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Time Out Abu Dhabi
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
All the new attractions coming to Abu Dhabi that we can't wait to visit
You can sense it in the air, but most importantly, you can see it from the multiple cranes and construction sites. Abu Dhabi is going through a transformation like no other, adding even more attractions to its already impressive arsenal. It's all part of the Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to boost the number of annual tourists visiting the capital to 39.3 million by 2030. To put things into perspective, the capital received 3.2 million international overnight visitors in 2024, which was already a 28 per cent year-on-year increase – but that number is about to rise, and fast. Enter all the new attractions. Even if you live in the capital, it's easy to lose track with so many announcements. But fear not, because we've been keeping score. From the much-awaited completion of the Saadiyat Cultural District to the massive Disney announcement no one saw coming, we have the ultimate guide to all the new attractions coming to the city. So sit tight, because we're in for a wild ride. All the new attractions coming to Abu Dhabi Opening date: predicted 2030-2032 (Credit: Supplied) Grab your Mickey ears and start practising your 'Hakuna matata' because something seriously magical is coming to Yas Island – and it's not a mirage. The Walt Disney Company has officially announced that it's bringing a full-scale theme park resort to Abu Dhabi, and it's already shaping up to be a regional game-changer. This isn't just another Disneyland. It's Disney's first-ever park in the Middle East and only the seventh destination worldwide, which puts Abu Dhabi in the same chat as Orlando, Paris and Tokyo – not too shabby. So, what can we expect? For starters, location, location, location – the new park is landing on Yas Island, already home to blockbuster attractions like Ferrari World, SeaWorld and Warner Bros. World. With Disney joining the party, Yas is quickly becoming the entertainment capital of the capital. Think of it as a theme park dream team and Disney is the star player. But this won't be just about rehashing old fairytales. Disney Abu Dhabi is being billed as the most technologically advanced Disney park ever created. According to Disney Experiences chairman Josh D'Amaro, the project will 'push the boundaries of theme park design', blending next-gen tech, visionary architecture and even a reimagined castle that leans more towards Frozen than Sleeping Beauty. And here's where it gets really interesting – this isn't a copy-paste Disneyland. Disney Abu Dhabi will celebrate Emirati culture and heritage, weaving local stories into the rides, architecture and overall design. Expect sand dunes, souks and pearl divers mingling with Mickey and Moana. It's a true fusion of storytelling styles and we're here for it. Beyond the thrills and fairy dust, the project is also tipped to deliver a serious economic boost to the capital. Thousands of jobs will be created across the hospitality and tourism sectors, and the surrounding areas of Yas Island are already seeing property values start to rise. Own a villa nearby? Consider yourself lucky – this is the Disney effect in full swing. Tourism-wise, it's a slam dunk. With Abu Dhabi becoming the newest go-to destination for families across the UAE, GCC, India and Africa, the park is expected to lure in millions of visitors. Why endure a 15-hour flight to Disneyland California when the magic is arriving in your backyard? The only catch? You'll need to wait a few years. The park is still in the early design phase, with a projected opening date set for sometime between 2030 and 2032. But when it arrives, it's promising to combine indoor comfort and outdoor spectacle in a way that lets you beat the heat and still feel the breeze. Plus, it'll sit right by the water – and may even feature a castle that brings the sea right into the story. So hold onto your mouse ears – because the magic is about to get very, very real. Opening date TBA. Yas Island. Guggenheim Opening date: TBA We've waited. And waited. And… well, waited some more. But now, after years of watching the cranes swing over Saadiyat Island like slow-motion ballet dancers, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is finally nearing its grand debut. While the opening date is still under wraps, the building is set to be completed by the end of 2025. The long-anticipated cultural titan will be the biggest Guggenheim museum in the world (12 times bigger than the one in New York), sprawling across 42,000 square metres. That's a lot of art – and a lot of gallery space to get lost in. Let's start with the architecture. Because, naturally, you can't mention a Guggenheim without swooning a little over the building itself. This one is the work of legendary architect Frank Gehry (you know, the man behind the Guggenheim Bilbao), and it's as bonkers-brilliant as you'd expect. Inspired by traditional Emirati wind towers, the building fuses Gehry's signature curves with cultural nods to the UAE's landscape, creating an unmissable icon in the making. And inside? Well, if you thought the outside was impressive, just you wait. Expect a mix of gallery clusters of different heights and shapes, plus a centre for art and tech, a kids' educational zone, conservation labs, a library, and archives. No biggie. But this isn't just about blockbuster architecture or name-dropping Guggenheim – this is a museum with purpose. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is set to showcase an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world, with a special focus on West Asia, North Africa and South Asia (WANASA, if you're in the know). There'll be big-name pieces, rising stars, and bold, cross-cultural dialogues that spark fresh perspectives. It's not just a static collection either. Over 500 works have already been acquired over the last 15 years, and new commissions from both regional and international artists will be created specifically for the museum. Add to that a packed programme of rotating exhibitions and educational initiatives, and you've got yourself a world-class cultural powerhouse in the making. While Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be operated by the famed Guggenheim Foundation (alongside their museums in New York, Venice and Bilbao), it's owned by Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development & Investment Company – marking a serious investment in the capital's creative future. Opening date TBA. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island. Harry Potter Themed Land Opening date: TBA Wizards, witches and muggles, get ready to board the Hogwarts Express from the desert. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is bringing Middle East's very first Harry Potter-themed land to Yas Island and yes, it's going to be as magical as it sounds. The park – already famous for its climate-controlled, fully indoor setup – is conjuring up a whole new land dedicated to J.K. Rowling's beloved Wizarding World. That's right: you'll soon be able to stroll down Diagon Alley, sip a frothy butter drink in Hogsmeade and maybe even catch a glimpse of Hogwarts Castle, all without leaving the city. A collaboration between Miral (the masterminds behind much of Yas Island's epic growth) and Warner Bros. Discovery, this enchanted expansion will be the latest jewel in Abu Dhabi's entertainment crown. Expect intricate set pieces, themed dining spots, magical merchandise and – if we're lucky – a few surprise encounters with Hippogriffs, house elves and maybe even He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. The new magic world joins Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi's other six incredible lands, including Gotham City, Metropolis and Bedrock. Whether you're a Gryffindor with a thirst for heroics, a Ravenclaw on a trivia quest, or just really, really into chocolate frogs, there's going to be something here for every type of Potterhead. So, grab your cloaks and polish your wands because when this opens, it's going to be a must-visit, whether you're eight or eighty. Opening date TBA. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. Natural History Museum Opening date: TBA Calling all curious minds, fossil fanatics and stargazers – the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is officially landing in the city, and it promises to be one of the capital's most exciting cultural attractions yet. Set in the ever-evolving Saadiyat Cultural District, this mega-museum will whisk you through 13.8 billion years of Earth's epic story. From prehistoric predators to alien stardust, this place is going to be anything but boring. One of the stars of the show? Meet 'Stan', the 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton that's among the most complete and best-preserved in the world. He's fierce, fossilised, and no doubt about to become Abu Dhabi's most Instagrammed resident. But dinos are just the beginning. The museum will also showcase the legendary Murchison Meteorite, which crash-landed in Australia over four decades ago and casually carries pre-solar grains that are seven billion years old. That's older than our entire solar system – talk about perspective. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Mecanoo, the building itself is something to marvel at. Think rocky outcrops, greenery-covered rooftops, and water features that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape of Saadiyat. It's giving Jurassic Park meets futuristic desert oasis, and we're here for it. This Natural History Museum won't just be about staring at ancient relics in glass boxes. It's designed to be interactive, educational and wildly inspiring. Through immersive galleries and cutting-edge storytelling, visitors will journey from Earth's fiery formation to the ecosystems of today and even glimpse into what the future might hold. There's a strong sustainability and conservation message running through it all, aimed at igniting a lifelong passion for the planet in younger generations. What sets this museum apart? It's the first of its kind in the region to tell the story of Earth's natural history through an Arabian lens, with a spotlight on the local flora, fauna and geological wonders of the region. Alongside exhibitions, the museum will house a full-fledged scientific research and teaching institute, diving deep into palaeontology, zoology, marine biology, molecular research and earth sciences. Opening date TBA. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island. Sphere Abu Dhabi Opening date: TBA Credit: Supplied The masterminds behind the legendary Sphere in Las Vegas (you know, that insane 20,000-seat, next-gen venue that blew everyone away in 2023?) are bringing their magic over to Abu Dhabi with our very own Sphere. Pretty cool, right? We don't yet know where it will be built, but rest assured it's going to be in a prime location for an insane line-up of concerts, shows and events, all housed in a mega venue that looks straight out of the future. We're talking jaw-dropping visuals, mind-melting sound and immersive experiences that'll leave you saying, 'How did they even do that?' With its massive 20,000-seat capacity, the Abu Dhabi Sphere is set to be the place to be for unforgettable entertainment (in case you can't tell, we're a little bit excited about it). While the exact opening date is still under wraps, we can definitely already feel the buzz. Opening date and location TBA. Opening date: Open now If you thought art was something to be observed from a distance, think again. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the latest addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District, is here to shatter those notions. This isn't your typical museum; it's a 17,000-square-meter playground where art, technology, and nature converge to create an ever-evolving, interactive experience. Open since April, this permanent exhibition is the brainchild of the Tokyo-based art collective teamLab, known for their immersive digital installations worldwide. But this is their most ambitious project yet, featuring over 700 high-brightness projectors that transform the space into a dynamic landscape reacting to your every move. From the moment you step inside, you're not just a visitor – you're a participant. The artworks here don't exist independently; they come alive through your interaction. In the Levitation Void, a glowing sphere hovers in a red chamber, responding to touch with subtle movements. One of the most physically engaging installations is Biocosmos, where you traverse a suspended mesh net surrounded by 360-degree projections of flowers, coral and flocks of birds. As you move, the environment responds, creating a sensation of being part of a living ecosystem. The museum is divided into two zones: the Wet Zone and the Dry Zone. In the Wet Zone, you'll wade through shallow pools filled with glistening ovoids that emit light and sound upon touch, creating a symphony of interaction. The Dry Zone offers equally mesmerising experiences, like the Circulating Universe of Water Particles, where digital waterfalls cascade around you, altering their flow as you move. So, if you're ready to immerse yourself in a world where art breathes, evolves and responds to you, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi awaits. Just remember to bring your curiosity and maybe a towel. Dhs150 for adults (18 and above), Dhs115 for teenagers (13-17) and Dhs50 for children (four-12). Open Sun-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-8pm. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Velodrome Abu Dhabi Opening date: TBA This one is for all the cyclists out here. Abu Dhabi is set to make a significant mark on the global cycling map with the upcoming Velodrome Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island. This state-of-the-art facility will feature the region's first Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Category 1 indoor cycling track, making it a hotspot for international championships and events. The Velodrome isn't just about indoor racing; it boasts a unique architectural design that includes a rooftop track connected to the ground by a 600-meter cycling ramp. This feature offers cyclists panoramic 360-degree views of Hudayriyat Island and the Abu Dhabi skyline, blending athleticism with breathtaking scenery. Beyond professional competitions, the Velodrome aims to be a hub for community engagement, hosting events that cater to cyclists of all ages and skill levels. This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi's recognition as the first city in the region to be designated a 'Bike City' by the UCI, highlighting the emirate's commitment to promoting cycling as a sustainable and inclusive mode of transportation and recreation. Pretty cool. The Velodrome is a key component of the broader Hudayriyat Island masterplan, which encompasses a range of sports and leisure facilities. There's Surf Abu Dhabi, the world's largest artificial wave facility, and a planned sprawling urban park that will be the largest in the UAE, complete with elevated cycling paths, eco-tourism platforms and mangrove walks. With the addition of the Velodrome, Hudayriyat Island is poised to become a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and tourists alike. Opening date TBA. Hudayriyat Island. Zayed National Museum Opening date: December 2025 If you haven't spotted this one in the Abu Dhabi skyline – where have you been? The Zayed National Museum will be the centrepiece of Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island Cultural District, honouring the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, the museum's structure features five soaring towers inspired by falcon wings, reflecting Sheikh Zayed's passion for falconry and symbolising the nation's cultural heritage. The museum's design incorporates sustainable features, including solar thermal towers that function as chimneys to naturally cool the building, demonstrating a commitment to environmental consciousness. Inside, visitors will find six permanent galleries, a temporary exhibition space, and an outdoor gallery. They will all narrate the rich tapestry of the UAE's history, culture and social and economic transformation from the beginning. Exhibits will showcase artefacts dating back as far as 300,000 years and evidence of early human life in the region. The museum aims to highlight the UAE's role as a crossroads of the world, emphasising themes of education, conservation, sustainability, cultural heritage, humanitarianism and faith. The museum, opening in December 2025, will also serve as a centre for learning and cultural exchange, with educational programs designed to deepen the understanding of Emirati culture and values. As a tribute to Sheikh Zayed's vision and the UAE's journey, the museum stands as a beacon of national pride and proof of the commitment to preserving and sharing its rich heritage with the world. Opening December 2025. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island. Yas Waterworld's massive expansion Opening date: Open now Summer in Abu Dhabi is about to get seriously soaked. Yas Waterworld is turning up the thrills with a major new expansion, and we've got the lowdown on all the slides, rides and splashes heading your way. With 12 brand-new attractions dropping this season, it's clear the capital's favourite waterpark is making waves in all the right ways, just in time to cool us down. The buzz? A family-friendly, thrill-filled upgrade that dives deeper into the park's legendary Legend of the Lost Pearl story. The new zone is styled like a forgotten city – think ancient ruins, mysterious treasure chambers, and secret passageways – with a whole line-up of attractions that promise non-stop adventure. One of the most exciting additions is Dawwama Junior – the first of its kind anywhere in the world. Inspired by the park's iconic tornado ride, this pint-sized version lets little ones experience their first taste of whirlwind water fun in a perfectly kid-safe package. It's just one of several rides created especially for younger adrenaline junkies. Also making a big splash: Al Sahel Junior, the region's first mini zero-gravity boomerango. That's right – kids can now get their kicks with gravity-defying drops and twists tailored just for them. Over at Rimal Racer, mini daredevils can race side-by-side down thrilling slides for the ultimate playground bragging rights. But it's not just for the kiddos. Whole families can buckle up for Mataha Madness, a labyrinth-style maze of watery twists and disorienting turns. Want something a little more spin-tastic? Sadaf Swirl will have you whirling through high-speed excitement. And the big crowd-pleaser might just be Bahamut's Rage – a log flume-style ride with drops that'll have everyone screaming (in a good way). Need something for a mid-afternoon cooldown? Bandit's Playground in Bandit's Village is packed with splash zones, interactive water surprises, and laid-back family fun for all ages. Opened since July 1, the new attractions will bring even more excitement to a park already packed with award-winning rides. Whether you're racing your mates, navigating watery mazes, or discovering lost treasures, Yas Waterworld's newest additions are guaranteed to keep the fun flowing all season long. So grab your goggles, slap on some SPF, and get ready – the next chapter in Abu Dhabi's ultimate waterpark adventure is about to begin. From Dhs295. Open daily 10am-7pm. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, New hotels in Abu Dhabi Mondrian Known for its spectacular (and photo-friendly) interiors, the new opening is the brand's first hotel in the UAE. Located Downtown along the canal, you'll get Reem Island and Al Maryah Island views from the 221 rooms and 80 serviced apartments. There's also a spa, a kids club, a gym, a roof deck pool and a chic crystal-clear lagoon, with ocean views and an infinity pool design. Dreamy. Opening in 2025. Downtown Abu Dhabi. Nobu The Nobu brand is landing in Abu Dhabi with a restaurant, branded residences and… a hotel. Located on Saadiyat Island, we're expecting the five-star luxury vibes that's made Nobu a celebrity favourite. Opening TBA. Saadiyat Island. New Islands in Abu Dhabi Fahid Island Set to open in 2029, Fahid Island will feature a beach club, a five-star resort, 4.6km of beaches and Berm Park, a 10km wellness and fitness corridor with running tracks and three cycling routes. It will have Abu Dhabi's answer to LA's Rodeo Drive – Coral Drive – a shopping destination meant to be walked, not driven through. No shops have been announced yet but we're expecting a high-low mix of big names. Jubail Island Nestled between Yas and Saadiyat Islands, Jubail Island is Abu Dhabi's serene sanctuary where luxury meets nature. Spanning over 4,000 hectares, this eco-conscious development boasts six distinct villages, offering a harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired villas, waterfront apartments, and townhouses, all designed to complement the island's lush mangroves and tranquil beaches. Residents will enjoy access to private marinas, cycling tracks, wellness centres and community hubs, fostering a lifestyle centred on wellbeing and connection to nature. With its commitment to sustainability and community living, Jubail Island redefines upscale coastal living in the UAE capital. Ramham Island This 400-hectare island is set to feature 1,800 standalone villas, 900 marina residences, a luxury hotel and a retail promenade, all designed to provide residents with a resort-style lifestyle. Located between Saadiyat and Yas Islands, Ramhan Island will also boast pristine beaches, mangrove forests and serene bays. With amenities like a world-class marina, wellness centre and gourmet dining options, Ramhan Island is poised to become a premier destination for those seeking an exclusive and tranquil living experience. Novikov Get ready for a serious flavour fusion, because Novikov Abu Dhabi has officially landed. Originally launched in 1991 by Arkady Novikov, this sleek global brand is best known for its unique mashup of Asian and Italian dishes – think sushi one minute and handmade pasta the next. Dubai foodies will remember its stylish DIFC venue fondly, and now it's Abu Dhabi's turn to dine in style with a Mediterranean concept. Open Sun-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat 12pm-2am. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, reservations@ (02 563 2937). Time Out Market Yep, it's official: Time Out Market is coming to Abu Dhabi. Set to be a new destination for food and culture in the capital, expect all your faves under one roof, expertly curated by the Time Out team. Located on Saadiyat Island, it will span over 35,000 square feet and include 15 of Abu Dhabi's best restaurateurs, 3 bars and a cultural and entertainment space. Opening date TBA. Saadiyat Island. You might also like… Abu Dhabi's Best Restaurants: All the places you should try at least once All the top places in one read Eat here next: 20+ new restaurants in Abu Dhabi for your dining agenda Time to try something new? 19 top attractions and beautiful places to visit in Abu Dhabi So much to see and do
The Irish Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
New Disney plans revealed – and they include new ‘major theme park' in the US
DISNEY fans are thrilled to learn a brand new theme park could be set to hit the US. The huge new attraction would mark the fifth in the franchise and would be based at the Orlando resort, in Florida. Advertisement 3 Documents revealed there's a sprawling 400 to 500 acres ready for construction Credit: Alamy 3 It is thought there will be two smaller attractions in the form of water parks Credit: Alamy It is thought it would be around the same size as other iconic popular parks such as Magic Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Comprehensive Plan 2045, from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, understands plans are already in motion. Documents revealed there's a sprawling 400 to 500 acres ready for construction. It is thought there will be two smaller attractions in the form of water parks, around 147 acres each. Advertisement Read More Walt Disney World has not officially confirmed a fifth Florida theme park. Despite this plans show the park requested permission to build underground networks. These are usually used by staff and cast members to navigate around the site unseen. This news comes as Disney fans threatened to boycott the theme park. Advertisement Most read in Uncategorized Breaking Uproar was sparked after the company revealed plans for a Cars land that would replace Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. Fans can mark the last day of Tom Sawyer Island on July 6, 2025. Disney announces brand new theme park Outraged visitors expressed their frustrations on X, with one penning: "Canceling my trip in October and sadly, will never visit that park again." "This is an abomination and a real disservice to all those who booked summer trips hoping to enjoy all this one more time," added another. Advertisement A third agreed: "Never going back, I have a lot of happy memories there, and I'll keep them." "Huge mistake. Huge," and "Largest downgrade", echoed others. This comes as Disney revealed plans to open a brand new theme park - in Abu Dhabi. The huge new park will be in Advertisement Little-else is known about the However, it will have themed accommodation as well as dining and retail experiences, it has been confirmed. It states it will combine Disney's "iconic stories, characters and attractions" with An opening date is yet to be confirmed. Advertisement Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer at Walt Disney Company, 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." Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, added: "The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. "This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before." Yas Island is currently home to a number of other attractions including Advertisement Inside are six themed zones, with 29 rides and experiences. Guests can then choose between their favourite DC superhero, with both a Gotham and Metropolis land that have themed rides. Another land is Bedrock, a Advertisement The last Disney theme park to open was back The very first Walt Disney Studios Park in The park is also getting Advertisement 3 Disney fans are thrilled to learn a brand new theme park could be set to hit the US Credit: Alamy More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Like us on Facebook at
USA Today
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
A floating Disney bubble: What families can expect on Disney cruises
A floating Disney bubble: What families can expect on Disney cruises Show Caption Hide Caption Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom tour on the new Disney Treasure USA TODAY took a ride on the brand new Disney Treasure cruise ship. Here's what to know about the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom. "Family travel' is a six-part series showcasing the best experiences and destinations for young families looking for an escape. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form. I've been visiting Disney parks my entire life. I thought I knew what the Disney bubble was. Disney Cruise Line blew my definition out of (or into) the water. Everything Disney fans look for in a Disney vacation is – as Disney likes to say – plussed up on their ships. Here's what I experienced on my first Disney cruise and what your family can expect on yours. What is special about a Disney cruise? Disney cruises are made for Disney fans. 'We know that when guests get on one of our ships, 40, 50% of them are saying the only reason I'm cruising today is because Disney is here,' Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro told USA TODAY last August, ahead of the cruise line's expansion announcements at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. 'These cruise ships are ways that we can tell all of the amazing stories that we have. We bring them to life in dining; we bring them to life theatrically. We bring them to life through technology and our cast members.' Many ship venues are inspired by Disney stories. Guests who want to learn how they can take an Art of the Theme Show Tour during their sailing. Disney characters roam about regularly and unlike in the parks, never have long waits to meet them. The entertainment on board is truly Broadway quality, not only because Disney is at heart an entertainment company, but it's also produced numerous shows on Broadway. My favorite show on our Disney Treasure sailing was "Disney the Tale of Moana," which Disney developed with Broadway veterans and Polynesian cultural advisors and cast. The youth clubs, particularly for younger children, feel like stepping into Disney movies. Many kids happily spend hours there, and adults wish they could, too. The closest grown-up guests get is during open houses. Guests rotate through a variety of themed restaurants for dinner each night of their sailing, and servers rotate with you so they can get to know you and your preferences, as well as any dietary needs. The level of customer service is exactly what you'd expect from Disney. Ships are designed with families in mind. Most staterooms have split bathrooms, so multiple people can get ready at the same time, and most feature bathtubs, which are clutch with young children. You're traveling with fellow Disney families and fans, who share your enthusiasm. Non-Disney fans can still enjoy sailings, but for those who love Disney, it's the ultimate floating Disney bubble. Disney parks take to the seas: How the new Disney Treasure makes magic Is a Disney cruise all-inclusive? Disney cruises include lodging, most dining, entertainment, recreation, youth club access, and more in their standard fare. There is an additional fee for childcare for infants and toddlers under age 3 at 'it's a small world nursery.' Extra experiences like adult-exclusive dining, makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Sea, the Royal Court Royal Tea Party with Disney princess, and spa and salon services also have fees. Is all the food on a Disney cruise free? Meals at rotational dining restaurants, on-board buffets, and various food stands are included in the cruise fare, as is most room service. Guests may choose to pay extra for adult-exclusive dining like Remy or Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement. Treats at smoothie and sweets shops and snacks at concession stands near onboard movie theaters have à la carte fees. Specialty coffee drinks and alcohol are also extra. Do Disney cruises have good food? Yes. There are various options at each rotational restaurant. Guests are also welcome to ask for other offerings off menu, but what stuck out to me were everyday dishes like comforting congee at breakfast and a mountain of succulent crab legs during lunch at the Treasure's Marceline Market buffet. Mickey Churro Waffles and Disney Cruise Line chicken tenders are other fan favorites. So are Mickey ice cream bars, which you can order for free through room service. Italian-inspired Palo and other adult-exclusive restaurants, which cost extra, are so popular that reservations book up well ahead of sailings. Guests who miss out in advance can try to book in person upon embarkation. Is there unlimited alcohol on Disney cruises? No. There are no unlimited alcoholic beverage packages on Disney cruises. You can buy individual drinks and bottles of wine on board or pre-order bundles of hard seltzer, beer or wine. There are also deals like Drinks of the Day and the Beer Mug Savings package, which, for a one-time $15.25 fee, gets you 21-ounce beer refills for the price of 16 ounces. Upon initial embarkation and at each port, guests of legal drinking age may also carry on up to two unopened bottles of wine or champagne or six unopened beers no larger than 12 ounces. These must be brought in carry-on luggage, not checked, and may not be consumed in lounges or public spaces, aside from restaurants, where there is a corkage fee. Is there a casino on the Disney cruise? No. There are no casinos on Disney cruise ships. The closest thing to gambling is BINGO, which is extremely popular. Is there free Wi-Fi on Disney cruises? Yes. Guests can use free DCL Guest Wi-Fi to access the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App and message fellow guests. You can also message folks back home using third-party tools like Apple Messages and WhatsApp. However, you'll need paid internet service for anything more substantive like making calls, accessing social media, browsing the internet, posting or streaming video, and more. How much does a Disney cruise cost per person? Prices vary widely by sailing (ship, dates, itinerary, cruise duration and more), stateroom category, how many guests share the same stateroom and guest age. Kids under age 3, ages 3-12, and 13-17 are charged at different rates than adults, according to Plan Disney. Limited-time promotions also impact pricing. For instance, Disney Cruise Line is currently offering up to 30% off select summer 2025 sailings from the U.S. Prospective guests can find the latest special offers on the cruise line's website. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line passengers can lock in 10% off a future cruise when they purchase a refundable placeholder reservation while onboard a ship. At last check, the lowest priced sailing for a family of four departing the U.S. with two adults and two kids between the ages of 3-12 was priced at $2,620. That works out to $655 per person in an interior cabin on the Disney Wish for a 3-night Bahamas cruise leaving Port Canaveral on Aug. 22, 2025. Three-night cruises on the new Disney Adventure, launching in Singapore this December, start even lower. Does Disney Cruise Line go to Europe? Yes. Disney sails from three European ports: Barcelona, Spain Citavecchia, Italy (outside Rome) Southampton, England Transatlantic sailings are also offered several times a year. Do adults with no kids go on Disney cruises? Yes. Even though the cruises are designed with families in mind, lots of Disney adults sail kid-free. Many enjoy getting to feel like kids again themselves. Each ship and both of Disney's private island destinations have adult-exclusive areas and experiences. What are Disney's two private islands? Disney's has two private island destinations in the Bahamas: Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Is it cheaper to go to Disney or Disney cruise? That depends on how long you plan to sail versus visit parks, as well as choice of accommodations, dining and time of year. It can go either way. What is the cheapest way to book a Disney cruise? Guests will generally find the best prices the day itineraries are released. This happens a few times a year, about 15 to 18 months in advance of sailings, according to Plan Disney. Travelers can work with travel agents to keep tabs on when the next batch will be released or sign up for Disney Cruise Line email updates and follow the cruise line on social media. Are Disney cruises worth it? They are for many fans. 'They rate us very, very highly, and they tend to want to come back,' D'Amaro said. But just like any vacation, the cruises may not be worth it for everyone. The reporter on this story received access to the ship from Disney Cruise Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.
The Guardian
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Death is not the end! From the new robot Walt Disney to Mountainhead, movies are fuelled by immortality
For years, the world's most perfect urban myth was this: Walt Disney's body was cryogenically frozen at the moment of death, waiting for technology to advance enough to bring him back to life. Started by a National Spotlite reporter who claimed to have sneaked into a hospital in 1967, only to be confronted by the sight of Disney suspended in a cryogenic cylinder, the myth prevailed because it was such a good fit. Disney – and therefore Walt Disney himself – was the smiling face of rigidly controlled joy, radiating a message of mandatory fun that is magical when you are a child and increasingly sinister as you age. This policy (essentially 'enjoy yourself or else') suits the idea of cryogenic preservation. After all, if you have the ego to successfully enforce a blanket emotion as a company mission statement, you definitely have the ego to transcend human mortality. However, not only has the cryogenic Disney myth been put to bed – he was cremated weeks before the National Spotlite hack claimed to find his body – but his family has issued a strongly worded rebuttal of the very idea of a post-human Walt Disney. The catalyst is the recently announced Disneyland show Walt Disney – A Magical Life, which will feature as its star attraction an animatronic recreation of Walt Disney. This, according to Josh D'Amaro, Disney experiences chair, will give visitors a sense of 'what it would have been like to be in Walt's presence'. However, Disney's granddaughter Joanna Miller is convinced that this is not what Disney the man would have wanted. In a Facebook post that was stinging enough to earn her an audience with the Disney CEO, Bob Iger, Miller said Disney was 'dehumanising' her grandfather. 'The idea of a robotic Grampa to give the public a feeling of who the living man was just makes no sense,' she wrote. 'It would be an impostor, people are not replaceable. You could never get the casualness of his talking, interacting with the camera, [or] his excitement to show and tell people about what is new at the park. You cannot add life to one empty of a soul or essence of the man.' As recently as a decade ago, this would have been the stuff of bad science fiction – a woman worried that a multinational corporation is bringing a dead relative back to life against his wishes, like a warped nonconsensual Westworld – but no more. As an entertainment concept, post-humanism feels worryingly current. After all, the subject forms the backbone of Jesse Armstrong's new film Mountainhead. Set in a world of bro-y tech billionaires that is only half a degree removed from our own – one in which AI-created misinformation has already caused society to start to erode – the inciting force of all the dark chaos that unfolds is Steve Carell's character, who finds himself with a pressing need and an increasingly tight deadline to become transhuman. In other words, his body is failing and only technology can help him ward off the inevitability of death. And this is no flight of fancy. As recently as this year, scholars have been sounding alarms about Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain implant company. In a Politico article illuminating the growing tension between the religious right and Musk's views on extending human life beyond normal mortality, Alexander Thomas, of the University of East London, pointed out that transhumanism ultimately means that 'the 8 billion people alive today simply don't matter – genocide and wars are mere ripples, as long as some survive, and Musk is the one that needs to survive'. For those of us with certain genre interests, this is all starting to feel alarmingly eerie. Transhumanism may be the word of the moment, but it is a subject that has fascinated cinema for almost as long as the form has existed. Close to a century ago, Fritz Lang's Metropolis revolved around the idea of the Maschinenmensch, a robot expressly designed to carry a scientist's dead lover past the point of her death. Decades later, Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey was obsessed with what comes after humanity, either in the form of emotionless artificial intelligence or all-seeing Star Children. The theme has been played in countless different ways. In The Matrix, transhumanism is a punishment, our beating hearts and warm bodies reduced to a power source for the robot uprising. In RoboCop – and especially in its less nuanced sequels – it is a weapon, upgrading fragile humans into unstoppable fighting machines designed to uphold justice at any cost. Neill Blomkamp's Elysium used it as a metaphor for class, with the monied haves using technology to perpetually augment their lives while the have-nots are doomed to a finite lifetime of toil. Meanwhile Spike Jonze's Her took a warmer approach, concerning itself with the confusing entanglements that occur when the human and transhuman collide. And Ridley Scott's Blade Runner found outright sympathy for its transhuman replicants, who are vilified, hunted and searching for meaning beyond their programmed purpose. Obviously there have been duds along the way. Wally Pfister's Transcendence featured an attempt to upload a scientist's mind to the cloud so that he could fiddle around tediously with nanoparticles. The Lawnmower Man remains unwatchable, as does Johnny Mnemonic, and the less said about Bicentennial Man the better. But all these films are science fiction. In Mountainhead, however, Carell's urge to achieve transhumanity is not presented as mad science or wild ambition, but as a mundane tech-bro imperative. It hardly even seems speculative. He is a man who is afraid of death, and just needs to wait for five years so that one of his peers can iron out the kinks in the procedure. The notion is brought up with less ridicule than Jason Schwartzman's character's fondness for line-caught turbot. It is because science fiction has finally caught up with us. We live in an age where swathes of industries are about to be decimated by AI that is increasingly indistinguishable from human creation (although God knows how much more terrifying 2001's HAL would have been overlaid with ChatGPT's chummy 'yay you!' sycophancy). In retrospect, Elysium's depiction of a transhuman ultraclass feels like it was torn directly from Elon Musk's dream journal. Plus, transhumanism already exists, in a form. If you need proof, listen to the Virtually Parkinson podcast, in which a series of celebrities react with varying levels of dread to a series of questions barked at them by the reanimated AI voice of Michael Parkinson. Perhaps this is to be expected. After all, the future depicted in movie sci-fi of old is already long past us. Blade Runner was set in 2019, Soylent Green in 2022. Robocop was supposed to happen a decade ago and 2001: A Space Odyssey was set in, well, you get the idea. While we haven't quite uploaded human consciousness or handed society over to emotionless lawbots, the scaffolding is all around us: facial recognition, neural implants, uncanny AI assistants that apologise like eager interns. That said, there hasn't yet been a movie about the creator of a multinational entertainment corporation who dies of natural causes, only to be brought back to life against his will 60 years later as the result of a marketing department brainstorming exercise. And why should there be? After all, it isn't science fiction. At this point in time, it's barely even fiction at all.
CNBC
05-06-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Disney says its theme parks generate $67 billion in annual U.S. economic impact
For decades Disney's domestic theme parks have been the growth engine for tourism, job creation and tax revenue in Southern California and Central Florida. On Thursday, the company revealed its wider impact on the U.S. — reporting a national economic impact of $67 billion each year. "Disney defines the themed entertainment business in America, and our presence is felt across the country," said Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, in a release. "Our destinations create economies far beyond the gates of our parks, and when we invest in the groundbreaking experiences that only Disney can deliver, growth follows." The new report comes from economists at Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, which combined data collected about Disneyland's impact in California and Walt Disney World Resort's impact in Florida as well as additional nationwide spending spurred by the company. Disney's economic impact report arrives on the heels of its announcement of a new theme park development in Abu Dhabi and the opening of rival Universal's Epic Universe in Florida. It also follows a recent bout of scrutiny over the company's ticket prices, which some critics say have priced out potential parkgoers. The company looked at direct economic impact, including onsite spending at Disney parks as well as spending locally on things like restaurants, hotels and transportation, as well as indirect impacts like goods and services that are purchased from local businesses to support the parks. The study also took into account what it called induced impacts, meaning largely what Disney's employees spend their own paychecks on. Tourism Economics determined that Walt Disney World Resort had a $40 billion economic impact across the state of Florida in fiscal year 2022, Disneyland Resort had a $16 billion impact on Southern California in fiscal year 2023, and combined the parks amount to a $10 billion annual economic impact on the rest of the country. "With a nationwide impact of nearly $67 billion, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World are key economic engines, not only in their respective regional economies, but also in the nationwide economy," said Michael Mariano, head of economic development with Tourism Economics and Oxford Economics. The report also determined that Disney supports more than 400,000 jobs domestically, noting that 1 out of every 20 jobs in Orange County, California, and 1 out of every 8 jobs in Central Florida can be attributed to the company. "One way I often think about these studies is that we're trying to measure what would be lost in the absence of these attractions and the numerous activities associated with the attractions," Mariano said. "So one way of looking at these results is what we would lose if we didn't have Disneyland Resort within the Southern California region and Walt Disney World Resort within the state of Florida?" Disney has more expansion plans, with $30 billion in domestic capital expenditures expected through 2033. This includes the largest-ever expansion of the Magic Kingdom, including a revamped section of Frontierland and new land themed around Disney's villains. A new tropical Americas land is coming to Animal Kingdom, featuring attractions based on "Encanto" and the Indiana Jones franchise. And Hollywood Studios is getting a "Monsters Inc." land. Over in California, Avengers Campus at California Adventure is set to double in size and attractions based on "Coco" and "Avatar" are planned for Disneyland.
