Disney has confirmed that Joe Schott will officially become President of Walt Disney World Resort on August 6, 2026, taking over from Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after 36 years with the company.
The start date puts Schott at the helm as Walt Disney World enters one of the most active construction periods in its history, with the largest expansion ever seen at Magic Kingdom currently underway and new lands in development at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Schott is one of Disney's most experienced operators, with more than 40 years of leadership across some of the company's biggest international destinations.
His most recent role was President of Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the launches of the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure cruise ships. Before that, he served as President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, guiding the resort through a major expansion that included the opening of a Zootopia-themed land. The resort passed 100 million guests in under a decade.
Earlier in his career, Schott served as Chief Operating Officer of Disneyland Paris and Executive Managing Director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan.
He began his Disney career as a Jungle Cruise Skipper at Walt Disney World — making his return to the resort as its president a full-circle moment.
Schott takes over a resort with around 80,000 cast members across four theme parks, more than 30 resort hotels, two water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and Disney Springs.
Jeff Vahle, who became president in 2020, will depart in late July.
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