The Disney Experience has announced a series of senior leadership moves, including the appointment of Joe Schott as president of Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida.
Mr. Schott will succeed Jeff Vahr, who is retiring after 36 years with the Walt Disney Company. Mr. Schott began his career at Disney as a Jungle Cruise Captain, then held senior leadership roles at Disney destinations in Asia and Europe before returning to Walt Disney World.
Disney Experience Chairman Thomas Mazloum said the appointments come as the company is in the midst of a major expansion period across its global portfolio.
“The Disney Experience is in the midst of unprecedented expansion, with more new projects underway across our global portfolio than at any point in our history,” Mazloum said. “These appointments reflect the depth of leadership talent driving the Disney Experience forward.”
Walt Disney World Resort remains one of Florida’s largest tourism and employment engines. The resort is the world’s most-visited vacation resort and the largest single-property employer in the United States, with approximately 80,000 cast members, Disney said. The resort includes four theme parks, two waterparks, more than 30 hotels, Disney Springs, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The leadership change comes as Walt Disney World makes major investments, including what Disney describes as the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. New lands are also being developed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Mr. Schott most recently served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the launch of two new cruise ships, Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure. He previously served as President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, leading the resort through a period of major expansion, including the opening of the Zootopia-themed land.
Disney also announced that Natasha Rafalski has been named president of Disney Signature Experiences. Mr. Rafalski is a 30-year Disney veteran and previously served as president of Disneyland Paris. In his new role, he will oversee Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, StoryLiving by Disney and Golden Oak.
Disney said Rafalski will lead a major expansion of Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, expanding from eight ships now to 13 ships by 2031.
Christophe Murphy has been promoted to president of Disneyland Paris. Murphy has worked at Disney for more than 35 years, originally joining Disneyland Paris during its pre-opening phase in 1991. Most recently, he served as the resort’s senior vice president of operations.
Disneyland Paris is also undergoing expansions, including a new Lion King-themed land and the conversion of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World.
