The Aladdin’s Oasis (1993–1995, 1997–2008) was a vibrant dinner theater and later a storytelling venue in Disneyland’s Adventureland, themed to Disney’s 1992 hit film Aladdin. Replacing the beloved Tahitian Terrace, it offered Middle Eastern cuisine and live performances before transitioning to a character meet-and-greet and storytelling space.
Here are 10 fun facts about this exotic Adventureland gem:
- Rushed Grand Opening: Aladdin’s Oasis opened on July 2, 1993 (with an invite-only event on July 1), just five months after the concept was pitched, to capitalize on Aladdin’s $206 million box-office success.
- Dinner Show Extravaganza: From 1993 to 1994, the dinner show featured eight daily one-hour performances with Aladdin, Jasmine, and Jafar singing hits like “A Whole New World.” Guests dined on shish kebabs and tabbouleh for $24.50 (adults) or $19.50 (kids).
- Kazim’s Welcome: The show starred Kazim, a charismatic host who narrated Aladdin’s tale alongside his brother-in-law Hassan and the Three Wishes dancers. Aladdin burst in clutching a stolen loaf of bread, setting a lively tone.
- Cave of Wonders Stage: The stage featured the iconic Cave of Wonders tiger head, with inlaid ceramic floor tiles and a lush jungle garden creating an Agrabah vibe. The 35-foot tree from Tahitian Terrace shaded diners.
- Short-Lived Dinner Run: The dinner show closed in August 1994 after 14 months, as high costs and lukewarm reviews failed to fill its 250 seats eight times daily. It reopened in 1995 as a showless restaurant, closing again in 1996.
- Storytelling Revival: In January 1997, Aladdin’s Oasis became Aladdin and Jasmine’s StoryTale Adventures, a 20-minute interactive show with Kazoom, a versatile storyteller playing Genie and Jafar. Kids from the audience joined as palace guards.
- Indiana Jones Takeover: In 2008, the venue hosted Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Stone Tiger, a kid-friendly show tied to Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The Cave of Wonders backdrop doubled as the Temple of Sherdil, with a twisty plot about a scheming archaeologist.
- Chocolate Lamp Delight: The dinner show’s dessert, a chocolate lamp filled with cake, cream, and raspberries, was a fan favorite. Reddit users on r/Disneyland recall “dreaming about that lamp” from childhood visits, calling it a “tween heart’s desire.”
- Tropical Hideaway Transition: Aladdin’s Oasis closed in 2008, and after years as a meet-and-greet and event space, it was gutted in 2018 for The Tropical Hideaway, a quick-service spot with Dole Whip. Rosita’s comments there nod to its Oasis days.
- Fan Nostalgia Glows: Vintage footage on YouTube (like 1994 clips) and Daveland photos capture the show’s vibrant chaos. X fans praise its “hysterical” energy, with one saying, “It was Agrabah brought to life!”—keeping its magic alive despite its profit struggles.
