By Nick Butler

The Sochi 2014 legacy has taken another positive step with the introduction of the Russian Disneyland ©AFP/Getty ImagesApril 22 - An amusement park close to the Olympic Park in Sochi dubbed Russia's "Disneyland" will open its doors to visitors in May before a "Grand Opening" in early June, it has been revealed.


This follows the Park being opened to a limited extent during the Olympic Games in February, where only six rides were in operation.

But as was revealed in a statement by the Sochi authorities today, "over 18 attractions will be available to visitors by the time of the opening", with the exact date in May still to be announced. 

Ticket prices for the centre, known as Sochi Park, will change throughout the year based on the season, but the maximum price will be fixed at 1,500 rubles (£25/$42/€30).

A full ticket will grant the buyer access to every carrousel and ride in the Park.

The Russian "Disneyland" will be a way to inspire visitors to return to the Olympic Park ©Getty ImagesThe Russian "Disneyland" will be a way to inspire visitors to return to the Olympic Park ©Getty Images



A key part of the Sochi 2014 legacy envisaged by those including Russian President Vladimir Putin, it is hoped the Park will provide extra incentive for tourists to return to Sochi, as the city embraces wider entertainment forms in addition to sporting ones. 

The amusement park will be located in the sprawling Imeret Lowlands adjacent to the Park, which it also borders, close to the Bolshoy Arena where ice hockey was held during the Games.

Although many comparisons have been made with the world famous Disneyland franchise, this "land of amusement and fantasy" is also styled on traditionally Russian grounds, and will feature references to the fairy world and cartoons familiar to generations of Russian youngsters.

The confirmation of its opening follows several other legacy measures introduced since the Games concluded, including the designing of an Extreme Hotel at the Rosa Khutor Ski Resort in Krasnaya Polyana.

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