Disney is back in the news. According to a long-range plan from the Central Florida Tourism Supervisory District, called Comprehensive Plan 2045, it appears there will be a new Walt Disney World in Florida the size of Magic Kingdom. The potential new theme park would be developed within the Walt Disney World Resort complex in Orlando, Florida, where it would occupy between 400 and 500 acres. The news has not yet been confirmed by the attractions giant, but it has been learned that they have already requested planning permission from the state.
The first Disney park opened in 1955 in Anaheim, California
Before the future construction of this park even came to light, the groundbreaking of the new park in Abu Dhabi was announced. The first Disney park opened in 1955 in Anaheim, California, followed by Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971. Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983, Disneyland Paris in 1992, Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005, and Shanghai Disney Resort in 2016. Now, the newest location will be located on Yas Islands.
“It will combine iconic Disney stories, characters, and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture”
According to the company, this new destination will be an “innovative” tourist destination that will blend classic Disney charm with local culture and architecture. In collaboration with Miral, the park “will combine iconic Disney stories, characters, and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning coastline, and dazzling architecture,” according to the press release. Miral will build the park with the support and direction of Disney Imagineering. Yas Island, located 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai, is a tourist destination and already boasts four theme parks: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros., both attraction parks; SeaWorld Yas Island, a marine wildlife theme park; and Yas Waterworld, a water park.
Robert A. Iger: “Offer unique and immersive experiences”
Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, stated that this expansion seeks to “offer unique and immersive experiences” and reach new global audiences. And like its sister locations, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will offer themed accommodations, dining experiences, and all-new attractions that blend Disney’s heritage with Abu Dhabi’s natural environment and cultural identity. It is a historic addition to the growing world-class entertainment offering on Yas Island, also known for hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Reactions on social media were swift. Nostalgic fans expressed their outrage, calling the decision a loss of a classic space. Some even called for a boycott of the park, in addition to posting a wave of criticism of the company.
“Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination”
The new park “will feature a castle and modernized versions of some classic Disney attractions, along with new ones tailored to the local climate and culture,” reports The New York Times. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, president of Miral, emphasizes that “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 around the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will cherish forever. By developing unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice around the world.”
What’s clear is that sometimes, even if we think we’ve seen it all, Disney always finds a way to surprise. In the coming years, die-hard fans will be able to enjoy two more locations of the world’s biggest attractions. Until then, we’ll have to keep a close eye on the development of the grand Abu Dhabi park, as well as opening dates, details of the new attractions, hotels… and Florida, the state that will be the next tourist destination for Walt Disney fans.
