INSIDE THE MAGIC
Disney to open brand new theme park and resort – here’s everything we know
An official opening date is yet to be confirmed
DISNEY has revealed plans to open a brand new theme park - in Abu Dhabi.
The huge new park will be in Yas Island, and will be the seventh for Disney.
3
3
Calling it a "groundbreaking resort destination" it will be on the huge waterfront.
Little-else is known about the theme park including how many lands and what rides it will include.
However, it will have themed accommodation as well as dining and retail experiences, it has been confirmed.
It states it will combine Disney's "iconic stories, characters and attractions" with Abu Dhabi's culture and architecture.
Read more on Disney
An opening date is yet to be confirmed.
Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer at Walt Disney Company, said: "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."
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, added: "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."
Most read in News Travel
Yas Island is currently home to a number of other attractions including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, once the largest indoor theme park.
Inside are six themed zones, with 29 rides and experiences.
Warner Bros Complex is the central land that celebrates the "Golden Age of Hollywood" with shops and restaurants.
Disney parks could open 'new Simpsons lands and attractions'
Guests can then choose between their favourite DC superhero, with both a Gotham and Metropolis land that have themed rides.
Another land is Bedrock, a Flintstones themed land with a river ride and restaurants, along with Dynamite Gulch, and Cartoon Junction which is home to Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny and Scooby Doo.
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski recently visited Yas Island.
She said: "An entirely indoor theme park with thrill rides and full-blown roller coasters seems like a bizarre concept, but somehow Warner Bros. World on Yas Island has made it work.
"It’s small, but mighty.
"Within each themed land are virtual reality rides that twirl you around and in front of animated screens, a Scooby-Doo themed ghost train with a similar production quality to those you’d find in the Orlando parks and character meet-and-greets, only without the crowds you’d find in other parks across the world.
"All of this sits under cloudy skies painted onto the ceiling – a stark contrast to the sun-drenched skies outside. One thing parents will be grateful for, after all, is respite from the searing heat in the height of an Abu Dhabi summer.
What does the new theme park mean for Disney fans?
By Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
THE arrival of a whole new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi will up the ante for this sun-soaked Emirate.
Yas Island is establishing itself as THE home of theme parks with Disney’s latest venture sitting alongside the existing Ferrari World and Warner Bros World and SeaWorld.
And with the UAE being a major airline hub, competitive flight prices and that year-round sunshine could make it a serious contender to Florida.
While few details have been released on what will feature in the new park, its waterfront setting and the fact the development will feature hotels, restaurants and shops will no doubt mean some incredible experiences.
I can’t wait to find out more!
"The best part, though? It’s practically empty and you won’t need to queue for any rides.
"Abu Dhabi, with its barren deserts and sandy coasts, feels like an odd place to build a theme park, but when it’s too hot to sunbathe why wouldn’t you take the kids here for the afternoon? I know I would."
The last Disney theme park to open was back in 2016 in Shanghai.
The very first Disney World opened in 1971, with Disneyland Paris opening in 1992.
Read More on The Sun
Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris is currently getting a €2billion transformation in 2025, including a glamorous new entrance called World Premiere.
The park is also getting new Frozen, Tangled and Lion King rides - here's what you need to know.
3
Topics