EPCOT Chefs Bring Wish Kid Into the Kitchen With Goofy

Connor’s wish brought him to EPCOT at Walt Disney World to learn the stories behind Disney food. Disney chefs turned his tasting tour into a day of cooking and kitchen surprises.

Connor has a neurological condition that may affect his ability to enjoy food later in life. The culinary team wanted to create a meaningful experience for him and his family.

The surprises started back in Minnesota. Before his trip, Chefs Eddie, Amanda, Tony, Daniel, and Marco assembled a welcome package featuring his favorite Disney character, Goofy. Other EPCOT cast members contributed cards welcoming Connor and his family.

Disney is the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish.

At World Celebration Gardens, Connor met the chefs who would accompany his family throughout the experience. EPCOT Vice President Matt Simon also welcomed them, and the group took photos near the Walt Disney statue.

Festival tastings and kitchen surprises

The food tour took Connor through the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. His stops included The Fry Basket, Brew-Wing Lab at The Odyssey, Milled & Mulled, and The Wedge hosted by Dairy Does More.

Chefs joined him at each marketplace to explain the dishes’ origin stories and how the kitchens and grills operate. They also shared their favorite festival facts and stories.

Then came a backstage kitchen visit. Chef Goofy was waiting to greet him, giving Connor time with his favorite character. Chef Eddie presented him with a personalized green chef coat so he could dress alongside his culinary companions.

At Connections Café & Eatery, Connor became an honorary Disney Chef. He joined Chef Joey for a make-your-own pizza experience, preparing a classic pepperoni pizza and learning about the cooking process.

With his pizza in the oven, Connor worked with Chef Amanda on a Liège Waffle. The hands-on session gave him another way to explore the food he’d come to learn about.

For the chefs, sharing their craft with Connor made the experience especially meaningful. His family finished the outing with dinner at Space 220 Restaurant.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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