Joe Schott steps up as president of Walt Disney World Resort, succeeding Jeff Vahle as the resort enters its most active development period.
Joe Schott takes over as President of Walt Disney World Resort. Thomas Mazloum, chairman of Disney Experiences, confirmed the appointment on 18 May 2026. Schott assumes the role by the end of July. He succeeds Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after a 36-year career with The Walt Disney Company.
Schott is a 40-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company. He began his Disney career as a Jungle Cruise Skipper at the same resort he now leads. His most recent role was President of Disney Signature Experiences. There, he oversaw the launches of two new ships: Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure.
Before Disney Signature Experiences, Schott spent six years as President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. He led the opening of the Zootopia-themed land. The resort surpassed 100 million guests in under a decade. Before Shanghai, he served as chief operating officer of Disneyland Paris and, earlier, executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan.
Walt Disney World spans four theme parks, two water parks and more than 30 resort hotels. The resort employs approximately 80,000 cast members. The current expansion programme includes the largest development in Magic Kingdom’s history. Disney is also developing new lands at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, and a new lakeside hotel, Disney Lakeshore Lodge.
Thomas Mazloum, chairman of Disney Experiences, confirmed all three appointments on 18 May. “‘Joe, Natacha, and Christophe have a deep appreciation of the guest experience,” he said. He added they possess “extensive financial and operational expertise, and a proven ability to deliver at scale.”
The announcements form part of a wider restructure across Disney Experiences. Natacha Rafalski, previously president of Disneyland Paris, moves to President of Disney Signature Experiences. Christophe Murphy succeeds her as President of Disneyland Paris. All three take up their new roles by the end of July 2026.
Image: Disney
