Matt Simon, who has led EPCOT since March 2025 and ran Disney Springs before that, has reportedly resigned and left Disney. Disney has not confirmed his exit or named a replacement.
EPCOT is reportedly losing its top leader right before the busy holiday season.
Matt Simon, vice president of EPCOT, has resigned and left Disney, according to WDWMAGIC sources familiar with the matter. The resignation came earlier this week.
Disney has not announced Simon’s departure or named a replacement.
Who is Matt Simon?
Simon became vice president of EPCOT in March 2025. That means he led the park for about 20 months.
Before EPCOT, Simon was vice president of Disney Springs. He held that job from May 2018 until he moved to EPCOT, WDW News Today reports. That is nearly seven years running Walt Disney World’s shopping, dining and entertainment district.
He replaced Keith Bradford at Disney Springs, WDWMAGIC reports.
What did Matt Simon do before Disney?
Simon came to Disney with a background in large shopping and mixed-use properties, according to WDWMAGIC.
He was vice president of operations at North American Properties in Atlanta. In that job, he handled planning for the operations and finances of Avalon and Colony Square, two big mixed-use developments in the Atlanta area.
Before that, he managed The Grove, the outdoor shopping center in Los Angeles. WDWMAGIC notes The Grove was recognized as having the second-highest retail sales per square foot in the country.
In all, he spent nearly nine years in leadership roles at Disney Springs and EPCOT.
Did Matt Simon leave Disney completely?
Yes, according to the reports. WDWMAGIC’s sources say Simon did not move to another job inside the company. He left Disney altogether.
Disney has not given a reason for his exit, and none has been reported.
Who will replace Matt Simon at EPCOT?
Disney has not said.
WDWNT expects the new EPCOT leader to be a current Disney executive. That kind of move could set off a chain of other changes, as Disney fills the job that person leaves behind.
Disney often fills park vice president roles by moving leaders from other areas of Walt Disney World, Inside the Magic notes. WDWMAGIC explains why one exit can ripple: moving an executive into EPCOT opens up that person’s old job, which then has to be filled too.
What has been happening at EPCOT?
Simon’s time at EPCOT came during a busy stretch for the park.
EPCOT hosts four big festivals each year: the Festival of the Arts, the Flower and Garden Festival, the Food and Wine Festival and the Festival of the Holidays. The holiday festival is next on the calendar.
The park has also been through years of changes in its central area, now called CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, and other updates around World Celebration.
Will guests notice the change at EPCOT?
Probably not right away. For most guests, a change in a park’s top leader is not something they will see during a visit.
Park vice presidents oversee a park’s day-to-day operations. The festivals, shows and dining in EPCOT are planned well ahead of time, so the holiday season should go on as scheduled.
Over time, a new leader could shape things like how the park runs its festivals and handles guest feedback.
Is this part of a bigger leadership shake-up at Disney?
It comes during a period of change across Disney.
Josh D’Amaro took over as Disney’s CEO in March, and the company has been cutting costs. It made several rounds of layoffs this year. In August, Disney also offered a voluntary early retirement program to longtime executives.
There is no report that Simon’s exit is tied to those moves. WDWMAGIC’s report did not give a reason.
What happens next?
For now, EPCOT fans will have to wait for Disney to confirm Simon’s exit and name his replacement.
We will update this story when Disney names a new EPCOT vice president.
What do you think EPCOT’s next leader should focus on? Tell us in the comments.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
WDWMAGIC (Nov. 13, 2026), the resignation report, the 20-month tenure and Simon’s background
WDW News Today (Nov. 13, 2026), the Disney Springs dates and the likely replacement
Inside the Magic (Nov. 13, 2026), how Disney usually fills park vice president roles
Fox Business (Sept. 2026), Disney’s layoffs, early retirement offer and CEO timeline
AI Disclosure: All articles are assigned, edited and reviewed by an experienced human editor before posting. Like most modern newsrooms, WebReef Media uses a variety of AI tools to help with accuracy and efficiency. Ways AI may be used in article creation include research, grammar, fact-checking and ideation, as well as occasional AI generated or enhanced thumbnails or graphics. No articles are generated or posted without human oversight or involvement.