Theme Park Scope

There’s a new leader taking the reins at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World has named Susan Dubiel as the new Vice President of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, putting a longtime Disney leader in charge of the park as it heads into a pretty significant period of transformation.

Dubiel brings more than 21 years of experience with The Walt Disney Company to her new role, most recently serving as General Manager of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As Vice President of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Dubiel will oversee the park’s overall operation and leadership.

Dubiel has spent more than two decades with Disney and has held leadership positions across a variety of areas throughout Walt Disney World.

Most recently, she served as General Manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where she helped oversee park operations. Now, she’ll make the move across Walt Disney World to take on the top leadership position at Hollywood Studios.

And the timing of this leadership change is particularly interesting. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is currently heading into one of its biggest periods of change in years, with multiple projects reshaping the park.

That includes the transformation of the former Muppets Courtyard area into Monstropolis, the upcoming Monsters, Inc.-themed land featuring Disney’s first suspended coaster.

Elsewhere, Disney is transforming Animation Courtyard into The Walt Disney Studios, while other projects and operational changes continue around the park.

That means Dubiel is stepping into the Vice President role while Hollywood Studios is very much in transition…with several major projects ultimately changing what guests experience around the park over the next several years.

While leadership appointments aren’t necessarily the flashiest Disney World announcements, the Vice President of a theme park plays a significant role in its day-to-day operations and overall guest experience.

And with more than 21 years at Disney already behind her, Dubiel isn’t exactly new to the company. She’ll now bring that experience to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at a time when the park is preparing for several significant changes. We’ll be watching to see what’s next as this new chapter begins.

Keep checking back with Theme Park Scope for the latest Disney’s Hollywood Studios news, leadership changes, construction updates, new attractions, and everything changing around Walt Disney World.