Disney fans around the globe have a new reason to celebrate.
The Walt Disney Company has revealed plans for a spectacular new theme park in Abu Dhabi, marking a historic first for the Middle East and promising an experience that will be both unmistakably Disney and uniquely Emirati.
And as if that announcement is not enough to get everyone excited – here is another thing that may be part of the plan.
Let’s think about Disney Cruise Line and how this new park might influence the plans for their fleet and where they will home port.
Could it be that we will be hearing another announcement from DCL soon?
They announced in August 2024 at D23 that the Disney fleet would be adding another 4 ships that will launch between 2027 and 2031.
This will take the total number of ships in the fleet to 13 in 2031. And this new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi would be the perfect combination for a land and sea vacation.
A Gateway to the World
Disney’s decision to expand into the United Arab Emirates is far from accidental.
The UAE sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, within a four-hour flight for nearly a third of the world’s population. With more than 120 million travelers passing through Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually, the Emirates are now recognized as the world’s largest airline hub—a natural fit for Disney’s next international adventure.
“Authentically Disney, Distinctly Emirati”
Robert Iger, Disney’s chief executive, called the announcement a “thrilling” moment for the company, emphasizing that the new Disneyland Abu Dhabi will blend the magic of Disney with the cultural richness of the Emirates.
“This new destination will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” Iger said, highlighting Disney’s commitment to honoring local traditions while delivering experiences that resonate with fans of all ages.
The Perfect Location
The new Disney park will be located on Yas Island, a 10-square-mile (25-square-kilometer) entertainment paradise just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and less than an hour from Dubai. Already home to world-class attractions like Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World, Yas Island’s reputation as a leisure capital is set to soar even higher.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral—the local partner behind the development—described the project as a “milestone” in the island’s evolution.
“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a major step forward, establishing the area as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure,” he said. “This development will help drive sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
What Could This Mean for Disney Cruise Line?
While most of the headlines have focused on the excitement of a new Disney park in Abu Dhabi, there’s another side to this story that Disney Cruise Line fans should be watching closely.
With Disney planting such a big flag in the UAE, and with a new era of shipbuilding underway, there’s real potential for Disney Cruise Line to expand into this dynamic region.
Dubai is already a major cruise hub, with state-of-the-art facilities at Port Rashid welcoming ships from MSC Cruises, Costa, Royal Caribbean, and AIDA, among others.
These lines regularly offer cruises from Dubai to destinations across the Arabian Gulf, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and even out to India or the Red Sea.
The city’s location as a gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it a perfect starting point for all sorts of unique itineraries.
Excitingly, recent announcements from Disney Cruise Line reveal a fleet expansion that will bring the total number of ships to 13 by 2031.
What We Know About the New Disney Ships
Notably, three of these new ships—arriving between 2029 and 2031—will be smaller and more versatile than Disney’s largest vessels, carrying about 3,000 passengers and offering greater flexibility for itineraries and homeports.
This new class, designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and built by Meyer Werft, is about 20% larger than Disney Magic and Wonder, but still able to visit ports and transit locations that larger ships cannot.
This increased flexibility could make Dubai or Abu Dhabi an ideal homeport for Disney Cruise Line in the future.
Imagine pairing a visit to the brand-new Disneyland Abu Dhabi with a Disney cruise to places like Muscat, Doha, or even Mumbai.
The possibilities for themed voyages, regional port adventures, and onboard experiences inspired by the Middle East are incredibly exciting and would bring something truly fresh to the Disney fleet.
As Disney’s presence in the region grows, the potential for cruise fans is bigger than ever. The combination of a world-class new park and the chance for Disney ships to sail these vibrant and historic waters could create the kind of magical vacation experience fans have only dreamed about.
This is complete speculation at this point but it really does make a lot of sense.
Disney’s Global Legacy
The announcement adds a new chapter to Disney’s remarkable history of theme park innovation.
Disneyland first opened its gates in Anaheim, California in 1955, followed by Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971.
Disney’s international journey began with Tokyo Disneyland in 1983, then expanded to Paris in 1992, Hong Kong in 2005, and Shanghai in 2016.
Now, Abu Dhabi is set to join this prestigious list, promising a park that will blend beloved Disney characters and stories with the sights, sounds, and spirit of the UAE.
What’s Next?
While full details of the park’s attractions are still under wraps, fans can expect a combination of classic Disney experiences and all-new adventures inspired by the region’s heritage.
With construction set to begin soon, and Yas Island’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, anticipation is already building for what’s sure to be one of Disney’s most exciting projects yet.
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.