The American Idol Experience” captures the energy and excitement of the TV
series, with some guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios auditioning to take the
spotlight onstage, while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote
for their favorite singer with instant results.
The newly opened attraction was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in
conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and 19 TV Ltd. It is based on
the smash-hit television show “American Idol” – produced by 19 TV Ltd. and
FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) – and is designed to immerse park guests in
the authentic feel of a live television production.
“Disney parks are all about making dreams come true, and that’s exactly what
will happen at ‘The American Idol Experience,’ ” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Whether they are onstage singing or in the
audience cheering on their favorite performer, our guests will feel immersed in
a world of instant stardom.”
Each show takes place in a 1,000-seat indoor theater that features the twirling
neon signs and a multi-layered backdrop inspired by the actual “American Idol”
set in California. Building on its hallmark of attention to detail, Walt Disney
Imagineering worked with the Hollywood set designer who designed the actual TV
show set for “American Idol.” The newly designed venue is the most
technologically advanced theater found at Walt Disney World Resort.
Designed to reflect the best and brightest elements of the TV show, “The
American Idol Experience” includes an audition process open to Disney’s
Hollywood Studios guests 14 and older (audition slots are limited and interested
guests are encouraged to arrive early). These guests perform live in front of a
Disney’s Hollywood Studios casting director for the opportunity to be cast in
one of the preliminary theme park shows that same day.
If
shown to have that special “star quality” during the multi-step audition
process, it’s on to performance training, hair and makeup. Then, the lights come
up and it’s showtime for the singers as they try to impress an audience of theme
park guests – plus a panel of three expert judges.
Fellow park guests are able to enjoy the performances just like at a live
television taping. Then, audience members vote for their favorite performance
using the armrest keypads, with their votes tallied to determine the top singer.
Performers with the highest votes during the preliminary shows return for a
high-energy grand finale show that same evening. After their encore
performances, the big moment arrives. It’s a super-charged, eye-popping scene as
audience votes are tallied, the other performers drop off, music builds and the
spotlight shines down, amid a blizzard of confetti, on the day’s top singer. In
addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getter receives “The
American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket, which allows an eligible holder to
schedule a front-of-the-line audition to a future regional audition for the
“American Idol” television show. And every member of the audience can take a
bow, too, because they had a role in deciding that day’s star.
“The American Idol Experience” is the newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood
Studios. The showbiz-inspired theme park immerses guests in the glamour of show
business with thrilling attractions, Broadway-style shows, world-class
atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, music, television and radio
production facilities.
If
shown to have that special “star quality” during the multi-step audition
process, it’s on to performance training, hair and makeup. Then, the lights come
up and it’s showtime for the singers as they try to impress an audience of theme
park guests – plus a panel of three expert judges.
