From Disneyland to the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney Parks have always been built on the foundations of family entertainment. Unfortunately, it would seem that not all families are invited to the next park.
The Walt Disney Company is a brand we've all practically known since infancy, and its trademarked magic has woven its way into the fabric of our modern culture. So much of the company's products and marketing are created with all families in mind, but the news surrounding the upcoming Abu Dhabi project might give some pause.
Money talks, image walks
This week, Disney unveiled the plans for a new theme park coming to Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. While that's all very exciting, and it's sure to feel right at home on Yas Island with Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, there's one detail that many hardcore Disney fans haven't totally realized.
If you've ever seen pictures from some of the resorts and vacation spots in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, they are the height of luxury. The UAE is one of the culturally and financially richest places in the world, and it stands to reason that tourists frequenting any major hotspot there have the finances to make it happen.
In this writer's opinion, Disney is going after a different class of clientele, and that could be bad news for families or even solo travelers. With tickets to Abu Dhabi currently in the thousand-dollar range, imagine what a Disney trip could cost when the park finally opens.
At the time of writing, the current Disney Parks are in the wake of price-gouging, and some have even accused the company of pricing out its primary consumers. A brand-spanking-new park in one of the most affluent places on earth certainly doesn't help that image.
Many fans would agree that the current state of Disney's American parks should be addressed before any work is done overseas, and they wouldn't be in the wrong. Reports of lackluster experiences on the home field can't be good for Disney's PR, and pushing middle class families out of one of their favorite vacation spots isn't exactly the right move.
As Disney's prices go up, its approval rating will undoubtedly plummet amongst most families, especially if they are longtime fans with yearly pilgrimages to the parks. That begs the following question.
Which is better: an affluent consumer base willing to shell out thousands, or a returning, established, and loyal network of fans accumulated over the past century? In this writer's opinion, Disney might need to reexamine who it tries to please.
Are you rich enough for Disney?