Few Broadway shows are as built for families as Disney’s Aladdin. The musical has played the New Amsterdam Theater at 214 West 42nd Street since 2014, and it brings the 1992 animated film to the stage with a flying carpet, a show-stopping Genie and the songs many parents grew up with. This guide covers what kids and grown-ups can expect, from the story and running time to the views from each level of the theater and the accessibility services on offer.
Aladdin on Broadway: The Story and Songs
Aladdin is a street-smart young man in the city of Agrabah who dreams of a life bigger than the marketplace. Princess Jasmine wants the freedom to choose her own future. When Aladdin finds a magic lamp, he meets a Genie who can grant three wishes, and the adventure that follows pits the pair against the scheming Jafar, the royal vizier who wants the lamp for himself.
The stage version keeps the heart of the film and adds new material. Aladdin has three loyal friends, Babkak, Omar and Kassim, who join him in big comic numbers. The score is by Alan Menken, the eight-time Oscar winner, and it includes favorites such as “Friend Like Me,” “Prince Ali” and the Oscar-winning ballad “A Whole New World,” alongside new songs written for Broadway.
Children who know the movie will recognize plenty, but the show also has a playful old-Broadway streak. The Genie was inspired by jazz greats Cab Calloway and Fats Waller, and “Friend Like Me” is a nod to the classic Broadway musical 42nd Street, a fitting tribute for a show that plays on that very street. Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs, and the costumes are by Gregg Barnes.
The current Broadway company includes Rodney Ingram as Aladdin and Sherri Shepherd as the Genie. For the full cast list and show details, visit our Aladdin show page.
Aladdin Running Time and Age Guidance for Families
Aladdin runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission. That is a manageable length for most school-age children, and the intermission is a good moment for a restroom break, a stretch and a snack. Outside food is not allowed inside the theater, though food and drinks are sold there.
The production recommends Aladdin for ages 6 and up, and every guest needs their own entry, whatever their age, including babes in arms. Children under 14 must be accompanied by someone aged 14 or older. If your youngest is not yet 6, it may be worth waiting a year or two, since the show is long and the theater is dark for much of it.
Parents of sensitive children should know that the production uses smoke and fog, pyrotechnics, strobe lighting and loud sound effects. Jafar is a classic Disney villain, menacing but never truly frightening, and most kids take him in stride. The show is full of bright color and humor, so the scary moments pass quickly.
There is no dress code, so dress comfortably. The theater is air-conditioned all year, which means a light layer is a good idea, even in summer. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain to allow time for security and to settle in. For more tips on going with children, see our guide to Broadway with kids.
New Amsterdam Theater Seating Views for Aladdin
The New Amsterdam Theater is part of the experience. It opened in 1903, earned the nickname “The House Beautiful” and is the oldest operating theater on Broadway. It is also a designated New York City landmark, and its restored Art Nouveau interior, with carved details and decorative plasterwork, gives kids plenty to look at before the lights go down.
The house is arranged on several levels: the Orchestra at stage level, then the Mezzanine and Balcony above. Each offers a different view of the action.
- Orchestra: The closest views put you right in the middle of the spectacle, especially during “Friend Like Me.” Smaller children may find it harder to see past adults in front of them, so a spot a little farther back, where the floor rises, can help.
- Mezzanine: The front of the Mezzanine gives a clear, elevated view of the whole stage. It is a favorite with families because kids can see over the rail and take in the full picture, including the flying carpet during “A Whole New World.”
- Balcony: The highest level offers a wide, bird’s-eye view of the stage. You lose some facial detail, but the big dance numbers and lighting look striking from above.
For a closer look at sightlines on each level, read our New Amsterdam Theater seating guide, and for the history of the building and nearby tips, see our New Amsterdam Theater venue guide. If you are weighing the levels for the first time, our explainer on orchestra vs. mezzanine may help.
Aladdin Accessibility at the New Amsterdam Theater
Disney on Broadway offers a wide range of services at Aladdin. The New Amsterdam Theater has elevators to all levels, and accessible restrooms are located on several floors. Wheelchair and companion locations are at the rear of the Orchestra and the rear of the Mezzanine, and these are the locations that can be reached without steps. Theater staff can meet guests in the lobby and help them to their places. Guide dogs and service animals are welcome.
For guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, the theater provides assistive listening headsets and T-coil loops. Through the GalaPro app, closed captions and pre-recorded audio description are on demand at every performance, and I-Caption devices are offered free of charge at the kiosk in the lobby. Pre-show notes describing the production play on a loop for the 30 minutes before curtain.
Aladdin also schedules special performances. There is an annual open-captioned performance through TDF, and American Sign Language interpreted performances are held twice a year with Hands On. The next ASL-interpreted performance is Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. A sensory-friendly performance, with adjusted sound and lighting and a relaxed atmosphere, is presented once a year through TDF and is a great option for children with autism or sensory sensitivities.
Planning a Family Visit to Aladdin on Broadway
A little preparation makes the day smoother. Many families like to watch the animated film or listen to the songs together beforehand, so children recognize the characters and music. Talk through the effects, such as smoke, bangs and flashing lights, so nobody is surprised. A matinee can suit younger kids who tire by evening, and our guide to planning a Broadway matinee or evening lays out the pros of each.
Keep an eye out for the show’s big moments. The production uses 84 special effects, one costume carries 8,644 Swarovski crystals, and around 180 people work behind the scenes at each performance. Aladdin has now been seen by more than 15 million people in 11 productions around the world.
When the show ends, guests leave onto West 41st or West 42nd Street, so agree on a meeting point in case your group gets separated. If this is your family’s first Broadway outing, our guide to your first Broadway show covers the basics, and our family shows on Broadway page has more ideas. Still choosing between two Disney-sized hits? Our comparison of Wicked vs. Aladdin can help you decide.
About the author
Miles covers international and touring theater, including Broadway news, for The Broadway Guide.