Disney Parks president and UCF grad retiring

Al Weiss, president of worldwide operations for Disney Parks and Resorts, a former president of Walt Disney World, and graduate of both University of Central Florida and Rollins College, is retiring.

Weiss announced his retirement with a letter to cast members Wednesday.

Weiss has been with Disney for 39 years, starting at Disney as a teenager. He had been head of Florida operations for Disney Parks and Resorts from 1994 until 2005, when he was promoted to his current position. His time with Walt Disney World included opening Animal Kingdom and launching Disney Cruise Line. His official retirement date is Nov. 1.

News 13 obtained a memo from Walt Disney Parks & Resort Chairman Tom Staggs to cast members. Staggs said Weiss will step away from his position immediately:

In order to facilitate a timely transition for Worldwide Operations, Al will step out of his current leadership role. Given his long tenure and institutional knowledge, I am pleased to say he will work directly with me as a resource from now until his official retirement date of November 1. I will provide details on our new operations structure in the coming weeks.

There has never been a more exciting time at Parks and Resorts as we continue on our path of significant growth. Part of Al’s legacy is the tremendous strength of the team of leaders that he helped assemble, and I am confident in our team and the future.

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