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

[Stu]

Walt 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.

[Guest]

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

[SMAX]

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

[KAY-Partyof5]

Originally Posted by SMAX

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

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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!

[Guest]

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.