The Walt Disney Company revealed several leadership updates Monday within its Experiences division as the company pushes forward with its ongoing worldwide expansion plans.
As part of the changes, Joe Schott will take over as president of Walt Disney World Resort (Jeff Vahle’s retirement was previously announced), while Natacha Rafalski has been appointed president of Disney Signature Experiences. Christophe Murphy was also elevated to president of Disneyland Paris. All three appointments are set to officially begin in July.
“Disney Experiences is in the midst of unprecedented expansion with more new projects underway across our global portfolio than at any other moment in our history. These appointments reflect the depth of leadership talent driving Disney Experiences. 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. 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.” — Thomas Mazloum, Chairman, Disney Experiences
Disney shared biographies for each of the new leaders:
Joe Schott, President, Walt Disney World
Joe Schott is appointed President of Walt Disney World Resort, succeeding Jeff Vahle, who is retiring after a distinguished 36-year career with the company.
Walt Disney World Resort is the world’s most frequently visited vacation resort and is the largest single-site employer in the United States, with approximately 80,000 Cast Members. It spans four theme parks, two water parks, more than 30 resort hotels, the Disney Springs retail and entertainment district, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It is undergoing a significant era of investment, with the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history currently underway, and new lands in development at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Schott is among Disney’s most experienced international operators, with more than 40 years of leadership across world renowned destinations in Asia, Europe, and beyond. Most recently, he served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the launches of two new ships, the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure. Before that, as president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, Schott led the resort through a major expansion phase, including the opening of the Zootopia-themed land – contributing to the resort surpassing 100 million guests in under a decade. The resort continues to grow with a new Spider-Man attraction and two additional hotels currently in development. Prior to Shanghai, Schott served as chief operating officer of Disneyland Paris for five years and earlier as executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan, supporting the growth of Tokyo Disney Resort. It is a fitting return to the resort where Schott began his Disney journey as a Jungle Cruise Skipper.
Natacha Rafalski, President, Disney Signature Experiences
30-year veteran Natacha Rafalski is appointed President of Disney Signature Experiences (DSE), the division of Disney Experiences that encompasses Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak. In this new role, Rafalski will guide the next phase of Disney Cruise Line’s historic fleet expansion, growing from eight ships today to 13 vessels by 2031, with each new ship designed to serve as a powerful ambassador of the Disney brand — extending storytelling, service, and innovation to families around the world.
Rafalski brings to this role a unique blend of financial discipline, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of what moves guests. As president of Disneyland Paris since 2018 — leading more than 20,000 Cast Members across two theme parks, seven themed hotels, and Disney Village — Rafalski spearheaded the resort’s €2 billion transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World, roughly doubling the park’s footprint and adding franchise powerhouses Marvel Avengers Campus and the recent opening of World of Frozen to the resort’s footprint. Disneyland Paris has welcomed hundreds of millions of guests as Europe’s leading tourist destination.
Rafalski also played a key role of the in the development of Shanghai Disney Resort and negotiated one of the most consequential theme park development agreements in the company’s history, before serving as Chief Financial Officer of The Walt Disney Company Greater China from 2013 to 2017.
Christophe Murphy, President, Disneyland Paris
Christophe Murphy has been promoted to president of Disneyland Paris, where he will oversee one of Disney’s most important international destinations during a major expansion period that includes the future Lion King-themed land.
Murphy has more than 35 years of experience with The Walt Disney Company, originally joining Disneyland Paris in 1991 during the resort’s pre-opening phase. Over the years, he has held leadership roles across nearly every aspect of resort operations, including theme parks, hotels, entertainment, merchandise, food and beverage, Disney Village, and franchise integration.
Most recently, Murphy served as senior vice president of operations at Disneyland Paris, overseeing operational strategy for the launches of Disney Adventure World and World of Frozen in 2026. Prior to that, he served as vice president of operations for Walt Disney Attractions Japan, working closely with Oriental Land Company on quality standards, guest experience, and expansion strategy at Tokyo Disney Resort. He also brings experience from Disneyland Paris Marketing & Sales, broadening his perspective across the guest journey.
“I’m incredibly proud of the progress our teams have made in transforming Disneyland Paris and driving forward our ambitious expansion,” outgoing Disneyland Paris President Natacha Rafalski said. “Christophe brings proven leadership and a global perspective that will ensure the resort continues to thrive.”
“It’s an honor to take on this role at such a pivotal moment for Disneyland Paris,” Murphy said. “Having begun my Disney journey here more than three decades ago, this resort has played a defining role in my life.”
