A beloved dining destination at Walt Disney World Resort is entering a new chapter as leadership of the renowned Victoria & Albert’s culinary team shifts.
Disney has announced that Chef Matthew Sowers, who most recently served as chef de cuisine at the MICHELIN-starred restaurant, has been promoted to executive chef of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. In this new role, Sowers will oversee culinary operations across the resort’s 13 food and beverage locations, while continuing to play a role in the elevated dining experience that Victoria & Albert’s is known for.
Sowers will report to Culinary Director Scott Hunnel, a longtime Disney culinary leader who guided Victoria & Albert’s for more than 25 years and helped establish the restaurant’s reputation as one of the most celebrated dining experiences at Walt Disney World.
“True to the continual evolution of Victoria & Albert’s, my new role as executive chef will allow me to guide the future of the restaurant alongside Chef Miguel Santeliz while also broadening my impact across the talented culinary team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa,” said Chef Matthew Sowers.
Sowers’ journey with Disney spans more than two decades. Over that time, he worked his way from cook to chef de cuisine, helping shape the creativity and craftsmanship that have become hallmarks of Victoria & Albert’s. He has also spent years mentoring the next generation of Disney chefs, including Chef Miguel Santeliz, who will step into the role of chef de cuisine at the restaurant.
Santeliz is no stranger to Walt Disney World’s culinary scene. His career with Disney began as a sous chef intern in the Walt Disney World Professional Management Program. From there, he built his experience across several signature dining locations, including Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
For the past three years, Santeliz has been part of the team at Victoria & Albert’s, working closely alongside Sowers. During that time, he also contributed to menu development for Remy, the fine-dining restaurant aboard Disney Cruise Line ships, collaborating with three-MICHELIN-star chef Arnaud Lallement of L’Assiette Champenoise.
“Victoria & Albert’s has built an incredible legacy, and it’s a true honor to carry that forward,” said Chef Miguel Santeliz. “I’m humbled by the responsibility, excited to lead this talented team, and eager to keep pushing the boundaries of creativity.”
As chef de cuisine, Santeliz will now lead the kitchen team at Victoria & Albert’s, continuing the restaurant’s long tradition of culinary artistry and innovation at Walt Disney World.
