Aladdin is what I call my “gateway drug” back to Disney. 27-years ago in the movie theater, I learned that Disney animated movies were for adults, too, after watching Aladdin on screen. I attended the Musical Jouney of Disney’s Aladdin D23 Expo panel last week and had a blast hearing all the casts of different Aladdin shows share their stories. (affiliate links included in this post)

D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA)
SCOTT WEINGER

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The Musical Journey of Disney’s Aladdin D23 Expo Panel

Ever go to a panel where you just grin ear-to-ear the whole time?

That was me at the Musical Journey of Aladdin D23 Expo. Except I was singing along as I grinned so I know I looked all kinds of silly.

But I loved every second of it! And since you can get Disney’s Aladdin on digital download NOW, you can love all this goodness too. Some of the scenes shared at the panel are included in the blu-ray and download.

Scott Weinger (“Aladdin” animated film) and Linda Larkin (“Jasmine” animated film) were our hosts for the evening. It was so interesting to hear how they were cast and what their auditions were like, as well as their experiences with the filmmakers.

D23 Expo Aladdin Panel LINDA LARKIN, MENA MASSOUD, SCOTT WEINGER

And when they added Brad Kane (the singing voice of Aladdin), Clinton Greenspan (Broadway’s next “Aladdin”)and Mena Massoud, the live-action Aladdin I had all the Aladdins I could ever want in one place!

It was kinda crazy in the best possible ways.

Here’s what else happened on stage.

Highlights From The Musical Journey of Aladdin At D23 Expo

Mena Massoud gave D23 Expo fans a first some special content that will be available as bonus features. The Blu-ray and Digital release will have a deleted song, Desert Moon, and some bloopers as well.
Brad Kane (“Aladdin” animated singing voice) who performed “One Jump Ahead.” And it was FANTASTIC. He said it had been a really long time since he sang this, but, boy did he nail it!

Deedee Magno Hall (“Jasmine” in “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” at the Hyperion Theater in Disneyland) performed “To Be Free,” an original song that Alan Menken wrote and composed for this production. She’s just a doll!
Clinton Greenspan (Broadway’s next “Aladdin”) performed “Proud of Your Boy,” a real tear-jerker of a song.
Jamal Sims (choreographer, “Aladdin” live-action) who showcased Genie’s signature dance moves, along with a team of dancers, in a performance set to “A Friend Like Me.”

Aladdin at D23 Expo SCOTT WEINGER, LILLIAS WHITE, LINDA LARKIN

One of my favorite moments was when Lillias White (Hercules) performed “Speechless,” an original song from the live-action film. I’ll confess that I didn’t love the song in Aladdin the movie (no offense Naomi, it wasn’t you, I promise!) but I was DOWN with Lillias singing. But, to be fair, I love every single note that comes out of her talented soul. So. There’s that. It was phenomenal.
The finale was a showstopper! Legendary GRAMMY Award-winning singer Regina Belle closed the show with a performance of “A Whole New World” with Norm Lewis (“Scandal,” “The Little Mermaid” on Broadway).

The evening also included special video messages from Will Smith and Alan Menken.

I was hoping the Genie would pull a little Will Smith out of the lamp, but alas, we had to settle for a video message instead. Still a magical panel with a ton of fun experiences!

Thank you, D23 Expo, for bringing this all together on one stage.

VIDEO: A Whole New World and More From The Musical Journey of Disney’s Aladdin at D23 Expo

More D23 Expo Recaps You’ll Love

Tom Holland Loves Us 3000

2019 Disney Legends Honored at D23 Expo

Walt Disney Studios Announces Slate at D23 Expo

Mind Blown and Money Paid: Disney+ Panel Recap

Genie Jam Cookies Inspired By Disney’s Aladdin Digital Download Release

Patty Holliday

Patty Holliday is a parent movie reviewer, writer, and podcaster living in the Washington, DC area. Her goal is to bridge the gap between casual fandom and picky critic with parent movie and television reviews. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.

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