Walt Disney World has a new president: Joe Schott officially assumes the role on August 6, 2026, succeeding Jeff Vahle, who stepped down after 36 years with the company. Schott shared his first message as incoming president alongside a photo with Vahle on Main Street, U.S.A.
The appointment has a certain full-circle quality to it. Schott's Disney career started nearly 45 years ago at Walt Disney World itself, where he worked a part-time job as a Jungle Cruise Skipper. From that starting point, he rose through senior leadership positions at Disney destinations around the world, including serving as President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, before most recently holding the title of President of Disney Signature Experiences.
In his opening message, Schott outlined straightforward priorities for leading a resort that employs around 80,000 cast members and has billions of dollars in active investment underway across its four theme parks. "My focus is simple: support our Cast Members, deliver exceptional Guest experiences and build on our strong foundation," he said, adding that he sees "tremendous opportunities ahead" given the scale of growth currently in motion.
Schott also paid tribute to his predecessor, crediting Vahle with shaping the resort's success and positioning it well for what comes next. Vahle's six-year tenure as president included a wave of major attraction openings and setting in motion what is described as the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom's history.
This story was first reported by WDWMAGIC.
