Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum has announced a trio of major senior leadership appointments, placing new presidents at the helm of Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Signature Experiences, and Disneyland Paris. The moves come as Disney Experiences says it has more new projects underway across its global portfolio than at any other point in the company’s history.
Disney Experiences Taps Seasoned Leaders Amid Historic Expansion
In This Article
- Who is the new President of Walt Disney World Resort?
- Who is leading Disney Signature Experiences?
- Who is the new President of Disneyland Paris?
- When do the new Disney leaders take their roles?
- What expansions are currently underway at Disney parks?
Joe Schott Named President of Walt Disney World Resort
Joe Schott has been appointed President of Walt Disney World Resort, succeeding Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after a 36-year career with the company.
Walt Disney World is the world’s most frequently visited vacation resort and the largest single-site employer in the United States, with approximately 80,000 Cast Members. The resort spans four theme parks, two water parks, more than 30 resort hotels, Disney Springs, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Schott brings more than 40 years of international leadership experience to the role. Most recently, he served as President of Disney Signature Experiences, overseeing the launches of the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure cruise ships. Before that, as President and General Manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, he led the opening of the Zootopia-themed land and helped the resort surpass 100 million guests in under a decade.
His Disney career also includes serving as Chief Operating Officer of Disneyland Paris for five years, as well as Executive Managing Director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan. Fittingly, Walt Disney World is where Schott began his Disney journey, as a Jungle Cruise Skipper.
Natacha Rafalski Takes Over Disney Signature Experiences
30-year Disney veteran Natacha Rafalski has been appointed President of Disney Signature Experiences (DSE), the division overseeing Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak.
In the role, Rafalski will lead Disney Cruise Line through a historic fleet expansion, growing from 8 ships today to 13 vessels by 2031.
Rafalski previously served as President of Disneyland Paris since 2018, where she spearheaded the resort’s 2 billion euro transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World, roughly doubling the park’s footprint and adding Marvel Avengers Campus and World of Frozen. She also played a key role in the development of Shanghai Disney Resort and served as Chief Financial Officer of The Walt Disney Company Greater China from 2013 to 2017.
Christophe Murphy Promoted to President of Disneyland Paris
Christophe Murphy has been promoted to President of Disneyland Paris, stepping into the role as the resort enters a new chapter of growth, including the development of a new Lion King-themed land.
Murphy brings more than 35 years of Walt Disney Company experience to the role, having originally joined Disneyland Paris in 1991 during its pre-opening phase. He has held leadership positions spanning theme parks, Disney Village, hotels, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverage, and franchise integration.
In 2021, Murphy served as Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney Attractions Japan, partnering with Oriental Land Company at Tokyo Disney Resort. He returned to Disneyland Paris in 2023 as Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing the delivery of Disney Adventure World and the opening of World of Frozen in March 2026.
When Do the New Leaders Take Their Roles?
All three leaders are set to assume their new roles by the end of July 2026.
What Is Disney Currently Building?
The leadership appointments arrive as Disney parks are in the middle of an expansive development period. As we’ve covered extensively, Walt Disney World is currently undergoing the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history, with new lands also in development at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On the cruise side, Disney Cruise Line is expanding toward a 13-ship fleet by 2031.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!