[JEANY031]

7 February 2008: American Idol attraction coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2008) -- 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, it was jointly announced today by Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts; Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment; and Keith Hindle, executive vice president of FremantleMedia Licensing.

<http://www.wdwmagic.com/thumbnails/disneyshollywoodstudios/webAmericanIdolExterior358258617_small.jpg> <http://www.wdwmagic.com/thumbnails/disneyshollywoodstudios/weblarge_AmericanIdolExterior259072948_small.jpg>
COPYRIGHT 2008. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

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.

That experience will include an audition process, open to all who register, where guests perform ?live? in front of a Disney?s Hollywood Studios producer to be cast in a theme park show. After backstage preparation -- working with a vocal coach, hair and make-up -- it?s lights up and showtime 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. 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."

[Daisee]

WOW! Kinda like what they did with Millionaire.. sorta.....

[DisneyTeacher]

Is it just me or does anyone else think this has the potential to be awful?

[Daisee]

Originally Posted by DisneyTeacher

Is it just me or does anyone else think this has the potential to be awful?

Yep, as awful as it is to watch on TV...

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by Daisee

Yep, as awful as it is to watch on TV...

And I watch it--every week.

[cinderbella]

weird.......

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by cinderbella

weird.......

Beyond weird.

[emamasa]

sounds strange - and like it would take A LOT of time. not sure i'd want to spend that much time at one thing. maybe it's good for those who have lots of time, and can go to the park several times, or go often? or who don't like the other things at that park? i dunno.......

[LuvDisney24]

a person that is going to do the show has to be going to the park that day for just that... the American Idol. What a waste of a day.

[2nd Star]

I saw a picture of what it will look like on access hollywood..I was like wow I didn't even hear rumors about it.

[WishUponAStar]

I think that would be pretty cool for someone who's always wanted to experience it & never could. Or, teenagers who are American Idol fans, etc. I think it would be pretty popular.

ALTHOUGH, I could see it fizzling out real fast like the WWtbaM concept. Once the show becomes less popular the attraction would fizzle. This may be about 2 years too late.

[keljen]

I have mixed feelings about this as I would prefer to see something that more people would do as I think this is geared to a much smaller group as not all of us wish to be in front of people singing. Put in a new Thrill ride I say

[timkelmom]

Any one know where is will go (the sound's dangerous sound stage hopefully)?

I personally lost interest in this show about 3 seasons ago. It is redundant now and the "Idols" are rarely seen or heard from after their 15 mins.

However, people who like Idol and like to sing may enjoy this experience.
I won't waste my time with it, but I'm sure it will be popular for a short while.

[KarenWDWCP]

Originally Posted by DisneyTeacher

Is it just me or does anyone else think this has the potential to be awful?

I do!

I love American Idol and watch it every week but I probably wouldn't check out this attraction, even just as an audience member. It seems like a weird thing to throw in there. If you wanted to try out and participate it would take all day and if you weren't actually participating or didn't know someone participating, it really doesn't strike me as something I would want to spend my time doing.

Frankly, I would rather ride ToT a few times than sit and watch a bunch of people simulate auditioning for American Idol. What a weird idea.

[Boss Mouse]

I think it would be a waste of space, like the Narnia attraction. imho