Another High Level Disney Executive to Step Down

Walt Disney once famously noted that his beloved theme park, Disneyland, would remain in a constant state of flux, changing to keep up with the times. Although this philosophy has proven to be an amazing strategy in keeping Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort afloat, as the world outside of the bubble evolves, it’s done little favors when applied to high-level Disney executives, who seem to be in a revolving door of finding their way out of The Walt Disney Company.

Credit: Disney

Just in: Walt Disney Imagineering President Barbara Bouza seems to be up next, as breaking news via Ashley Carter on X, formerly Twitter, states that the head of WDI is stepping down from her role.

JUST IN: Barbara Bouza, president of Walt Disney Imagineering, has announced she is stepping down. Bouza joined Disney in 2020 and was named president of WDI in 2021.

In an Instagram post, Bouza said WDI will be "in excellent hands" under Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn. pic.twitter.com/BVSZkUNhAk

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) March 9, 2024

Barbara Bouza joined Disney in 2020, becoming the president of Walt Disney Company Imagineering in 2021. In a recent Instagram post, Bouza said WDI will be “in excellent hands” under Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn.

Per Disney Connect, Barbara Bouza “served as president of Walt Disney Imagineering. In her role, Barbara co-led the global multidisciplinary team behind creating Disney theme parks, attractions, resorts, cruise ships, and entertainment experiences. Barbara empowered Imagineering’s unique innovation, storytelling, and technical expertise that brings the company’s iconic characters and worlds to life. She collaborates with peers across Disney Experiences to ensure the successful delivery of new experiences that immerse and attract guests from around the world — and help them make memories of a lifetime. A well-regarded thought leader across architecture, design, and executive leadership, Barbara has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) — the highest honor given to AIA members — for her exceptional work and significant contributions to the profession and society. Barbara served as the 2019 AIA Los Angeles chapter president and was on the board of the Southern California chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Barbara holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and studied in the Graduate Diploma Program at the Architectural Association in London.”

Credit: IAAPA

Barbara has overseen plenty of change in Disney Parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland in Southern California, and Shanghai Disney Resort.

Barbara Bouza was coined president of Walt Disney Imagineering, while former president Bob Weis looked forward to moving to Lake Nona in Orlando. However, those facility plans fell through, and now Bouza, who has seen the introduction of attractions such as Tron, Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris and Disney California Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, and more, is stepping away from her role.

Credit: Disney

Bouza’s influence on Disney’s theme parks will surely be missed, as her notable additions to parks like Magic Kingdom and EPCOT have been hits with Disney World faithful. As Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn heralds the next chapter of Disney Imagineering, we’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead of potential big plans for Disney Parks and Imagineering efforts in the future.