What's News: Disneyland Resort

ANAHEIM, CA, January 16, 2003 - Adding a major new attraction to DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE park at the DISNEYLAND® Resort, "Disney’s Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular" premiered at the Hyperion Theater tonight with a performance and celebratory party fit for a sultan.

A team of Broadway and international theater professionals was assembled to create the production, with musical numbers that outdo anything seen before in a Disney theme park. Over the course of a single act, "Aladdin," based on the animated film, tells the story of Aladdin, Jasmine, the evil Jafar, and the hysterical wish-granting Genie with stunning designs, unforgettable imagery and a wondrous sense of spectacle.

Attending the exotic premiere party were Disney Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner, Disney Theme Parks and Resorts President Jay Rasulo, DISNEYLAND Resort President Cynthia Harriss, and "Aladdin" composer Alan Menken. The show’s creative team, led by Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment Executive Vice President Anne Hamburger, was also present, including internationally renowned, award-winning director Francesca Zambello, Broadway’s leading choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett, set designer Peter J. Davison, costume designer Anita Yavich, and lighting designer Mark McCullough.

In the Hyperion Theater before the curtain, Michael Eisner made a special presentation to Alan Menken - a 24-K gold-plated magic lamp - in appreciation for his score for the original animated film of "Aladdin" and for the new song, "To Be Free," he composed for this special stage production.

Commenting on the special occasion Eisner said, "I couldn’t be more excited about ‘Aladdin.’ With a production of this caliber in DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE I feel that we’re redefining theme park entertainment in the same way that Walt Disney Theatrical has redefined family entertainment on Broadway."

Jay Rasulo noted, "In the Disney parks we are always looking for ways to create one-of-a-kind attractions. The Aladdin production marks the beginning of what we now call 'destination entertainment' for our Theme Parks and Resorts around the world. As DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE approaches its two-year anniversary, we believe our guests will discover that this show, like other great Disney attractions before it, sets a new standard."

Disneyland Resort President Cynthia Harriss stated, "When we included a first-class theatrical venue in the design of DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE, we knew we wanted to present live shows that were the equal of the best Disney theme park rides and attractions. Now families can play in ‘a bug’s land,’ ride ‘Soarin’ Over California’ and, at no additional cost, see a wonderful, exciting Broadway show - all for one price."

After the performance, the opening night audience celebrated with the creative team and principal cast members under an enormous tent accented with tapestries and exotic fabrics from a faraway bazaar. Belly dancers, magicians, jugglers, camels and snakes entertained all the guests in this fantasy desert oasis.

"Disney’s Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular" runs approximately 40 minutes and is presented several times per day in the Hyperion Theater. It is free to park guests with paid admission to DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE. The park recently added "a bug’s land" for kids. Another new attraction, "Playhouse Disney - Live On Stage!" featuring characters from popular Disney Channel children’s shows, is set to open in April.

For general information, call (714) 781-4565 or visit disneyland.com.

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