The American Idol Experience

Former theme park attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios

The American Idol Experience

Attraction entrance

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Area| Echo Lake
Coordinates| 28°21′23.45″N 81°33′34.59″W﻿ / ﻿28.3565139°N 81.5596083°W﻿ / 28.3565139; -81.5596083
Status| Removed
Opening date| February 14, 2009 (2009-02-14)
Closing date| August 30, 2014 (2014-08-30)
Replaced| Doug Live!, 1999-2001; Theater vacant from 2001-2008
Replaced by| For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, June 17, 2015[1]
Ride statistics
Attraction type| Live singing auditions
Designer| Walt Disney Imagineering (attraction design)
Fremantle/Thames Television
19 Entertainment (show format)
Theme| American Idol
Hosted by| Ryan Seacrest (pre-show)

FastPass+ available again

Wheelchair accessible

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.

## History

[edit]

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 attraction 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

[edit]

American Idol Experience stage

### Finale show and "Dream Ticket"

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

## References

[edit]

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".

## External links

[edit]

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

American Idol

* Episodes
* Season 1
* 2
* 3
* 4
* 5
* 6
* 7
* 8
* 9
* 10
* 11
* 12
* 13
* 14
* 15
* 16
* 17
* 18
* 19
* 20
* 21
* 22

Finalists|

| Winners|

* Kelly Clarkson
* Ruben Studdard
* Fantasia Barrino
* Carrie Underwood
* Taylor Hicks
* Jordin Sparks
* David Cook
* Kris Allen
* Lee DeWyze
* Scotty McCreery
* Phillip Phillips
* Candice Glover
* Caleb Johnson
* Nick Fradiani
* Trent Harmon
* Maddie Poppe
* Laine Hardy
* Just Sam
* Chayce Beckham
* Noah Thompson
* Iam Tongi
* Abi Carter

|

Runners-up|

* Justin Guarini
* Clay Aiken
* Diana DeGarmo
* Bo Bice
* Katharine McPhee
* Blake Lewis
* David Archuleta
* Adam Lambert
* Crystal Bowersox
* Lauren Alaina
* Jessica Sanchez
* Kree Harrison
* Jena Irene
* Clark Beckham
* La'Porsha Renae
* Caleb Lee Hutchinson
* Alejandro Aranda
* Arthur Gunn
* Willie Spence
* HunterGirl
* Megan Danielle
* Will Moseley

Other alumni|

* Nikki McKibbin
* Josh Gracin
* Jennifer Hudson
* Elliott Yamin
* Chris Daughtry
* Kellie Pickler
* Mandisa
* Danny Gokey
* Todrick Hall
* Tori Kelly
* Haley Reinhart
* Colton Dixon
* Monogem
* Angie Miller
* Daniel Seavey
* Gabby Barrett
* Catie Turner
* Lauren Spencer-Smith
* Benson Boone

Winners' singles|

* "A Moment Like This"
* "Flying Without Wings"
* "I Believe"
* "Inside Your Heaven"
* "Do I Make You Proud"
* "This Is My Now"
* "The Time of My Life"
* "No Boundaries"
* "Beautiful Day"
* "I Love You This Big"
* "Home"
* "I Am Beautiful"
* "As Long as You Love Me"
* "Beautiful Life"
* "Falling"
* "Flame"
* "23"

Concert tours|

* 1
* 2
* 3
* 4
* 5
* 6
* 7
* 8
* 9
* 10
* 11
* 12
* 13
* 14
* 16

Related programming|

* Idol (franchise)
* American Juniors
* Idol Christmas
* Idol Extra
* Idol Gives Back
* Idol Rewind
* World Idol

Related articles|

* Alumni album sales
* Alumni awards and nominations
* Alumni in film, television and theater
* Alumni single sales
* Compilation series
* Controversies
* Discography
* Finalists
* Hot 100 singles
* "Judge Me Tender"
* The American Idol Experience
* Video game

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