The American Idol Experience

The American Idol Experience
Attraction entrance
Disney's Hollywood Studios
AreaEcho Lake
Coordinates28°21′23.45″N 81°33′34.59″W / 28.3565139°N 81.5596083°W / 28.3565139; -81.5596083
StatusRemoved
Opening dateJuly 15, 1999 (1999-07-15)
Closing dateApril 7, 2009 (2009-04-07)
ReplacedDoug Live! (1999–2001)
Theater vacant from 2001–2008
Replaced byNickelodeon Studios (2005-2016 present) For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (2018-present)
Ride statistics
Attraction typeLive singing auditions
DesignerWalt Disney Imagineering (attraction design)
Fremantle/Thames Television
19 Entertainment (show format)
ThemeAmerican Idol
Hosted byRyan Seacrest (pre-show)
FastPass+ available again
Disabled access Wheelchair accessible

The American Idol Experience was a theme park attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. Inspired by the popular American television series American Idol, the attraction invited park guests 14 years or older to audition in front of live audiences who would vote for their favorite singers.

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.

The attraction was promoted by winners of the American Idol from the seventh season onwards by appearing in commercials and announcing "I'm going to Disney World!".

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

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. The winner of the last show of the day received a "Dream Ticket", which allowed them to skip the line to during the audition process for an upcoming season of American Idol.

Winners

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

References

  1. ↑ Stacey, Russ. "Summer is the Best Time to Stay 'Frozen' at Disney's Hollywood Studios". disneyparks.disney.go.com. Disney Parks. Archived from the original on May 6, 2015. 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. Archived from the original on May 29, 2010.
  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. ↑ "Defunctland: The American Idol Theme Park Experience" on YouTube
  11. ↑ "Adam Ezegelian: American Idol 2015 Top 16 Profile".


28°21′23.45″N 81°33′34.59″W / 28.3565139°N 81.5596083°W / 28.3565139; -81.5596083