It's Official

The ABC Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be the home of a new attraction based on American Idol. I have known this for months, but there were also other rumors going around. This really keeps in the themeing that the park now represents modern day Hollywood.

Here is the link to WDW Magic for the press release:

http://www.wdwmagic.com/americanidol.htm

That is pretty interesting especially since Idol airs on Fox. I guess they are anticpating the franchise to last awhile.

Now this was definetly unexpected, yet interesting and i am sure it will be popular. But i bet disney had to pay an arm and a leg for the rights to it...

Thats uhm.... cool? lol

Yet kinda odd in my opinion. x_o

people of all ages won't be able to participate will they or no?

In the article that was given on the link in the first post, it doesn't specify an age limit.

Common sense would say that there should be a kids and adults section to be fair. However, if they just have one show that includes everybody, I would assume that if kids (under 18 ) wanted to participate, they would need a parent / legal guardian with them (or at least their authorization).

Maybe LadyVader could clarify with more details...?

I am sure anyone is eligible, but like Tink says they will have to have a legal guardian there to sign the paper work. I am kind of on the fence with it. I think for those that always wanted to show off their talent it will be wonderful. But for the everyday guest. I don't know how many of them will choose going to see someone off the street sing, or go ride the Tower of Terror. It has a lot of positive things, and some drawbacks. It will be interesting for sure.

I found out some more info about this, at WDWinfo.comincluding the main prize

"American Idol coming to Disney World
Feb 8, 2008

Disney's Hollywood Studios is partnering with Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment and FreMantleMedia in opening the 'American Idol' attraction.

Slated to debut in late 2008, this attraction will host daily auditions/competitions for park guests who register. At the end of the day, a Grand Finale performance will take place with that day's winners participating. The 'Idol' chosen as the day's best gets a spot at the front of the line at a regional Idol competition. While there's no guarantee that they will be chosen to audition in front of Idol's judges, they will bypass the long waits.

When asked about Idol's affiliation with Fox broadcasting as opposed to Disney's ABC network, Keith Hindle, FremantleMedia's licensing vice president stated "It is owned by us, so we can extend the brand in the off-air space in the ways that we want to. We don't see this in any way as a NewsCorp. vs. Disney debate. That's never been part of the discussion, and it's not something that's relevant to us. It's just part of 'American Idol.'"

The Disney competition will be open for guests age 14 and up. Since American Idol is limited to participants in the 16 to 28 year age group, the winner of Disney's contest can transfer their pass to a friend or family member or, in the case of those under age 16, save it for a future Idol competition. The pass cannot be sold.

Throughout the year, actual Idol stars may be scheduled to perform at WDW and themed merchandise will be for sale. Hindle said "It's a very collaborative process. Disney knows more about live stage productions that we ever will. We know more about our TV show that Disney ever will. Exactly how this will manifest it is something that will be mutually approved by all parties. We're looking to Disney to see how their guests like to be entertained."