Yesterday, Disney announced that it is jumping on the American Idol bandwagon. Disney will be adding an American Idol ‘attraction’ to its Hollywood Studios theme park at Disney World in Florida. The announcement was made jointly by Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment (American Idol creator) and Keith Hindle, executive vice
president of FremantleMedia Licensing.

Slated to debut in late 2008,the attraction 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 glamor of the distinctive American Idol set.

That experience will include an audition process, open to all who register, where guests perform “live” in video kiosks in full view of a panel of screeners. Singers who pass this screening test will move on to the next stage before 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.”

Thanks to reader Laurie for the tip!

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