The blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencer List 2024

Since 2018, Natacha Rafalski has served as president of Disneyland Paris, significantly influencing the transformation and growth of one of Europe's top tourist attractions. With a background in finance, she began her career at Disney in 1995, taking on several senior roles, including overseeing corporate treasury and financial negotiations for the Shanghai Disney Resort. In 2017, she transitioned to Disneyland Paris as CFO after her tenure as CFO for Disney's Greater China region.

As president, Rafalski oversees Disneyland Paris, concentrating on significant initiatives like the €2 billion expansion of Walt Disney Studios Park, which will introduce new immersive areas themed around "Frozen" and "The Lion King," thereby enhancing the resort’s appeal.

Her strategic vision goes beyond managing the parks; she advocates for diversity by founding Disneyland Paris’ women’s leadership group and continues to promote inclusive cultural programmes at the resort. Natacha Rafalski values collaboration, courageous decision-making, and approachability, striving to cultivate a supportive and innovative working environment.

“My mom...was really my inspiration in terms of wanting to work for Disney,” Rafalski told blooloop in 2024. “I’m half French and half American and grew up in France. When I went to college in the US, my mom worked at Disneyland Paris for a couple of years before the opening. I was invited to attend the opening day with her. I also got to sleep at Disneyland Hotel the night before. It was such an unforgettable experience. This memory holds a very special place in my heart.”

Rafalski is leading a €2 billion expansion plan for Walt Disney Studios Park. This is set to becomeDisney Adventure Worldwhen the new World of Frozen land opens in 2026, as announced at Disney’s D23 fan event in 2024. The park, which opened in 2002, is nearly doubling in size.

“We are in the midst of an unprecedented transformation across Disneyland Paris, truly on a scale we have never seen before," said Rafalski.

Jill Estorino is president and managing director of Disney Parks International. She oversees Disney's international theme parks and resorts, guiding the strategic vision, growth, and daily operations for locations outside the United States, including Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney Resort. Her leadership ensures that every international park adheres to Disney’s global brand standards while also meeting the unique preferences of their respective regional markets.

Estorino is a Disney veteran with over 30 years of experience, having taken on numerous leadership roles across various divisions of Disney Parks. Her extensive career in marketing, sales, and operations has equipped her with a thorough understanding of the brand and a strong foundation for developing guest-focused experiences.

As the leader of Disney Parks International, Jill Estorino manages a diverse team dedicated to ensuring Disney’s operational excellence across various parks globally. Her responsibilities encompass overseeing the growth of current properties, creating new attractions, and guaranteeing that each park maintains Disney’s reputation for exceptional service and engaging storytelling.

She fosters local partnerships and adapts Disney’s IP to resonate with diverse audiences. This is vital in international markets, where guest expectations and cultural tastes vary.

Estorino highlights the importance of cultural adaptation in Disney’s products, striving to present Disney’s stories, characters, and experiences in ways that connect with international visitors. Her extensive marketing experience proves crucial in crafting experiences that feel both familiar and specifically tailored to each park's audience. Under her guidance, Disney Parks International aims to draw in visitors and enhance guest loyalty by offering exceptional experiences, leveraging innovative technology, and crafting localized narratives that respect regional cultures and traditions.

In line with Disney’s global sustainability objectives, Estorino manages efforts to enhance environmental responsibility across Disney’s international parks. This encompasses reducing waste, conserving energy, and ensuring alignment with Disney’s environmental goals to lessen the parks' ecological impact.

Ylva Linderis global director of sustainability at IAAPA from December 2024. She brings 25 years of extensive experience in strategic and operational sustainability work to this new role with IAAPA,the global association for the attractions industry. Through her leadership, IAAPA plans to become a model for sustainable operations in the industry, focusing on enabling members to adopt effective sustainability strategies.

Linder has an executive MBA, a Chemical Engineering degree, and environmental management and leadership certifications. She becameLiseberg‘s sustainability head in 2017, leading, creating, coordinating, and overseeing the company's sustainability efforts. Her expertise in environmental projects and compliance ensured Liseberg exceeded legal sustainability criteria.

While at Liseberg, Ylva Linder conducted stakeholder and materiality assessments, created management systems, and contributed to the development of sustainable initiatives. She managed social collaborations and addressed accessibility issues as well. Additionally, Linder led the sustainability ambassador programme and acted as chair of Liseberg’s Sustainability Steering Committee. She played a crucial role in establishing Liseberg as a leader in sustainable experiences and secured ISO 20121 certification for the park.

Duringgreenloop 2022, attendees heard from Liseberg about the opportunities and challenges of responsible purchasing and how this is helping the park achieve its sustainability goals.

Linder’s commitment to the environment extends beyond these responsibilities. She has been a member of IAAPA’s sustainability committee and task force and has volunteered with various organisations. In her new role, shewill spearhead IAAPA’s sustainability mission, advocating for a comprehensive approach to ESG. Her leadership will position IAAPA as a leader in ethical business practices, allowing IAAPA members to benefit from her vast expertise in their ESG initiatives.

Delphine Pons is the CEO of Parc Astérix, where she leads various strategic and operational initiatives that have greatly enhanced the park’s reputation and attractions. With a great deal of experience in strategic planning, marketing, and international business development from her long career at Compagnie des Alpes (Parc Astérix's parent company), Pons brings valuable expertise to her position.

She joined Parc Astérix in 2022 after holding senior roles, including director of product and innovation and head of distribution at Compagnie des Alpes, where she also oversaw international acquisitions and partnerships.

Under her guidance, Parc Astérix has pursued innovative expansions, highlighted by the new Festival Toutatis, which features the record-setting Toutatis roller coaster. Boasting 23 airtime moments, this coaster reaches speeds of 110 km/h, delivering an exhilarating experience for guests. Festival Toutatis also offers additional attractions and themed experiences, further enhancing the park's immersive environment.

This expansion supports Pons’ objective to increase the park’s attractiveness and expand its visitor numbers, resulting in the highest attendance the park has ever recorded.

Speaking to blooloop in 2023, Delphine Pons said: “It’s a fantastic park. I love the universe. It is full of humour and authenticity and is developing with a lot of projects on the go. It’s a real pleasure to come here every day and have the opportunity to lead this park.”

Her first mission as CEO was to draw up Parc Astérix’s new 10-year masterplan. This came on the back of an earlier masterplan that set the path for the single theme park to morph into a holiday destination.

The stories of Astérix and Obélix give Parc Astérix great licence when it comes to developing themed zones, rides and attractions. Across the site’s 34 hectares, guests can discover lands centred on the Gauls, Greeks, Egyptians, Romans and Vikings. There’s even a Parisian area.

Pete Carsillo is a senior creative director at Universal Creative, the design and development arm of Universal Destinations & Experiences. This division is responsible for the conception, design, and implementation of attractions, experiences, and themed environments at Universal theme parks worldwide. Carsillo leads the creative vision for various projects, ensuring that the executed concepts align with Universal’s brand standards while meeting guest expectations.

Universal Creative is known for some of the world’s most advanced themed environments and rides, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic World attractions, as well as other highly immersive experiences.

Pete Carsillo has worked as a senior creative lead on two of Epic Universe's five lands, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe. As the leading creative voice and “Vision Keeper” for each project, he helped his team conceive, design, and build industry-leading scale, scope, and quality projects.

He also spent over a decade with Walt Disney Imagineering, where he rose from the role of set decorator to ultimately become senior creative director at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. He also spent time at Shanghai Disneyland as art director for Tomorrowland.

"Pete Carsillo has been an indelible influence on my life and career within themed entertainment," said one nominator. "He’s someone whose influence has spread far across the industry and has left his mark on some of the most exciting and innovative projects of the last several decades across the biggest names in theme parks. He should be a household name.

"But above his professional and creative acolytes, Pete is one of the kindest and most genuine people working in the theme park space today. He has been a mentor to me and went on to mentor countless others and inspire the next generation of rising designers. He is a force to be reckoned with."

As the chief development officer at Falcon’s Beyond, David Schaefer creates strategies to expand the company through new business agreements while overseeing current client relationships.

Schaefer was vice president of Falcon’s Creative Group for over 17 years, leading the design team. He began as a CAD intern but seamlessly integrated into a full-time position, engaging across all business areas and providing assistance wherever necessary. Eventually, he moved into project management, and as one of the company’s longest-serving employees, he has managed several global projects. With his background in mechanical engineering, Schaefer significantly contributed to Falcon’s patented attraction systems, such as CircuMotion Theater, Suspended Theater, ON!X Theater, Spheron Theater, and others.

His leadership and vision have been vital in establishing Falcon’s Beyond as a global leader in themed entertainment. David Schaefer has led numerous acclaimed projects, including Dragon’s Treasure in Macau, which won a THEA Award. His technical and integration management ensured the project’s success by meeting exacting standards. In New York, his work on National Geographic’s Ocean Odyssey and exhibits at the National Geographic Museum, including the award-winning Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall, highlight his ability to create immersive, captivating experiences.

At IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park at the time, Schaefer led the design team and introduced the innovative CircuMotion Theater. Currently, he’s driving the development of Aquarabia, Saudi Arabia’s first water theme park, and the world’s first Dragon Ball Theme Park in Qiddiya City, further showcasing his leadership and commitment to excellence.

“What truly makes David different is his down-to-earth nature and calm demeanour,” said one nominator. “David is a confidant to many employees and is a sounding board for creative ideation and mentorship.

Another added: “There are only a handful of people I would genuinely say are masters of their craft, and David is one of them.”

Andrew Kam is CEO of Asia Pacific at Haichang Ocean Park Holdings Ltd., one of China's most prominent developers and operators of marine theme parks and family entertainment destinations. Haichang Ocean Park Holdings, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Shanghai, operates a network of ocean-themed parks across China. It offers attractions such as aquariums, marine animal shows, and educational programs emphasising conservation and marine life protection.

Kam is currently responsible for developing Haichang’s business outside of China's Asia-Pacific region, as well as operations, management, and intellectual property. In 2023, Kam led Haichang Ocean Park to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tourism Development Fund of Saudi Arabia on the development of a world-class integrated marine theme park resort in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The resort is slated to be the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia and represents significant progress in the group’s benchmark project for ‘going global’.

Kam’s background includes a strong foundation in strategic planning, international market development, and operational excellence, making him well-suited to lead Haichang’s growth initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region.

His focus on innovation also extends to incorporating eco-friendly practices and marine conservation messaging into Haichang’s operations and attractions, which helps differentiate the parks by promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness. Haichang Ocean Parks are known for their emphasis on marine life and environmental conservation, and Andrew Kam champions these values.

Before joining Haichang, he was president of the China Cultural Tourism Group (CCTG), where he helped the company expand into developing and managing theme parks and leisure destinations across China and internationally.

Previously, Kam served as senior vice president of Beijing Wanda Cultural Industry Group, where he oversaw Wanda’s theme park investments. This came after his role as executive vice president and managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland, where he led daily operations and growth.

Michael Mack is the CEO of Europa-Park and the founder and MD of MACK One. During his tenure, he has overseen ambitious growth at the park and embraced technology to improve the guest experience.

Europa-Park was one of the first theme parks in the world to introduce a virtual reality (VR) roller coaster. This has since been joined by free-roaming VR experiences including Coastiality and Yullbe. In addition, Europa-Park launched an underwater VR experience called Snorri Snorkeling VR, as well as a new streaming platform. VEEJOY offers podcasts, movies and more.

Recently, Europa-Park announced plans to release a new video game inspired by its mascots, Ed and Edda, as well as a new family attraction and a major motion picture. The new kart racing game, developed in partnership with video game developer Tivola, is based on the 2025 motion picture Grand Prix of Europe, a co-production between entertainment company Mack Magic and Warner Bros. Film Productions Germany. It also launched an award-winning immersive dining concept, Eatrenalin.

The game Ed & Edda: Grand Prix—Racing Champions brings Ed & Edda to video game format for the first time. Players will race across 12 tracks set in landmark European locations.

The Mack family lives, sleeps and breathes attractions. Thanks to Michael Mack, its efforts are more relevant and far-reaching than ever. A board member at Mack Rides, he also founded Mack Animation. These companies have been responsible for creating a number of intellectual properties that have been exploited both inside and outside of Europa-Park.

Abdullah Al-Dawood is the managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company and chairman of Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN).

Qiddiya Investment Company is a fully owned subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the nation’s sovereign wealth fund. The PIF is one of the primary vehicles driving Vision 2030, which encompasses significant investments in initiatives to boost economic growth, generate employment, and foster the development of new industries.

Qiddiya aims to create a comprehensive entertainment city with sports, entertainment, arts, and cultural attractions. Spanning roughly 366 square kilometres, this development is set to feature a variety of attractions. By addressing the needs of local Saudis and an international audience, Qiddiya aspires to become a prominent global tourism hub. The project will include a Six Flags theme park, sports facilities, galleries, theatres, and cultural spaces. It will also offer hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure activities, appealing to eco-tourism and adventure-seeking tourists.

Qiddiya will drive Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy, generating thousands of jobs, attracting millions of tourists, and boosting the entertainment and hospitality sectors. It will enhance the quality of life for residents by offering new recreational options and fostering cultural exchange. Aligned with Vision 2030, QIC commits to sustainable Qiddiya development, integrating eco-friendly infrastructure, water conservation, and green building standards to minimise environmental impact.

Like Qiddiya, SEVEN is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi’s Public Investment Fund. Whereas Qiddiya will develop a vast single site outside Riyadh, SEVEN is charged with delivering 20 entertainment destinations and 50 cinemas nationwide.

Abdullah Al-Dawood is also a board member and managing director of Seera Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading travel and tourism company. He has over a decade of experience in investment banking, including executive positions at Deutsche Bank in the Middle East and North Africa. He also previously served on the board of directors at Tadawul, the Saudi Stock Exchange.

Recognised as a visionary CEO at the CEO Middle East Awards, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi manages Miral’s growing portfolio of leisure and entertainment assets on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. They include Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and the CLYMB indoor adventure sports hub.

These attractions and their infrastructure are a key part of the Emirate’s mission to create a sustainable, diversified and globally integrated economy. That means delivering world-class experiences that attract visitors far beyond the UAE’s borders. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened in May 2023. The new park features attractions never seen at a SeaWorld site and the world’s largest aquarium.

Al Zaabi describes the attraction as offering “engaging and immersive family-friendly experiences, featuring up-close animal encounters, state-of-the-art aquariums, dynamic animal habitats, thrill rides, interactive educational experiences, inspiring entertainment as well as dining and shopping experiences.”

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Miral CEO since 2015, has over a decade of experience in project management and leadership roles, previously with real estate developer Aldar Properties. He also holds board positions at Farah Experiences (operator of Yas Island’s attractions) and Experience Hub, Yas’s trade and promotion arm.

The world’s first Warner Bros. hotel opened on Yas Island in 2021. The WB Abu Dhabi, adjacent to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, features a huge collection of Warner Bros. archives, including more than 400 images and props from Warner Bros. films and TV shows.

Meanwhile, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi launched its first-ever drone show in the summer of 2022, offering an “infinite amount of adrenaline and excitement”, as it said in a news release. Guests watched as turbocharged drones create colourful images under the iconic red roof. The park also added live cooking demonstrations, shows, craft areas, and an oversized board game over the summer.

Blooloop has named Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi among the top 15 theme parks and water parks in the Middle East.