Disney Surprised Central Florida Culinary Students in a BIG Way

Culinary students at Valencia College were recently given the surprise of a lifetime! Disney invited students in the community college’s culinary arts program to experience a sneak peek at the newly redesigned Victoria and Alberts- Walt Disney World’s premiere restaurant! 

Disney has teamed up with the school for almost 50 years, giving students  job opportunities post graduation and investing in the school. While there, students got to taste the food before the restaurant officially reopens its doors later this month. and speak to food and beverage professionals from around the resort, many of whom are Valencia College graduates themselves. The students were able to ask questions related to the field and about job prospects for the future. 

Credit: Disney

“The investment in our future culinarians is one of the most important things we can do as chefs,” Disney Chef and Valencia College Alumni Nick Walker said. “I love what I do and only want it [the industry] to get better, which means making sure future generations are better than me.”

Valencia College Provost Dr. Wendy Givoglu said, “Immersive experiences like this help our students reach for and attain goals beyond the program here at Valencia. We were honored to be among the first to dine at this award-winning restaurant where our students could one day see themselves working.”

Victoria and Alberts is currently rated as the number one restaurant in Orlando on several foodie sites and proudly bears the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award! Working here is the dream of many culinary students, especially in Central Florida.

Credit: Disney

The surprises didn’t end there either! While the students were at Victoria and Alberts, they received news that in celebration of National Culinary Arts Month, Disney would donate $50,000 to the school’s culinary program to help fund learning and buy needed supplies for the school. 

Credit: Disney

The students weren’t the only ones inspired. After meeting the future of the culinary arts field, the professionals at Disney were left hopeful and excited about what the next generation would bring to the table.