“Just Proves the Disney Parks Are Focused on Targeting the Elite.” Disney Adults Have THOUGHTS on the New Theme Park Announcement

Disney is planning a brand-new international park, since the announcement was made, fans have had a lot to say.

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In early May 2025, Disney surprised many in the theme park world by announcing that a new Disney theme park and resort will be opening in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The new park, which will be located on Yas Island, will be built in partnership with Miral Group, an Abu Dhabi-based entertainment company that “specializes in the creation of leisure and entertainment destinations throughout the UAE.” Similar to Shanghai Disneyland, the new resort will be developed and built by Miral, with Disney and its Imagineers leading creative design and operational oversight. A park preview hinted at attractions based on Star Wars, Marvel, Frozen, and potentially a version of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

At the time of the announcement, Disney CEO Bob Iger said,

“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity. 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. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”

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While Iger’s statement was positive, the reaction among many Disney fans and observers has been mixed. From comments about the United Arab Emirates government to quotes about how Disney is “neglecting” the U.S. parks, there have been many opinions expressed since the announcement was made. Our readers on Facebook had a lot to say.

There were some commenters in favor of the plan. Reader Chrissy was among them, writing, “While we do need another park in WDW. I don’t think the current remodels or expansions are enough. I don’t see the harm in building another destination outside the US. I’m not surprised they would add it in the UAE, I know a lot more Europeans are traveling there, so it actually is a smart move.”

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Reader Whitney linked the announcement to the current political and economic climate, writing, “Honestly, with the trade war and tariffs on the rise right now in America, I can see why they are expanding globally. It would be more expensive to build a new park in Orlando now.”

Reader Timothy, while understanding why Disney was building in Abu Dhabi, was not as excited, writing, “I’m sure like Tokyo, Disney won’t be spending their own money. Disney is just going where the money is. But it does show that Disney cares more about the money than making fans happy.”

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Other commenters expressed similar negative sentiments. Reader Julie wrote that the announcements “Just proves the Disney parks are focused on targeting the elite,” while reader Ed wrote, in part, “Universal knocking on their door in Orlando but they are gonna run to Dubai.” Note: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two different places, but both are Emirates in the UAE.

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While there’s no current official timeline for when the Abu Dhabi resort will open — Iger declined to name one, though he did say during a CNBC interview that, “It typically takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop, and approximately five years to build, but we’re not making any commitments right now” — it seems clear that the project will be a controversial one for years going forward.

Stay tuned to AllEars for more developments on the resort.