Welcome back to planDisney, Laura!
It’s always a pleasure to help a fellow Disney foodie, especially when it comes to connecting with a legendary chef like TJ. I can see why you’d want to seek him out. His dedication to crafting incredible meals for guests with food allergies and dietary restrictions has earned him a devoted following, and his off-the-menu creations are truly something special!
Chef Tjetjep “TJ” has over 30 years of experience at Walt Disney World, with more than 15 of those years spent creating unforgettable dining experiences for guests with special dietary needs. Originally from Indonesia, he has worked at several beloved Disney dining locations, including Boma, ‘Ohana, 1900 Park Fare, and Trail’s End. More recently, as of 2020, he was at Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. While I haven’t been able to confirm with a Cast Member, my own sleuthing suggests that he may now be cooking at
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, though, as always, chef assignments can change.
If you’re hoping to dine with Chef TJ, I’d recommend checking with Cast Members at the restaurant or reaching out to
Disney’s Special Diets Team for assistance. You can email them at Special.Diets@DisneyWorld.com at least 14 days before your trip, and be sure to note any dietary requests when making dining reservations online or in the
My Disney Experience app (including when
Mobile Ordering).
I hope you have a magical trip and that you get to reconnect with Chef TJ, Laura! If you have any other questions as you plan, feel free to stop by again. See ya real soon!
Eean