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Disney Brings Immersive Attractions to Life With the Castle in Saudi Arabia

A person in a Mickey Mouse costume poses in front of a flag with Arabic script, featuring a black background as Disney breaks ground in the middle east.
Credit: Disney Dining

Disney has made history by launching its first-ever castle in the Middle East with “Disney: The Castle” in Saudi Arabia.

Mickey Mouse leans on his car in Toontown at Disneyland Park with Disney.

Credit: Disney

Disney Magic Brought to Life: Groundbreaking Attraction in Saudi Arabia

This innovative attraction, developed in collaboration with the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, marks a major step in Disney’s global expansion. Since its opening, the attraction has drawn over 120,000 visitors, signaling both Disney’s brand appeal and the increasing demand for immersive entertainment in the region. Running from late 2022 to early 2023, this venture has set a new benchmark for location-based entertainment in emerging markets.

So far, Deadline, Forbes, and Attractions Magazine have all reported on this new expansion in Saudia Arabia.

#ديزني_ذاكاسل shows return starting December 20th You can find out the times for the theatrical show, the Lion King show, Aladdin’s Cave and finally Encanto on the Disney the Castle website. the site: thecastlelive.com/en/city/riyadh

@oureventksa on X

https://twitter.com/oureventksa/status/1736761070776176854

Immersive Experiences Across Five Themed Lands

“Disney: The Castle” features five distinct themed lands, each inspired by beloved Disney films, offering an unforgettable experience for guests. These include:

  • Encanto: Visitors step into the magical Casa Madrigal.
  • The Lion King: Roam the African savannah and experience the iconic scenes from the movie.
  • Frozen: Explore the icy kingdom of Arendelle.
  • Aladdin: Journey through the mystical streets of Agrabah.
  • The Little Mermaid: Dive into the undersea world of Ariel.

Each land is crafted with life-sized sets, interactive features, and Broadway-style performances that bring the stories to life, ensuring that guests of all ages feel immersed in the House of Mouse’s iconic magic.

Mickey Mouse in front of a castle at a Disney park with money falling from the sky.

Credit: Inside The Magic

The Majestic Disney Centerpiece: Cinderella’s Castle

The stunning centerpiece of “Disney: The Castle” is a 30-meter replica of Cinderella’s Castle, which serves as both a visual landmark and the focal point for nightly shows. The castle features synchronized music, dazzling fireworks, and even artificial snow, creating a captivating winter wonderland atmosphere. It also hosts theatrical performances and various other events, making it a dynamic and engaging feature of the attraction.

A Strategic Expansion into the Middle East

“Disney: The Castle” is a key part of the House of Mouse’s strategy to expand into new markets, particularly Saudi Arabia. By introducing this temporary attraction, Disney has the opportunity to test audience engagement without the high investment required for a permanent theme park. The success of this venture provides valuable insights that could inform future Disney projects in the region, especially in terms of adapting to local preferences and exploring new formats for location-based entertainment.

Collaborative Efforts Behind the Magic

The creation of “Disney: The Castle” was made possible through partnerships with several creative companies, including Balich Wonder Studio, TML Enterprises, and Propeller Live. These collaborators worked closely with the House of Mouse to develop an experience that blends entertainment with cutting-edge technology, such as interactive digital experiences and projection mapping. Over 400 professionals contributed their expertise to make the attraction a reality, ensuring the seamless delivery of immersive magic for visitors.

A cartoon character, Mickey Mouse, stands waving with one hand. He is dressed in his classic attire: red shorts with white buttons, yellow bow tie, and black tuxedo jacket. The background features sparkling golden lights and a glowing floor.

Credit: Inside the Magic

Visitor Reactions and Accessibility

Ticket prices for “Disney: The Castle” ranged from $33 to $93, making it accessible to a wide audience. Visitors enjoyed the interactive attractions, live performances, and themed dining options, and special merchandise provided souvenirs of the experience. The positive reactions underscored Disney’s ability to enchant and delight visitors, reaffirming its position as a leader in immersive entertainment.

Future Potential for Touring Disney Attractions

The success of “Disney: The Castle” has opened the door for the possibility of future touring Disney attractions, which could be adapted to fit local cultures and preferences. Observers speculate that this innovative format could lead to Disney attractions in other cities, giving the company a chance to test markets before committing to permanent installations. With its continued exploration of opportunities in the Middle East, the House of Mouse is poised to further cement its presence as a global entertainment leader.

About Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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