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Disneyland Abu Dhabi

M

Maelstrom

TS Member
There are rumours building that Disney are working on a project for Abu Dhabi And likely to be Yas Island. There is some talk that Disney will be making an announcement on Wednesday, plus Yas Island have announced their biggest ever firework show on Wednesday evening, possibly due to a major announcement happening.

will be interesting to see if it just hot air or if something is in the works. If it’s theme park related, I couldn’t see a full scale park but maybe they would do a smaller indoor park like Warner Brothers and SeaWorld that are already at Yas Island. while Disney have said they have no plans for any further new parks I would imagine any Abu Dhabi projects would be built and operated like in Japan and not run or Owned for by Disney. While many Dubai theme park projects like motion gate, legoland and IMG have struggled. Yas island is seemingly doing well and the parks since WB and Seaworld have opened are also doing particular well attendance wise.

it could also be something non park related.
 
Not just a possible Disney announcement.....

Apparently Ferrari World are going to be announcing a major new coaster imminently too that will break 4 world records. Given Falcon's flight in Saudi is going to take some records that realistically may never be beaten then these '4 world records' might be slightly underwhelming. However a brand new coaster is still a brand new coaster and this park definitely needs more rides.

Fully expecting to hear an update on the Harry Potter land at Warner Bros park too. We will make the trip back over there for sure when it finally opens.
 
Benjsh said:
Not just a possible Disney announcement.....

Apparently Ferrari World are going to be announcing a major new coaster imminently too that will break 4 world records. Given Falcon's flight in Saudi is going to take some records that realistically may never be beaten then these '4 world records' might be slightly underwhelming. However a brand new coaster is still a brand new coaster and this park definitely needs more rides.

Fully expecting to hear an update on the Harry Potter land at Warner Bros park too. We will make the trip back over there for sure when it finally opens.
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They already made those announcements in their annual report last week- Inc that they will be adding the significant record breaking coaster and that WB adding two significant attractions and they are happy with how the Harry Potter plans are progressing.

I am not sure expecting any further announcements of these projects just yet.
 
Definitely sounds like something’s brewing with the timing of the fireworks and announcement. A full Disney park seems unlikely, but a smaller indoor project like WB or SeaWorld would make sense, especially with Yas Island doing well. If it’s real, a licensing deal like Japan seems most likely. Curious to see what Wednesday brings.
 
It’s happening!


From: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJWhdOAtYvm/?igsh=YTc5YzZhOHk4OGN1

The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.

Disney-Abu-Dhabi-1920x1080.png


“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, said. “The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever. Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world.”

The new resort will be fully developed and built by Miral. Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience. Miral, which has developed a number of family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in collaboration with American and European brands, will operate the resort.

“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”

The UAE is located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, making it a significant gateway for tourism. The UAE is home to the largest global airline hub in the world, with 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year. 

Disney Abu Dhabi


“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”

“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral. “Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.” The development of unique experiences will support sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.



Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.

disneyparksblog.com

Disney Announces New Theme Park with Miral in Abu Dhabi

The Walt Disney Company and Miral announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
disneyparksblog.com disneyparksblog.com
 
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And a look at the video announcement:



I've not been following Disney news too much recently, but they appear to have kept this fairly under the radar. Guessing it is still quite a while off, as that concept is very vague. Certainly appears like it will be a unique style of park without a traditional Disney castle.
 
Interesting. The whole thing is being built and paid for by Miral so an easy win for Disney.

Seeing as Miral already own and operate Seaworld, Ferrari World and Warner Bros World (with upcoming Harry Potter land) will be interesting to see how they tie all their properties together.

Can definitely see them trying to sell a lot of ‘hopper’ tickets now with Disney being used to get people there in the first place.
 
Do these parks even get busy almost every vlog is see from Abu Dhabi parks looks nearly empty.

Can't say I care much for the announcement any as I have no intention of every visiting UAE
 
This just proves that Disney is driven purely by profit. Their actions completely contradict the values they claim to stand for. It’s not a good look thats for sure.
 
Quantum said:
Do these parks even get busy almost every vlog is see from Abu Dhabi parks looks nearly empty.

Can't say I care much for the announcement any as I have no intention of every visiting UAE
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The Abu Dhabi parks are much busier than the Dubai ones. They don't get Florida type crowds but they do get very busy at times. I think they are making decent money from them.

IMG, Motiongate and Legoland etc in Dubai on the other hand must be losing money.
 
JT01 said:
This just proves that Disney is driven purely by profit. Their actions completely contradict the values they claim to stand for. It’s not a good look thats for sure.
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All major theme park companies are driven by profit. Universal are no different.

Disney been offered an open goal with zero risk here as it's not their money they are gambling with. No brainer.
 
JT01 said:
This just proves that Disney is driven purely by profit. Their actions completely contradict the values they claim to stand for. It’s not a good look thats for sure.
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The same as many major UK retailers and restaurant chains for example annd other major worldwide brands all operate/have a presence in Dubai/abu Dhabi. Many of which have similar values to Disney.

Universal originally signed a deal for a park in Dubai back around 2007 before the worldwide recession ended the deal. Same as six flags, Merlin, Seaworld Warner brothers etc all have a presence in this part of the world.
 
Benjsh said:
All major theme park companies are driven by profit. Universal are no different.

Disney been offered an open goal with zero risk here as it's not their money they are gambling with. No brainer.
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This. It’s just pure profit for Disney regardless of the outcome.

Unfortunately, it’s going to be in a part of the world I wouldn’t feel safe visiting. Guess I’ll stick to Paris.
 
Maelstrom said:
The same as many major UK retailers and restaurant chains for example annd other major worldwide brands all operate/have a presence in Dubai/abu Dhabi. Many of which have similar values to Disney.
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I think people should keep calling companies out that support LGBT, womens and BMI rights in most of the world but not everywhere to encourage them to take more action.
 
What do we think the timeline of this is going to be? Will it open before Universal UK? Presumably there's no real planning restrictions...
 
Yeah for a park like this in America or Europe you'd be talking 5-6 years minimum and if Disney were building it themselves probably a decade.

In the UAE, with no Disney involvement, it will probably be done before the end of the decade and open before Universal GB.

I will definitely go back to Dubai / Abu Dhabi. On both trips we found it incredibly clean, safe and welcoming. However I totally understand why somebody who isn't straight would not want to go.
 
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