-- updated: read a review of American Idol Experience, at About.com's Theme Parks site
Starting February 2009, you (or your teen) could be belting out a song onstage at a new American Idol attraction at Walt Disney World. Every day, guests can audition, and perhaps perform on stage; others can watch in an audience and help the judges decide; a Grand Finale show will end the day, and the winner scores a spot in front of the judges at regional auditions for American Idol (a top tv show, in case you didn't know.)
It all happens at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park, at a suitably glitzy venue.
More about the American Idol Attraction at Disney World
Here's how it works:
Guests 14 and older can audition. Register online; also, a limited number of audition slots will be available each day for guests in the theme park.*
During the audition, each guest sings solo in front of a casting director.
Hundreds of singers get picked, to compete in one of several "preliminary shows" during the day.
These contestants get some backstage preparation: performance training plus hair and make-up treatment.
During the preliminary shows, singers vie to impress a panel of three judges and a live audience who vote for the winners using touchpads on their armrests.
The winner with most audience votes in each show returns for a grand-finale show that evening, with lots of glitz.
The top vote-getter at the night show gets a "Dream Ticket" for a priority slot at an actual regional audition for the American Idol show (- i.e. no waiting in the legendary long line-ups to audition in front of the American Idol panel.)
Sounds like a lot of fun for all the contestants, and a big thrill for those who make it to the evening show.
Background about Walt Disney World
Remember, it's huge: 47 sq. miles, four theme parks, two water parks, 23 resorts, numerous parades and live shows; planning is advised! These pages may help:
*Always check for updates and changes!
* photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
