Overview
- Joe Schott has posted his first public message as Walt Disney World’s new president, saying his top priorities are to support Cast Members, deliver strong guest experiences, and build on the resort’s foundation.
- Schott succeeds Jeff Vahle, who has retired after a 36-year career with The Walt Disney Company and who led the resort through the pandemic and multiple major attraction openings.
- Schott began his Disney career as a part‑time Jungle Cruise skipper and later held senior posts in Tokyo, Paris and Shanghai before leading Disney Signature Experiences.
- He takes charge while large projects are already under construction across the parks, including a Cars‑inspired Piston Peak area, a Disney Villains land, Monstropolis with a suspended Monsters, Inc. coaster, and the Tropical Americas land.
- Reports differ on Schott’s exact official start date and the 2026 D23 Expo is a near-term moment to watch for his public plans and announcements about project delivery and Cast Member priorities.