Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Imaginations Design Competition?
Does it cost anything to enter the competition?
Do we have to submit college transcripts with our application?
My friends and I attend different universities; can we still enter as a team?
How many teams from the same university are allowed to enter the competition?
I am not enrolled in a college or university in the United States, can I apply?
We sent our application in but we have not received anything yet. What can we do?
With the submission being electronic, do we need to create any physical materials?
When will we know if we are a finalist team?
If my team is selected as a finalist, who must be present at the final competition?
What disciplines work at Imagineering?
Where can I learn more about Walt Disney Imagineering?
Are there internships available through this competition?
When and where do the internships take place?
How long does an internship last?
What is Imagineering?
Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative engine that designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide, and oversees the creative aspects of Disney games, merchandise product development, and publishing businesses.
What is the Imaginations Design Competition?
Imaginations is a design competition created and sponsored by Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) to promote diversity. It is open to college students and recent graduates to enable them to showcase their talents and gain practical knowledge in design, with the opportunity to win an all-expense-paid trip to WDI headquarters in California and be considered for internship opportunities.
Does it cost anything to enter the competition?
There is no cost to enter the competition.
Do we have to submit college transcripts with our application?
No, for your application you must submit a verification letter to verify enrollment or recent graduation (no earlier than Spring 2019) from a college or university in the United States. Go to How to Enter for all application requirements.
My friends and I attend different universities; can we still enter as a team?
Yes, you can still enter as a team. Each team member has to have an authorized representative from their respective university, association or organization sign the registration form.
How many teams from the same university are allowed to enter the competition?
There is no limit to the number of teams that can enter from any given college or university.
I am not enrolled in a college or university in the United States, can I apply?
Only students that meet all criteria as specified in our Who Can Enter will qualify into the competition. Students who are not currently enrolled or recently graduated from a college or university in the United States are not eligible to participate. Students enrolled in selected universities and institutes in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China may be eligible to participate in Hong Kong Disneyland or Shanghai Imaginations Competitions.
We sent our application in but we have not received anything yet. What can we do?
All teams will be notified about their qualification into the competition by October 29, 2018.
If we feel that our art skills are not good enough, can we have a non-team participant create our model, images, or other props for our entry?
No. All concepts, materials and media must be original and be the product of the team members.
With the submission being electronic, do we need to create any physical materials?
Although you are not asked to submit any physical materials, you may find that three-dimensional materials will better convey your team’s idea. In that case you may use the image and video allowances in the project submission to show us what you developed. If selected as a finalist, we encourage you to bring those physical materials to the final competition.
When will we know if we are a finalist team?
Finalists will be notified by December 30, 2019.
If my team is selected as a finalist, who must be present at the final competition?
All members of the selected finalist teams are required to participate in the final competition; otherwise your team will be disqualified.
What disciplines work at Imagineering?
More than 100 disciplines exist at Imagineering including artists, architects, engineers, writers, machinists, landscape designers, model makers, sound technicians, carpenters, producers, accountants, filmmakers, schedulers, estimators and more.
Where can I learn more about Walt Disney Imagineering?
Please visit our Tips for Success page for more information and a list of resources.
Are there internships available through this competition?
Yes, all qualified participants will be considered for paid internship opportunities at Imagineering and other Walt Disney Company business units. Final number of offered internships will be based on project needs.
Can I be considered for internship opportunities even if my team’s project is not selected as finalist?
Yes, while all finalists will be offered the opportunity to interview for internships during their visit to Walt Disney Imagineering, all other qualified participants may also be considered for available paid internship opportunities within Imagineering as well as other Walt Disney Company business units.
Can I submit my design portfolio to further showcase my skills/experience for greater consideration for an internship?
You cannot submit your portfolios as part of this competition, however you can do so through the Disney Careers site when applying for an open position.
When and where do the internships take place?
Internships may take place year round in Glendale, Calif.; Anaheim, Calif.; and Orlando, Fla.
What do interns work on?
As an intern, you will gain valuable hands-on experience working directly on a project and alongside Imagineers. In addition, our internship program incorporates other experiences such as development opportunities, and informative sessions with Imagineers.
Are the internships paid?
Yes, all our internships are paid.
How long does an internship last?
The length of an internship is based on project needs and can last from three months to up to one year.