Design Contest Tips

Here are some great resources that we would like to recommend, as well as some advice from past participants and judges that you can use to benefit the development of your own submission

2008 Finalists visit Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland® Resort

Story, Story, Story!
All we do here at Walt Disney Imagineering is tell stories. The technology, architecture, costumes, transportation, and attractions all support the story. You have to begin with a great story before you develop anything else.

Do Your Homework...
Know what we do, what we do not do, and how we do it. Know your technology and your deadlines.

Showcase Your Talent
Showcase what you can do in the medium of your special discipline, such as plots, drawings, schematics, script, etc. As you develop your project, think of all of the categories the judges are reviewing. Be creative and innovative.

Check Your Work for Spelling, Grammar, and Neatness
Attention to detail is very important. Please make sure your submission is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Don’t let this disqualify your team’s chance to be considered.

Understand the Judging Process.
We have moved to electronic judging. Finalists will be selected based on the overview, story, images and/or video you choose to submit to us.

Each project is judged on the following areas:

• Mastery of skills & talents
• Team collaboration
• Guest Experience
• Diversity/ Market perspective
• Uniqueness

If you do not feel as if you can hit all the judging criteria with excellence, get a teammate who complements your skill set. Presentations that showcase diversity and excellence of skills tend to do very well.

Have a Great Resume
Showcase your talent. This will be an opportunity for different leaders to see your skills and talent in action. Let your resume and design portfolio (if applicable) show us why you would make a great Imagineer!

Other Opportunities
If you do not qualify for this particular program, we do offer internships through other programs. Feel free to visit www.disneycareers.com or contact our College Relations team for more information by sending an email to: wdi.college.relations@disney.com.

Have Fun!
If this project is not fun for you, then you are doing something wrong. Hard work can be great fun if you rise to the challenge and really love the work you are doing.

Additional Questions
We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have, absent sharing any proprietary information. Reach out, we’ll do our best to answer your questions. E-mail us at wdi.imaginations@disney.com.