Captivated by innovative flavors and delectable dining from a young age, Gerald Supan always knew he wanted to be a part of the magic at Disneyland Resort.
Growing up in Orange County, California, Gerald’s childhood was full of wonder and excitement with The Happiest Place on Earth just miles away. While thrilling attractions and entertainment abound, many of Gerald’s early memories of the resort center around delicious food and beverage offerings that shaped his passion for the culinary world.
Turning a childhood interest into a Disney culinary internship and career
“Growing up, food was so exciting to me,” Gerald said. “My friends and family would bond with me over food. Being able to bring my passion for food to such a fun setting like Disney Parks is so exciting.”
Trying new treats with friends and family at Disneyland Resort kickstarted Gerald’s interest in hospitality and furthered his lifelong dream of becoming a chef. Now, after becoming the first Culinary Leadership Intern at Disneyland Resort, Gerald’s dreams are coming true, serving up magic for thousands of guests day after day as a full-time chef!
Gerald participating in many Disney Programs, including the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World Resort and a Disney Internship at Disneyland Resort.
From Disney Programs to a Disney Internship
“The Walt Disney Company has given me the opportunity to do what I love to do which is being able to provide stellar guest service and create magic through my passion for the culinary arts,” he said. “Knowing what I do makes guests so happy is a gift.”
Gerald’s Disney career journey first began in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park working in Food Service. Over the next six years with The Walt Disney Company, his passion for dining inspired him to traverse from coast to coast — from Disneyland Resort to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. There, Gerald participated in both the Disney College Program and the Disney Culinary Program, which he completed twice to gain a variety of experience!
Through these Disney Programs, Gerald gained culinary experience at various festivals in EPCOT and Steakhouse 71 in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. He grew as a cook, working alongside his fellow cast members to create happiness in the kitchen and serve delicious dishes to guests from around the world. The Disney Culinary Program taught Gerald about culinary operations across diverse areas of the resort, expanding his horizons as he learned how to prepare unique offerings in various environments. These learnings prepared Gerald for his Disney Internship, where he helped oversee culinary operations in Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort.
Making history as the first Disneyland Resort Culinary Leadership Intern
The Disney culinary leadership internship was the first of its kind at the resort, giving Gerald the unique opportunity to mentor a team of Food and Beverage cast members. He refined his leadership skills and learned from Disneyland Resort chefs in locations across the resort. These locations included Carthay Circle Restaurant, Lamplight Lounge, quick service locations along Pixar Pier, festival marketplaces and more.
“I feel very lucky,” Gerald said. “My leaders have been selfless, making sure I grow with the company. They think about the future a lot — thinking about how we can innovate.”
A Disney career journey comes full circle
Gerald continues to harness his culinary prowess and grow at Disneyland Resort. He is inspired to continue bringing new ideas to the resort’s food and beverage offerings as a full-time Chef 1 for Park Banquets and Festivals. Gerald is ecstatic that his Disney journey has come full circle – from working in food service at Disneyland Resort to his cook role in the Disney Culinary Program at Walt Disney World Resort to his Disney Internship and new role as a chef at Disneyland Resort. Looking ahead, he certainly believes the possibilities for creative new offerings are limitless.
“I am looking forward to working with the chefs and back of house team to create delicious and innovative dishes for the yearly festivals we showcase at Disney California Adventure park,” Gerald said. “My lifelong dream to become a chef for The Walt Disney Company has come true. I look forward to continuing to serve the wonderful guests of Disneyland Resort!”
The recipe for success
Opportunities for magic making at Disney are endless. And Gerald has found the recipe for success — cooking up happiness for guests and cast members alike at Disneyland Resort.