Credit: Inside the MagicEPCOT is in the middle of one of its busiest stretches of the year. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is wrapping up, the Festival of the Holidays is just around the corner, and Disney has been rolling out holiday announcements for the park nearly every day. So the latest news out of EPCOT came as a real surprise. According to reports, EPCOT Vice President Matt Simon has unexpectedly resigned and left Disney.
The news was first reported by WDWMAGIC, citing sources familiar with the situation. According to those reports, Simon resigned earlier this week and has left The Walt Disney Company entirely. Disney has not yet confirmed his departure, and no replacement has been named.
For many Disney fans, park leadership changes happen quietly behind the scenes. But vice presidents play a major role in how a park runs, from daily operations to guest experience to big events like EPCOT’s seasonal festivals. A sudden departure, especially during the holiday season, is notable. Here’s what we know about Matt Simon’s reported resignation, his time at Disney, and what could happen next.
What We Know About the Resignation
According to WDWMAGIC sources, Matt Simon resigned from his position as Vice President of EPCOT earlier this week. Reports say he has left Disney altogether rather than moving to another role within the company.
At this time:
- Disney has not publicly confirmed Simon’s departure
- No replacement has been announced
- No reason for the resignation has been shared
Because Disney hasn’t commented, it’s important to treat this as a developing story until there’s official confirmation.
Matt Simon’s Time at EPCOT
Simon became Vice President of EPCOT in March 2025. That means he led the park for about 20 months before his reported resignation.
During his time at EPCOT, the park continued to host its signature festivals throughout the year, including the Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden Festival, Food & Wine Festival, and Festival of the Holidays.
His Years Leading Disney Springs
Before moving to EPCOT, Simon served as Vice President of Disney Springs. He joined Disney Springs in early May 2018, following the departure of Keith Bradford.
Simon led Disney Springs for nearly seven years, overseeing the shopping, dining, and entertainment district during a period of growth and change. That’s a long run in one leadership role, and it made him a familiar name to many Disney fans who follow Walt Disney World operations.
His Background Before Disney
Before joining Disney, Simon built his career in large retail and mixed-use properties. His experience included:
- North American Properties Atlanta: As Vice President of Operations, he handled strategic planning and development for operational and financial areas of Avalon and Colony Square.
- The Grove: He managed The Grove, a shopping destination recognized for having the second-highest retail sales per square foot in the country.
That background made him a natural fit for Disney Springs, where shopping and dining are at the heart of the experience.
Who Will Replace Him?
Disney hasn’t announced a new Vice President of EPCOT yet. However, it’s likely that the position will be filled by a current Disney executive.
Disney often fills park vice president roles by moving leaders from other areas of Walt Disney World. When that happens, it opens up another leadership role that also needs to be filled.
Why One Departure Can Lead to Big Changes
A single executive exit can create a ripple effect across Walt Disney World. For example:
- A current Disney executive could be promoted or moved to lead EPCOT
- That executive’s former role would then need a new leader
- Another move may follow to fill that next opening
Because of this, Simon’s reported departure could lead to several leadership changes across the resort in the coming weeks or months.
Timing During a Busy Season
The timing of the reported resignation stands out. EPCOT is preparing to launch the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays on November 27, with new food booths, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition, and the Candlelight Processional all returning.
Guests shouldn’t expect any changes to the festival as a result of this news. Large events like these are planned far in advance and involve many teams across the park.
What This Means for Guests
For most guests visiting EPCOT, this leadership change likely won’t be noticeable right away. The park will continue to operate as usual, and holiday plans are moving forward.
Over time, though, new leadership can bring new priorities and ideas. Fans who closely follow EPCOT will be watching to see who takes over and how the park evolves from here.
A Surprising Change at EPCOT
Matt Simon’s reported resignation is an unexpected development, especially after nearly nine years in leadership roles at Disney Springs and EPCOT. Until Disney confirms the news and names a replacement, there are still plenty of questions about what’s next.
We’ll share updates as more information becomes available.
What do you think about Matt Simon’s reported departure from EPCOT?
