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Culinary arts grads land internships at Walt Disney World

Published on Apr 17, 2025

Katherine Russeau and Michaela Reynolds are going behind the magic at Walt Disney World to further develop their career skills. Both begin six-month internships in August.
Russeau earned a spot in Disney’s culinary internship program. Just 125 spots were available when she applied, and she’s been told thousands apply.

“I’m interested in catering and informing it through international travel,” Russeau said of her future career plans. She’s looking forward to living in the program’s dorms and learning from fellow interns from around the world.

Reynolds will be working in Disney’s college program, designed to teach students about a variety of operations. She’s hoping for an assignment in hoteling or merchandizing. Since graduating, she’s returned to ECTC to earn a business certificate and is interested in owning and operating a bakery in the future.

“I’ve loved Disney since I was a little girl,” Reynolds said. “To get to do down there and work is so exciting.”

The 2024 graduates of ECTC’s culinary arts program were inspired to learn hands-on at the famous destination after visiting it with a group of culinary arts professors and students last summer.

Visiting Disney’s restaurants — specifically the upscale Flying Fish, where ECTC alumnus Lincoln Mattingly is a chef — was the highlight of the trip for Russeau.

“It was amazing,” Russeau said. “They let us tour kitchens and ask some of the chefs questions.”

The culinary arts faculty organized the trip to expose students to the possibilities in the culinary and hospitality industry and are proud to see two alumni secure internships, said Professor Susie Pate.  

Russeau and Reynolds will continue to excel, she said, adding that Disney internship programs offer training in leadership, entrepreneurship and other areas.

“They are among the elite, and they have so much drive,” she said. “As students, they were always prepared and willing to go above and beyond.”