New Fun Family-Friendly Attractions at Disney World

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

16 Feb 2009 06:10 PM

As if the average family didn't have enough to do at the "House of Mouse," Walt Disney World just unveiled a new attraction that's sure to have your young songbirds hitting a high note.

Saturday marked the grand opening of Disney World's brand-new "The American Idol Experience" attraction, and just like the TV show it is a huge hit. In one day alone, more than 7,000 people filled Disney's venue for the sing-off.

The competition is modeled after the mega-popular "American Idol" television show and features seven preliminary shows per day, plus a finale. Disney execs classify the "Experience" as two attractions--the audition experience and the show experience.

The audition experience mirrors the process of trying out for the TV show; only Disney's version is condensed so a winner can be crowned by the end of the day. The audition experience begins by having "Idol" wannabes perform a 30-second a cappella rendition of their favorite song in front of "talent scouts." From there contestants are lead through various stages of preparation to a performance on a near-perfect replica of the "Idol" set. Prep time includes getting instruction from vocal coaches and hair and makeup artists, as well as time in a Coca-Cola red lounge decked out with iPods and headphones, so contestants can learn shortened arrangements of one of 113 popular songs they will perform in front of hundreds of screaming fans.

The show experience is equally as realistic. It features not only the singers, but also three zany judges who dole out zingers ala Simon Cowell. Disney's version of the "Idol" competition also includes video clips from real- life TV host Ryan Seacrest and former "Idol" winners such as David Cook and Jordin Sparks.

Winners of qualifying rounds advance to the day's grand finale. The winner of the final round wins a "Dream Ticket"--a chance to sing for producers at a future "American Idol" audition.

Another bonus: You can try out once a day for as many days as you desire. Of course, you need to pay admission to the park each time you wish to convince judges you are "Idol" material, but if you are successful at Disney World you could be on your way to Hollywood... and that's something you can't put a price tag on.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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