'Disney' Street That Was Once A Viral Attraction In Perak Now Looks Like A Ghost Town
Many of the Disney-themed eateries and shops sit abandoned.
By Tamara Jayne — 30 Aug 2024, 02:30 PM
Once a popular destination in Kampar, 'Disney Avenue' was renowned for its Disney-themed eateries and shops in pastel-hued buildings reminiscent of Disneyland
However, in recent years, it has become a desolate ghost town, with only a handful of shops remaining in operation.
The 57 colourful buildings, known as Bandar Agacia, once served as popular photo backdrops but now stand as a faded reminder of their former charm, with most of the buildings lying vacant.
Although the area retains some of its picturesque appearance, it is largely deserted
The New Straits Times reported in 2022 that many of the shops were forced to close due to the pandemic, as fewer visitors came to the area. Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi, the State Housing, Local Government, and Tourism committee chairman, mentioned that the developer was exploring ways to revive the town.
However, since the project is managed by a private company, the state government could only offer support without a budget for major interventions. They planned to assist with organising street art, markets, and other events to breathe new life into the area.
According to Astro Awani in June, several eateries and night markets continue to operate in the evenings, and there is a hotel, Champs Élysées, located next to the site.
Launched in 2012 on a 100-acre site previously used for tin mining, the development was initially intended to feature a fairytale-like Agacia Castle replicating Disney's iconic design
Artist rendition of what the castle in Bandar Agacia was supposed to look like.
Image via Bandar Agacia, Kampar, Perak (Facebook)
Artist rendition of what the castle in Bandar Agacia was supposed to look like.
Image via Champs Elysees, Bandar Agacia, 31910 Kampar, Perak (Facebook)However, the castle was never built.
The Agacia Castle was meant to be an extension of the Champs Élysées hotel, with plans for three suites.
A 2015 report by The Edge revealed that Bandar Agacia was envisioned as a RM1.8 billion tourist attraction and education hub.
Today, the Champs Élysées hotel, described as Kampar's "first and only five-star property," is still in operation, offering mostly Airbnbs and homestays.
At the moment, you can still explore the area and support the local businesses that continue to operate there.
