Disney pacts for 'Idol' attraction
Resort to offer an 'American' experience
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Attraction, to be housed at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park, will open later this year.
Parkgoers will be able to audition by performing in video kiosks. Next a Disney Hollywood Studios producer will determine who will be made over and go on the "American Idol" stage, where those chosen will perform in front of a panel of judges. Performers with the highest votes will then compete in an end-of-day grand finale show.
Winning the theme park "American Idol" competish does not lead to contestants appearing on the Fox series, producers stressed.
"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," said Keith Hindle, exec VP of FremantleMedia Enterprises.
Producers have considered the concept for about a year and mulled whether to set up smaller stages at multiple parks or focus on a larger experience at one venue.
"We wanted to make 'Idol' a year-round experience," Hindle said.
Financial terms of the licensing deal were not disclosed, but 19 and Fremantle will oversee the design and construction of the attraction.
"American Idol" will join other new attractions at DisneyWorld this year, including Block Party Bash, an interactive and moving Disney-Pixar spectacle; and Toy Story Mania!, a 3-D interactive ride-through videogame starring "Toy Story" characters.
Producers have no plans yet to set up an "American Idol" attraction at Disneyland in California.
"We want to see how this goes first and take it from there," Hindle said.
