‘American Idol’ is “Going to Disney World!”

[Stu]

http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11011&stc=1&d=1204379547Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will create an "American Idol" attraction that will bring the television and pop culture phenomenon to life at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, according to Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts; Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment; and Keith Hindle, executive vice president of FremantleMedia Licensing.

The attraction, slated to debut in late 2008, will be located at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park and will follow the model of the high-energy show. Disney guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition, or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive entertainment setting with all the glitz and glamour of the distinctive "American Idol" set.

[Stu]

That experience will include an audition process, open to all eligible to register, where guests perform “live” in front of a Disney’s Hollywood Studios producer for the chance to be cast in a theme park show. If shown to have that star quality during the screening process and after backstage preparation -- working with a vocal coach, hair and make-up -- it’s lights up and showtime for the lucky guest in front of a “live” audience and a panel of judges.

Guest performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day Grand Finale show at Walt Disney World, and the winner of the Grand Finale show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition -- to ensure no waiting in long lines -- for the "American Idol" TV show. But when it comes down to the television show auditions, everyone is treated equal.

"Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the 'American Idol' stage," said Rasulo. "We're excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World."

Added Fuller, "One of the most remarkable elements about 'American Idol' is that for a brief moment each week, we can provide TV viewers the opportunity to imagine life as America's next superstar. Disney's new attraction perfectly captures what we at 'American Idol' feel is the heart and soul of this brand, real people getting a shot to make their dream a reality."

"This partnership," noted Hindle, "brings the number one show on television, watched in over 100 countries, to the number one theme park destination in the world. It's a perfect combination and opportunity to offer everyone a taste of the 'American Idol' experience."

The coming "American Idol" attraction will reflect the best and brightest of the TV show, giving starry-eyed park guests a chance to become a star on the attraction's stage. It joins an all-star lineup at Disney's Hollywood Studios, a celebration of today's Hollywood in movies, television, music and theater. Among the new adventures debuting in 2008 is the just-opened "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" plus coming attractions "Block Party Bash," an interactive and moving Disney-Pixar spectacle filling the theme park streets; and Toy Story Mania! immersing guests in a 3-D interactive ride-through video game starring popular Disney-Pixar "Toy Story" characters.

[Katie C]

So where is this gonig to go?

[SMAX]

From the artists impression I would say it is in the Little Mermaid building. I guess that show must be due for a change now and the state area would be suitable for this type of thing.

[Stu]

I think it's in the ABC Theater, where "Sounds Dangerous" is

[happy bunny]

While I agree with bringing modern 'takes' into the parks, I must sit and ponder on whether this type of show is in the true Disney spirit or is it just a crowd puller to get more people thru the turnstiles.
I can imagine the imagineer's having sleepless nights, tossing and turning, crying into their pillows, saying if only........
Thats my opinion, what does everyone else think. :rolleyes:

[judith nicholls]

There was a closed theatre just to the left of the Movie Ride when we were there this month. Can't remember what was there last. Nothing seems to stay long in that particular place. Maybe it's going in there. Hope it doesn't replace Little Mermaid - that would be sad.

Judith :grin:

[SMAX]

Yes after a closer look it does look like the "Sounds Dangerous" sound stage, with the muppets building in the background.

[KAY-Partyof5]

Yes after a closer look it does look like the "Sounds Dangerous" sound stage, with the muppets building in the background.


Phew! My girls and I would be devestated if The Little Mermaid was replaced! It's bad enough our little boy won't be able to see bear at Playhouse Disney! :cry:

[DvcKinn]

This years American Idol has an Irish girl who is the best of the girls. Amy Winehouse wins the grammy, all of the Oscar winning actors were not from America. We are truely one big family in the world.

[Bats]

It's big time karaoke no?!!!

Cue a million wannabees singing 'I will survive' !! ha ha

[Superpam19]

I was thinking it would be where who wants to be a millionaire was as it was not opened last month when I was there.

[Heather1957]

Leave it to me guys - 1 visit and it'll soon close down!! ;)

[jcjcjc]

Very interesting news, maybe fly the british flag and have ago with a Sir Elton John Lion King song,depends the quality of the sound system, wouldnt do it if its karaoke type equipment.

This park is our least fave now but because it needs alot more than american idol attraction, the only reason we go back is to see fantasmic

[Katie C]

Who wants to be a millionaire is becoming the new toy story ridde I beleive. It wouldn't surprise me if they do shut Mermaid down, as it's on broadway now as well. I so hope that comes to the UK soon...

[Vabeth]

Well i must say i'm very disappointed! :(
Surely Disney could come up with something better than that! The idea of listening to an endless stream of talentless, whiny teenage girls screeching along to Britney and Christina whilst their pushy mothers cheer them on fills me with dread! I'll definately be steering well clear of this 'attraction!' :erm:

[jcjcjc]

Well i must say i'm very disappointed! :(
Surely Disney could come up with something better than that! The idea of listening to an endless stream of talentless, whiny teenage girls screeching along to Britney and Christina whilst their pushy mothers cheer them on fills me with dread! I'll definately be steering well clear of this 'attraction!' :erm:

abit like watching x factor here then vabeth :grin:

[Vabeth]

abit like watching x factor here then vabeth :grin:

Exactly!!!! :pgig: :pgig:

[bighal]

I'm another one who thinks this a complete waste of space. They could have put something disney in there instead.

[stu1901]

One person mentioned that they can't think why they would put this in, apart from getting more peopel through the turn stiles. Thats the EXACT reason why they are doing it. Animal Kingdom is closely catching up with DHS as the 3rd most popular park.
American Idol is going into an empty theatre (used to be doug live & superstar television), so anything is better than an empty theatre.
American Idol is still the number 1 show in the US and one of the top rated shows on multi channel telly in the UK.
With American Idol, Toy Story Mania and Block Party Bash, i'm sure this year and next year will see a huge increase in visiters to DHS, which is what Disney wants!

[jcjcjc]

We were bored with MGM on our last visit..............

[Stu]

There is a Disney Video for this, I posted it in the AP Holders Lounge

http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=196395

[bumb7ebee]

I think it sounds kind of fun... I remember my parents recording a music video somewhere at Pleasure Island and it's a bit of a giggle.

It would be better in that format than with an audience though - does leave it open to wannabes rather than those who just fancy a sing-song.

[DvcKinn]

Jaki and I have been practicing very hard for the new Idol attraction. Check out this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPnGPIMUnus)Ha Ha

At Pleasure Island in the old days you could do a video to the B52's Love Shack.

[Nomy]

The trouble with this kind of attraction is that it will appeal to participants for sure, but I can't see many people sitting down and watching it....surely?!

[Florida Mel]

Can't think of anything worse. Love the programme but as an attraction mmmmm not sure :confused2

[Miss R]

Minime and I would be very sad to see the end of Little Mermaid!

[PLUTOXX]

it sounds good and something a bit different, but um....whats Disney about it?
I like Disney coz its magic, and different, if i wanted just another ride or show etc then i could go to Alton Towers really. im not saying it wont be good, im sure it will be amazing, but not for disney!

[loudempsey85]

any idea when it will be opening? im going 7th nov so will it be open by then?

[mickeymouse824]

Is IT GOING TO BE NEAR TOY MANI

[csbear]

According to Jim Hill Media... The guys from WDI quietly put out the word late last week that the opening date for Disney's Hollywood Studios' newest attraction -- the "American Idol Experience" -- has been pushed back from January of 2009 to the Spring of next year.

Why For the delay? Well ... As I understand it, the retooling of the interior of the old "Superstar Television" Theater is taking far longer than Disney originally expected. Which -- given how large & lavish the sets for the "American Idol Experience" are supposed to be -- isn't really all that much of a surprise.

I also hear that Disney Parks -- working with 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia, the co-producers of the "American Idol" television series -- has hatched this elaborate promotional plan for the "American Idol Experience." Which involves this new DHS attraction being prominently displayed and/or mentioned as part of each episode of AI that airs on Fox in the coming season.

This promotional effort will culminate in late May of 2009 when the winner of next season's "American Idol" is named. The very next day (or thereabouts), this individual will then be flown down to Walt Disney World so that they can then take part in the grand opening of the "American Idol Experience." Which will (in theory, anyway) garner lots of free publicity for Disney's Hollywood Studios' newest attraction.

Mind you, this doesn't mean WDW Entertainment still won't be holding AIE soft opening sometime in the last winter / early spring of 2009. The way I hear it, those folks want six to eight weeks of daily performances under their belt before they then invite the press in to check out DHS's newest attraction.