Mickey Packs His Sunscreen
Abu Dhabi just dropped a bombshell on Disney fans: its very own Disneyland is officially in the works, with doors expected to swing open no earlier than 2030. Yep, you read that right — the happiest place on Earth is trading in Main Street churros for Arabian Gulf breezes. According to the Department of Culture and Tourism, the park is still in the “sketches and dreams” phase, but the plan is bold: Disneyland Abu Dhabi could debut even before Universal’s new U.K. outpost. Talk about theme park rivalry at its finest.
The Timeline Tug-of-War
Now, here’s where things get a little messy (like your Mickey ice cream melting in 45 seconds of desert sun). Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s Experiences chairman, says building a park takes around 6–8 years total. But CEO Bob Iger casually told CNBC that the timeline is closer to five.Meanwhile, Disney’s PR team seems to be doing the verbal equivalent of shrugging emojis, insisting no official date has been set. Translation: 2030 is a solid maybe, 2032 is more like it, and before that? Don’t hold your breath.
A Castle Like No Other
Forget Cinderella’s Florida glow-up — Abu Dhabi’s park will feature a crystalline castle with a watery twist. Designer Zach Riddley, the guy behind Orlando’s rose-gold makeover, is steering the project. He promises a fresh “Magic Kingdom style of storytelling” while weaving in Abu Dhabi’s coastal identity. Translation: think sparkly turrets meeting waterfront vibes. Disney says this is the first time water is being integrated into a castle design — and suddenly, we’re imagining synchronized fountains à la World of Color but on steroids.
Why Abu Dhabi Wants It Yesterday
Here’s the twist: unlike other Disney parks, Abu Dhabi’s won’t be owned or operated by the Mouse. Local leisure giant Miral (the folks behind Yas Island’s Ferrari World) will run the show, and chairman Mohamed Al Mubarak is itching to open the gates “as fast as possible.” Why? Because Universal already circled 2031 in its diary for its London mega-park.
And in case you missed it, their rumored attractions include Paddington and James Bond. So yes, this is officially turning into the biggest theme park race since the “FastPass dash to Space Mountain.”
So, When Do We Start Lining Up?
Right now, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is just dazzling concept art and ambitious promises. But when it does open, expect Yas Island to transform into the ultimate playground: think water-inspired castles, Arabian nights with a Disney twist, and maybe even Mickey in kandura (hey, we can dream).
Until then, patience, dear Mouseketeers. You’ve got at least five years to save up for those churros, lightsabers, and Minnie ears — plus a little extra for sunscreen strong enough to survive the desert.
