E.L.O. reference in Disney's "Aladdin"?

Not far into the Disney film Aladdin, there's a scene where Aladdin steals a small, round loaf of bread, and is spotted and pursued by several scimitar-wielding guards. Until now the scene has been set in a market in a city, but abruptly we see a shot of Aladdin legging it over a sand dune, with the guards in hot pursuit; following which just as abruptly we're back in the city.

When I saw this, I thought: Ooh, E.L.O. reference! The transition to desert and back again doesn't fit otherwise; I reckon it's got to be deliberate. But I've not heard anyone mention this, and nor is it mentioned on the Wikipedia or IMDB entries for the film.

What I'm referring to is the little story told by the sumptuous artwork on the Electric Light Orchestra's classic album Discovery, starting with the front cover:

( view piccy )

and continued on the back cover:

( view piccy )

What's missing from the remastered CD release—and crucial to the comparison I am trying to make—is the gatefold image from the original LP:

( view piccy )

The E.L.O. object the boy is carrying in his hand is exactly the shape and size of the loaf Aladdin has in the film, both are clad in a waistcoat but bare-chested, and the composition of the shot is similar to that used in the film, too. Or, at least I think so: it's a dozen years or so since the one time I saw the film. I don't think the guards were mounted in the film, though, but apart from that... do you think it's deliberate reference, or is it just me?