Joe Schott has officially returned to where his Disney career began, taking over as president of Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney World Resort’s Newest President
Schott marked the beginning of his tenure with a statement on LinkedIn reflecting on his nearly 45-year journey with The Walt Disney Company, thanking his predecessor, Jeff Vahle, and clarifying his focus as president going forward.
His message in full reads:
When I took a part-time job as a skipper on the Jungle Cruise nearly 45 years ago, I never could have imagined where the journey would lead from there. I’ve gone from Florida to Disney destinations around the world and back. Returning to the place where it all began feels a lot like coming home.
I am honored to be President of Walt Disney World during such an exciting time. With significant investments and growth underway across our property, we have tremendous opportunities ahead. My focus is simple: support our Cast Members, deliver exceptional Guest experiences and build on our strong foundation.
I also want to thank Jeff Vahle for his leadership and stewardship of Walt Disney World. He has helped shape the resort’s success, strengthen our culture and position us for the opportunities ahead. I am honored to follow in his footsteps.
Thank you for the warm welcome. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited for what lies ahead.
Schott grew up in Orlando and began his Disney career as a part-time Jungle Cruise skipper at Magic Kingdom. Over the following decades, he held leadership positions at Disney destinations around the world, including roles at Tokyo Disney Resort and Disneyland Paris. He later served as president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, where he helped oversee a major period of expansion that included the opening of the world’s first “Zootopia”-themed land.
Most recently, Schott served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, the division that encompasses Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak. His tenure in that role included the launches of the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure.
Disney announced Schott’s appointment in May. He succeeds Vahle who retired after 36 years with The Walt Disney Company.
Vahle became president of Walt Disney World in 2020 and guided the resort through its phased reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure also included the resort’s 50th anniversary celebration and the openings of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle / Run, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Schott assumes leadership as Walt Disney World enters another significant period of expansion. Projects underway within the theme parks alone include the Cars-inspired Piston Peak area and a Disney Villains land at Magic Kingdom, Monstropolis and 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.
What do you hope to see from Walt Disney World under Joe Schott’s leadership?
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The post Joe Schott’s First Remarks Returning to Walt Disney World Resort as President: “Feels a Lot Like Coming Home” appeared first on WDW News Today.
