Walt Disney World invests $1.5 million into Valencia College facility

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Disney is investing $1.5 million into a Valencia College's downtown Orlando campus.

Walt Disney World announced on Tuesday that they are investing $1.5 million in Valencia College to help fund the transformation and relocation of their culinary arts and hospitality program, the Walt Disney World Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality. The funds will specifically help fund classrooms and equipment for students. 

“We’re proud to support Valencia College’s endeavor to provide affordable culinary and hospitality education opportunities to the downtown Orlando area, which will benefit our entire city,” said Walt Disney World Resort President George A. Kalogridis. “We know how important it is to invest in our talent, and this new campus will help develop the leaders of tomorrow for our thriving and growing city.”

The Valencia College Downtown Campus, which is a shared campus with the University of Central Florida, will open to students in the fall of 2019. It will be the heart of Valencia's culinary and hospitality programming, offering degree programs, certificates, and workforce training.

“We couldn’t ask for a more creative and innovative partner than Walt Disney World Resort, and we’re so glad they’ve supported us in our efforts to provide revolutionary learning facilities and educational opportunities,” said Dr. Falecia Williams, campus president of West & Downtown Campuses at Valencia College. “Our latest endeavor to reimagine our culinary arts and hospitality campus and programming will be a transformational experience for our current and future students.”

The Walt Disney World Resort culinary team has also reportedly partnered with Valencia College to provide expertise and experience. Valencia College also just joined the ever-growing network of schools included in the Disney Aspire program. This means that Disney cast members are offered 100-percent paid tuition upfront for a variety of degrees and programs though the college.