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Five ways to experience Disney magic in the heart of New York City

There’s something for every Disney fan in each of these magical NYC-only experiences, from the longrunning Broadway shows "The Lion King" and "Aladdin" to a wall full of Disney-fied “I Love NY” merch at Times Square’s Disney Store.
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    Photograph provided by Disney Theatrical
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    Photograph provided by Disney Theatrical
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Written by Time Out in partnership with Disney Theatrical Group
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While you can always find Disney magic in Orlando or Anaheim, you can also find it right here in NYC.

Sure, locals may first give you directions to the Brooklyn neighborhood if you say the word “DUMBO”, and they may not share your hope that the artifacts inside the Natural History Museum will come to life at night, but if you look in the right places for them, you’re certain to find dazzling Disney experiences in NYC—no Tinker Bell-issued pixie dust required.

Audiences of all ages will love the visuals and music on display in The Lion King. Hitting the town with a date who loves Disney? Make it an Aladdin-inspired date night. From a roar-worthy dessert to a hotel suite that feels like a magical carpet ride, here are some of the very best Disney experiences you can have in NYC.

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For family-friendly Disney fun

Witness the show of a lifetime at “The Lion King” on Broadway

Witness the show of a lifetime at “The Lion King” on Broadway
Witness the show of a lifetime at “The Lion King” on Broadway
Photograph by Matthew Murphy, provided by Disney Theatrical

Whether you’ve seen the animated classic once or a couple dozen times, you’re sure to never have experienced anything quite like the theatrical version of The Lion King. Sure, the story is familiar—in the Pride Lands of Africa, a young lion becomes heir to the kingdom but flees home before he eventually decides to fight for his rightful place in the “circle of life”—you may know the story but you will be awestruck by the stage performance. The immersive opening number is a kaleidoscope of inventive costumes and captivating soundscapes that bring the Savanna to life. The 18-foot tall giraffes are especially mesmerizing. The musical, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary on Broadway, has something for every member of the audience. From the stirring rendition of Elton John’s classic hit “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” to stunning choreography that gives the show new life, The Lion King is sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s no wonder The Lion King is the third longest-running show on Broadway. Get tickets at TheLionKing.com. 

Taste Hershey’s Chocolate World Times Square’s Hakuna Ma-Cookie

Taste Hershey’s Chocolate World Times Square’s Hakuna Ma-Cookie
Taste Hershey’s Chocolate World Times Square’s Hakuna Ma-Cookie
Photograph by Michael Stickle

Before or after the show, be sure to pop into the nearby Times Square Hershey’s Chocolate World Store for some sweet treats. If you want to go full-Disney (and why wouldn’t you?!), look for the “Hakuna Ma-Cookie,”a goody baked in honor of The Lion King's infamous motto. What a wonderful name!

For a Disney date night

Spend the night in Aladdin’s Palace Suite

Spend the night in Aladdin’s Palace Suite
Spend the night in Aladdin’s Palace Suite
Photograph provided by Disney Theatrical

Kick off a Disney weekend with your nearest or dearest at the Hilton New York Times Square. The hotel’s new Aladdin’s Palace Suite, which was decorated by Broadway dressing room designer Devin Sparkles, looks like a scene straight out of Agrabah: filled with Moroccan rugs, Jasmine-inspired silks and snake-end tables. There’s even a golden genie lamp which was used in the show’s Broadway production.

The Hilton room comes with up to four complimentary tickets to the show (the hotel is conveniently located a block away from the New Amsterdam Theatre, where Aladdin has been running since 2014), plus vouchers for two Genie-tini cocktails (which are topped with edible glitter!) and two Magic Mocktails from the hotel’s Pinnacle Bar & Lounge, making for a perfect kickoff to an all-things-Aladdin weekend.

Check out a matinee of “Aladdin”

Check out a matinee of “Aladdin”
Check out a matinee of “Aladdin”
Photograph by Matthew Murphy, provided by Disney Theatrical

The story of the shrewd street urchin whose life changes when a mystical genie grants him three wishes takes on even more majesty in the Aladdin Broadway show, which includes 84 distinct special effects (including a magical flying carpet!) and glittering gold costumes that can be seen from every seat in the house (a single costume has more than 8,600 Swarovski crystals!). Old-school Broadway fans will love the Genie: the character was originally based on jazz greats Cab Calloway and Fats Waller, and while the concept was changed for the film, the theatrical version readopted the initial character. Go for “a whole new world” of experiences by booking a reservation at one of Manhattan’s best brunch restaurants or the city’s best boozy brunch spots before heading to the New Amsterdam Theatre for a weekend matinee. Get tickets at AladdinTheMusical.com.

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For everyone...anytime

Visit the iconic Times Square Disney Store

If you’ve been to one Disney Store, trust us: you have not been to them all. The Times Square location is two stories tall and chock full of exclusive Mickey and Minnie Mouse merch. There’s also an entire section dedicated to the mashup of all things NYC and Disney, including classic “I Love NY”-branded apparel and an entire line of Statue of Liberty inspired gifts.

© Disney. All rights reserved.

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