Disney Names New Animal Kingdom VP

7/20/09 Kevin Lansberry, until now the Vice President in charge of Downtown Disney, transportation, sports and golf, has been named to succeed Val Bunting as Vice President of the Animal Kingdom. Bunting requested and was granted a shift to Resort Operations, where she will become General Manager of the Port Orleans resort.

Bunting was named Animal Kingdom VP in October, 2007, replacing Beth Stevens. Her tenure saw no new attractions or shows, only the cancellation of Pocahontas and her Forest Friends. She was on the original Animal Kingdom team at park opening, and most recently had been General Manager of the Magic Kingdom prior to the promotion to Vice President.

Lansberry presided over the closure of Pleasure Island, drawing the anger of some Disney fans, particularly those who frequented The Adventurer's Club. While he will step down from his Downtown Disney and sports post, he will continue to oversee transportation at Walt Disney World.