A NEW Theme Park Design Contest Gives High Schoolers the Chance To Win a Scholarship AND Trip to Universal Orlando

Have you ever walked through a theme park or been on a theme park ride and thought about how you would do it differently?

If that’s the case, then you should look into a career becoming part of Disney’s Imagineers, or you can check out the new contest announced by Ringling College of Art and Design! High school students are getting a super unique opportunity that’s tough to find anywhere else.

Ringling College of Art and Design, located in Sarasota, Florida, just announced its first Theme Park Design Competition for high school juniors and seniors! The contest is open from September 1st to November 30th, 2025.

The challenge this year is for students to, “conceptualize a mobile merchandise cart that could be used in outdoor theme parks.” The submissions will be judged by Ringling College of Art and Design professionals, as well as pros from Universal Creative, and other experienced experts in the entertainment design industry.

The top prize winner of the competition will receive a $20,000 tuition scholarship to Ringling College of Art and Design and an exclusive VIP “behind the scenes” experience at Universal Studios Florida with complimentary travel and accommodations. Second and third place winners will receive a scholarship to the 2025 Ringling College of Art and Design PreCollege Summer Program.

Entries will be judged in December 2025 and winners will be announced in January 2026. We can’t wait to see what the winners create — be sure to stay tuned to AllEars!

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What would you design for the competition? Tell us in the comments!