Recently, Tony and I were very honored to interview Stephen Wancha, Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Stephen has been one of my all-time favorite guests on the Disney Parks Podcast.  He has a passion for his work at the Four Seasons that truly shines. Click the photo above to be taken directly to the podcast, or check it out on the YouTube Video below. As you listen, get ready to learn more about all the wonderful dining experiences you can enjoy in the brand new (stunning!) resort. If you just can’t get enough of food at the Four Seasons (I know I can’t!) click HERE to check out video and more from our first visit to Ravello! In Stephen’s own words, “Our food and beverage program is a true dining destination for Orlando locals and guests alike, where great food and innovative concepts meet passionate, attentive service.” I couldn’t agree more!

From the Four Seasons Website:

“In a relatively short period of time, Stephen Wancha has lived in 10 different major cities (returning to live in three of the cities twice), so it’s easy to see why he developed a propensity for travel, and in turn, for dining out. The affable Wancha, Director of Food and Beverage for Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, brings 10 years of Four Seasons experience with him to lead the Food and Beverage operations at the Resort, which includes five on-site restaurants and a large-scale banquet operations team.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be at this amazing property,” says Wancha. “Orlando is not well-known for its culinary scene – it’s definitely emerging. With the team we’ve together and the concepts we’re bringing to the market, we are giving our guests and Orlando locals a special dining experience.”

Prior to joining Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Wancha’s first Director of Food and Beverage position was at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. At the time, Wancha was 28 years of age, making him the youngest Director of Food and Beverage among all Four Seasons properties worldwide. This coup alone is a testament to the wealth of food and beverage knowledge Wancha brings.

The Resort’s star restaurant is Capa, the 17th floor rooftop Spanish-influenced steakhouse that offers a romantic setting above the treetops and a stunning view of the nightly Magic Kingdom Park® fireworks. Ravello is the Resort’s Italian concept; PB&G is the Southern rotisserie; and Plancha is a Cuban American grill. One of Wancha’s favuorites is Lickety Split, a grab-and-go on the lobby level, offering a variety of cappuccinos and lattes, smoothies, Italian donuts and pastries, gelato and more. Wancha, a coffee connoisseur, has set up the ultimate coffee bar.

When not fueling up on java, Wancha’s other beverage of choice is wine. An avid wine collector, Wancha is proud of his large private collection of mostly New World/Napa wines and Old World/Italian wines. He’s excited about the wine program at the Resort, with 400 labels and many available by the glass. Wancha’s own famous Sangria is on the menu at Capa.

Wancha loves to travel the globe for inspiration, often jet-setting to New York or San Francisco for weekend culinary expeditions. He dined at 27 different restaurants over two days in New York, and enjoyed 16 eateries over two days in Chicago. A true “foodie” who is fun to dine with, and fun to “talk shop,” Wancha is always in line with, and often a step ahead of, the culinary scene.”

For more on the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, check out our interview with Thomas Steinhauer; Regional Vice President and General Manager.