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 become Disney Adventure World when 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.