It was revealed today that Disney Parks and Resorts have secured a deal to launch a Disneyland Theme Park in their 5th international location. Sadly, while it’s not Australia, there are direct flights from Australia to the new destination.
The location will be on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE, which is serviced by direct flights to Australia thanks to Etihad Airways.
The 25 square kilometer manmade island serves as the natural choice for the region, with Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld and Yas Waterworld all calling Yas Island home, alongside the UAE’s largest indoor entertainment arena, Etihad Arena.
All these enterprises have been developed by Miral Group, who have entered a deal with Disney for the new park that seems to be not dissimilar from Disney’s arrangement with Oriental Land Co. in Tokyo. Miral will operate the park under a license from Disney, while Disney will provide the IP and technical creativity from its Imagineers. And that creativity will reportedly be pushed to 11 for the new attractions, with CEO Bob Iger telling Good Morning America that the park was be Disney’s most technologically advanced ever.
Other than that, little is known yet about the park, except that it was be situated on the water, as the first Concept Art confirms. Disney CEO Bob Iger also confirmed to GMA that the park will include their first “modern” castle.
With most theme parks in Abu Dhabi being indoors due to the immense heat of the region, it will be interesting to see how that aspect plays into the design.
No launch date has been confirmed. Stay tuned to the AU for updates!
