Joe Schott takes over as president of Walt Disney World Resort on August 3, 2026, setting a firm date for a leadership move Disney first announced in May.
Schott succeeds Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after 36 years with Disney. Vahle has led Walt Disney World since 2020.
When Disney announced the leadership changes in May, Schott, Natacha Rafalski, and Christophe Murphy were expected to assume their new roles by the end of July. The August 3 timing puts Schott's start in the first full week of the month.
Joe Schott's Disney Background
Schott has worked for Disney for more than 40 years. He most recently served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, the business that includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak.
His Disney Cruise Line tenure included the launches of Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure. Before that, Schott led Shanghai Disney Resort, worked with Tokyo Disney Resort through Walt Disney Attractions Japan, and served as chief operating officer at Disneyland Paris.
He started at Walt Disney World in operations as a Jungle Cruise skipper.
Walt Disney World Expansion Context
Schott arrives while Walt Disney World is building new lands and attractions at Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
The August 3 start also puts him in place before the resort's Halloween and holiday event run, a busy stretch for ticketed events, hotel operations, transportation, and construction timing.
Sources: Disney Experiences Joe Schott profile and The Walt Disney Company May 18 leadership announcement.
Image credit: Disney Experiences.