New Chef de Cuisine at Victoria & Albert’s Starting March 2026

If you’ve ever sat down to a meal at Victoria & Albert’s, you already know this restaurant is in a league of its own at Walt Disney World. Now, Disney has just announced a major kitchen leadership change — and if you’re a fan of fine dining at the Grand Floridian, this is big news worth paying attention to.

The new chef de cuisine at Victoria & Albert’s Disney Grand Floridian is Miguel Santeliz, stepping into the role after Matthew Sowers earned a well-deserved promotion to executive chef of the entire resort. Here’s everything you need to know.

Quick Summary

• Matthew Sowers moves up from chef de cuisine to executive chef of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Miguel Santeliz becomes the new chef de cuisine at Victoria & Albert’s
• Sowers now oversees all 13 food and beverage locations at the Grand Floridian
• Santeliz brings 20+ years of Disney fine dining experience including Topolino’s Terrace, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Remy on Disney Cruise Line
• Victoria & Albert’s retains its coveted MICHELIN star under the new leadership

What Actually Changed at Victoria & Albert’s New Chef de Cuisine

Matthew Sowers Gets a Big Promotion

Matthew Sowers has been part of Victoria & Albert’s kitchen for over 20 years. He worked his way up from cook all the way to chef de cuisine — the top culinary role at the restaurant — before this latest move. Now, he’s stepping into the role of executive chef of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, overseeing culinary operations across all 13 food and beverage locations at the resort.

That’s a massive jump in scope. Victoria & Albert’s has always been his home base, but Sowers will still have a hand in the restaurant’s menu going forward. He reports to Culinary Director Scott Hunnel, who has led Victoria & Albert’s for more than 25 years.

“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 Sowers.

Miguel Santeliz Steps In as Chef de Cuisine

Santeliz is no stranger to Victoria & Albert’s kitchen — he’s been there for three years, working closely alongside Sowers. But his Disney résumé goes much deeper than that.

He originally joined Walt Disney World through the Professional Management Program as a sous chef intern. Over two decades, he built his skills at some of the most respected Disney dining rooms around property. He worked at 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 — all serious, high-caliber kitchens.

He also contributed to the menus for Remy aboard Disney Cruise Line, collaborating with three-MICHELIN-star Chef Arnaud Lallement of L’Assiette Champenoise. That alone tells you everything you need to know about the level Santeliz operates at.

“Victoria & Albert’s has built an incredible legacy, and it’s a true honor to carry that forward,” said Santeliz. “I’m humbled by the responsibility, excited to lead this talented team, and eager to keep pushing the boundaries of creativity.”

Why This Matters for Your Next Visit

The MICHELIN Star Isn’t Going Anywhere

Victoria & Albert’s remains the most decorated restaurant at Walt Disney World, holding a MICHELIN star and consistently ranking among the finest dining experiences in Central Florida. This transition isn’t a disruption — it’s a natural evolution. Both chefs have deep roots in this kitchen, and the handoff was clearly intentional and well-planned.

A Seamless Transition for Guests

The good news for anyone with a reservation? This leadership change is designed to be seamless. Santeliz has worked in this kitchen for three years and helped shape its current menus. He’s not coming in cold — he’s been part of the team that earned and maintained that MICHELIN star. Guests can expect the same multi-course, highly choreographed dining experience they’ve come to know and love.

The Grand Floridian Culinary Scene Just Got Stronger

Sowers moving up to oversee all 13 dining outlets at the Grand Floridian is also a win for the resort overall. He brings the precision and standards of a MICHELIN-starred kitchen to every restaurant on property. That’s a rising tide that should lift all boats across the resort’s entire dining lineup.

Conclusion

The new chef de cuisine at Victoria & Albert’s Disney Grand Floridian is a chef who has spent years earning this moment. Miguel Santeliz didn’t walk in off the street — he’s been embedded in this kitchen and in Disney’s fine dining culture for decades. And with Matthew Sowers moving up to elevate the entire resort’s culinary program, the future of Victoria & Albert’s looks as bright as it ever has.

If you’ve been putting off booking Victoria & Albert’s, this is your sign. A restaurant this committed to its own evolution is one that’s only going to get better. Head to the Disney dining reservation system and lock in your table.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!