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Current Walt Disney World President, Jeff Vahle, shares what Guests may expect as Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom celebrates their 50th Anniversary in 2021. Check out what will be “At the Heart” of the 50th Anniversary.
President of Walt Disney World
2020 has truly been an unforgettable year with many changes throughout. Prior to the closure of all Disney Theme Parks across the globe, a major shift occurred at the head of the Walt Disney Company.
In February Disney CEO, Bob Iger stepped down from his position. Bob Chapek moved into Iger’s previous role. This shift in leadership continued to create ripples of change throughout the Walt Disney Company.
Josh D’Amaro was the president of Walt Disney World before moving into Bob Chapek’s previous role. In May, Jeff Vahle stepped into D’Amaro’s role as President of Disney Signature Experiences.
Vahle’s scope of influence now includes all 4 Theme Parks, 2 Water parks, 28 resort hotels, four golf courses, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and the Disney Springs entertainment/shopping/dining complex.
Disney Layoffs
Jeff Vahle moved into his new position with the Walt Disney Company during a turbulent time. Walt Disney World remained closed until July. The Walt Disney Company and Vahle navigated the health and safety protocols to provide a safe reopening of the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
In September we learned that the Walt Disney Company would unfortunately be laying off over 28,000 Cast Members. You can check out the 2 big reasons for these layoffs HERE.
Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow
As we reach the end of 2020, Vahle shares his benchmarks for Walt Disney World in 2021. During an interview with the Orlando Business Journal, Vahle shared that first and foremost the Walt Disney Company would continue to operate both the Parks and Resorts responsibly with health and safety protocols in place.
Secondly, he aims to help rebuild the business from the impact of 2020. Vahle shares, “Our region and our industry are resilient, which we have proven this past year. We believe that 2021 will undoubtedly be a year of challenge, but also one that holds great promise.”
Finally, Vahle shared that the Walt Disney Company is looking forward to the 50th Anniversary of Magic Kingdom. Vahle shared, “With Walt Disney World approaching its 50th Anniversary, there could not be a more gratifying time to be selected for this role and to work with the incredible team responsible for creating magical memories for millions of Guests each year.”
50th Anniversary
As many were saddened to hear the loss of many great performers in October including the cast of Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo, and the Citizens of Hollywood, and many Cast affected in the Magic Kingdom. This series of layoffs made many question if the fate of Main Street, USA would forever be changed.
The Walt Disney Company is not sharing many details concerning the 50th Anniversary celebration. Vahle did share one key component that will be at the heart of the 50th Anniversary celebration.
Vahle stated that as they prepare for Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary “Cast Members– the ones who make the Disney magic come alive for millions of guests every year- will be at the heart of the Park’s momentum around the milestone.”
“Cast members- the ones who Make the disney magic come alive for millions of guests every year- will be at the heart of the park’s momentum around the milestone.”
Jeff Vahle
Recently we shared that undisclosed number of Cast Members have reportedly been called back to work at Disney World. You can read more about this HERE.
This gives us hope for a “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and hope that the true magic of the Disney Parks, the Cast Members, will be at the heart of the 50th Anniversary.
Cast Members are truly what set the Disney Parks apart from any other Theme Park in the world. This was Walt Disney’s heart for Disneyland 65 years ago, and it continues to be at the heart of the Walt Disney Company.
We are hoping for a “Great Big Beautiful” 2021 for all of the Disney Parks and we hope to hear of many more Cast Members returning to “make the Disney magic come alive” once again.
Cast members are truly what set disney parks apart from any other theme park in the world.
What do you think may be included in the 50th Anniversary? Do you hope more Cast Members will return to “making the magic” in 2021? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook Page.
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Maria O'Boyle
Tuesday 12th of January 2021
Our family is so looking forward to the 50th Anniversary Celebration. That being said, we were at WDW the second week of December 2020. Our vacation was magical - because how could it not be - but the reduced number of cast members in the parks, hotels, and Disney Springs was very noticeable. I will honestly say the lack of cast members made our vacation a less magical than usual.
Recent changes at WDW will detract from the magic as well. For example, no more Magical Express will add an additional layer to the stress of traveling from the northeast to Orlando. I know my niece and nephew will miss Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. I keep hoping that when the world returns to "normal" WDW will too! Fingers crossed!