Joe Schott has officially stepped into the role of president of Walt Disney World Resort, capping a nearly 45-year journey with The Walt Disney Company that began right where he's now in charge. In a message shared on LinkedIn, Schott reflected on starting as a part-time Jungle Cruise skipper at Magic Kingdom and described his return to the Orlando resort as feeling "a lot like coming home."
Schott, who grew up in Orlando, spent decades in leadership roles at Disney properties around the world, including Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, and Shanghai Disney Resort — where he helped oversee the opening of the world's first Zootopia-themed land. Most recently, he served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, the division that oversees Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak. His time in that role included the launches of the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure cruise ships.
In his LinkedIn statement, Schott outlined a straightforward set of priorities: supporting Cast Members, delivering strong guest experiences, and building on the resort's existing foundation. He also offered warm words for his predecessor, Jeff Vahle, who retired after 36 years with the company. Vahle, who became Walt Disney World president in 2020, steered the resort through its pandemic reopening and its 50th anniversary, and oversaw the openings of several major attractions including Tiana's Bayou Adventure and TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Schott takes the helm at a busy moment for Walt Disney World. Major expansion projects are underway across all four theme parks, including a Cars-inspired Piston Peak area and a Disney Villains land at Magic Kingdom, a Monstropolis area with a suspended Monsters, Inc. roller coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and the Tropical Americas land — featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions — at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
This story was first reported by WDW News Today.
