Joe Schott officially became President of Walt Disney World Resort this week. Schott’s effective date was yesterday, August 3rd. He marked the occasion with a LinkedIn message reflecting on his nearly 45-year journey with the company. Schott’s Disney career began as a part-time Jungle Cruise skipper at Walt Disney World, and he now returns to Florida after leadership roles at Disney destinations around the world. He also thanked outgoing president Jeff Vahle for his years of leadership at the resort.
Joe Schott Begins His Tenure as Walt Disney World President
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Joe Schott officially started as Walt Disney World President August 3rd
- He shared a LinkedIn message reflecting on his journey from Jungle Cruise skipper to resort president
- Schott thanked outgoing president Jeff Vahle for his leadership
In his message, Schott wrote that he 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,” he wrote. He said he has gone from Florida to Disney destinations around the world and back. Returning to the place where it all began, he wrote, “feels a lot like coming home.”
He called it an honor to lead Walt Disney World during such an exciting time. Schott pointed to significant investments and growth underway across the property. “My focus is simple,” he wrote, “support our Cast Members, deliver exceptional Guest experiences and build on our strong foundation.”
His arrival comes as Walt Disney World moves through major expansions. Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are each building new attractions and themed areas.
The message also thanked 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,” Schott wrote. “I am honored to follow in his footsteps.” Vahle shared his own farewell message on his last day in the role.
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’s path back to Walt Disney World has run through several of Disney’s global resorts over more than four decades. Before returning to Florida, Schott led Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the launches of the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure cruise ships. He also served as president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, chief operating officer of Disneyland Paris, and executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan, where he supported the growth of Tokyo Disney Resort.
Schott closed his message by thanking the community for its warm welcome. “I am grateful for the opportunity and excited for what lies ahead,” he wrote.
The Story So Far
- May 18: Disney named Schott as the next Walt Disney World president, succeeding Vahle, who retired after a 36-year career with the company.
- July: Schott’s updated Disney Experiences bio confirmed an effective start date of August 3.
- Late July: Vahle posted a farewell message on his last day as president, handing off the role to Schott.
- August 3: Schott officially became President of Walt Disney World Resort and shared his own reflection on the role.
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