Mickey’s Manila visit prompts speculation of Philippines Disneyland

MANILA, Philippines — Is Walt Disney Co. planning to build a Disneyland in the Philippines? 

Netizens speculated that the land “where dreams come true” will soon become a reality for Filipinos after Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney’s famous character, was recently spotted in a barong Tagalog as he visited some of Manila’s tourist attractions such as Rizal Park and Fort Santiago in Intramuros.

Mickey Mouse also watched the sunset in Manila Bay.

“I wish that they would make a Disneyworld Philippines in Clark, Pampanga,” Facebook user Ian Tristan Vergara commented on photos of Mickey Mouse on “Oh My Disney Asia” official Facebook page. 

“Does this, in any way, indicate that a Disneyland or Disneysea is going to be built in the Philippines anytime soon?” Jih Sapantuan posted on Facebook.

Walt Disney Co. Philippines, however, said there is no “plan yet to build a park in the Philippines.”

It said Mickey’s presence in the country was part of his 90th birthday celebration. 

“Mickey Mouse made stops all around the world as part of his birthday celebration and of course, he couldn’t miss out Manila,” Walt Disney Philippines said.

Walt Disney recently collaborated with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in decorating 90 traffic signal lights in the metropolis through its “Mickey Lights Up Metro Manila” project. 

Mickey Mouse, which was once a rabbit called Oswald, celebrated his birthday on Nov. 18 – exactly 90 years ago after Walt Disney first sketched him in 1928.  

Department of Tourism Undersecretary and spokesman Benito Bengzon Jr. said the DOT was thankful that Mickey Mouse spent his birthday in the Philippines.