Can’t wait for the magic of Disney to come to town? Seeing too many updates and getting confused lately? Don’t worry, here’s what you need to know about the Disneyland Abu Dhabi castle update and everything else to do with the theme park!
Since the announcement of the first-ever Disney theme park and resort of its kind in the Middle East, there’s been a noticeable buzz in the UAE. The showrunners have promised a park that’s “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” similar to Disneyland Shanghai.
There’s also been talk of not just characters like Aladdin potentially being featured prominently, but some new Emirati-inspired takes on the park as well. Of course, these could just be rumours as the authorities continue to remain tight-lipped about the venture.
From real estate developments to anticipation on location – there’s just so much news when it comes to the park. However, the latest development is the Disneyland Abu Dhabi castle update, and here’s all you need to know!
Disneyland Abu Dhabi castle update – what we know so far
According to an episode of Disney’s We Call It Imagineering YouTube series, Zach Riddley, the senior vice president of global creative strategy at Walt Disney Imagineering, has revealed exciting new details surrounding the park’s castle design.
This, of course, refers to the iconic castle that’s part of the Disneyland signage.
Riddley revealed that water will be incorporated in the design of the castle itself for the first time. With this historic decision, he explains that the UAE capital’s unique setting inspired the decision. Anchored by the waterfront, the castle and park are going to be out at sea and nothing like the company has ever done before!
“Abu Dhabi is a city on the water, and so we’re really excited about being able to incorporate water for the first time in the design of one of our castles.”
While details on the castle’s theme and character are still tightly under wraps – watch this space for updates!
Opening date for Disneyland Abu Dhabi
Apart from the Disneyland Abu Dhabi castle update, there’s been some speculation on the exact opening date as well.
So far, there’s no official confirmation. However, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Josh D’Amaro explained that it could take “a year or two to design, and another four to six years to build”.
If all goes to plan, Disneyland Abu Dhabi could open its doors as early as 2032 or 2033. And while that may feel far away, the flurry of events in the UAE capital is sure to keep us sufficiently busy!
Location
All we know so far is that Disney Abu Dhabi is definitely going to be located on the capital’s entertainment destination, Yas Island.
Already home to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld. Plus, the island is a global haven for all things adventure, music and more.
Is it Disneyland Abu Dhabi or Disney Abu Dhabi?
Now here’s a real head scratcher.
Disney’s Chief Executive Bob Iger referred to the park as “Disneyland Abu Dhabi” in the official press release, while the Yas Island website calls it “Disney Abu Dhabi” and the Abu Dhabi government’s release refers to it as the “Disney Theme Park Resort project.”
However, a Forbes report also shows Disney Enterprises registered emiratesdisneyland.com in California on May 6, one day before the new park was officially announced. So are we going to have Emirates Disneyland?
Either way, between the Disneyland Abu Dhabi castle update and all of the excitement about the upcoming theme park – we can’t wait to see how things pan out.