Imagineering’s Bruce Vaughn Says Disney Abu Dhabi “Will Be Unlike Anything We’ve Created”
Earlier this week, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger shocked fans and investors alike by announcing that Disney was coming to Abu Dhabi.
“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,” Iger said.
“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.”
The Resort Will Be Owned and Operated by Miral
While much has been written about Disney’s decision to choose Abu Dhabi for its next resort, it is important to note that the company will not own, develop, or operate the new destination.
Wikipedia
Instead, the Abu Dhabi-based Miral will provide the capital for the resort and be tasked with its operation.
Disney will license the rights to their intellectual properties to Miral, help with operation planning, and contribute the expertise of Walt Disney Imagineering. The setup is similar to that of Tokyo Disneyland.
miral
Bruce Vaughn Weighs In
One day after Disney announced its plans for Abu Dhabi, Bruce Vaughn, President & Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering took to LinkedIn to highlight his unit’s role in the new park.
Bruce Vaughn (right) at Dreamscape
“Big news today! We’re excited to extend our Disney stories to even more people around the world with the development of our seventh theme park destination in Abu Dhabi. This park will be unlike anything we’ve created, featuring dynamic storytelling and employing new technology – constantly evolving with new ideas and new experiences,” he said.
Photo: Walt Disney Imagineering
“Our talented Disney Imagineers are already hard at work on this new project. I can’t wait to see how we bring this incredible opportunity from concept to reality.”
Could Disney Abu Dhabi Lead To New Attractions For Other Resorts?
With Imagineering’s promise to leverage its technological capabilities and storytelling expertise at the Abu Dhabi park, it is possible that the new destination will reap benefits for Disney’s other resorts.
Photo: Also Disney
As Miral will be funding Disney Abu Dhabi, Disney should have the opportunity to design new creative attractions that could then be copied in other destinations.
Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom
Perhaps then, the creation of Abu Dhabi will benefit those who will never even visit the resort.
