Experienced Disney Foodies or Chefs Please

[gwensgoofy]

We are having some dear friends join us inDisney, after a long hard year for them, for a long President's Day getaway, Feb 10 through Feb 15. One of their boys, 12 years old, loves cooking, and wants to be a chef desperately. Needless to say, this isn't one of those things that endears him to the other 12 year old boys. I'm looking to set up some type of experience for him, if possible, with a Disney Chef. The "cooking" experience at Grand Floridian is too juvenile. This is a kid that can cook heads above my abilities. Has anyone heard or done anything like this with one of the Disney chefs? We have bragged about Disney to this family for so long, going on about the true family experience, and I know this boy would absolutely flip if I can get him some time with a Disney chef, or a tour/experience. Any help with this would be truly appreciated - I just think he really needs something fun, that encourages him in this direction. Gwen

 

[MouseMomx2]

How nice of you to want to set something up for him. Unfortunately there are no tour experiences that encompass working with a Disney chef. In addition, WDW tour experiences that involve going backstage (non-public areas) are limited to ages 16 and up. I'm guessing that you might have some luck with setting up a meeting with a chef, but actually working with one is probably going to be out of the question. It's just not something that is offered.

If it were me I'd plan a meal in a really great restaurant for the first night and ask to speak to the chef. Let him/her know how interested in cooking your young friend is and see where it goes from there. You never know what might happen. You could also try calling the restaurant a day or two before your meal, to see if anything could be arranged. I think that's probably your best bet, as calling the general WDW line will not get you directly in touch with those that could make something happen for you.

Good luck!

 

[larryb241]

There are a handful of restaurants that offer seating at a kitchen table, or near the kitchen. Last time I went, you could sit at a counter next to a prep table or some kitchen preparation at Flying Fish and Jiko. I don't exactly remember if Cali Grill had it or not, but they have an entire open kitchen, which is amazing. There is of course the Chef's Table at Victoria and Alberts, but that is probably waaaaaaay out of your price range and mine for taking a 12 year old to. If you call Disney Dining, they might be able to help a little more. I would defintely look at allearsnet, because they have pictures of the restaurants.

 

[tony67]

If you are going to Universal at all Emerils Orlando has seats at the kitchen bar. (Not a bar, but seats facing the kitchen)

We took my son one night who is a few years younger than 12 but wants to be a chef (or a police man, or a soldier or....)

Anyway the staff was very attentive to him and he really enjoyed it.
The lunches are resonable and they have a kids menu.

 

[dvccruiser76]

I would check with Jiko in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I consider myself a big foodie and that is my favorite restaurant on property.

They offer a free tour of Africa there, but you will need to see if it's still offered and whether you need to be a hotel guest or not. It's a tour of the two restaurants in the lodge (Boma and Jiko), which explains the decor and how it relates to South Africa and then it ends with one of the chefs giving a review of the menu at Jiko while you sit at the counter that surrounds the cooking area. As they go over the menu they give you a free appetizer, which includes their yummy spreads and some bread for dipping.

My husband wanted a quiet dinner, so we sat at a table alone that night, but I believe you can request a seat at the couner during dinner and it would be even better since you'll meet one of the chefs beforehand, which may give you some extra attention during your meal.

Good luck planning and how very nice of you to think of him

 

[gwensgoofy]

These are all great ideas. What I'm truly searching for is a little one on one time, if possible. I'd love for this child to get some personal encouragement from a successful chef, encouraging him to keep going with what he's doing. His parents are wonderful, but as any parent knows, at the age of 12, your kids love to hear encouragement or praise from a non parent. Please please keep the ideas coming, and pass this along if you know any of the chefs at Disney. I thought Disney would be my best shot, given their phenomenal level of customer service. I really want to try to make this happen for this boy.

 

[LindyN]

There are several open kitchen areas.
Besides Jiko try Kouzzina and Boma. What's cool about Boma is that its not a typical menu. Its a bit difficult to chat with the chefs but you can watch them work. Maya Grill also has an open kitchen too and its just about always available.

Kona and Chefs has an open dessert prep area too.

Chef Mickey is a flurry of chef activity too.

Disney seems to want to show off their kitchens. lol