A Cute Little Gem Tucked Away in Disneyland
Written: Sep 14 '05 (Updated Sep 19 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small, initimate theater; quality acting; Aladdin and Jasmine close up; audience participation
Cons: Not as flashy as other Disney productions
The Bottom Line: A really nice attraction for pre-schoolers and Aladdin fans.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Aladdin and Jasmine at Aladdin's Oasis - Disneylan... |
We had passed this attraction several times on prior visits to Disneyland and finally visited it for the first time in August 2005. I wasn't sure what to expect when we entered since there wasn't much of a description in the Disney map we had. Still, we decided we were up for something new.
THE LINE
I have never noticed long lines for this attraction. The line forms off behind and to the right of the entrance to the theater. This area is basically a holding pen where a loose line forms. There is some seating and shade but no cover. There is limited seating in the theater so, if you really want to see this attraction, plan on arriving 20-30 minutes early. They opened the theater about ten minutes before showtime. The showtimes are posted outside the theater and on the Disney schedule handed out all over the park.
THE THEATER
The theater is designed to look like a romantic, middle-eastern set, similar to the one in the Aladdin movie. There is a stage that is pretty basic, and off to the left there is a large,dramatic tiger head with an open mouth. Some of the live characters enter the stage area through the tiger's mouth.
The kids sit on carpets near the front of the stage. There are also plenty of chairs for adults around the back of the kids area. The chairs were nice and comfortable with padded seats and back support. They were much nicer than benches provided at other Disney attractions. My only complaint is that the seating is not entirely staggered so if you have a child sitting behind an adult, they won't be able to see very well.
THE PERFORMANCE
The performance was basically an elaborate storytelling of the Aladdin movie. First, a cast member comes out and explains what we will be seeing. The introduction takes only a few minutes. Then a storyteller appears. I thought the storyteller was great and, despite some really corny jokes, did a great job at entertaining both the kids and the adults. They storyteller introduced Aladdin and Jasmine. These live characters came out and looked very authentic in great costumes. The storyteller used some props and there were some minor lighting and smoke effects. However, there were no jaw-dropping special effects or elaborate staging. It was basically the three actors telling a story most of the kids already knew.
The show lasted about twenty minutes. My five year old and nine year old watched the production. The five year old loved it as did most or all of the pre-schoolers present. My nine year old enjoyed it too. There were enough jokes and the acting was good enough even for adults. This is definitely a family production.
The best part for my five year old is that they asked for kids to volunteer from the audience. My son got to go on stage and be a guard in the production. He was up there for a couple of minutes and really loved it. He also got a button with Aladdin and Jasmine's picture on it as a reward. He talked about being in the show for days and treasured the pin.
After the production, there was the opportunity for people to line up and meet Aladdin and Jasmine. We didn't stay for this part but the line looked long as many people opted to stay. This would have been a great experience for any kid that loves Aladdin and Jasmine.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I thought this production was a great little gem tucked away in Disneyland. The acting was great and, even though it was low key, it provided quality family entertainment. It would make a great respite for those who need a break from being tossed around on rides. I definitely recommend this production.
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Disneyland
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MY REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS IN DISNEYLAND
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Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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modernmarvel
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