Photos: Supplied
Abu Dhabi's Yas Island has surpassed the combined visitor numbers of Disneyland and California Adventure in California, making it the world's second most-visited themed entertainment complex, according to recent data. Miral, the operator of Yas Island, announced at the Arabian Travel Market that the island welcomed 34 million visitors last year. In contrast, Disneyland, opened by Walt Disney in 1955, and California Adventure, which opened 46 years later, together attracted 27.3 million guests, as per the latest Global Attractions Attendance report from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA).
Yas Island's visitor count surged by 38% compared to the previous year, a result of a strategic expansion plan led by Miral's CEO, Mohamed Al Zaabi. The plan kicked off in 2010 with the launch of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, which gained popularity thanks to its high-octane rides, including the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa. In 2013, Yas Waterworld joined the lineup, featuring a roller coaster that winds through the water slides. By 2014, Ferrari World's annual attendance had reached 1 million, and Miral continued its expansion with the opening of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi in 2018.
Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi. Photo: Supplied
Warner Bros. World's attendance grew by 6.1% to 1.8 million in 2023, making it the first Middle East theme park to appear on TEA's global list. In May last year, SeaWorld's first international outpost opened on Yas Island, attracting 1.4 million visitors in its first year, according to Al Zaabi.
Adjacent to Ferrari World is CLYMB, an activity center boasting the world's tallest indoor climbing wall and the largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel. Both CLYMB and Ferrari World are connected to Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi's largest shopping center with over 370 shops and 68 restaurants. The island also features a 400-meter beach, 10 hotels, an 18,000-capacity arena, a marina, a Grand Prix race track, and the Yas Links Golf Course, which hosts a round of the PGA European Tour.
In contrast, Disneyland has only three on-site hotels, and its entertainment district includes just 22 shops and 27 restaurants. Its growth is constrained by its 490-acre location in the middle of Anaheim, while Yas Island spans 6,208 acres and is dedicated entirely to entertainment attractions.
In a previous interview, Al Zaabi revealed that Yas Island is "60% developed, with 40% still to go." His goal is to create a "comprehensive, immersive experience" that caters to everyone. While each theme park on Yas Island attracts a fraction of the visitors that Disneyland and California Adventure do, Yas Island positions itself as a resort. When the total attendance of its attractions is considered, Abu Dhabi outshines Anaheim, with Yas Island's visitor count exceeding the 25.8 million who visited Anaheim last year.
Earlier this year, Disney warned investors about stagnant attendance growth at its US theme parks, coinciding with rising ticket prices. A 2023 survey by LendingTree found that 60% of people who have never visited a Disney park cited cost as the main reason. In October, Disneyland's basic daily ticket prices increased by about 6%, surpassing $200 (Dh735) for the first time. In contrast, a day ticket to one of Yas Island's theme parks costs just $94 (Dh345), with entry to the water park costing even less.
Yas Island is not resting on its success. Al Zaabi aims to increase the average length of stay for leisure visitors to 2.3 days. In October, Ferrari World opened a new eSports arena with 20 high-spec racing simulators. Next year, Yas Waterworld will introduce 18 new attractions, including the UAE's highest water slide.
The most anticipated development is the addition of a Harry Potter land to Warner Bros. World. Meanwhile, Disney is expanding its six resorts worldwide, including a 157-acre addition to Disneyland. Despite these efforts, Yas Island's rapid growth could soon challenge Orlando's Walt Disney World, which attracted 48.8 million visitors last year.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
