Is India’s first Disneyland coming to Gurugram's Manesar?

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that a visit to Disneyland is something most children (and even adults) dream of. The fairy-tale castle, childhood cartoon characters brought to life, thrilling rides, and colourful parades, it all feels like a magical world of its own.

Now, India might finally get a slice of that magic.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini recently announced plans to set up the country’s first Disneyland-style theme park in Gurugram’s Manesar, just a short drive from the capital Delhi.

While Disney itself hasn’t officially responded to the news, Saini called the proposed park a potential “game-changer” for Haryana’s tourism and economy, suggesting it could transform the region into a major entertainment and cultural hub.

So what exactly is India’s Disneyland project all about? How are such cities chosen for these parks? And which Asian countries already host a Disneyland? Here’s a closer look.

All about India’s Disneyland project

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini recently revealed that the state government has earmarked 500 acres of land near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar for a Disneyland-style theme park.

The proposed site is well-connected, situated near the KMP Expressway and the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC), and not far from Gurugram’s booming corporate zones.

Saini said Gurugram was chosen for its economic importance and strong infrastructure. Its proximity to the upcoming 1,000-acre Global City project, and excellent road and rail connectivity, makes it an ideal location to host such a large-scale attraction.

“The upcoming Global City project in the city will be another milestone for the region. Hence, it is the most suitable location for Disneyland. The site in Manesar is strategically located along KMP Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC). People from across NCR can easily visit," he said.

The Global City project is a 1,000-acre planned mini-city. It will include links to Delhi-Gurugram and Dwarka expressways, and follow a walk-to-work model with access to all essential services.

According to the Chief Minister, the proposed Disneyland park would bring widespread benefits to the region, not just in terms of entertainment, but also in terms of jobs and development.

“The Disneyland project will capitalise on Gurugram’s market potential and connectivity to create a world-class amusement centre. It will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, develop infrastructure, and transform the surrounding areas," he said.

While Disney has not yet made an official comment, government officials told Hindustan Times that preliminary groundwork is underway. If the plan moves forward, this would mark the first officially developed Disney-style theme park in India.

How did Disneyland come into being?

The first Disneyland opened its doors in Anaheim, California, in 1955, a vision that Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, had carefully imagined over several years.

The idea, according to Disney himself, came while watching his two daughters ride a carousel in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. He began to dream of a place where families could enjoy time together in a clean, safe, and friendly environment, not something typical of amusement parks at the time.

Walt spent years gathering inspiration and refining his vision. According to architecture historian Chris Nichols, author of Walt Disney’s Disneyland, Disney took detailed notes and measured experiences at other attractions, from Beverly Park in LA to Greenfield Village in Michigan and Madurodam in the Netherlands. He also took cues from Colonial Williamsburg, where actors performed in historical costumes.

What set Walt apart was how closely he studied the way people moved in crowded spaces. He analysed fairs, circuses, museums, and even New York City’s busy streets, focusing on how people entered, exited, and navigated those environments.

This research led Walt to break free from the traditional amusement parks. First, he thought of creating a single entrance to the park, a design move many operators opposed, fearing it would cause bottlenecks. But Walt believed it would help visitors feel a “story”, something like walking through scenes of a movie.

He also introduced the concept of a “weenie”—a central visual landmark (usually a castle) in each themed section of the park to draw people in and guide their journey.

To bring his idea to life, Walt assembled a team of engineers and designers and began planning what he originally called “Disneylandia.”

“There is nothing like it in the entire world. I know because I’ve looked. That’s why it can be great: because it will be unique,” Disney once said.

Though the park had a rocky start, it quickly bounced back and became a massive success. Over the decades, it expanded globally into multiple countries, evolving into the cultural icon it is today. According to History.com, Disneyland now welcomes over 18 million visitors annually, generating nearly $3 billion in spending.

Which Asian countries already have a Disneyland?

Out of the 12 Disney theme parks around the world, three are in Asia, each bringing the local culture.

Tokyo Disney Resort, Japan

Opened in 1983, Tokyo Disney Resort includes Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. The former offers familiar attractions with a Japanese twist, while DisneySea stands out with its nautical-themed adventures and storytelling.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Launched in 2005, this is the smallest Disney park globally. It blends classic Disney elements with Hong Kong’s culture. Recent additions include the Castle of Magical Dreams and the World of Frozen zone.

Shanghai Disney Resort, China

Opened in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland boasts the largest Disney castle and features cutting-edge rides like TRON Lightcycle Power Run and a reimagined Pirates of the Caribbean.

Not the first attempt at creating a desi Disneyland

With major Asian countries already on the Disney map, India could be next in line. However, this isn’t the first time the idea of a Disneyland-style park in India has surfaced.

Back in 1989, then Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala had proposed a similar plan to build a park over 28,000 acres. That proposal was eventually dropped following strong protests from farmers over land acquisition.

Now, with a smaller 500-acre proposal in Manesar, the BJP says the project will be handled differently. “There’ll be no forced land acquisition,” said Arun Yadav, BJP’s social media head.

However, Abhay Chautala of the INLD accused the ruling party of hypocrisy, saying they had opposed a similar idea in the past.

But, whether Disney officially comes on board or not, the buzz around a Disneyland-style park in India has already stirred excitement.

With input from agencies