I have loved Disney Parks since my very first trip when I was four years old. From that moment, I was hooked. Every new ride announcement, every show reveal—I’m instantly diving into the what, where, when, why, and how. I devour every detail. So when I woke up yesterday to the news that Disney is partnering to bring a new Disney Resort to the United Arab Emirates, specifically Abu Dhabi, my initial reaction was, “Oh, that’s cool.” But after just a minute of thinking it through, the red flags started waving.
Misplaced Focus and Stretched Resources
One of my concerns? Focus. Disney is no stranger to juggling multiple projects, but this feels like a step too far. The company is already stretched thin with massive domestic projects that are crucial to its long-term success. Walt Disney World is gearing up to compete with Universal Epic Universe in Orlando—a juggernaut of a park that’s already capturing imaginations. Then there’s DisneylandForward, a hugely ambitious project aimed at transforming Disneyland Resort in California, which is still in its infancy and will require substantial Imagineering talent and corporate attention. And let’s not forget the planned $17 billion investment into Florida parks over the next 10 to 20 years—a sum that demands focus and attention.
Adding a brand-new resort to the mix, even if it’s just a licensing agreement, diverts attention and resources from these critical projects. Sure, Disney can hire more Imagineers and outsource some design work to trusted firms, but that doesn’t solve the underlying issue of strategic focus. Building an entirely new resort isn’t a background task—it demands oversight, creativity, and leadership, all of which are finite resources. Disney’s domestic parks need every ounce of that right now. Epic Universe isn’t waiting, and neither should Disney.
Inclusion vs. Reality
But here’s where it really falls apart for me: inclusion. One of Disney’s Five Keys—the core values that guide cast members and decision-making—is “Inclusion.” This is a company that, for the past decade, has proudly flown the flag of acceptance and representation. But Abu Dhabi? That’s a different story. Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates, punishable by imprisonment under federal law. Pixar’s Lightyear was outright banned there simply for featuring a same-sex couple. How does Disney square its professed commitment to inclusion with building a resort in a location where a segment of its fans would be actively excluded—or worse, criminalized?
It feels hypocritical, plain and simple. Disney has long positioned itself as a champion of diversity and inclusion. But if that commitment only stands in places where it’s convenient, then what is it really worth? I’m all for spreading the magic around the world, but not at the cost of compromising on core values. Call me “woke” if you want—I call it having principles. Disney has the power to make a statement, and this feels like a retreat instead.
Is It Really About Magic—or Money?
At the end of the day, this deal looks like it’s all about profit. Disney won’t own or operate the Abu Dhabi resort—they’re licensing their brand and collecting a percentage of the earnings. It’s easy money, with minimal risk and even less accountability. But does that money make its way back to the parks we know and love? I doubt it. I’d bet it lines the pockets of executives and boosts shareholder dividends before it ever sees the light of day in Orlando or Anaheim.
I want to see Disney thrive, not just survive. But spreading the brand for a quick buck while ignoring domestic challenges and overlooking inclusion is not the way to do it. It’s time Disney remembers where the magic comes from—and it’s not from compromising on its own values.
Also, if you think Walt Disney World is too hot…good luck.
