Disney denies plans to open theme park in Egypt

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts says it currently has no plans to open an amusement park in Egypt, contradicting reports in local media.

On Tuesday, the state-owned Middle East News Agency quoted Investment Minister Ashraf Salman as saying, “There are discussions going on between Disney International to build in Egypt its first Disney Park in the Middle East, similar to Disney France.”

According to media reports, Salman added, “Having a Disney show in Egypt at the moment sends a message to the world and to foreign investors that Egypt is safe and stable.”

The statements were reportedly made at the opening of a live Disney-themed magic show at the Cairo Convention Center, which is running until November 22.

Disney denies that such discussions have taken place, saying the company is currently focused on opening a theme park in Shanghai, China.

“At Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, we continually look for ways to grow our business and as part of that process, we have conversations with many different entities. While Egypt is an attractive market, we have no plans for the region at this time,” a Disney spokesperson told Mada Masr by email.

In the past, Disney’s travel company, Adventures by Disney, has offered a 10-day tour of Egypt, featuring stops at the Pyramids, the Cairo Museum, Pharaonic sites in Upper Egypt and a stay in Sharm el-Sheikh.

According to an Adventures by Disney representative, the itinerary has been suspended since late 2013. The company is considering re-launching the package in 2016.