From Thomas Smith on the Disney Parks Blog:

We have some news to share today regarding a key member of the Disney team. Al Weiss, former head of Walt Disney World and current President of Worldwide Operations for all of Disney Parks and Resorts, has decided to retire after almost 39 years with the company. Al started off working at Walt Disney World as a teenager and will leave his imprint on so many aspects of our business. Some of the highlights of his tenure include launching Disney Cruise Line, opening Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World and integrating worldwide park operations. Al’s official retirement date will be November 1 of this year. To learn more about Al’s announcement please click on the link below.

Letter to Cast from Al Weiss

Walt Disney Parks & Resort Chairman Tom Staggs shared the following statement in response to Al’s announcement:

“Al Weiss has made a profound mark on Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and the accomplishments and milestones that encompass his legacy are many. He spent his whole professional life with Disney, literally growing up in the company — and most notably serving as an integral part of Walt Disney World through most of its history. That experience enabled him to have a genuine appreciation for and true understanding of all that our cast do, and all that our guests expect. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his passion for the guest experience are unsurpassed, and have been an inspiration to many.

I thank Al for his decades of service and wish him well as he enters a new chapter in his life.”