On July 9, 2025, Disney Cruise Line quietly unveiled a new plaque commemorating Joe Schott as the “Master Ship Builder” of its private Caribbean island, Castaway Cay. The sign was installed on Pump House 1, replacing the previous sign that honored former CEO Bob Chapek, which was removed in November 2022 after Chapek was ousted as Disney’s CEO.
Castaway Cay – Photo Credit: That Park Place
The original sign, featuring “Bob Chapek – Master Ship Builder,” stood opposite “D’Amaro Dock,” reflecting Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro’s leadership. Following Chapek’s departure, the sign was removed amid executive reshuffling under returning CEO Bob Iger and remained unoccupied for over two years.
The updated signage mirrors the former design, simply replacing Chapek’s name with that of Joe Schott. Schott was appointed President of Disney Signature Experiences in January 2025. In his expanded role, he oversees Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa, Adventures by Disney, and Storyliving by Disney. Previously, Schott led Shanghai Disney Resort—where notable additions included a Zootopia land and a Spider‑Man attraction. He also held senior roles at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort.
A sign honoring Disney CEO Bob Iger at Castaway Cay – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Schott reports directly to Josh D’Amaro, who remains represented on Castaway Cay via the longstanding “D’Amaro Dock” sign. The park also retains a tribute to Bob Iger—a “Captain Bob Iger, Shrimp Distributors” sign—on a nearby fence.
Bob Chapek’s association with Disney spanned nearly three decades before his abrupt dismissal in November 2022. He joined the company in 1993 and climbed steadily through the ranks, leading divisions such as Home Entertainment, Consumer Products, and ultimately Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. During his tenure as Parks Chairman, Chapek oversaw record-breaking profits and led the expansion of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, and (unfortunately) the development of Disney’s Genie+ system.
Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek being interviewed by the Wall Street Journal – YouTube, The Wall Street Journal
Chapek was appointed CEO in February 2020, just weeks before the global lockdown shuttered theme parks and halted film productions worldwide. Under immense pressure, Chapek navigated Disney through one of its most challenging financial periods, implementing cost-cutting measures and pivoting aggressively to streaming. Despite backlash over some decisions, Disney+ subscriber numbers soared during his tenure, reaching over 160 million globally by late 2022.
Despite these accomplishments, Chapek was ousted by Disney’s board in a surprise late-night move just days after he reported strong quarterly earnings. Bob Iger, who had previously retired in 2021 after a 15-year tenure as CEO, was reinstated by the board. Chapek’s dismissal was never publicly explained in detail, but internal reports suggested that tensions with Iger and certain board members—alongside high-profile political controversies in Florida—played a role.
The Disney Wish docked at Castaway Cay – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Following Chapek’s removal, Disney rapidly began dismantling his legacy within the company. The quiet removal of his “Master Ship Builder” sign from Castaway Cay in November 2022 was one of several steps in what some observers viewed as a symbolic erasure of his contributions. Disney often honors past executives and creatives within the company with nods like the Chapek sign at Castaway Cay. The removal of such an honor is not common.
Have you seen the original Bob Chapek sign while vacationing on a Disney Cruise? Do you plan to enjoy a Disney Cruise? Let us know in the comments!
Yeah. Cause Chapek’s the problem.