Disney California Adventure: Disney's Aladdin

If you’re visiting Disney California Adventure Park in Disneyland Resort, there’s one stage show you shouldn’t miss, especially considering the recent passing of actor/comedian Robin Williams. Located in the Hyperion Theater in the Hollywood Land section of the park, Disney’s Aladdin—A Musical Spectacular is a grand Broadway-style production of the 1992 hit Disney animation, Aladdin, which starred the late actor as the film’s witty and highly energetic Genie. The 40-minute show brings to life the familiar characters we’d gotten to know on the screen. Now that Genie’s out of the lamp, loads of laughter and excitement await.

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Holding true to the movie’s story line, this musical comedy follows a “street rat” named Aladdin from the kingdom of Agrabah. Aladdin yearns for a better life, while the princess of the land, Jasmine, desires less fame and fewer royal rules. The unlikely pair meet and fall in love but remain separated by status. Meanwhile, the sultan’s power-hungry advisor Jafar plots to usurp his throne and enlists an unwitting Aladdin to seek out Genie’s elusive lamp. When Aladdin winds up gaining the genie’s assistance, what follows is a comical and endearing tale of adventure and love, with a little bit of deception overcome by honesty thrown in for good measure.

Disney's Aladdin A Musical Spectacular https://www.magicalmouseschoolhouse.com — Photo used by permission from Disneyland News

Many of the songs from the movie are featured in the musical, with the addition of a new song composed by the Academy Award-winning Alan Menken specifically for this production. You will be amazed by the theatrical performance, the impressive sets, the spectacular dance numbers, and the terrific entertainment of this superb stage show.

Today’s Takeaway:
Aladdin is set in the desert region of the Middle East, which, as you might suspect is an area with a whole lot of sand. Did you know that glass is made from sand? Check out this video about the process:

Now, I wouldn’t suggest trying to make glass from sand on your own, so instead, make sand art to display in a glass bottle or jar. You will need colored play sand, colored chalk (to tint the sand if you can’t find pre-colored sand in stores), a small funnel, toothpicks or small dowels (optional), and a clear, colorless jar or bottle.
1. Situate the funnel at the top of the jar.
2. Layer the different colors of sand by adding spoonfuls at a time to the funnel and directing the pointed end of the funnel to the part of the jar you want it to go.
3. Use toothpicks or small dowels to make indentations around the sides to create interesting shapes and designs.
4. When the jar is filled to the top, seal it with a secure lid, and proudly display in a prominent location.