Matt Simon has reportedly resigned as Vice President of EPCOT and left Disney, according to sources cited by WDWMAGIC. The resignation reportedly took place earlier this week.
Disney has not confirmed the departure, and no replacement has been named.
What’s Been Reported
Sources say Simon resigned from his role at EPCOT and has left The Walt Disney Company altogether, rather than moving into another position within Disney.
No reason for the resignation has been shared. Until Disney comments, the news remains unconfirmed.
Time at EPCOT
Simon took over as Vice President of EPCOT in March 2025, putting his time leading the park at roughly 20 months.
During that period, EPCOT continued its busy calendar of seasonal events, including the International Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden Festival, Food & Wine Festival, and Festival of the Holidays.
Nearly Seven Years at Disney Springs
Before EPCOT, Simon served as Vice President of Disney Springs. He joined Disney Springs in early May 2018 after Keith Bradford’s departure and led the district for nearly seven years.
In total, Simon spent close to nine years in leadership roles at Walt Disney World.
Career Before Disney
Simon came to Disney with a background in retail and mixed-use properties. At North American Properties Atlanta, he served as Vice President of Operations and oversaw strategic planning and development for the operational and financial sides of Avalon and Colony Square.
Before that, he managed The Grove, a shopping center recognized for having the second-highest retail sales per square foot in the country.
What Happens Next
Disney has not announced who will lead EPCOT. The role is likely to be filled by a current Disney executive.
When Disney moves an executive into a park leadership role, it often creates another opening that must be filled. That chain reaction can lead to multiple leadership changes across Walt Disney World, so Simon’s reported exit could result in a broader executive shuffle.
Holiday Season Timing
The reported resignation comes just before the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which begins November 27. The festival will include new food booths, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition, and the Candlelight Processional.
Guests shouldn’t expect the leadership news to affect festival plans, since events of this size are planned well in advance.
Impact on Guests
Day-to-day operations at EPCOT should continue as usual. Any changes from new leadership would likely take time to appear.
Fans who follow the park closely will be watching to see who is chosen as the next Vice President and what direction they take.
Final Thoughts
Simon’s reported departure is an unexpected change for EPCOT, especially during the busy holiday season. More details are likely once Disney confirms the news or announces a successor.
What are your thoughts on this leadership change at EPCOT?
