Walt Disney World is getting a new leader this summer. Joe Schott, currently President of Disney Signature Experiences, will officially step into the role of President of Walt Disney World Resort on August 3, 2026, taking over from Jeff Vahle.
Vahle, who has led Walt Disney World since 2020, announced back in May that he would retire this summer after 36 years with The Walt Disney Company. His last day is set for the end of July.
Who Is Joe Schott?
Schott is a 40-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, and his Disney story actually starts right at Walt Disney World — he began his career as a Jungle Cruise Skipper before working his way up through leadership roles at Disney destinations around the world.
His resume includes stints as Executive Managing Director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan, where he supported Tokyo Disney Resort through its 25th anniversary, and five years as Chief Operating Officer of Disneyland Paris, where he helped lead a major revitalization of the parks and hotels there.
From there, Schott moved to Shanghai Disney Resort, first joining as Senior Vice President of Operations in 2018 before being named President and General Manager. During his time leading Shanghai Disney Resort, the park underwent a major expansion phase, including the opening of a Zootopia-themed land, and helped the resort surpass 100 million guests in under a decade. Growth continues there today, with a new Spider-Man attraction and two additional hotels currently in development.
Most recently, Schott has served as President of Disney Signature Experiences, a role overseeing Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Disney Institute, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak. Under his leadership, Disney Cruise Line has been in a major growth phase, expanding its fleet toward 13 ships by 2031, including the launch of the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure, the latter of which set sail from Singapore this year. A new Disney cruise ship based in Tokyo, developed in partnership with Oriental Land Company, is also in the works and expected to launch by 2029.
What This Means for Walt Disney World
With more than four decades of experience across some of Disney’s biggest international destinations, Schott brings a deep well of operational know-how to Walt Disney World. It’ll be worth watching how his global experience — particularly his work overseeing major expansions in Shanghai and growth across Disney Signature Experiences — shapes the direction of the Florida resort as he steps into the role on August 3.
We’ll continue to follow this transition and share updates as Schott officially takes the reins at Walt Disney World.
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