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Branded Attractions
www.parkworld-online.com
AMERICAN IDOL
EXPERIENCE
Hot property at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Fans of the TV show Capturing the energy and excitement of the TV series, must perform live in front of a park casting director for
American Idol, or any one of this new addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios allows the opportunity to be cast in one of the live shows the
the global ‘Idol’ franchises, guests to audition for a special park version of same day. If shown to have that special “star quality”
won’t want to miss the American Idol, where their performances are rated by during the multi-step audition process, it’s on to
newest attraction at the audience and a panel of judges. performance training, hair and make-up. They will then
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “The show is enjoyable for all ages, whether you are choose from a list of 113 songs and be accompanied
Lake Buena Vista, Florida. an American Idol fan or not,” contends Jason Dobbins by an instrumental recording, karaoke-style. Then, the
Paul Ruben goes behind of the park’s marketing department. “For those who lights come up and it’s showtime for the singers as they
the scenes of Walt Disney enjoy the TV show, it’s an opportunity to become part try to impress an audience of park guests, plus a panel
World’s hottest new of the phenomenon while at Walt Disney World. For of three expert judges.
branded attraction those who simply appreciate music and theatre shows, Audience members enjoy the performances just as
this is a great opportunity to see a high-tech though they were at a live television show, and vote for
production filled with lots of excitement.” their favourite performance using armrest touchpads.
The new attraction opened on February 14 and is Performers with the highest votes during these
the only Idol-branded theme park experience to date, preliminary shows return for a grand finale at the end
developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction of each day. The big winner from each of these shows,
with Fremantle Media Enterprises and 19 TV Ltd. Each in addition to their theme park fame, is then eligible
show takes place in a 1,000 seat, indoor theatre that for a front-of-the-line audition for the real American
features the twirling neon signs and a multi-layered Idol TV show.
backdrop reminiscent of the real American Idol set. “The reaction to The American Idol Experience has
Although American Idol is not a Disney property, been overwhelmingly positive,” confirms Dobbins.
Dobbins concedes that it is, “one of the hottest shows “Guests have told our cast members they actually felt
on TV right now,” and therefore a perfect fit for like they were in Hollywood and never expected
Disney’s Hollywood Studios. ”We want your stay here something as exciting as this when they walked into
TV presenter Ryan Seacrest in front
to be experiential with TV, theatre, musicals, film and the attraction. Many audition for The American Idol
of the new attraction entertainment in general. We want to hit all of them”. Experience because they want to feel what it is like to
But how difficult was it to transform the hit TV show perform on the American Idol show but do not want
into a credible theme park attraction? “It wasn't as to go through the lengthy audition process. That’s
difficult as we thought,” reveals Dobbins. “Our something most people would not have the
attraction and the TV show are very similar in nature. opportunity to do while they are on vacation in
The only true difference is volume. We have to put Florida!”
seven shows together each day and they put together
two shows per week.” See The American Idol Experience for yourself by
The American Idol Experience audition process is accessing exclusive video content in the digital version
open to all park guests aged 14 and older. First they of this magazine. Visit www.parkworld-online.com
A performance in full flow at
The American Idol Experience
36
APRIL 2009
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