Jeff Vahle, a 28-year veteran of Disney, has been named president of Disney Signature Experiences, which includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney and Aulani, a Disney Resort in Hawaii.
“There is tremendous opportunity to deliver magical Disney vacation experiences in new and exciting ways,” said Bob Chapek, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “Jeff is a talented leader with a strong track record of success, and I’m excited to see what he and the team will accomplish together.”
Jeff takes the helm at Disney Cruise Line at a time when it is poised for significant growth with the delivery of three new ships in 2021, 2022 and 2023, all of them showcasing the immersive family entertainment, enhanced storytelling and unparalleled service that only Disney can deliver. Since its launch in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has established itself as the leader in the family cruise industry, sailing from ports around the world on exhilarating itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera, among others.
In his new role, Jeff also leads Disney Vacation Club, the company’s popular vacation-ownership program offering a portfolio of 14 themed resorts, from its newest property, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, to properties across Walt Disney World Resort, at Disneyland Resort and in Vero Beach, Fla. and Hilton Head Island, S.C. The proposed Disney’s Riviera Resort, slated to be the 15th Disney Vacation Club property, is expected to open in late 2019.
Additionally, Jeff oversees Adventures by Disney, the company’s guided group travel business, which brings the world’s most magical destinations to life on nearly 40 itineraries across 30 countries, as well as sales at Golden Oak, the company’s luxury whole-ownership community of custom homes at Walt Disney World Resort.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to be part of an incredible team that makes magic for millions of guests every day at Disney destinations around the world,” said Vahle. “I look forward to leading this creative, dedicated and hardworking team as we build on the success of these businesses during this unprecedented era of growth and innovation.”
In addition to his duties to these high-growth holiday businesses (collectively referred to as Disney Signature Experiences), Jeff oversees Global Operations Support & Technology for Disney theme parks worldwide. These teams are responsible for the technology, engineering and industrial engineering, maintenance, construction, utilities, manufacturing, procurement and asset management programs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, Disneyland Paris Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Shanghai Disneyland Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort.
Jeff is active in the Central Florida community, and currently serves as president of the Give Kids the World board of directors and previously served on the Central Florida Salvation Army board of directors. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University and an MBA from Rollins College.
