Product Design (Toys) Intern, Spring 2027
About The Position
The Disney Consumer Products Product Design team develops toys and play experiences inspired by Disney characters and stories. This internship offers the opportunity to work on products through the development process, from ideation and concept development through prototyping, sampling, production, and placement in Disney parks. 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 mentorship from experienced toy and product designers. This is a full-time, six-month internship in the Orlando, Florida area, approximately January through June 2027. The schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with possible weekend work or shifts outside those hours. Interns must arrange their own housing and reliable transportation to and from work. Limited housing opportunities may be available for Florida-based Disney Interns through American Campus Communities. Applicants must be enrolled as a senior and currently pursuing a BFA or related design degree; Industrial Design majors are welcome. Applicants must also meet the program’s enrollment, age, employment-history, and work-authorization requirements. A portfolio review is required, with relevant sketches, concepts, or projects emphasizing toy or character design and illustration. The portfolio should show character development from multiple viewpoints and the translation of two-dimensional artwork into three-dimensional forms. Applicants should include a portfolio link on their résumé; applications without a portfolio may be considered incomplete. The internship pays $23.00 per hour. Select benefits may be included in the compensation package, including medical, financial, and other benefits.
Requirements
- A strong portfolio demonstrating sketching, ideation, anatomy, form, and function; 3D development is a bonus.
- Experience with or strong interest in toy design or industrial design.
- Ability to sketch and communicate ideas digitally and by hand.
- Strong collaboration skills and openness to feedback in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
- A genuine passion for Disney storytelling, characters, and play experiences.
- Enrolled as a senior and currently pursuing a BFA or related design degree; Industrial Design majors are welcome.
- Portfolio review showcasing relevant sketches, concepts, or projects, with emphasis on toy/character design and illustration; must demonstrate character development from multiple viewpoints and translation of 2D artwork into 3D forms.
- 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.
- Have not completed one year of continuous employment on a Disney Internship or Disney College Program.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess unrestricted work authorization.
- Be fully available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with possible weekends or shifts outside those hours, for 40 hours each week.
- Provide own housing for the internship in the Orlando, Florida area and have reliable transportation to and from work.
- Be aligned with The Disney Look appearance guidelines.
Nice To Haves
- Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Procreate.
- Familiarity with 3D design tools such as Rhino, ZBrush, Blender, SolidWorks, or Maya.
- Hands-on experience in model-making, sculpting, or prototyping, including 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 plush, dolls, action figures, games, puzzles, playsets, vehicles, outdoor play, or roleplay products.
Responsibilities
- Develop concepts and sketches for toy and play products across multiple categories, following selected products from ideation through prototyping, sampling, and production.
- Build, refine, and provide feedback on physical and digital prototypes.
- Participate in brainstorms and concept reviews and contribute original ideas based on 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 product samples as they approach final production and placement in Disney parks.
- Prepare presentation boards, mood boards, and pitch materials for internal design reviews.
- Incorporate feedback from mentors and leadership and iterate across concepts and development rounds.
Benefits
- Select benefits may be included in the compensation package, including medical, financial, and other benefits.
- 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
