Latest news with #D'Amaro
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Disney Parks Chief Josh D'Amaro Predicts Universal's Epic Universe Will Actually Drive More Disney World Visitors
Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said he's not concerned about NBCUniversal's massive new Epic Universe theme park reducing traffic to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando — in fact, he thinks the opening of the rival destination will help boost attendance. D'Amaro, speaking at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference on Wednesday, when asked about Epic Universe said, 'We're always on the offensive… We're constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each one of our theme parks.' More from Variety Disney's Upfront Went Hard on Sports - With an Off-Key Manning Brothers Musical - but Hardly Mentioned ABC Disney's Dana Walden to CNBC's James Cramer: Streaming 'Is a Growth Business for Our Company' Jimmy Kimmel Takes On Bob Iger, Netflix and Gen Z's YouTube Habits in Upfronts Monologue: 'When You Have Kids, You'll Come Crawling Back to Disney Like Dogs!" He continued, 'If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe,' that draws new visitors to the region, 'that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.' Universal Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, 2025. As part of a 750-acre development, it will be the biggest of Universal Orlando's three theme parks, featuring more than 50 experiences across five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Celestial Park and Dark Universe. In his talk, D'Amaro also hyped Disney's plans to open the new theme park in Abu Dhabi, announced last week. He noted that Disneyland in Anaheim will turn 70 years old this year. The Abu Dhabi park will be the company's seventh theme park resort — so, he said, opening a new park is a once-in-a-decade decision. 'We knew there was demand for Disney product around the world,' D'Amaro said about the company's scoping out potential locations for its next park. The team focused on the Middle East region and ultimately settled on Abu Dhabi. One-third of the world's population is within a four-hour flight radius of Abu Dhabi, he said. 'This is a crossroads for the world,' he said. Disney didn't provide a timeline for the construction or opening target date for the new park. The project is being developed in partnership with Miral, an Abu Dhabi-based maker of immersive destinations and experiences, which is funding the buildout of the park under license from Disney. Disney, which will have creative control and oversight of the Abu Dhabi park, said 'the waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe and beyond.' The new park will 'combine Disney's iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi's vibrant culture, stunning shorelines and breathtaking architecture.' D'Amaro has said the resort in Abu Dhabi will be 'the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio' and the setting 'will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways.' Disney in 2023 said it planned to boost capital spending in the Disney Experiences business to $60 billion over a 10-year period, nearly double compared with the previous decade. D'Amaro said that when CEO Bob Iger returned as chief in November 2022, he agreed that Disney has plenty of room to grow the theme parks business. 'Josh, we've gotta turbo-charge this business,' Iger said, according to D'Amaro. 'We've only scratched the surface in terms of the stories we can tell,' D'Amaro said, noting that Disney parks have yet to build attractions based on popular films like 'Coco' and 'Black Panther.' In the first three months of 2025, revenue in Disney's Experiences segment, which includes theme parks, cruises, resorts and consumer products, rose 6% to $8.89 billion. Total segment operating profit was up 9%, to $2.49 billion, with 13% growth in domestic parks and experiences and a 14% rise for consumer products offsetting a 23% decline in international theme parks. For fiscal year 2025, Disney projected 6%-8% growth in operating income for the theme park and consumer products biz. D'Amaro is one of the internal candidates Disney's board is been said to have been evaluating as the successor to Iger, whose contract expires at the end of 2026. The company's board, led by chairman James Gorman, has said it expects to announce a CEO successor early next year. D'Amaro began his career at Disney in 1998 at the Disneyland Resort. Over his 27-year career, he has held leadership positions across the company both internationally and domestically, including CFO for Disney Consumer Products Global Licensing, chief commercial officer for Walt Disney World Resort, and various business planning, strategy, marketing, creative and operations roles. Prior to becoming chairman of Disney Experiences, D'Amaro was president of Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Disney Exec Says He Isn't Worried About Universal's Epic Universe. What It Really Means for Disney World
A Disney executive says that the company is not worried about the opening of Universal's new Florida theme park, Epic Universe, impacting Disney World "If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe" that tour is also "going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom," Josh D'Amaro, the chairman of Disney Experiences, said WednesdayAt least one Disney executive is not concerned about competition from Universal Orlando's new Florida theme park. Speaking at a conference on Wednesday, May 14, Josh D'Amaro, the chairman of Disney Experiences, said that he isn't worried that the new 110-acre NBCUniversal property — Epic Universe — will reduce the number of tourists visiting the nearby Walt Disney World Resort. "We're always on the offensive… We're constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each one of our theme parks," D'Amaro said, according to Variety. "If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe" that brings a tourist to the area, "that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom." While Disney doesn't have any major openings imminent at the Florida resort, it announced a slate of buzzed-about new rides and lands for the coming years, including some themed to Monsters Inc. Disney Villains, Encanto and more, at the most recent D23 conference last August. After first announcing it would be adding a fourth park to its central Florida resort in August 2019, the resort is gearing up for the long-awaited opening of Epic Universe on Thursday, May 22. Guests will be able to fully immerse themselves in five new worlds, including Celestial Park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, home to Universal Monster legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster and more. Epic Universe will offer over 50 attractions, including entertainment and dining options, shopping experiences and 11 new rides, PEOPLE previously reported. It is the fourth theme park to join the resort's Universal Studios (the original park), Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay Water Park. Tickets for the new park are already available for purchase, on the company's official website. D'Amaro also shared more information about Disney's latest endeavor — a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, announced last week that was annoucned on May 7. "We knew there was demand for Disney product around the world," D'Amaro said, opening up about the company's seventh resort and the decision to take their business to the United Arab Emirates. "This is a crossroads for the world." The destination — dubbed Disneyland Abu Dhabi — marks Disney's seventh global theme park resort and its first in the Middle East. It will be built as a waterfront resort on Yas Island, a hub for entertainment that already draws millions of visitors from across the Middle East, Africa, India, Europe and beyond. 'This is a thrilling moment for our company,' said Disney CEO Bob Iger in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, promising the park "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," Iger said. The park does not yet have an opening date. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Disney leader predicts Universal's Epic Universe will drive more visitors to the 'House of Mouse': Reports
The Brief A Disney Parks leader says he isn't worried about Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park reducing traffic to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. He believes the opening of the rival destination will help boost attendance. In the first three months of 2025, revenue in Disney's Experiences segment rose 6% to $8.89 billion. Epic Universe is set to open on May 22, 2025. ORLANDO, Fla. - Disney Parks Chief Josh D'Amaro says he isn't worried about Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park reducing traffic to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando — in fact, he thinks the opening of the rival destination will help boost attendance. What they're saying D'Amaro spoke about Epic Universe on Wednesday at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference. D'Amaro said Disney has only scratched the surface when it comes to stories the theme park giant can share. He noted that Disney has yet to build attractions based on popular films like "Coco" and "Black Panther." "We're always on the offensive," he said. "We're constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each one of our theme parks. … If something is built new in Central Florida, like Epic Universe … that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom." By the numbers In 2023, Disney announced plans to boost capital spending in the Disney Experiences business to $60 billion over a 10-year period, nearly double compared with the previous decade. In the first three months of 2025, revenue in Disney's Experiences segment rose 6% to $8.89 billion, according to a report from Variety. The segment includes theme parks, cruises, resorts and consumer products. Variety reports the total segment operating profit was up 9%, to $2.49 billion, with a 13% growth in domestic parks and experiences and a 14% rise in consumer products offsetting a 23% decline in international theme parks. For fiscal year 2025, Variety reports that Disney projected a 6%-8% growth in operating income for the theme park and consumer products business. Big picture view When speaking about Disney's successes and future plans, D'Amaro also brought up the new theme park in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi park will be the company's seventh theme park resort. D'Amaro said the resort in Abu Dhabi will be "the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio" and the setting "will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways." The waterfront destination will blend Disney's iconic stories and characters with Abu Dhabi's culture, architecture and innovation. Disney will lead creative design and operations, while Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, will develop and build the resort. Once completed, the resort will feature Disney-themed attractions and entertainment, dining, and immersive storytelling experiences that reflect both Disney magic and Abu Dhabi culture. D'Amaro said opening a new park is a once-in-a-decade decision. "We knew there was demand for Disney products around the world," he said. "The team focused on the Middle East region and ultimately settled on Abu Dhabi. One-third of the world's population is within a four-hour flight radius of Abu Dhabi. This is a crossroads for the world." Disney has not yet provided a timeline for the construction or opening target date for the new park. The backstory Epic Universe will be Universal's fourth theme park in Orlando – and the newest theme park to open in Florida. Epic Universe joins Universal's three other theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay. Epic Universe will be home to five new lands, each with its own rides, attractions, shows, bars and restaurants. The five immersive worlds are: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Universal Orlando states that Celestial Park is the "main portal" leading to the four other lands. It is inspired by "astronomical and mythological elements," which "create imaginative sensory delights." The Ministry of Magic is the third installment of the wizard-themed lands that Universal Orlando has brought to life. Now, guests will be able to explore the wizarding streets of Paris in the 1920s, just like Newt Scamander™ from Fantastic Beasts, and check out the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione. Super Nintendo World can be best described as stepping into any Super Nintendo game. Guests can expect to be fully immersed in this land! Based on the Academy Award-nominated film trilogy, "How to Train your Dragon," this land has something for the whole family. Guests will step into the rugged and rocky land where vikings and dragons live together in harmony! Dark Universe is the grim and mythical world that will allow guests to explore the mystery of monsters! The village is full of creatures and experiments from Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. Epic is also home to three hotels: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal's Terra Luna Resort and its sister property, Universal's Stella Nova Resort. Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, 2025. Universal Orlando's Epic Universe first look: Dark Universe Universal Orlando's Epic Universe first look: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Universal Orlando's Epic Universe first look: Super Nintendo World Universal Orlando's Epic Universe first look: How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk Universal Orlando's Epic Universe first look: Celestial Park Epic Universe: First photos of Universal Orlando's newest theme park Universal Orlando reveals exclusive Epic Universe merchandise ahead of 2025 opening Universal Orlando Resort shares first look at Epic Universe menu items Epic Universe tickets: New Florida resident tickets, packages on sale STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Variety in an article on May 14, 2025. Information about Epic Universe was also collected from previous reporting and information provided by Universal Orlando.
Time Out Dubai
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Disneyland Abu Dhabi: 7 things we know about the new theme park so far
A whole new world is landing in the UAE– and it's wearing mouse ears. Yep, the Walt Disney Company is building a full-blown theme park resort in the capital, and the excitement is already off the charts. It'll be the seventh Disney destination in the world – and the very first in the region. Announced on Wednesday May 7, the park is still a few years away from opening, but we've already got a handful of dazzling details. From a futuristic castle to local Emirati stories woven into the rides, here's what we know so far about Disney's Arabian debut. Disney Abu Dhabi: what we know so far An artist concept for Disneyland Abu Dhabi (Credit: Disney) 1. It's officially coming to Yas Island The new Disney park will join the already stacked theme park line-up on Yas Island (hello, Ferrari World, SeaWorld and Warner Bros. World). Yas isn't just Abu Dhabi's entertainment capital and the arrival of Disney looks like it'll be the cherry on top of an already thrilling sundae. 2. It'll be the most high-tech Disney park ever According to Disney Experiences chairman Josh D'Amaro, the Abu Dhabi project will 'push the boundaries of theme park design,' showcasing 'groundbreaking technology' and 'visionary architecture'. There's even talk of a modern castle design unlike anything in the Disney universe so far. Think less Cinderella and more cutting-edge sparkle (with a touch of Frozen maybe?). 3. It's packed with local flair This won't be a copy-paste Disneyland. Disney Abu Dhabi will fuse beloved Disney stories with distinct Emirati cultural touches, bringing local heritage and tradition into the spotlight. Expect regionally inspired storytelling, architecture and design details woven throughout the park. Disneyland Abu Dhabi artist design (Credit: Disney) 4. It's going to be a major economic boost Thousands of new jobs are expected to be created – not just at the park itself, but across hospitality, tourism and entertainment sectors. Yas Island and surrounding communities are likely to see a surge in population and activity. 5. Property prices are set to skyrocket If you already own a slice of Yas, you're in luck. Real estate insiders are predicting a big leap in value as excitement around the park builds. Rental yields, particularly short-term holiday lets, are expected to soar as fans, families and tourists flock to the area. 6. It's going to change the region's tourism game Why fly 15 hours to Disneyland California when you can do it all in Abu Dhabi? Disney's arrival will draw visitors from across the UAE, GCC, Africa, India and beyond. Winter holidays in the capital? Yes, please. 7. You'll need to wait (just a little while) No need to start queueing just yet – this isn't opening tomorrow. The park is currently in the early design stages, and given the scope, we're likely looking at a Disney opening date for Abu Dhabi sometime between 2030 and 2032. In an interview with Reuters news agency, D'Amaro explained that it would take up to two years to finalise the design and a further four to six years to build the park. But in Disney time, that's basically just the next scene. Looking for things to do in Dubai? All the sports events in Dubai in 2025 to sign up for Make 2025 the year of your PBs 50 brilliant outdoor activities to try at least once in Dubai Let's take this outside The incredible Dubai hotels offering more than just a room Did someone say freebies?
ME Construction
13-05-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
Why is Disney building its first park in 15 years in Abu Dhabi?
Analysis Why is Disney building its first park in 15 years in Abu Dhabi? By Miral will fully fund the development and construction of a Disney theme park like no other In a move hailed as both strategic and symbolic, and the end to years of anticipation for many fans of the house of mouse, The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to build a brand-new Disneyland theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, marking the seventh global Disney destination — and the first new Disney park in over 15 years. With construction expected to begin within the next few years and an opening slated for the early 2030s, the project represents a bold new chapter for Disney and a defining moment in Abu Dhabi's rise as a global cultural and tourism powerhouse. Why Abu Dhabi? Why Now? Speaking to CNBC, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, outlined the rationale behind selecting the UAE capital. 'This, in many respects, is the crossroads of the world,' said Iger. 'About 500 million people who are income qualified to visit our parks live within a four-hour flight of Abu Dhabi.' That staggering accessibility is supported by projections that 39 million tourists will visit Abu Dhabi by 2030 — many of them passing through its international airport alongside neighbouring Dubai. Crucially, Abu Dhabi offers more than geography. According to Iger, 'They've shown a great interest in the arts and creativity… and most importantly, they love Disney.' The emirate's cultural ambition is evident in developments like the Saadiyat Cultural District and the successful hosting of global events such as Formula One and the NBA. Mohammed Al Mubarak, the chairman of Miral — the Abu Dhabi-based developer leading the project alongside Disney — has played a pivotal role in shaping the city's cultural landscape. 'The earliest happy memory I have is visiting Disney World with my mother and siblings,' he told CNN's Becky Anderson. 'That memory didn't just create a fan — it created an emotional connection with the brand.' The Vision: A Park for the Next Generation For Disney, the Abu Dhabi project is more than just an expansion; it's a testbed for the future of themed entertainment. D'Amaro highlighted that Imagineers and R&D teams are already involved, working on advanced technologies that will 'push the envelope on creativity.' The project will fully integrate Disney's latest strategies around gamification and immersive digital experiences. Guests may earn points or unlock rewards starting from their hotel booking, with these digital experiences continuing seamlessly into the park. 'We're thinking about how games and interactivity can interplay with the actual park experience,' said D'Amaro, referencing Disney's $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games and the potential of virtual environments like Fortnite. Visitors could, for instance, take part in a Disney multiverse adventure online and then see it brought to life inside the park. 'Gen Alpha is gathering in digital spaces to play, socialize, and explore,' D'Amaro explained. 'We're building from the ground up with that in mind — where digital and physical storytelling are deeply intertwined.' A Partnership Model That Works This Disney park will be unlike most of its predecessors in terms of structure and financing. Miral will fully fund the development and construction, while Disney will retain full control over creative and operational direction. The agreement is a variation of the successful Tokyo Disney model, where local partners own the property while Disney steers content and brand experience. 'It's royalty-based,' D'Amaro confirmed. 'It gives us access to a new audience, allows us to expand without diverting capital from our $30 billion expansion plans in the US, and lets us maintain creative and operational oversight.' Iger added that this structure aligns perfectly with Disney's broader ambitions. 'We've only superficially reached this region before,' he said. 'Now we'll be putting a Disney park right in the backyard of a whole new consumer base.' Part of a Bigger Abu Dhabi Strategy For Abu Dhabi, welcoming Disney is more than a commercial win — it's a cultural milestone. As Al Mubarak explained, 'Disney is the crown jewel of what we are trying to create here at Yas Island.' Yet he was quick to note that it's not the end of the journey: 'We continuously innovate. We're always going to find ways to bring more people to experience our collective.' Abu Dhabi's focus on long-term, sustainable tourism development plays a vital role in its appeal. The emirate offers a strategic geographic hub—within reach of Asia, Europe, and Africa—and an increasingly sophisticated infrastructure. 'We're four hours away from a third of the world's population,' Al Mubarak emphasised. What's more, both Disney and Miral see a strong alignment between their visions of the future. 'Abu Dhabi has a lean toward technology and a futuristic view of what society can look like,' said D'Amaro. 'That matches Disney's forward-thinking approach to immersive storytelling.' A Cultural, Commercial, and Technological Milestone The Abu Dhabi park is expected to serve as a cultural touchstone and economic engine. According to Iger, similar expansions in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Paris have significantly boosted brand value and deepened customer engagement across entire regions. The Abu Dhabi project aims to replicate that success in a market previously underserved by Disney's physical presence. The resort is still in its design phase, and no final opening date has been confirmed. But D'Amaro assured that the ambition is high: 'We're going to build this big, and we're going to build it right.' In a separate interview, D'Amaro told Reuters that a project of this size typically takes 18 months to design, and another four to six years to build. While Iger, in an interview with CNBC's David Faber on Wednesday, said designing the park had begun, adding that: 'We're not pinning down a date yet. 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.'
