eastern Time, for 40 hours per week, with possible weekends or shifts outside those hours.
- Provide own housing in the Orlando, Florida area for the duration of the program and have reliable transportation to and from work.
- Be aligned with The Disney Look appearance guidelines.
- Have no more than one year of continuous employment on a Disney Internship or Disney College Program.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with 3D design tools such as Rhino, ZBrush, Blender, SolidWorks, or Maya.
- Hands-on experience in model-making, sculpting, or prototyping, such as foam, clay, or 3D printing.
- Coursework or personal projects focused on toys, games, or consumer product design.
- Familiarity with manufacturing considerations for soft goods, injection-molded plastics, or electronics-integrated toys.
- Experience or interest in categories including plush, dolls, action figures, games, puzzles, playsets, vehicles, outdoor play, and roleplay products.
Responsibilities
- Develop concepts and sketches for toys and play products across multiple categories, following selected products from ideation through prototyping, sampling, and production.
- Assist in building, refining, and providing feedback on physical and digital prototypes.
- Participate in brainstorms and concept reviews, contributing original ideas rooted in Disney intellectual property.
- Research trends in toy design, play patterns, and materials to inform product concepts.
- Collaborate with product development, Sourcing, and Merchant partners to advance designs from concept through production.
- Review and provide feedback on samples as products approach final production and placement in parks.
- Help prepare presentation boards, mood boards, and pitch materials for internal design reviews.
- Incorporate feedback from mentors and leadership, iterating across concepts and development rounds.
Benefits
- Select medical, financial, and other benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package.
- Limited housing opportunities for Florida-based Disney Interns through American Campus Communities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
