Disney Spirits - Currents

Cheers, Sept, 2002

Disney hasn't always been known for adult beverage-friendliness, but having conquered the sommelier world (California Grill at Disney World has 26 Master Sommeliers on staff, there are more than 200 on staff at the whole resort and now Napa Rose at Disneyland boasts 21), they've turned to spirits. Disney World offers a two-day seminar every three months to its "cast members," focusing on product knowledge within categories of distilled spirits and cordials. History, production methods, ingredients, recipe development, food pairing application, and sales and service techniques are covered, and those who pass the written exam receive a "Disney Spirits Diploma."

John Blazon, manager, table service of Walt Disney World f&b, enlisted Doug Frost MS, MW, who already teaches the wine certification program at Disney, to design and instruct the course. "The success of our wine and sommelier program has added tremendous value to our business through product knowledge and enhancing the guest experience," says Blazon. "We want to continue this momentum with our spirits program."