Joe Schott is president of Disney Signature Experiences, leading a dynamic business that includes Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club, the companyʼs vacation ownership program; Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions, the companyʼs guided group travel businesses; Golden Oak, a luxury community of custom homes at Walt Disney World Resort; Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa; Disney Institute, which celebrates advancement and exploration through enriching programming; and Storyliving by Disney, master-planned communities that highlight the attention to detail, unique amenities and special touches that are Disney hallmarks.
Disney Cruise Line is in a dramatic period of growth, expanding its fleet of ships from six to 13, including the Disney Destiny, scheduled to set sail from Port Everglades in late 2025; the Disney Adventure, which will sail from Singapore in 2025; and a cruise Disney ship in Tokyo, announced as part of a partnership with Oriental Land Company. In addition to these parts of the world, Disney Cruise Line is adding even more new itineraries and ports of call around the globe, and has two private island destinations in The Bahamas.
Before becoming president of Disney Signature Experiences, Joe was president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, where he led a wide variety of businesses for the companyʼs newest Disney theme park destination. He initially joined the resortʼs management team in January 2018 as Senior Vice President of Operations, bringing a wealth of expertise in park management, operational safety development and guest service to further enhance the overall guest experience and ensure the resort maintained a best-in-class operation.
A 40-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, Joe has held roles of progressive responsibility and worked in Disney destinations around the globe. He began his career as a front-line Cast Member in Operations at Walt Disney World Resort. He has spent most of his career in Florida-based leadership roles, but for 15 of the last 18 years, he has worked outside of the United States. He led Walt Disney Attractions Japan in support of the Tokyo Disney Resort for three years during the resortʼs 25th anniversary, and he also led the revitalization of the Disneyland Paris parks and hotels as chief operating officer for 5 years.
Joe holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Nova Southeastern University.