Crown Of Dreams

# Chapter 3: Prince of the Magic Kingdom

*August 16, 1992 - Disney Animation Studios, Burbank*

*8:43 AM*

"People! We've got something major here." Jeffrey Katzenberg burst into the recording studio's control room, waving the morning's Variety like a victory flag. The headline screamed: "CROWN STUDIOS' GOLDEN BOY STUNS DISNEY EXECS - Is Jake Morris Hollywood's Next Voice Acting Revolutionary?"

Jake, already in the booth running warm-ups, allowed himself a small smile. The system's World-Class Emotion Control kept his expression humble, even as his mind raced with calculations. In his original timeline, Robin Williams had gotten all the press. This time, he was rewriting the narrative before the Genie even stepped into the booth.

"Let's ride this momentum," Katzenberg continued, jabbing his finger at the article. "Jake, we're moving up the Prince Ali sequences. The marketing team wants clips for the fall preview. Think you can handle it?"

Jake adjusted his headphones, remembering how this song had dominated radio for months in his past life. "Actually, I had some thoughts about the parade sequence..."

The next four hours were a masterclass in future-enhanced performance art. Jake didn't just nail Prince Ali's theatrical swagger – he suggested specific animation beats that would make the sequence pop:

- A quick character moment showing Aladdin's street rat instincts peeking through the princely façade

- Extra layers of crowd interaction to make Agrabah feel alive

- A subtle callback to the bread chase scene, now with Ali tossing gold to the same street kids

"The way you're playing with status here," Ron Clements marveled during a break. "It's like you understand exactly how this huge spectacle connects to the intimate character work from yesterday."

*If you only knew*, Jake thought, taking a sip from his water bottle. Through the control room window, he could see his father deep in conversation with Disney's legal team. Crown Studios' co-production deal was growing by the hour.

"One more thing," Jake said, channelling his system's perfect timing. "What if we added a moment where Ali breaks the fourth wall? Just a tiny wink to the audience during the biggest boast? Kids will eat it up."

He watched the idea land like a struck match in a room full of creative kindling. In the corner, the marketing exec was practically salivating. That single wink would launch a thousand promotional clips, and Jake knew it.

By lunch, they'd recorded enough material to fill a highlight reel. Jake's performance had evolved beyond mere voice acting – he was practically co-directing through his character choices. Every suggestion was a subtle nudge toward making *Aladdin* not just a hit, but a cultural phenomenon.

"The energy you're bringing to this," Eric Goldberg shook his head in amazement. "It's like you can see the finished product already."

Jake just smiled, thinking of the McDonald's toys, the video games, the Broadway adaptation that wouldn't hit stages for another decade. "Let's just say I have a good feeling about this one."

They wrapped the session at sunset, with Prince Ali's bravado still echoing in the booth. Tomorrow would be the romantic scenes with Jasmine, but Jake's mind was already racing ahead to the premiere. In his original timeline, *Aladdin* had made $504 million worldwide. This time, with his strategic tweaks and future knowledge...

His Nokia buzzed – a message from Disney's PR team. They wanted him for Good Morning America next week. The hype machine was starting to rumble.

"Son." His father's voice stopped him in the parking lot. "The contracts are signed. Crown Studios is officially co-producing. Whatever magic you're working in there... you just saved our company."

Jake hugged the older man, remembering how different this day had gone in his previous life. Back then, they'd been dodging creditors' calls while his mother packed her bags. Now?

Now they were about to become Hollywood royalty.

The L.A. sunset painted the sky in shades of possibility. Somewhere in the distance, he knew Harvey Weinstein was reading that Variety article, feeling the first tremors of change in his toxic empire. Let him worry. Jake Morris was just getting started.

Tomorrow would bring more recording sessions, more strategic suggestions, and more carefully planted seeds for *Aladdin's* global domination. But tonight? Tonight he'd savour this first victory, this opening move in a game thirty years in the making.