Disney Sets Historic Record in the Middle East With New Castle, Experiences

In a historic move, Disney has launched an immersive attraction in Riyadh, marking the company’s first-ever Disney castle in the Middle East.

Disney Expands Its Magic in the Middle East

This exciting new addition, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, exemplifies Disney’s global expansion strategy. From late 2022 to early 2023, the attraction welcomed over 120,000 visitors, a testament to the region’s growing enthusiasm for Disney’s enchanted world. This temporary, immersive experience represents a significant milestone for Disney’s efforts to connect with new audiences in diverse markets.

So far, Deadline, Attractions Magazine, and Forbes have all reported on this recent development.

#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: https://thecastlelive.com/en/city/riyadh

– @oureventksa on X

يعود عروض #ديزني_ذاكاسل ابتداءً من ٢٠ ديسمبر

بالإمكان التعرف على مواقيت العرض المسرحي وعرض الأسد الملك وكذلك كهف علاء الدين وأخيرًا إنكانتو من خلال موقع Disney the Castle

الموقع:https://t.co/9H7JkQJrB2 pic.twitter.com/KCmkvbRitU

— Saudi Eventos | افينتوس (@oureventksa) December 18, 2023

Iconic Themed Lands Transport Visitors

Covering an expansive 20,000 square meters, Disney: The Castle features five meticulously designed themed lands, each inspired by Disney’s iconic movies:

• Encanto: Step inside the Casa Madrigal to explore the family’s magical home.
• Frozen: Wander through Arendelle’s icy wonderland, where every footstep activates stunning digital effects.
• The Lion King: Experience the beauty of Africa through a series of engaging attractions.
• Aladdin: Enter the Cave of Wonders and join Aladdin in his magical world.
• The Little Mermaid: Dive into the ocean with Ariel and experience her undersea kingdom.

Each land offers rich storytelling, interactive exhibits, and captivating live performances, giving visitors an unprecedented opportunity to immerse themselves in the Disney films they adore.

Cinderella’s Castle: A Centerpiece Attraction

At the heart of Disney: The Castle stands the 30-meter replica of Cinderella’s Castle, a spectacular visual centerpiece. Beyond its grandeur, the castle hosts nightly performances featuring synchronized music, dazzling fireworks, and simulated snowfall, creating a magical winter ambiance. The castle’s multifunctional role also includes theatrical shows and interactive projections, ensuring it remains a key attraction for visitors.

This breathtaking landmark mirrors Disney’s famous castles from other parks globally, raising the profile of Riyadh’s offering as a must-visit destination for Disney fans.

Strategic Market Testing with Temporary Setup

The House of Mouse’s decision to create a temporary attraction in Riyadh reflects a smart market-testing strategy. By setting up Disney: The Castle as a temporary installation, Disney can engage with audiences in a dense urban market without the massive investment required for a permanent theme park. This allows Disney to gauge interest and learn from audience engagement before making long-term commitments to the region.

The success of the Riyadh event sets the stage for future touring experiences, with the potential for Disney to replicate this model in other cities globally. It opens the door for temporary House of Mouse experiences that can adapt to local cultures and preferences, expanding Disney’s reach in a cost-effective manner.

Collaborators Enhance the Disney Experience

The realization of Disney: The Castle was made possible through collaborations with renowned companies like Balich Wonder Studio, TML Enterprises, and Propeller Live. These partners contributed their expertise in immersive entertainment and event management, helping to create a flawless and magical experience. The project also involved over 400 professionals, leveraging cutting-edge technology such as projection mapping and interactive digital characters to bring the House of Mouse’s magic to life in Riyadh.

Unique Visitor Experiences and Pricing

Disney: The Castle aimed to be accessible to a wide range of visitors, with ticket prices ranging from $33 to $93. This pricing structure ensured that families and individuals of various financial backgrounds could enjoy the attractions. Guests could interact with life-sized Disney characters, participate in live performances, and purchase limited-edition merchandise. Unique photo opportunities, like a boat ride through Rapunzel’s kingdom from Tangled, complete with floating lanterns, added an extra layer of magic to the experience.

Riyadh Season with Disney: A Platform for Future Growth

The Riyadh Season provided the perfect backdrop for Disney: The Castle, highlighting the region’s growing interest in large-scale entertainment events. This setup not only celebrated local festivities but also acted as a trial for Disney, helping the company assess the potential for more permanent installations in the future.

As Disney continues to develop its relationship with Saudi Arabia, the success of this temporary experience is likely to influence future projects in the region. This experiment showcases Disney’s ability to innovate and adapt, using temporary setups to test markets and meet local demands.

In conclusion, Disney: The Castle marks an exciting chapter in Disney’s ongoing expansion into the Middle East. By combining immersive storytelling, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships, the House of Mouse has created a magical experience that resonates with fans in new markets. The success of this project not only underscores the House of Mouse’s ability to captivate audiences but also positions the company for future growth in the Middle East and beyond.