Thomas Mazloum Takes the Helm at Disney Cruise Line As Jeff Vahle Transitions to President of Walt Disney World Resort

This afternoon, the Walt Disney Company announced a number of leadership changes at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products – the arm of the company which includes Disney Cruise Line. Leading the team will be Josh D’Amaro, who has been named Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

“I’m incredibly proud of the new leadership team at Parks, beginning with the segment’s Chairman, longtime Disney veteran Josh D’Amaro, and his newly announced team of Jeff Vahle, Ken Potrock, Kareem Daniel and Thomas Mazloum,” said Mr. Chapek. “These talented executives played pivotal roles while leading our exceptional cast members during the largest period of growth in the segment’s history, which included the expansion of our parks and resorts around the world, the addition of new attractions including two highly acclaimed Star Wars-themed lands, and a shift to more personalized experiences for guests. And I am confident that as they assume even greater responsibility and pursue new opportunities, these proven leaders will have an even bigger impact on the future of our company.” 

Thomas Mazloum DCL President Disney Signature Experiences

Thomas Mazloum, formerly Senior Vice President of Resort and Transportation Operations at Walt Disney World Resort, becomes President, Disney Signature Experiences, which includes Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club and Adventures by Disney.

“I am thrilled to continue my Disney career by joining the businesses renowned for providing personalized and uniquely Disney experiences and delivering world-class guest service,” said Mr. Mazloum. “I cannot wait to bring even more magic to guests on the seas and at our remarkable destinations around the world.”

A veteran of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Mr. Mazloum previously oversaw 28 resort hotels as well as transportation operations that rival mid-sized American cities, at the world’s premier vacation destination, Walt Disney World Resort.

Mr. Mazloum began his Disney career in 1998 as a hotel director for Disney Cruise Line. He was instrumental in launching the Disney Wonder, the second ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, while directing a cast and crew of nearly 700 individuals, representing 52 countries around the world. He then went on to serve as the general manager of Food & Beverage & Special Events at Epcot, where he supervised the park’s diverse restaurant operations and pursued collaborative business opportunities.

Before returning to Disney in 2017, Mr. Mazloum served as the Chief Operating Officer of Crystal Cruise Line.

Born in Austria, Mr. Mazloum received his degree in hotel management and administration in Innsbruck. A life-long learner, Mr. Mazloum has also received several business certifications from such institutions as Cornell University, the Hotel School of Lausanne and the Hotel School of Salzburg.

Succeeding Mr. D’Amaro as President, Walt Disney World Resort is Jeff Vahle, a 30-year cast member who most recently served as President, Disney Signature Experiences.  In his new role, Mr. Vahle leads a team of talented Cast Members —America’s largest single-site workforce—and will be responsible for all facets of business for the resort, 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-dining complex.

Jeff Vahle DCL Disney Signature Experiences

“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,” said Mr. Vahle. “I plan to continue to build on the momentum from Josh’s tenure, bringing even more innovative entertainment and experiences to our guests.”

Mr. Vahle will continue to oversee Facilities & Operations Services for Disney theme parks worldwide, responsible for engineering, maintenance, construction, utilities, manufacturing, sourcing and procurement, safety and health, and asset management programs at the Disney resorts around the world.

In his previous role, Mr. Vahle led several key growth businesses for the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment and inspired teams around the world to deliver the Company’s unrivaled brand of family vacations. He oversaw Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Golden Oak, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (collectively called Disney Signature Experiences).

Mr. Vahle began his Disney career in 1990 and is a respected senior executive who is committed to driving creativity and innovation, exceeding guest expectations and delivering long-term business growth. During his career with the Company, he has held a series of high-profile leadership roles in operations, engineering, technology and global support services.

At Disney Cruise Line, Mr. Vahle also oversaw the much-anticipated expansion of Disney’s cruise fleet, with the planned delivery of three new ships, all of them showcasing the immersive family entertainment, enchanting storytelling and unparalleled service for which Disney is well known.

In addition to his duties with these high-growth vacation businesses, Mr. Vahle is actively involved in the Central Florida community, currently serving as chairman of the board of directors for Give Kids the World and as a member of the Rollins College Board of Trustees.

Mr. Vahle earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University and a master’s degree in business administration from Rollins College.

Jeff Vahle Castaway Cay Sign
Looking forward to returning to Castaway Cay to see Thomas Mazloum’s sign.

5 Replies to “Thomas Mazloum Takes the Helm at Disney Cruise Line As Jeff Vahle Transitions to President of Walt Disney World Resort”

  1. Bill B.

    Mr. Mazloum and Mr. Vahle will certainly be earning their money if they can turn these 2 ships around. WDW and DCL are going to be hard pressed to ever get back to the crowds they enjoyed before coronavirus hit. I have discussed with my wife and we have no intentions of going back until things are the way they were. When you review the restrictions they have placed on Disney Springs, you can imagine what it’s going to be like to get into the parks. As far as the cruise line, they will have to start boarding the day before departure if they are going through the same screenings as the parks.

    I will give WDW a big thumbs up though, they refunded every penny of our cost for our reservation we had to cancel for April. Now if they could just get SWA on board, they only gave us credit for future travel if we use it before October.

    Reply
  2. Richard Goldhar

    Mr. Mazloum

    I hope you review this message personally.

    I have booked a cruise, which my family was very excited to set sail in February of 2021!

    Due to the recent outbreak of COV19 – we have unfortunately had to cancel.

    We paid monthly by our Canadian credit card, in advance and now have to cancel for a refund. We went through a travel agent, and now that we a requesting a refund, we have asked for USD cheque instead of it being put back on our Credit Card, as the exchange rate from USD to CND is prohibitive.

    I look forward to a logical and respectful resolution, as I would not want to have a negative perception of Walt Disney!

    Richard Goldhar

    Reply
  3. Karen

    Mr. Mazloum, I pray this will not fall of deaf ears but my daughters family were set to board the Fantasy, Jan. 22. All were vaccinated except the 4 year old. All four of them had negative PCR tests done on Jan. 20. My daughter even kept the kids out of school weeks prior to sailing. The 8 yr old’s last dose of vaccine was Dec. 13,21. Somehow, with no symptoms at all she tested positive at the port and their family was turned away and had to rent a car to drive the 10 hours home. They refused to retest her. Upon arriving home they all took another PCR test on Jan. 24 for which all four were negative. Her pediatrician says there is no way she was positive. Inspire Diagnostics told my daughter when she reached out that it was a false positive. Disney Cruise lines says while they are sorry there is nothing they can do. This is absurd. We have stock in your company and have been over 30 times and have a trip scheduled for September, 2022 for a week. This was their one family vacation and while Disney acknowledges it was an error, they refuse to compensate in any way. We are hoping someone will solve this matter. They would like to cruise in April but have a fear of this happening again.
    Karen Ritch, grandmother of the Tolar Family
    Someone reading this please help us reach a resolution.

    Reply

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