Interns reflect on their favorite projects for National Intern Day
Every Disney story begins with a dream, and for our interns, those dreams are already coming to life. This National Intern Day, we’re spotlighting three imaginative, driven and passionate individuals who are shaping the future of storytelling, design and communication across The Walt Disney Company.
We asked our interns to reflect on the projects that meant the most to them, and their responses were just as inspiring as the work they contributed. Here’s how three interns transformed their passions into meaningful projects that helped shape their internship journey.
Kelly Ann: Talent acquisition marketing communications intern
Just as Cinderella had faith in her dreams, so did Kelly Ann. She began her Disney career at the Disneyland Resort as a Jungle Cruise Skipper and Indiana Jones guide, later joining guest relations to bring even more magic to guests. That passion led to her first internship in sales communications, followed by an internship with Disney Consumer Products public relations, where she worked on her favorite project: writing her first Disney Parks Blog article just in time for D23: The Ultimate Fan Event. Now, she brings that same energy and storytelling spirit to her newest internship with talent acquisition marketing.
Kelly Ann describes her Disney internship experience as collaborative, inspiring and unforgettable. Her favorite assignment, writing for the Disney Parks Blog, allowed her to work with teams across beloved Disney franchises, such as Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar, to help craft stories that spark imagination and connect with fans of all ages. “Bringing projects to life with such a passionate and collaborative team reminded me why I’ve always dreamed of working at Disney,” she said.
As part of the public relations team, Kelly Ann helped bring the Disney Parks Blog article to life by drafting copy, coordinating with partners and supporting the approval process. The article’s release ahead of D23 made the experience even more special. “Seeing my name on the blog was surreal,” she shared. Attending the expo and seeing the very products she had written about on display made the moment even more meaningful, bringing her words to life in a way she’ll never forget.
Riley: Walt Disney Imagineering show set design intern
Riley came into his internships with a passion for design and a curiosity about what keeps Disney’s most iconic experiences running. While he currently works as a show set design intern with Walt Disney Imagineering, his favorite project was during his time as a computer-aided design (CAD) intern with Disney Live Entertainment, where he explored the intricate details behind World of Color, the nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park.
He supported maintenance documentation for new parts in the World of Color water fountains by coordinating with vendors, gathering technical files, adjusting layouts and assembling the final documentation package. The hands-on nature of the work gave him a new perspective on the complexity behind the scenes. “I never considered the electrical room, programming and underwater maintenance that happens daily to keep the show running,” he said.
What made the project especially meaningful was the insight it gave him into the complexity of show delivery. “Seeing the harmony that technical design, artistic vision and maintenance need to achieve for nightly spectaculars has heavily broadened my horizons,” he said. “World of Color has always been a beautiful show which I have enjoyed, but to see behind the scenes and understand how complex the system is was deeply interesting to me.”
He walked away with a new appreciation for the people and systems that keep the magic alive. “Understanding what makes a show consistently great has given me new levels of appreciation for those maintaining these complex systems,” he said, “and this project serves as a reminder to design not just for the first year, but to design for experiences that will be maintained for several years to come.”
Braedyn: Good Morning America production intern
For Braedyn, interning with Good Morning America was more than just a summer gig. It was the realization of a childhood dream. “Since I was a child, Good Morning America has been my dream place to work,” she said. “They have such a commitment to delivering the highest quality of news possible, regardless of the time frame.”
Her favorite moment came early in the internship, when she found herself on a boat in the Hudson River helping film a promotion for the Oscars. “It was an experience that I will never be able to replicate,” she said. “I loved the opportunity to go out into the field and experience a new kind of shoot!”
Braedyn played a key role in the production, acting as the communication bridge between the producer on land and the crew and audience on the boat. “I had to communicate with a producer on land to see if the shot looked right and communicate his directions to the audience,” she said. “I also had to relay his instructions to the crew on the boat!”
The project was especially meaningful for her, both personally and professionally. “I’ve always wanted to work on a project related to the Oscars as it is my favorite awards show, and I never miss a year,” she said. “It was such an amazing experience that taught me how to keep morale high on the boat despite the cold temperatures and ensure that the final product turned out right.”
From broadcast sets to design studios, our interns are making real contributions across The Walt Disney Company. Their stories reflect the creativity, collaboration and curiosity that define the Disney internship experience. With each project, they’re turning today’s dreams into tomorrow’s possibilities.
For those interested in where a Disney internship can lead, visit DisneyCareers.com to learn more.
