LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Walt Disney World has a new president.
The Walt Disney Company named Joe Schott on Monday to take over the top job from Jeff Vahle, who is retiring.
It’s the latest major leadership change for Disney, where former WDW president Josh D’Amaro just took over as chief executive officer.
The Walt Disney Company says Schott has more than 40 years of experience in leadership across Disney’s experiences division. He has served as president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, chief operating officer at Disneyland Paris, and executive managing director at Walt Disney Attractions Japan.
Most recently, Schott served as president of Disney Signature Experiences. He oversaw the launches of the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure cruise ships.
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Schott got his start at Disney World as a Jungle Cruise skipper, so he has experience getting ahead with tough customers like Trader Sam (head salesman).
He’s also journeyed to the backside of water and lived to tell the tale.
Now Schott will be in charge of a major expansion at Disney World, home to the most visited theme parks in the world.
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Construction is underway at Magic Kingdom to add Piston Peak National Park, a “Cars”-themed land, as well as a land dedicated to Disney’s villains.
Animal Kingdom is also getting an 11-acre “Tropical Americas” land with attractions based on “Encanto” and the “Indiana Jones” franchise. Hollywood Studios is also undergoing a major refresh, with the return of the Magic of Disney Animation experience, a Muppets re-theme for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and construction of a land based on the “Monsters, Inc.” franchise.
Schott will start his new job by the end of July.