The American Idol Experience

The American Idol Experience was a theme park attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort.[2] Inspired by the popular American television series American Idol, the attraction invited park guests to audition in front of live audiences who would vote for their favorite singers.

American Idol Experience
Attraction entrance
Disney's Hollywood Studios
AreaEcho Lake
Coordinates28°21′23.45″N 81°33′34.59″W
StatusRemoved
Opening dateFebruary 14, 2009 (2009-02-14)
Closing dateAugust 30, 2014 (2014-08-30)
ReplacedDoug Live!, 1999-2001; Theater vacant from 2001-2008
Replaced byFor the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, June 17, 2015[1]
Ride statistics
Attraction typeLive singing auditions
DesignerWalt Disney Imagineering (attraction design)
Fremantle/Thames Television
19 Entertainment (show format)
ThemeAmerican Idol
FastPass+ was available
Disabled access Wheelchair accessible

History

The attraction's grand opening took place on February 14, 2009, with occasional preview performances in the weeks leading up to the official opening. A press event just prior to the official opening featured many "Idol" celebrities, including all seven winners, numerous finalists, host Ryan Seacrest, judge Paula Abdul and "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller.[3]

The American Idol Experience was promoted by winners of the American Idol from Season seven onwards by appearing in commercials and announcing "I'm going to Disney World!".[4][5][6]

In June 2014, Disney announced that the show would close in January 2015,[7] then two months later they pushed forward the closure to the end of August 2014.[8]

Operations
American Idol Experience stage

Finale show and "Dream Ticket"

The last show of each operating day featured the winners of that day's preliminary shows. Again, the live audience voted for the performer they liked the best. During the show, the audience was prompted to encourage the contestants and heckle the judges.[9]

Winners

Fourteenth season semi-finalist Adam Ezegelian was a two-time Dream Ticket winner (2009 and 2014).[10]

References
  1. Stacey, Russ. "Summer is the Best Time to Stay 'Frozen' at Disney's Hollywood Studios". disneyparks.disney.go.com. Disney Parks. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  2. Creager, Ellen (January 27, 2009). "It's where dreams can come true: American Idol Experience opens up world of possibilities for visitors". The Vancouver Province. p. A31. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
  3. Bevil, Dewayne (February 13, 2009). "Recapping the premiere of American Idol Experience at Disney World". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 6, 2011. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
  4. David Cook - "I'm Going To Disney World!" Commercial
  5. Kris Allen is... "Going to Disney World!". May 21, 2009 – via YouTube.
  6. "'American Idol' Champion Lee DeWyze 'Going to Disney World' on Monday". Disney Parks Blog.
  7. Bevil, Dewayne (June 16, 2014). "Hollywood Studios: American Idol Experience closing". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
  8. Bevil, Dewayne (August 15, 2014). "Closing time: Disney moves up end date for American Idol Experience". orlandosentinel.com. Tribune Newspapers. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
  9. Travis Reed, AP. "Become an American Idol, Ride the Mantas and More at New Theme Park Attractions". Travel, MSN. Archived from the original on May 28, 2009. Retrieved May 24, 2009.
  10. "Adam Ezegelian: American Idol 2015 Top 16 Profile".

28°21′23.45″N 81°33′34.59″W

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