Former Jungle Cruise Skipper Climbs the Ranks to Become Disney World’s Newest President
Former Jungle Cruise Skipper Climbs the Ranks to Become Disney World’s Newest President
Colson ThayerTue, May 19, 2026 at 10:43 PM UTC
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A skipper entertains guests on board the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland.
Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty
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Joe Schott, a former Jungle Cruise skipper, was named president of Walt Disney World after more than 40 years with Disney
Schott previously led Disney Signature Experiences and oversaw major projects like new cruise ships and Shanghai Disney expansions
Upcoming Disney World projects include villains- and Monsters, Inc.-themed lands, and attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones
After spending more than 40 years climbing the ranks at Disney Experiences, a former Jungle Cruise skipper was selected for one of the division's most coveted roles: president of Walt Disney World.
On Monday, May 18, the Walt Disney Company announced a series of senior leadership changes for Disney Experiences, the branch that oversees the brand's six global resort destinations, its cruise line and a wide range of apparel, books, toys and more.
In the announcement, Joe Schott was appointed president of Walt Disney World Resort, succeeding Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after 36 years with the company.
Joe Schott
Credit: Disney
Schott began his career as a front-line operations cast member at Disney World, where he served as a skipper for Magic Kingdom's Jungle Cruise attraction, according to a press release.
The ride takes guests on a river cruise where they encounter dangerous beasts through some of the world's most treacherous waters. At the helm of the canopied tramp steamers are the trusty skippers, who provide humorous insight into the wildlife found throughout the journey.
Most recently, Schott served as the president of Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the launches of two new cruise ships, the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure. He also managed the Disney Vacation Club; Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa and Storyliving by Disney and Golden Oak, a luxury community of custom homes at Disney World.
Before that, Schott was president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. During his tenure there, he saw the opening of major expansions, including the Zootopia-themed land. The park also surpassed 100 million guests in under a decade.
Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort
Credit: Disney
Schott also comes with experience as chief operating officer at Disneyland Paris for five years and spent time before that as executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan.
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Natacha Rafalski, the former president of Disneyland Paris, will take over for Schott at Disney Signature Experiences. Christophe Murphy, who returned to Disneyland Paris in 2023 as senior vice president, will succeed Rafalski in her previous role.
“These appointments reflect the depth of leadership talent driving Disney Experience. Joe, Natacha, and Christophe have a deep appreciation of the guest experience, possess extensive financial and operational expertise, and a proven ability to deliver at scale,” Thomas Mazloum, chairman of Disney Experiences, said in a press release. “I have complete confidence in each of them to build on the remarkable momentum underway across these businesses and to write the next chapter of Disney's story.”
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In Schott's new role, he will oversee a number of major expansions and overhauls spread across the entire Walt Disney World Resort.
In the Magic Kingdom, Imagineers are developing a new land that brings to life stories from Disney's most iconic villains. The area will feature two major attractions, immersive dining and themed retail.
Concept art for the villains-themed land at Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney
Nearby, Piston Peak National Park will also bring two new attractions set within the Disney and Pixar Cars universe.
Work is also underway on a Monsters, Inc.-themed land at Disney's Hollywood Studios that will feature the company's first-ever suspended coaster.
In 2027, Disney's Animal Kingdom will welcome guests to Tropical Americas, a land with attractions themed to Indiana Jonesand the beloved animated film Encanto.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
