Search img
0203 816 0985img
We're open today until 6pm
img
img
Top Holidays

4 ways to experience Disney's Aladdin in real life

  • Published 31 May 2019

We all know the story that has left children frantically rubbing at lamps in the hope that a blue puff of smoke will reveal a genie ready to grant three wishes… and May 2019 brought the much-loved animated film to life with a live-action remake. Starring Will Smith as the genie, the film is a glorious homage to the original with the same songs alongside some new lyrics and a slightly different perspective thanks to award-winning Guy Ritchie’s signature directing style.

Has the film left you yearning for a trip to Agrabah? Do you wish to experience the endless golden dunes of the desert, or perhaps wander the fragrant spice markets? With Winged Boots, all this and more is possible. We’ve handpicked five destinations that’ll have you feeling like Aladdin and Princess Jasmine in no time… just switch your magic carpet for a Boeing 737 and your genie in a lamp for a passport and one of our personal travel managers. 
 

The Cave of Wonders

Aladdin's lamp in the desert with genie coming out

Oh, the marvellous cave that’s filled with forbidden jewels, the world’s most-loved lamp and a magic carpet. With a tiger head entrance complete with jewels for eyes and a voice that’ll send shivers down your spine, we certainly would love to try our luck against the ferocious river of lava if it meant we got to keep an emerald necklace or ruby tiara. Unfortunately, such a place could only be dreamt up by Walt Disney’s genius imagination, but the gold souk in Dubai is a pretty good alternative.

The traditional market in the UAE city is bursting with hundreds of stalls, each selling gold, silver and precious stone jewellery. Featuring intricate designs and one-of-a kind pieces, this is the largest gold market in the world. A labyrinth of alleys, stalls and vendors eagerly await shoppers from all over the world, ready to barter and sell their jewellery. Located 25-minutes away by car from Dubai Mall and 35-minute drive from The Palm Jumeirah, it’s easy to slot a visit here into any Dubai itinerary.

To discover more on our Dubai hotels and latest offers, click here.
 

The Gold Souk, Dubai

The Gold Souk, Dubai

Oh, the marvellous cave that’s filled with forbidden jewels, the world’s most-loved lamp and a magic carpet. With a tiger head entrance complete with jewels for eyes and a voice that’ll send shivers down your spine, we certainly would love to try our luck against the ferocious river of lava if it meant we got to keep an emerald necklace or ruby tiara. Unfortunately, such a place could only be dreamt up by Walt Disney’s genius imagination, but the gold souk in Dubai is a pretty good alternative.

The traditional market in the UAE city is bursting with hundreds of stalls, each selling gold, silver and precious stone jewellery. Featuring intricate designs and one-of-a kind pieces, this is the largest gold market in the world. A labyrinth of alleys, stalls and vendors eagerly await shoppers from all over the world, ready to barter and sell their jewellery. Located 25-minutes away by car from Dubai Mall and 35-minute drive from The Palm Jumeirah, it’s easy to slot a visit here into any Dubai itinerary.

To discover more on our Dubai hotels and latest offers, click here.
 

The Palace

24-carat gold cappuccino

24-carat gold cappuccino at Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

Stunning arches connected by intricately decorated corridors, open-plan suites complete with oversized balconies, manicured gardens and pretty fountains; it’s difficult to tell whether we’re describing princess Jasmine’s home or Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. 

A stay here is certainly fit for a sultan. With 24-hour butler service; a high-tech entertainment system in every room and suite; a world-famous cappuccino that’s made up of a superior blend of aromatic coffee sprinkled with gold flakes and a luxury spa to ignite all five of the senses – Emirates Palace is the closest you’ll come to being Middle Eastern royalty. And of course, to continue the Disney fantasy while in Abu Dhabi be sure to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Home to the world’s largest rug that consequently took more than one thousand weavers over a year to complete, the entire mosque is decked with wonderful domes, intricate archways and adorned in shimmering gold leaf. It’s an architectural marvel and easily more impressive than the Sultan’s palace… in our humble opinion anyway!

To discover more on Emirates Palace, click here.
 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

Stunning arches connected by intricately decorated corridors, open-plan suites complete with oversized balconies, manicured gardens and pretty fountains; it’s difficult to tell whether we’re describing princess Jasmine’s home or Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. 

A stay here is certainly fit for a sultan. With 24-hour butler service; a high-tech entertainment system in every room and suite; a world-famous cappuccino that’s made up of a superior blend of aromatic coffee sprinkled with gold flakes and a luxury spa to ignite all five of the senses – Emirates Palace is the closest you’ll come to being Middle Eastern royalty. And of course, to continue the Disney fantasy while in Abu Dhabi be sure to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Home to the world’s largest rug that consequently took more than one thousand weavers over a year to complete, the entire mosque is decked with wonderful domes, intricate archways and adorned in shimmering gold leaf. It’s an architectural marvel and easily more impressive than the Sultan’s palace… in our humble opinion anyway!

To discover more on Emirates Palace, click here.
 

Planning your next journey ?

Our expertise, worldwide connections, and the way we do things with a relentless drive means whatever your travels needs are, we can make it happen for you whenever, however, wherever and every time.

Endless Golden Desert

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

During the 2019 film, while on route to the Cave of Wonders, Aladdin, Jafar and the palace guards are seen riding camels through the rolling dunes of infinite golden sands. Filmed in Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert, the blockbuster made great use of the location’s dramatic sandstone mountains, sweeping dunes and rocky caverns. 
 

During the 2019 film, while on route to the Cave of Wonders, Aladdin, Jafar and the palace guards are seen riding camels through the rolling dunes of infinite golden sands. Filmed in Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert, the blockbuster made great use of the location’s dramatic sandstone mountains, sweeping dunes and rocky caverns. 
 

The Sahara, Morocco

Line of travellers on camels in The Sahara, Morocco

You can visit the protected desert wilderness of Wadi Rum on day trips from Aqaba or Wadi Musa where jeep safari tours reign supreme, closely followed by rock climbing experiences. However, for a slightly more accessible desert experience, why not visit Dubai or perhaps the most famous stretch of sands, The Sahara in Morocco. In each, Bedouin tent experiences are common, as are camel treks and belly dancing shows.

To discover more on our desert experiences, click here.

You can visit the protected desert wilderness of Wadi Rum on day trips from Aqaba or Wadi Musa where jeep safari tours reign supreme, closely followed by rock climbing experiences. However, for a slightly more accessible desert experience, why not visit Dubai or perhaps the most famous stretch of sands, The Sahara in Morocco. In each, Bedouin tent experiences are common, as are camel treks and belly dancing shows.

To discover more on our desert experiences, click here.

The Marketplace

Muscat, Oman

Muscat, Oman port at night

Agrabah’s scenery has distinct parallels to Oman’s capital Muscat. From its fishing village origins and vibrant souks to the city’s striking mosque, each key element to Muscat’s charm is present in Disney’s fictional town. Oman has remained untouched by the Middle East’s modern-day glittery curtain and instead acts as a window into the soul of ancient Arabia.

For an authentic Middle Eastern getaway, Muscat should be high on your bucket list. Just like in Agrabah, the city’s vibrant souks sell fresh catch of the day, fragrant spices, carpets, trinkets and delicious fruit. And just like in Agrabah, no stall owners in Muscat will take kindly if you take loaves of bread or apples without paying. Muscat’s ‘palace’ comes in the form of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Taking six and a half years to complete, every inch of the stunning place of worship has been intricately designed from the prayer carpet through to the dazzling chandeliers.

To discover more on our Oman holidays, click here.
 

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat Oman

Agrabah’s scenery has distinct parallels to Oman’s capital Muscat. From its fishing village origins and vibrant souks to the city’s striking mosque, each key element to Muscat’s charm is present in Disney’s fictional town. Oman has remained untouched by the Middle East’s modern-day glittery curtain and instead acts as a window into the soul of ancient Arabia.

For an authentic Middle Eastern getaway, Muscat should be high on your bucket list. Just like in Agrabah, the city’s vibrant souks sell fresh catch of the day, fragrant spices, carpets, trinkets and delicious fruit. And just like in Agrabah, no stall owners in Muscat will take kindly if you take loaves of bread or apples without paying. Muscat’s ‘palace’ comes in the form of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Taking six and a half years to complete, every inch of the stunning place of worship has been intricately designed from the prayer carpet through to the dazzling chandeliers.

To discover more on our Oman holidays, click here.
 

Have you been inspired by Disney’s Aladdin to visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Morocco or Oman? Then call our expert travel managers today on 0203 816 0985 or click here to submit an online enquiry and the team will grant all three of your wishes within a few clicks. 

Enjoyed This Article?
Now choose what happens next...
1 Looking to Book a Holiday?

This button will take you to a short form where we'll ask about your destination and preferences. If you don't like filling in forms simply give us a call on 0203 816 0985 and we'll be happy to help you.

Let's Plan Your Trip
2Receive Our Exclusive Offers

Join our email to receive exclusive offers and airline sales direct to your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime (but why would you want to?)

Get in touch with our team of personal travel managers to start planning your trip
img
  • The human touch
  • Complete concierge service
  • 24/7 out of hours contact