The Walt Disney Co. on Wednesday announced plans to add a seventh theme park to its Experiences portfolio, drawing mixed reactions online. Some fans celebrated the news while others criticized the park’s location in a country where same-sex relationships are outlawed.
The new Disney resort is being planned for Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The island covers about 10 square miles and is home to several theme parks, including Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World.
“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,” Bob Iger, the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, said in a press release.
Still, social media users have mixed reviews on a new Disney theme park, news that usually draws overall positive reactions.
“Disney prides itself on being inclusive yet the company is scared to create content around the LGBTQIA+ population as they capitalize on our culture using merch and pride nights….. now, to build a park in a country that is not safe for the LGBTQIA+ population. This is so painful to hear,” one Instagram user said. “It’s contradictory to alter Walt’s classics and Walt’s vision to make the American parks more inclusive, yet building a park that many of Disney’s biggest supporters cannot safely visit—sad day.”
Others were excited to get a Disney park closer to where they live.
“Omg, finally. I’m going to have a Disney Park next to me, aaaaah,” another Instagram user commented.
Some users also expressed that Disney makes a statement ensuring the safety of all guests who visit the new Abu Dhabi resort once it opens.
KTLA reached out to Walt Disney Co. but didn’t receive a statement in time for publication.
Disney already has six theme parks in its Experiences portfolio, including Disneyland in California, Disney World in Florida, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort. Of those parks, Tokyo Disney Resort, which is comprised of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, is owned by another company that licenses IP from the Walt Disney Company.
According to the Washington Post, when an analyst asked if there were opportunities to expand the company’s global footprint even further, Iger said, “Not anytime soon. “
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