Celebrating National Culinary Arts Month and Our Culinary Cast!
Did you know there are more than 5,000 culinary Cast Members at Walt Disney World Resort who help create culinary masterpieces and bring magic to our kitchens every day? From kitchen to table, there are so many roles and so many creative Cast Members that help create delightful culinary experiences for Guests!
In honor of National Culinary Arts Month this July, we’re taking a 360° view of the kitchen, celebrating and recognizing our talented culinary Cast at Walt Disney World Resort. We’re spotlighting a few of the Cast Members who work together to create immersive, entertaining and innovative dining experiences across our parks and resorts all year long!
Jamie Downer – Cook at Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom
Jamie has always loved to cook, since it has always been a huge part of her family. When she moved down to Florida, Disney was always top of mind for the caliber of their culinary department. Being able to work in a kitchen where she could constantly move around and learn new things is what really caught her eye.
“The whole process of creating something that someone else is going to enjoy is why I come to work. I love food, it’s literally my life, so knowing that I can make something that’s going to make someone’s day better, that’s what I love to do.”
Courtney Jackson – Assistant Sous Chef in Festivals at EPCOT
Courtney has been with Disney since 2015 and at the Festival Kitchen in EPCOT since 2016, working on four exciting festivals year-round. Festivals are her favorite part about working at Disney because there are so many different minds that have the same passion to create and push the boundaries of the way that they put together meals and concepts for Guests.
“There’s just so much to learn from everybody, and I think that’s what really interests me about Disney and the culinary field. There are so many people who are excited about it. It’s like a community here at Disney, especially in the culinary aspect of it, because it’s such an ever-evolving art.”
Roger Stacks – Inventory Control Clerk at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom
Roger has been working at Magic Kingdom for 42 years, starting his Disney journey at Pinocchio Village Haus working in the kitchen. Later, he became a food handler to learn the receiving side and decided to stay there, now celebrating 35 years as an Inventory Control Clerk. As a recipient of the Legacy Award, Roger has been recognized as a Cast Member who goes above and beyond every day. His fellow Cast Members love his willingness to always jump in and help and make sure that everyone is taken care of, and consider him one of the greatest resources that they have at the park.
“I really love doing this job. I may have found my niche right away, but that’s the best thing about Disney World – you can do whatever you want. There are so many different jobs. Travel around if you really have that passion for the culinary field, and you’re going to find what you want.”
Janell Wright – Assistant Sous Chef in Pastry and Bakery at All-Star Movies Resort
Janell has been a culinary Cast Member with Disney for two years at the Walt Disney World All-Star Resorts. Though she started out at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort as a cook, she quickly found her home at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort in pastry and bakery, citing her grandmother as her biggest inspiration. She loves working at the All-Star Resorts because every day is different, and with three locations, she gets to interact with so many different people.
“If you are hardworking and dedicated, you can do it all. So don’t give up. Even if it seems like it’s hard, don’t let that hinder you from joining the team and doing what you really want to do.”
James Colas – Steward at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant in Magic Kingdom
James has always loved to cook ever since he was a kid. While he is currently a Steward at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, he is following his passion for cooking and working hard to become a cook. As one of many amazing Cast Members from Haiti, Disney always stood out to James as a global company.
“I feel at home when I’m working at Disney. The chefs always include me and there are so many different cultures here.”
Are you interested in being part of the team that creates next-level culinary experiences at Walt Disney World? If so, visit DisneyCareers.com to explore open roles today!
Alyssa Ngo 