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I saw this earlier this year and almost went and performed that would have been hilarious. I am a closet, in the car singer, you can find me at stoplights singing my lunges out but to do it in front of judges is another story.
With the ongoing popularity of the American Idol reality TV show on FOX, it’s not surprising that Disney jumped on the bandwagon. The opening in early 2009 of the ‘American Idol Experience’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park set the stage for – not only fun entertainment – but also genuine opportunity for those looking to showcase their talent.
I took a personal behind-the-scenes media tour of this attraction as well as sat in the audience during a show – and I loved it!  The stage, lights, sights and sounds of the America Idol Experience mimic the real Idol in a creative and entertaining way.
Highlighting top talent
What they don’t do is belittle singers or poke fun – they only highlight the top talent. This is accomplished through a pre-screening process when you arrive at the attraction. Before you make it onto the Disney stage, you must first measure up to a casting director and producer’s scrutiny. Singers can be age 14 to infinity, which gives lots of more people the opportunity to express themselves vocally (compared to the age restrictions of 16 to 28 for American Idol).
The coveted Dream Ticket
Three singers are selected for each of the shows that run throughout the day. The finale show is where the winners from each of the earlier shows compete. The winner from each day then gets a Dream Ticket which is like a Disney “fast pass†that takes you to the front of the line at the “real†American Idol. (If you do not meet American Idol’s criteria, you can give your Dream Ticket to someone who does – a family member, or singer friend of yours who plans to audition).
It is indeed a golden ticket for those who would otherwise wait in the endless lines, and be at the mercy of harsh weather – like the sweltering Orlando sunshine and sudden rain gushes that may affect those auditioning at Orlando’s Amway Arena.
Entertainment at its best
As an audience member, I enjoyed watching each performance and getting the chance to vote for my favorite singer using a high tech gadget at my seat. What I also found to be entertaining about Disney’s attraction was a pre-show rally where a cheerleader-type host revved up the crowd with practice applause mixed in with voting instructions.  I was equally impressed by the “judges†– music industry executives / actors who effectively play a role to incite laughter with their eccentricities, glitzy wardrobe and comments. They had some similarities to the panel of judges we are used to seeing on Fox TV, but stood alone as their own distinct characters as well.
Wardrobe recommendations
My recommendation for serious competitors is to dress the part. Both times when I attended the American Idol Experience, several singers were dressed like tourists – in flip-flop sandals, shorts and t-shirts. This is great if you’re singing a Jimmy Buffet tune, but it doesn’t look right if you are crooning a Josh Groban classical pop song. Get the picture?
The right song choice
Speaking of songs, a list of the song choices that singers can pick from is on the American Idol Experience website. If you make it past the a cappella audition, you’ll have a chance to practice in the Red Room and perform a run-through on the Disney Idol stage without the audience. Lyrics are conveniently displayed karaoke style on a big screen for you to read – so there is no excuse to forget the lyrics and no need to write words on your hand.
The final say
Personally, I feel Walt Disney World, in conjunction with Fremantle Media, created a winning attraction with the American Idol Experience. Each live show is unpredictable and as unique as the singers who step onto the stage. (Kellie Pickler’s cousin was preparing to perform as I toured the casting area!)
One thing is certain though: Whether you are on stage singing your heart out, or in a theatre seat watching someone fulfill their dreams, it is a unifying experience. I am glad that the American Idol Experience has become a new player in Orlando’s cultural arts scene. Thank you, Disney!
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Chip is the owner, editor, and writer of Chip and Company. When he is not writing about Disney News or Planning Tips, you will find him counting down the days to his next Disney Vacation.
What they don’t do is belittle singers or poke fun – they only highlight the top talent. This is accomplished through a pre-screening process when you arrive at the attraction. Before you make it onto the Disney stage, you must first measure up to a casting director and producer’s scrutiny. Singers can be age 14 to infinity, which gives lots of more people the opportunity to express themselves vocally (compared to the age restrictions of 16 to 28 for American Idol).
