JOE SCHOTT PHOTO VIA DISNEY EXPERIENCES
Disney Experiences announced three senior leadership appointments on May 18, including a new president for Walt Disney World Resort. Joe Schott (LinkedIn) will become president of Walt Disney World Resort, replacing Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after 36 years with Disney. Schott is a 40-year Disney veteran who (famously) began his career as a Jungle Cruise Skipper at Walt Disney World.
Most recently, Schott served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the launches of the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure cruise ships. Before that, he was president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, where he led a major expansion including the Zootopia-themed land. Schott also served as chief operating officer of Disneyland Paris for five years and executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan.
Natacha Rafalski will replace Schott as president of Disney Signature Experiences, which includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak. Rafalski has been president of Disneyland Paris since 2018, where she led more than 20,000 cast members. Rafalski also helped develop Shanghai Disney Resort and served as chief financial officer of The Walt Disney Company Greater China from 2013 to 2017.
Christophe Murphy was promoted to president of Disneyland Paris. Murphy served as vice president of operations for Walt Disney Attractions Japan from 2021 to 2023, working with Oriental Land Company at Tokyo Disney Resort.
All three leaders will assume their new roles by the end of July.
