Replacing Josh D’Amaro in May as President of Walt Disney World during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeff Vahle was tasked with navigating one of the few Disney parks in the world that reopened at a time of great uncertainty for tourism. industry. Now, he is reflecting and defining some important reference tasks as we move into 2021.
Vahle, a 30-year-old cast member who most recently served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, is responsible for all facets of the resort’s business, including its four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney Hollywood Studios) two water parks, 28 resort hotels, four golf courses, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the Disney Springs entertainment, shopping and dining complex. His tenure so far has been difficult, with more than 17,000 cast members from Walt Disney World licensed or dismissed due to the impacts of the park closures. Entering the new year, Vahle and his team are expected to rebuild the Walt Disney World workforce – that is, “when business improves,” according to the workers’ unions.
In an interview with Orlando Business Journal, Vahle described some of his benchmarks for the company in 2021:
- Operate parks and resorts responsibly. “Everyone’s health and well-being is at the forefront of planning,” he said.
- Rebuilding the business of the impacts of 2020
- Preparing for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.
- Cast—Vahle says they will be “at the center of the momentum of the parks around the landmark”.
Walt Disney World has not officially announced the exact plans for the 50th anniversary celebration, with the exception of select attractions and experiences that are due to open sometime next year. Recently, it has been reported that an undisclosed number of cast members have been called back or even hired back, so it is possible that Vahle may be living up to his emphasis on real magic creators in the parks.
Jeff Vahle was named one of OBJ“2021 Game Changers”, a group of key figures in the industry who are essential to its recovery. Other notable Game Changers include Phil Brown, CEO of Orlando International Airport, and Dr. Raul Pino, Director of the Florida-Orange County Department of Health.
Source: Orlando Business Journal