Joe Schott will officially assume the role of President of Walt Disney World Resort on 3rd August, marking the next chapter in the resort’s leadership following the retirement of longtime Disney executive Jeff Vahle. The transition was first announced in May, with Disney confirming Schott as Vahle’s successor after more than four decades with the company.

Schott brings extensive experience to the position, having most recently served as President of Disney Signature Experiences. In that role, he oversaw Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, Golden Oak, and Aulani, while helping guide the continued expansion of Disney Cruise Line through the launches of Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure.

A Disney veteran of more than 40 years, Schott began his career at Walt Disney World as a Jungle Cruise skipper before advancing through leadership positions across the company’s global parks portfolio. He later held executive roles supporting Tokyo Disney Resort, served as Chief Operating Officer at Disneyland Paris, and became President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, where he oversaw major expansion projects, including the opening of Zootopia.

As President of Walt Disney World, Schott will oversee one of the world’s largest tourism destinations and the largest single-site employer in the United States, with approximately 80,000 Cast Members. The Florida resort continues to undergo one of the most ambitious periods of expansion in its history, with major projects planned or underway across Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Schott succeeds Jeff Vahle, who announced his retirement after a 36-year Disney career. During Vahle’s tenure as resort president, Walt Disney World navigated the reopening following the COVID-19 pandemic while launching new attractions, entertainment offerings, and long-term expansion initiatives.

With Schott officially taking over in August, Disney leadership has expressed confidence that his operational experience and international background will help guide Walt Disney World through its next phase of growth as investment continues across the resort.