The Walt Disney Company Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

The Walt Disney Company is a global leader in entertainment and media, known for its innovative storytelling and beloved characters.

As a Business Intelligence Analyst at Disney, you will play a crucial role in developing and maintaining business intelligence reporting tools that enhance decision-making across multiple operational areas, including Resorts, Transportation, and Hotels & Lodging. Your primary responsibilities will involve creating engaging Tableau dashboards, writing advanced SQL queries to manipulate large datasets, and building data connections using Python to support various data services. You will also collaborate with a wide range of partners to ensure that the key performance indicators are accurate and actionable, driving improvements for guests and financial outcomes. A great fit for this role will possess a strong technical background, excellent communication skills, and an ability to translate complex data into compelling narratives that resonate with both technical and non-technical audiences.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into key responsibilities, necessary skills, and the company culture at Disney, allowing you to showcase your qualifications confidently.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at The Walt Disney Company is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Candidates can expect a series of interviews that evaluate their ability to handle data, create visualizations, and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

1. Initial Application and Screening

The process begins with an online application where candidates submit their resumes and relevant experience. Following this, there is typically a brief phone screening with a recruiter. This initial call lasts around 15-30 minutes and focuses on understanding the candidate's background, interest in the role, and basic qualifications. Candidates may be asked about their experience with SQL, data visualization tools like Tableau, and their motivation for wanting to work at Disney.

2. Technical Assessment

After passing the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a take-home assignment or a live coding session where candidates demonstrate their SQL skills and ability to manipulate data. The assessment may also include questions related to data visualization and the use of tools like Python for data connections. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their problem-solving skills and technical knowledge in a practical context.

3. Behavioral Interviews

Following the technical assessment, candidates typically participate in one or more behavioral interviews. These interviews are often conducted via video conferencing and involve discussions with team members or managers. Interviewers will ask about past experiences, how candidates handle challenges, and their approach to teamwork and communication. Questions may focus on specific scenarios where candidates had to demonstrate their analytical skills or resolve conflicts within a team.

4. Panel Interview

In some cases, candidates may face a panel interview, which includes multiple interviewers from different departments. This format allows the team to assess how well candidates can communicate technical concepts to a diverse audience, including both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Candidates should be ready to discuss their previous projects, the impact of their work, and how they align with Disney's values and mission.

5. Final Interview

The final step in the interview process often involves a conversation with the hiring manager. This interview may cover both technical and behavioral aspects, focusing on the candidate's fit within the team and the organization. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their long-term career goals and how they envision contributing to Disney's mission of creating magical experiences.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical expertise and your ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Embrace the Disney Culture

Understanding Disney's core values and culture is crucial. The company emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with Disney's mission of creating magical experiences. Show enthusiasm for the brand and its impact on entertainment, and be ready to articulate why you want to be part of this legacy.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions during your interview. Disney interviewers often seek to understand how you handle challenges, work in teams, and communicate with diverse audiences. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, providing clear examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate effectively.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Business Intelligence Analyst, proficiency in SQL and Tableau is essential. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools in detail. You may be asked to explain how you have used SQL to manipulate large datasets or how you have created engaging visualizations in Tableau. Consider preparing a portfolio of your work or examples of dashboards you've built to illustrate your capabilities.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Given the role's requirement to communicate technical concepts to a variety of stakeholders, practice articulating complex ideas in a straightforward manner. Tailor your communication style to your audience, whether you're speaking with technical team members or non-technical executives. This skill will be crucial in demonstrating your ability to bridge the gap between data and decision-making.

Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, the tools and technologies currently in use, or how success is measured in the Business Intelligence team. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Be Ready for a Multi-Round Process

The interview process at Disney can involve multiple rounds, including phone screens, technical assessments, and behavioral interviews. Stay organized and be prepared for each stage. Familiarize yourself with the typical structure of the interviews, and ensure you have a clear understanding of the role's requirements and how your skills align with them.

Demonstrate Adaptability

Disney operates in a fast-paced environment, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities is essential. Be prepared to discuss instances where you successfully navigated change or uncertainty in your previous roles. Highlight your flexibility and willingness to learn new tools or processes as needed.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from your conversation that reinforces your fit for the role. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you'll position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Intelligence role at The Walt Disney Company. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence Analyst interview at The Walt Disney Company. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how well you can communicate complex data insights to various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your experience with SQL, Tableau, and any relevant programming languages, as well as your approach to data visualization and analysis.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with SQL and provide an example of a complex query you have written?

This question assesses your SQL proficiency and ability to handle large datasets.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project where you utilized SQL to extract, manipulate, or analyze data. Highlight the complexity of the query and the impact it had on the project.

Example

“In my previous role, I developed a complex SQL query that joined multiple tables to analyze customer behavior across different platforms. This query helped identify trends that led to a 15% increase in customer retention by tailoring our marketing strategies.”

2. How do you approach building a Tableau dashboard?

This question evaluates your experience with data visualization tools and your design thinking.

How to Answer

Explain your process for gathering requirements, designing the dashboard, and ensuring it meets user needs. Mention any specific features you prioritize.

Example

“I start by meeting with stakeholders to understand their needs and the key metrics they want to visualize. I then sketch a layout and choose appropriate visualizations, ensuring they are intuitive and engaging. After building the dashboard, I conduct user testing to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.”

3. What is your experience with Python in data analysis?

This question gauges your programming skills and how you apply them in data-related tasks.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of how you have used Python for data manipulation, analysis, or automation. Mention any libraries you are familiar with.

Example

“I have used Python extensively for data cleaning and analysis, particularly with libraries like Pandas and NumPy. For instance, I automated a data cleaning process that reduced the time spent on manual data entry by 40%, allowing the team to focus on analysis instead.”

4. Can you explain a time when you had to troubleshoot a data issue?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and technical troubleshooting abilities.

How to Answer

Describe the issue, your approach to diagnosing it, and the steps you took to resolve it. Highlight any tools or methods you used.

Example

“Once, I noticed discrepancies in our sales data. I traced the issue back to a faulty ETL process that was not capturing all transactions. I worked with the engineering team to debug the code, implemented additional logging, and ensured the data pipeline was robust, which resolved the issue and improved data accuracy.”

Behavioral Questions

5. Describe a time when you had to communicate complex data findings to a non-technical audience.

This question evaluates your communication skills and ability to tailor your message to your audience.

How to Answer

Provide an example where you simplified complex data insights for stakeholders. Focus on your approach and the outcome.

Example

“I presented our quarterly performance metrics to the marketing team, who had limited technical background. I used simple visuals and analogies to explain the data trends, which helped them understand the insights and led to actionable strategies for the next quarter.”

6. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your method for prioritizing tasks, such as using project management tools or frameworks. Mention how you adapt to changing priorities.

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools and regular check-ins with my team to prioritize tasks. I assess deadlines, project impact, and resource availability to ensure I focus on high-priority items first. This approach has helped me consistently meet deadlines while maintaining quality.”

7. Can you give an example of a project where you collaborated with cross-functional teams?

This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific project where you worked with different departments. Highlight your role and how you facilitated collaboration.

Example

“I collaborated with the marketing and IT teams to launch a new customer feedback dashboard. I facilitated meetings to gather requirements, ensured everyone’s input was considered, and coordinated the implementation. This collaboration resulted in a tool that improved our customer insights significantly.”

8. What motivates you to work in business intelligence?

This question assesses your passion for the field and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Discuss your interest in data and how it drives decision-making. Connect your motivation to Disney’s mission of creating magic through data.

Example

“I am passionate about using data to tell stories and drive impactful decisions. Working at Disney, where data can enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency, aligns perfectly with my desire to make a meaningful contribution through business intelligence.”