Training Disneyland Resort Chefs of the Future

March 19, 2015

From Kevin Rafferty, Jr., Communications Specialist, Disneyland Resort and posted on the Disney Parks Blog.

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Three Disneyland Resort cast members, Alexys McCoy, Joleen Piser and Ashley Parrish, have completed their six-month journey to become certificated culinarians with the American Culinary Federation. The trio earned the certification by participating in the Disneyland Resort Culinary Apprentice Program that provides 1,000 hours of diverse, hands-on training for cast members who are aspiring chefs.

Alexys, Joleen and Ashley rotated Disneyland Resort dining locations every two weeks, learning new culinary skills from preparing signature sauces at Carthay Circle Restaurant to baking bread at Boudin Bakery. The apprentices said the exposure to so many styles of food, equipment and cooking techniques in such a short period of time has been hugely beneficial.

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Chef de Cuisine Bill Orton, who oversees culinary training, chef recruiting and special dietary programs at the Disneyland Resort, developed and leads the Culinary Apprentice Program, now in its second year.

“It is so rewarding to see our cast members learn and grow,” said Chef Bill. “Teaching is my favorite part of being a chef. There are only a few apprenticeship programs available in this county; I am honored to be leading ours.”

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Scott Atwood Co-Owner, Writer, Webmaster
Scott Atwood is the Co-Owner, Co-Creator, and Webmaster of The Main Street Mouse, one of Florida's leading Disney and theme park news sources. With an 18-year background in technical support and systems management, Scott brings a detail-oriented, research-driven approach to everything he does — from managing the technical infrastructure of TMSM to covering the latest Disney news, Marvel updates, and technology developments. As Project Planner and Business Relations Manager for TMSM, Scott works behind the scenes to ensure the site runs smoothly while also contributing articles on topics he's passionate about — including Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Parks, and the latest in tech and pop culture. What started as a hobby alongside his wife Michele has grown into a full-time labor of love, reaching Disney fans across the country every day. Scott is also Co-Host of the TMSM Weekly Podcast and Co-Owner of the House of Mouse Expo. He feels blessed to spend his days doing what he loves alongside his best friend and partner in all things Disney.



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