Latest news with #DisneyThemePark
Arabian Business
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Business
The biggest celebration of its kind as Yas Island Abu Dhabi lights up for Disney announcement
In a breathtaking global spectacle, Abu Dhabi's Yas Island celebrated the announcement of Disney Theme Park Resort with an epic live show, featuring record-breaking 9,000 drones, a symphony of fireworks and star-studded live performance lineup that left the crowd speechless. In a night that redefined grandeur, The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations, officially announced plans to bring Disney's most advanced theme park resort to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. This historic global milestone marks Disney 's seventh theme park destination worldwide, and its first ever in the Middle East. But it wasn't just the announcement that made history. It was how it was announced. Under a sky illuminated by over 9,000 choreographed drones and breathtaking fireworks, Yas Island transformed into the stage for what is now being hailed as the most spectacular announcement show the region has ever witnessed. The waterfront came alive with a once-in-a-lifetime performance featuring a world-class lineup: piano virtuoso Lang Lang, West End powerhouse Kerry Ellis, rising classical star Sonya Balsara, and beloved Emirati icon Rashed Alnuaimi. This glittering celebration attracted global celebrities including Tyrese Gibson, Naomi Campbell, Nancy Ajram, Chiara Ferragni, and Ed Westwick, dignitaries, and media powerhouses, all converging to witness the unveiling of what promises to be a game-changing chapter in Disney's legacy, and in the evolution of Yas Island as a global destination for entertainment. Slated to blend the timeless magic of Disney with cutting-edge technology and contemporary architecture, the new resort is a bold step into the future, where storytelling meets state-of-the-art innovation. This is not just an announcement. This is a global entertainment moment that will be remembered for decades.
Al Bawaba
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Yas Island Celebrates Announcement of Disney Theme Park Resort with a Record-Breaking Drone Show, Landmark Illuminations, Live Performances and Fireworks Spectacular
History was made last night as Miral and The Walt Disney Company celebrated the official announcement of the Middle East and Africa's first-ever Disney theme park resort destination with a record breaking 9,000 drone show and fireworks spectacle. The show, which took place at Yas Links, also featured a live performance of world-renowned pianist Lang Lang alongside iconic Emirati singer Rashed Alnuaimi, queen of the West End, Kerry Ellis and classical sensation, Sonya Balsara. This glittering celebration also attracted global celebrities including Tyrese Gibson, Naomi Campbell, Nancy Ajram, Chiara Ferragni, and Ed Westwick, dignitaries, entertainment industry leaders and media powerhouses, all converging to witness the unveiling of what promises to be a game-changing chapter in Disney's legacy, and in the evolution of Yas Island as a global destination for entertainment. Set against the stunning backdrop of Yas Island's waterfront, the sky came alive with the largest drone light show ever staged in the region, symbolizing the spirit of imagination that defines both brands. This new destination project will be Disney's seventh theme park resort worldwide and the first in the Middle East, connecting travelers from the Middle East to Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. Celebrating the announcement, landmarks across the UAE, including Burj Khalifa and Aldar HQ came to life with a spectacular light show inspired by the magic of Disney. In Abu Dhabi, iconic buildings also lit up in blue, marking the start of an extraordinary chapter in entertainment and tourism. The upcoming resort promises to seamlessly blend Disney's legendary storytelling and attractions with Abu Dhabi's vibrant culture, awe-inspiring shorelines, and iconic architecture. The new resort will be fully developed and built by Miral. Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience. The announcement celebration signals not only a major milestone for Miral and Disney but also reinforces Yas Island's position as a global hub for entertainment, tourism, and leisure. Details of the new resort will be revealed as the project progresses.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Walt Disney Co (DIS) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Financial Performance and ...
Q : Can you elaborate on the decision to build a Disney Theme Park in Abu Dhabi and the expected audience? Also, what contributed to the margin improvement in domestic parks? A : We chose Abu Dhabi due to its strategic location, infrastructure, and partnership with Miral Group. The region's accessibility to millions of income-qualified visitors was a key factor. The margin improvement in domestic parks was due to a combination of factors, including cruise mix and underlying park performance. Q : Bob, can you discuss the impact of integrating Hulu and sports content into Disney+ on engagement and churn? Also, is the three-year guidance for double-digit earnings growth still in place? A : The integration of Hulu and sports content into Disney+ has positively impacted engagement and reduced churn significantly. We aim to turn streaming into a growth business by further integrating Disney+ and Hulu, launching ESPN direct-to-consumer, and investing in technology and content. The long-term guidance for double-digit earnings growth remains intact. The company acknowledges that producing too much content for streaming platforms has affected quality, particularly in the Marvel segment. ESPN's Q2 prime time audience among the key 18 to 49 demographic was up 32%, marking its most-watched Q2 in prime time ever. The Entertainment business, including movies and sports, continues to generate strong growth, with Marvel's Thunderbolts being the number one movie globally. The Walt Disney Co ( NYSE:DIS ) announced a new Disney Theme Park in Abu Dhabi, expanding its global presence and reaching new audiences. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript . ESPN Prime Time Audience: Up 32% among the key 18 to 49 demographic, marking ESPN's most watched Q2 in prime time ever. Story Continues Q: Could you share more about the upcoming theatrical slate and Marvel's role in Disney's strategy? A: We have a strong upcoming slate, including live-action Lilo & Stitch, Pixar's Elio, and Marvel's The Fantastic Four. Marvel remains a significant driver, and by focusing more on films, we expect better quality and success, as seen with Thunderbolts. Q: What are your expectations for the advertising market, and how is the Abu Dhabi park structured financially? A: The advertising market is healthy, with strong demand in live sports and robust upfront interest. The Abu Dhabi park is structured as a license arrangement, with Disney receiving royalties and providing design and operational oversight. Q: How will ESPN's direct-to-consumer offering differ from linear ESPN, and what features will it include? A: ESPN's direct-to-consumer service will offer additional features like betting and fantasy, differentiating it from linear ESPN. Subscribers will have a seamless experience across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, with integrated features enhancing the user experience. Q: Can you provide an update on the demand environment for the Experiences segment and expectations for fiscal '26? A: The demand for Experiences remains strong, with bookings up for Walt Disney World. While international demand, particularly in China, faces challenges, domestic performance is robust. We expect high single-digit growth for fiscal '25, with guidance for '26 to be provided later. Q: What are the key learnings from the Disney Treasure cruise launch, and how is international visitation to domestic parks? A: The Disney Treasure cruise has been well-received, with high ratings due to enhanced Disney IP integration. International visitation to domestic parks hasn't returned to pre-COVID levels but remains in double digits, with domestic attendance compensating for any shortfall. Q: Are there plans for further expansion of Disney parks globally, and how will streaming operating leverage be achieved? A: While no immediate plans exist for an eighth park location, we continue to invest in existing parks and cruise ships. Streaming operating leverage will come from revenue growth and cost reductions, including G&A savings and marketing efficiencies. Q: How will the $30 billion expansion in Florida and California impact park capacity and returns? A: The expansion aims to enhance guest experience and increase capacity without compromising quality. The return on invested capital in the Experiences segment is at record levels, and we expect continued stellar returns from these investments. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
