Joe Schott is now president of Walt Disney World Resort after the leadership change took effect on August 3, 2026. The new role is the latest chapter in a Disney career that began at the Florida resort.
Schott succeeds Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after 36 years with Disney. Vahle led Walt Disney World since 2020.
Schott, Natacha Rafalski, and Christophe Murphy moved into new Disney Experiences roles in the leadership change announced May 18. Schott's Walt Disney World assignment is now in effect.
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 steps in while Walt Disney World is building new lands and attractions at Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
His first months in the role will cover 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.