Disney gays react to Disneyland Abu Dhabi announcement

Disney CEO Bob Iger addressed this in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati — an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come,” he extolled.

Therein lies the problem for LGBTQ+ Disney fans and allies, who point to the UAE’s strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws and restrictions for women as being opposed to the company’s core values and“key policies” of inclusion. Even if another entity technically owns and operates the park.

According to aHuman Rights Watch report in 2024, “the UAE’s Federal Penal Code criminalizes vaguely defined acts, allowing the authorities to arrest people for a wide range of behaviors, including public displays of affection, gender nonconforming expressions, and campaigns promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.” And while women can now drive, own property, work, and get an education, they must do so with permission from a male guardian.

Is this really the vibe of the “most magical place on earth”? Critics of this move by Disney say no, and they’ve taken to social media to share their unfiltered feelings.

“Disney I am trying my f*cking best not to give up on you but why the f*ck would you open up a park in Abu Dhabi where being gay and trans is illegal and women have to sometimes ask a male guardian for approval. How is that Disney magic?” wrote one X user. “As a rule, I don't like to go to countries where they wish death upon me or people I love, so will not be visiting a Disney Park in Abu Dhabi,” wrote another.

The actual opening of the park is still years away. "It typically takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop and approximately five years to build, but we're not making any commitments right now," Iger told CNBC's David Faber. That being the case, who is to say how this will take shape in the years to come? But for now, many queer folks are understandably crying foul.

Keep scrolling to see how Disney gays and allies are reacting to the news online.

“Bob Iger after announcing Disney Abu Dhabi”

“Single white women going to Disney Abu Dhabi completely unbothered while their LGBTQ+ friends are getting shaken down by Disney security”

“As soon as some Disney adults set foot in Abu Dhabi”

"Disney I am trying my f*cking best not to give up on you but why the f*ck would you open up a park in Abu Dhabi where being gay and trans is illegal and women have to sometimes ask a male guardian for approval. How is that Disney magic? I hope your partnership has a loophole"

"why the f*ck would you open up a Disney park in Abu Dhabi a country where being gay and trans is illegal and women have to sometimes ask a male guardian for approval. How is that the Disney magic"

"This whole thing leaves an incredibly sour taste in my mouth, I can't lie. Half of this video is just a state-sponsored ad for Abu Dhabi...

Disney should've stipulated an improvement in women's and LGBTQ+ rights before committing to this. The UAE's rights record is horrific."

"Taking notes on who’s excited about Disney Abu Dhabi and judging you"

"As a rule I don't like to go to countries where they wish death upon me or people I love, so will not be visiting a Disney Park in Abu Dhabi"

"I have to say… it’s fascinating watching the Disney-hating MAGA crowd twist themselves into knots over the Abu Dhabi deal.

On one hand, they’ve spent years raging against Disney for promoting equality and inclusion. On the other, they’re now unsure (rightfully) of Disney working with a country with a deeply authoritarian system built on religious fundamentalism and labor exploitation.

It’s almost like they’re beginning to realize that their ideology has more in common with theocratic control than with the freedom they claim to defend. Maybe, just maybe, they’re starting to see they’ve been used all along—to help dismantle the very values that make America worth fighting for."