Disney stans, you read it here first: Disneyland Abu Dhabi is coming. This is the theme park’s 7th in the world, and their first new opening in 15 years since Disneyland Shanghai was announced in 2010, and opened in 2016. Here’s what we know about the upcoming park:
Image credit: The Walt Disney Company
Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be a waterfront resort built on Yas Island, which is 20 minutes from the Abu Dhabi city centre, or 15 minutes from Zayed International Airport, and is set to be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” said Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Already known as a theme park destination, Yas Island currently houses Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, SeaWorld, Yas Waterworld, and CLYMB Abu Dhabi – home to the world’s tallest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the tallest climbing wall in the region.
And for some respite from all that adventure, Yas Island is also famed for its white sandy beaches and pristine waters, plus Abu Dhabi’s largest mall, and year-round entertainment options.
“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,” said Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of Disney Experiences.
Image credit: The Walt Disney Company
Instead of the classic castle that we’ve grown up knowing and loving, the concept art for Disneyland Abu Dhabi seems to be centred around a crystal tower that sits smack on the waterfront, and features a waterfall at its base.
Then, there’s a sailboat that might suggest a Moana-themed world or attraction, and what Guide To Walt Disney World thinks is a Pride Rock log flume ride – set to feature in the updated Paris Disneyland. His other guesses include a Zootopia Land a la Disneyland Shanghai, and a Tron ride; based on Disney’s announcement video, you might be looking at attractions inspired by other Disney franchises such as Avatar, Marvel, Frozen, and Star Wars too.
There’s no word on when this latest Disneyland resort theme park will open, but you can be sure we can’t wait to check this off our list of Disney parks around the world.
In the meantime, you can book yourself a Disney Cruise, or look forward to the revamped Space Mountain in Tokyo Disneyland, set to be completed in 2027. If that’s also too far away, there’s Disneyland Paris’ Disney Adventure World expansion that’s opening next week, an Up attraction this year-end, a Frozen-themed area due in 2026, and their first-ever immersive world dedicated to The Lion King. Not sure about you, but Disney if you’re reading this, I’m ready.
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Cover image adapted from: The Walt Disney Company
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