Imagineering Shake-up: Bruce Vaughn Leaving WDI; Bob Weis Named New President

If today's news wasn't enough for you it appears as there has been a major shake-up today at Walt Disney Imagineering. In a memo today by Walt Disney Parks & Resorts chairman Bob Chapek, it was revealed that current president of WDI, Bruce Vaughn is stepping down and Bob Weis will step into the lead role at Imagineering. Vaughn will stay on to help the transition and then look for other career opportunities.

Weis was currently working on Shanghai Disneyland which just this week was announced to be opening on June 16. Weis was also the creative lead for the major renovation of Disney California Adventure, Tokyo DisneySea, and the Hollywood Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Craig Russell, who has served as co-executive leader of WDI, will be taking on a new role focusing on project execution and integration around the world.

Today's news at Imagineering came upon the multiple closures at Disney World's Hollywood Studios today that were announced in preparation for Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land. Also the closures at Disneyland for the preparation of Star Wars Land. Additionally, Kathy Mangum has added Disney Cruise Line and Disneyland Paris to her creative responsibilities along with her leading role at Walt Disney World.

It sure has been a crazy day as the changes of the theme parks are just beginning. Bob Weis seems to be just the right person to lead Imagineering as the major push for new attractions across all the parks begins.