Culinary Students Experience Day in the Life of a Roundup Rodeo BBQ Chef
Roundup Rodeo BBQ officially opens on March 23, and culinary students were among the first to set foot in the new dining location. Check out their day in the life of a Disney chef!
Day in the Life
Disney Parks Blog shares that culinary students from the Walt Disney World Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality at Valencia College were treated to some awesome perks. On a special tour, Disney chefs gave them a behind-the-scenes look at the new kitchens and dining room.
In addition, they were able to learn from experts by asking questions. They also discovered how Roundup Rodeo BBQ was imagined and carried out.
Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Artisan Specialist, Ben Van Beusekom shared how his childhood inspired some of the elements. Students finished their visit with a sampling of all of the menu items!
Culinary Students
Vice President of Public Affairs and Advancement at Valencia College, Jay Galbraith shares “these students got to see something very special that few people in the industry ever get to see: the creation of something special and the thought process behind how and why you create it.”
He adds, “It’s not just about cooking a meal, it’s about making an experience. Walt Disney World has changed the arc of what they can think about for their careers.”
Mentoring aspiring students is especially meaningful to Cast Members like Chef Jerry who contributed to Roundup Rodeo BBQ’s menu. Last year, Valencia College culinary students got a first look at the new dining room at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Afterward, they were surprised with a $50,000 donation for the Valencia College Foundation. Disney has been collaborating with Valencia College for almost 50 years, and is “proud to help shape the future for Central Florida’s aspiring students through experiences like these.”
Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Only a few more days until Roundup Rodeo BBQ officially opens. The countdown has begun, yee-haw!