‘American Idol’ coming to Disney World

Posted by admin | Space Coast General News in Florida, Walt Disney World | Friday 19 December 2008 10:09 am

Starry-eyed singers who dream of being discovered — like Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson or Clay Aiken — will have a chance when a new “American Idol” attraction opens in February at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

American Idol Attraction coming to Disney World

American Idol Attraction coming to Disney World

Or, if singing on stage doesn’t appeal, visitors to the theme park’s new attraction can make like Simon Cowell or Paula Abdul by taking on the role of judge in the live, interactive competition.

The attraction, scheduled to open Feb. 12 at a time when attendance and revenues are down at the Orlando theme park, was announced today in a joint statement by Disney World’s and Resorts and producers/creators of the phenomenally popular “American Idol” TV show, Fremantle Media Licensing and 19 Entertainment.

Like the TV show, Disney World “American Idol Experience” attraction will include a nerve-racking audition process in which eligible park-goers will perform in front of a Disney World producer for a chance to be cast in a show at the theme park — and a possible shot at eventually competing in the real TV show.

“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,” said Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment. “Disney World 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.”

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The attraction will be located in the Hollywood Studios section of Disney World. Park goers who are deemed to have “star quality” during a screening process — and after working with a vocal coach, hair stylist and make-up artist backstage — will perform on Disney World “American Idol Experience” stage set before a live audience and a panel of judges.

Those with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day grand finale show at Disney World; the winner of the grand finale show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition for the “American Idol” TV show.

“Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the ‘American Idol’ stage,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney World’s and Resorts. “We’re excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World.”

Susan R. Pollack / The Detroit News

American Idol Studio at Walt Disney

American Idol Studio at Walt Disney

Kelly Clarkson wannabe’s can have their shot at fame at the new American Idol attraction coming to Disney World Hollywood Studios. Guests who register will audition before a producer to be cast in a Disney World theme park show. After being prepped with hair, make-up and a vocal coach, they’ll perform in front of a panel of American Idol judges and ‘live’ audience.

Those with the highest number of votes will compete at the end of day Grand Finale show. The winner of this daily event gets a guaranteed reservation at a future American Idol regional stadium audition without having to wait on the long lines. (That is the only advantage that the Disney World Hollywood competition finalists have. They will still need to compete with the rest of the applicants.)

The American Idol Attraction is being developed in partnership with Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment, the creative force behind Idol.

American Idol Studio

American Idol Studio

More links to check out on the Blogosphere below:

GirlsTalkinSmack.com – Celebrity Gossip Blog, TV, Fashion, Pop … – I can’t believe this will by my fourth year in a row blogging American Idol, and my fourth time doing a pre-idol spoiler post. I always love doing these because it’s so much fun to look back after the seasons over. …

By Ken Levine: The funniest AMERICAN IDOL moment EVER – AMERICAN IDOL begins next month. Yes, I will be donning my snarkskin coat again and offering my always-impartial observations. But to get you in the mood, I found this video. It’s the funniest thing I’ve seen in awhile. …

American Idol Returns For 8th Season With New Format – American Idol, one of the most popular reality shows on US television, will return for its 8th season with a brand spankin’ new format. Unlike the previous year’s 24 contestants, 36 emerging singers will be admitted into February’s …

The Most Time-Shifted Show: ‘American Idol’ – TV Decoder Blog … – “American Idol,” already America’s most watched television series, was also the most time-shifted prime-time TV program in the United States in 2008, ratings tracker The Nielsen Company said on Tuesday. …

‘American Idol’ coming to Disney World | detnews.com | The Detroit … – ‘American Idol’ coming to Disney World | detnews.com | The … – Susan R. Pollack / The Detroit News Starry-eyed singers who dream of being discovered — like Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson or Clay Aiken — will have a chance when a …

Britney Spears American Idol Judge – Simon Cowell has been pushing to get Britney Spears as the new American Idol Judge. I think that woulld be a genius move. Paula had very little talent, is a dufus and Britney is…