Wing T. Chao

In August 2019, he was named a Disney Legend. Chao is regarded as a pioneer in the fields of hospitality and construction planning and development. A Committee of 100 member and an AIA fellow, he has received numerous honors throughout his career including the Pioneer Award from the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) and Outstanding Achievement Award from the American Institute of Architects. Avenue magazine has included Chao among the 500 most influential Asians in the United States.

• Name — Wing Tao Chao • Birth Name — 趙永濤 • Born — May 1944 • Birthplace — Chongqing, Sichuan, China • Education — University of California, Berkeley Harvard University • Practice — Vice Chairman (Walt Disney Parks and Resorts) Executive Vice President (Walt Disney Imagineering) • Significant Projects — Epcot Center Disneyland Paris Disneyland Hong Kong • Significant Design — Disney Wonder Disney Dream • Awards — Pioneer Award (ISHC) Committee of 100 member Outstanding Achievement Award (AIA) Legend Award (Contract Magazine)

Chao was born in Chongqing, China in May 1944. He moved to the United States in his teens to pursue education. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

Chao attended the University of California, Berkeley where he received his Bachelor and master's degrees in Architecture. He has a second master's degree in Architecture, majoring in Urban Design, from Harvard University, where he studied under Kenzo Tange, the legendary Japanese architect who predicted the Information Age. He was conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration in Hospitality Management by Johnson and Wales University. He also completed post-graduate work in Urban Planning and Real Estate Development at MIT. Chao had originally wanted to study medicine and be a doctor.

Chao began his architectural career with William Liskam Architect after completing his education. He joined Disney as an associate soon after.

Chao joined Disney in 1972. He had unsuccessfully tried to get a summer job at one of its amusement parks during his Berkeley days. His roles at Disney included: Vice Chairman of Development for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in the Asia Pacific (1984 to 1997) and Executive Vice President in charge of Master Planning, Architecture and Design at Walt Disney Imagineering (1997 to 2009). He also oversaw the development of Disney's land holdings in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris and Hong Kong. During his time at Disney, Chao led development teams consisting of Disney Imagineers and leading architects and designers on over a hundred projects including Disney theme parks and resort hotel rooms. Chao has also led the design and development of four Disney cruise ships, namely Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wonder. Chao has handled businesses worth more than USD $12 billion over his term at Disney. Chao is credited with the successful negotiations with French and Hong Kong governments that led to the development of Euro Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland respectively. He retired from Walt Disney Imagineering on 30 June 2009.

• Illustration — Disney Wonder docked at Port Canaveral Resorts: • Disneyland Paris • Hong Kong Disneyland Resort • Tokyo Disneyland Cruise ships: • Disney Magic • Disney Wonder • Disney Dream • Disney Fantasy

Chao served as a Director for Las Vegas Sands Corp. from July 2010 to November 2010. He continues to be a part of the advisory board.

Chao has appeared in three television shows produced by Disney. • The Imagineering Story as himself (2019) • The Mandalorian as Governor Wing (2020) • Star Wars: Tales of the Empire as Governor Wing (2024; voice)