Today, there are 11 Disney Parks around the world (with #12 on the way). It only makes economic sense that some attractions would be repeated in more than one location. Part of the fun in visiting each park is seeing how those attractions are interpreted from place to place.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin was added to Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom Park in May 2001, set in the middle of an exotic marketplace. A duplicate of the attraction was built at the same time for inclusion on the opening day menu at Walt Disney Studios Park in March 2002. Here, though, the story is very different. Instead of actually being in Agrabah, we find ourselves cast as extras in a production of "Tapis Volants: Flying Carpets over Agrabah."
The original "rug man" is standing by, waiting for his scene, so you can slip him some tassel or just pose for a fan photo. Once in the queue, we wind behind the scenes to discover all manner of props and set pieces ready to be called into service for the film.
Next thing you know, we're on the set. A painted cyclorama provides the backdrop for our scene, depicting the setting sun and approaching night over Agrabah. We're given a few instructions (and an opportunity to adjust hair and make-up), and then we're off - flying high above the city. Looking to the right and focusing on the painting as you fly by is surprisingly effective at creating an illusion of being "inside" the animated film. It's almost enough to make you burst out with a chorus of "A Whole New World!"
Of course, the Genie's there, too. Sure, he's spent 10,000 years trapped in a lamp making people's wishes come true, but what he really wants to do is direct! As we fly around and around and up and down, Genie sits atop his perch shouting direction: "Higher! Faster! There you go... You look FABULOUS! And... Cut!"
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