Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
The Walt Disney Company has been navigating a period of significant transition — one that shows no signs of slowing down. Ever since the abrupt firing of former CEO Bob Chapek in 2022 and the unexpected return of Bob Iger, Disney has been in a state of flux. Iger’s return, meant to stabilize the company during a tumultuous time, was never part of the original plan. After already stepping away once before, Iger came back under pressure from Disney’s board and stakeholders — and now his tenure is set to end in 2026.
Credit: Disney
The looming question of who will take Iger’s place remains a hot topic of discussion, with high-profile contenders like Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, and Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, often named as potential successors. But as the search for the company’s next CEO continues, Disney is also seeing sweeping leadership changes across its many divisions, from its entertainment and streaming sectors to its theme parks and creative operations.
These shifts will undoubtedly shape the future of Disney, not just at the corporate level but in the guest experience and strategic vision of the company. And with several major leadership changes announced at Walt Disney World Resort, it’s clear that Disney’s transformation is far from over.
The Legacy of Bob Iger’s Return and the Search for His Successor
Credit: Inside The Magic
When Bob Iger returned to Disney’s helm in late 2022, it was seen as a move of necessity rather than strategy. Under Bob Chapek’s leadership, Disney faced growing criticism — from rising park prices and controversial policy decisions to creative missteps and struggles with streaming profitability. Iger’s return was meant to stabilize the ship and guide Disney back toward its core values and long-term vision.
But Iger’s current contract runs only until 2026, and the search for his successor is well underway. Two names frequently mentioned in the discussion are Dana Walden and Josh D’Amaro.
- Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, has been a driving force behind Disney’s content strategy and media divisions. With streaming continuing to be a major area of focus and challenge for Disney, her experience with content creation and distribution makes her a strong contender for the top job.
- Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, is a fan-favorite executive and a respected leader within the company. His work overseeing Disney’s theme parks, cruise lines, and consumer products has made him an influential figure in shaping the guest experience and the company’s global presence.
Whoever takes the helm in 2026 will inherit a company at a crossroads — balancing profitability and innovation, fan expectations and corporate growth, all while steering through an evolving entertainment landscape.
Major Leadership Shifts at Walt Disney World
Credit: Inside the Magic
While the CEO search continues, Disney is also making substantial changes at the operational level, particularly at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Several key vice president roles have been reshuffled across multiple areas of the resort, signaling a broader realignment of leadership and strategy.
Matt Simon Becomes Vice President of EPCOT
One of the most notable moves is the appointment of Matt Simon as the new Vice President of EPCOT. Simon steps into the role after serving as Vice President of Disney Springs since 2018. During his tenure at Disney Springs, Simon oversaw the area’s evolution into a thriving dining, shopping, and entertainment district, helping to solidify its place as a must-visit destination outside the theme parks.
Before joining Disney, Simon held leadership roles in retail and property management, including serving as Vice President of Operations for North American Properties Atlanta, where he oversaw strategic planning and development for high-profile projects like Avalon and Colony Square. He also managed The Grove in Los Angeles, one of the country’s most successful retail destinations.
As EPCOT continues its multi-year transformation with new attractions, reimagined spaces, and a greater emphasis on storytelling and innovation, Simon’s operational expertise and strategic vision will play a critical role in shaping the park’s future.
Debbie Hart Moves to Disney Springs
Taking over Simon’s previous role at Disney Springs is Debbie Hart, currently Vice President of Food & Beverage and Merchandise at Walt Disney World. Hart has been instrumental in curating Disney’s expansive dining and retail experiences across the resort, and her background makes her a perfect fit for Disney Springs.
Under her leadership, guests can likely expect continued growth and refinement of Disney Springs’ already impressive lineup of restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment offerings.
Kartika Rodriguez Takes on Experience Optimization
Kartika Rodriguez, who has served as Vice President of EPCOT since March 2021, will transition into the role of Vice President of Experience Optimization. Rodriguez made history as the first Black female Vice President of a Walt Disney World theme park and has been a key leader during EPCOT’s ongoing transformation.
In her new position, Rodriguez will focus on enhancing the overall guest experience across Walt Disney World, using data, feedback, and innovation to improve park operations and satisfaction. This role is crucial as Disney continues to evolve its theme park experiences, balancing guest demand with operational efficiency.
Kara Cressey Becomes Vice President of Customer Experience
Stepping into the role of Vice President of Customer Experience is Kara Cressey, who previously held the Experience Optimization position. In her new role, Cressey will oversee Disney Central, the company’s call center operations, which manage guest inquiries, reservations, and support.
With Disney’s recent changes to park systems — including the discontinuation of Genie+ and the introduction of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass — providing excellent customer service and clear communication will be more important than ever. Cressey’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring guests have a seamless and enjoyable experience, from booking their vacations to navigating the parks.
A New Leader for Food & Beverage and Merchandise
With Hart moving to Disney Springs, Disney will also begin the search for a new Vice President of Food & Beverage and Merchandise. This position is vital in shaping the culinary and shopping experiences across the resort, from iconic theme park snacks to immersive dining locations and unique merchandise collections.
What These Changes Mean for Disney’s Future
These leadership changes reflect Disney’s broader efforts to realign its operations and prepare for the next chapter of growth and innovation. As Disney works to balance creative ambition with financial performance, the people leading its parks, entertainment divisions, and guest experiences will play a critical role in shaping that future.
The appointments of experienced leaders like Matt Simon, Debbie Hart, and Kartika Rodriguez signal Disney’s focus on strategic growth and guest satisfaction. Meanwhile, the continued search for Bob Iger’s successor keeps the company’s long-term leadership picture uncertain — but also full of possibility.
As 2026 approaches and Disney positions itself for the next era, all eyes remain on the Magic Kingdom’s executive offices. These ongoing shakeups and high-profile transitions will shape not only the Disney experience but the company’s cultural and creative impact for years to come.
