'American Idol' Coming Attraction At Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, FL -- Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced that the television phenomenon known as "American Idol" is coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park in Florida as a new attraction.

Disney along with American Idol's executive producers announced that they've partnered to create a theme park attraction based on the high-energy television show. Park guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, performing on stage or the thrill of judging the performances in a new live interactive American Idol show.

The new show to be located at Disney's Hollywood Studios park will have all the glitz and glamour of the distinctive "American Idol" set.

According to Disney the American Idol attraction will include an audition process, open to all who register, where guests perform "live" in front of a Disney's Hollywood Studios producer to be cast in a theme park show. After backstage preparation - working with a vocal coach, hair and make up - it's lights up and showtime in front of a "live" audience and a panel of judges also made up of theme park guests.

Guest performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day Grand Finale show at Walt Disney World.

The winner of the Grand Finale will be granted a guaranteed reservation to try out for the American Idol television show at a future regional stadium audition without having to wait in line.

"Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the 'American Idol' stage," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts. "We're excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World."

"One of the most remarkable elements about 'American Idol' is that for a brief moment each week, we can provide TV viewers the opportunity to imagine life as America's next superstar," said Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment.

Disney says the coming "American Idol" attraction will reflect the best and brightest of the TV show, giving starry-eyed park guests a chance to become a star on the attraction's stage.

"Disney's new attraction perfectly captures what we at 'American Idol' feel is the heart and soul of this brand, real people getting a shot to make their dream a reality," added Fuller.

The new American Idol attraction slated to debut in late 2008 will joins three other new attractions debuting at Disney's Hollywood Studios park this year.

Recently the park opened a new show "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" and next month a new parade "Block Party Bash" featuring the Disney-Pixar characters will begin.

Later this summer, Disney will debut a major new ride at the park called Toy Story Mania! This multi-million dollar 3-D interactive dark ride is based on the characters from the Disney-Pixar 'Toy Story' movies.

For more information, see Disney's Hollywood Studios or visit www.waltdisneyworld.com

American Idol attraction artwork courtesy of Walt Disney Company. All rights reserved.