Disney Experiences has announced a new leadership structure for several of its biggest businesses, including Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Signature Experiences, and Disneyland Paris.
The Walt Disney Company said on May 18, 2026, that Joe Schott has been appointed president of Walt Disney World Resort. He succeeds Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after 36 years with Disney.
What changed
Schott moves into the Walt Disney World role after serving as president of Disney Signature Experiences, the division that includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak.
Disney said Natacha Rafalski, who has led Disneyland Paris since 2018, has been appointed president of Disney Signature Experiences. Christophe Murphy has been promoted to president of Disneyland Paris.
The changes matter because they arrive during a major expansion cycle across Disney Experiences. Disney specifically pointed to Magic Kingdom expansion work, new lands in development at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Cruise Line growth from eight ships to 13 by 2031, and continued Disneyland Paris development.
Why it matters for park fans
Walt Disney World is in the middle of several major projects, including the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history and new lands planned for Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Disney described Schott as a longtime international operator with more than 40 years of leadership experience across Disney destinations.
Schott previously led Shanghai Disney Resort through a major growth period that included the opening of its Zootopia-themed land. He also served as chief operating officer of Disneyland Paris and worked with Tokyo Disney Resort earlier in his Disney career.
Disney Cruise Line and Disneyland Paris
Rafalski will now oversee Disney Signature Experiences as Disney Cruise Line continues its fleet expansion. Disney said the cruise line is growing from eight ships to 13 by 2031.
At Disneyland Paris, Murphy takes over as the resort continues its latest chapter of growth, including the new Lion King-themed land in development. Disney said Murphy has more than 35 years with the company and joined Disneyland Paris during its pre-opening phase in 1991.
What is still unknown
Disney did not announce any operational changes, attraction timeline changes, or guest-facing policy changes tied to the leadership appointments. The company said all three leaders will assume their new roles by the end of July 2026.
For guests, the immediate takeaway is not a new ride date or booking change. It is a leadership handoff at the resort that will oversee several of Disney World’s highest-profile construction and expansion projects during the next few years.
The appointment also puts a former Disney Signature Experiences leader in charge of Walt Disney World while Disney Cruise Line continues its own expansion under new leadership. That makes this a broader Disney Experiences reshuffle, not just a single resort personnel move.
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Source: The Walt Disney Company
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