Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
February 18, 2009
Copyright © 1999 - 2009 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blog
content to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN!
Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - new Disney Sweepstakes, Disney Cruise Line sale, Disneyland California deal, Disneyland Paris special, Universal hotel discounts, and BIG savings on December cruises
* News from around the "World" - American Idol premiers at Disney's Hollywood Studios
* A statement from Disney regarding its new website
* Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort Opens August 4, 2009
* Hit the Right Note, or Join the Audience and Vote In First-Ever Attraction Based on ‘American Idol’
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
2 new sweeps added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 30 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Cruises starting at $299 per person!
-------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
3rd Night Free! Adults pay the kids’ price!
-------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
FREE hotel accommodation and FREE entrance to both Disney Parks!
-------------------------------
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Save up to 42% at Universal hotels!
-------------------------------
NEW FALL 2009 3-DAY CRUISE
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I just grabbed space on the December 17 sailing of this offer. This is an AWESOME deal given that you rarely see short cruises with this line (especially in the Caribbean) and the pricing is great for a pre-holiday cruise. This is a BRAND NEW ship, just christened in November. I was on that sailing and can say with first-hand experience that she's really gorgeous. I took minisuites, balconies, a few ocean view cabins, and some inside cabins. Most will accommodate three people, and a few may hold four (although those cabins go quickly)." Must book before March 15! (Members should log in to access the pdf file I've posted for prices and more details.)
=================================================
Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 50 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* A week at Walt Disney World from $1375 for a family of four
* Spring Training package
* Disneyland California hotel special
* Universal Orlando discounted vacation packages
* SeaWorld Discovery Cove discounts
* Luxury Cruise promotion
* WDW luxury resort deal for residents of this northeast state
* FREE nights AND tickets at these hotels near Disney
* Orlando Theme Park Package with hotel and tickets to 3 parks
* Luxury Cruise Special: Kids sail from $99 and $250 to spend
* Disney World: $1375 for a family of four for 7 nights
* Advance Purchase Rates at this Orlando Luxury Resort Hotel
* Free Disneyland Gift Card valued up to $150
* 100 free upgrades in hotels all over the world
* Massive cruise sale with FREE air
* AMTRAK special for Florida Residents
* Walt Disney World 3 nights FREE
* Room discounts, FREE tickets and Package for military
* Room discounts and Package with Dining for Annual Passholders
* 2 Days for the Price of 1 at Universal Hollywood
* Unlimited visits throughout 2009 for $65 at SeaWorld San Diego
* Annual Pass deal for Florida Residents at Busch Gardens
* BIG Amtrak sale
* Downtown Disney Resort Hotel discount
* SeaWorld Hotel suite sale
* Kids eat FREE at Universal hotels
* Universal Blue Man Group discount
* Disneyland Annual Passes on a monthly payment plan
* Disneyland 4th night FREE
* Walt Disney World vacation package that discounts everything
* Kids sail FREE on Disney cruise line
* Kids stay and play FREE at Disneyland Paris
* 34 WDW / Florida / Disneyland / S. California sweepstakes
* Disneyland California package with $150 Disney gift card
* Universal Hollywood All You Can Eat Pass
* Save 50% at these deluxe Walt Disney World resorts
* 2010 Disney cruises now booking
* Get a FREE ticket to the Walt Disney World theme parks in 2009
* Nickelodeon Family Cruise
* Kids eat FREE membership card
* Disney cruise early booking discounts
* Vegas Resort & Casino special
* Disney hotel room and cruise line specials for Floridians
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
Slide Show: The American Idol Experience World Premiere
ESPN The Weekend Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods Returns to Walt Disney World Resort Feb. 27-March 1
Dateline Disney - March-April 2009
Cheers to the 2009 Disney’s Dreamers Academy Graduating Class
Disney, Lego strike licensing deal
‘The American Idol Experience’: Fast Facts
Technology Meets Tinseltown in ‘The American Idol Experience’ At Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park
Disney Cruise Line gets new president amid reshuffling
Disney Dreamers Academy teaches teens to reach for their dreams
Disney, along with the CPSC, is recalling Playhouse Disney "Handy Manny" tool set.
Lawsuit: Disney's Tower of Terror gave British teen heart attack, stroke
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Hagrid's Hut appears like magic at Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter
VIVA lA MÚSICA Spices Up SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa with Latin Flavor
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Two Disneyland Resort Jungle Cruise Skippers 'Spiel' Their Way to Tokyo Disney Resort
Disneyland Resort Implements Programs to Reduce Emissions
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
=================================================
February 11, 2009 - Disney issued the following announcement regarding regarding its new website and hard to find information:
"To All of Our Valued Guests: We are aware of your concerns regarding park hours, calendars, operational updates and parade and event hours. Please know we understand your concerns and have been working diligently to resolve resolve these issues. In the meantime, we ask for your patience and understanding as we work to bring you new information and new features on Disneyworld.com.
In regards to the concern regarding the number of days out we display park hours on the Web site, there has been a change in Walt Disney World policy. The standard calendar will now display information for the current month plus the next three months on a rolling basis. As an example – On February 1 park hours will display for the month of February, plus the months of March, April, and May. On March 1 park hours will display for the month of March, plus April, May, and June, and so on. This update cycle will be the standard throughout the year."
=================================================
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Opens August 4, 2009
"The tower blends modern architectural sensibilities with the visual cues of its neighbor. The exterior mimics the original resort’s A-frame structure and the building’s shape also creates tremendous views. The pool has a unique water slide, wrapped in glass block. Two-story lobby is filled with woven woods and glass-wrapped columns. The accommodations offer sweeping views. A Sky Way Bridge links the tower to the original resort." (Source: Disney email blast, 02/17/09)
=================================================
Hit the Right Note, or Join the Audience and Vote In First-Ever Attraction Based on ‘American Idol’
Theme Park Guests Shine in Attraction Spotlight
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – While guests are usually the ones to enjoy the attractions and shows at Walt Disney World Resort, “The American Idol Experience” places Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests in the spotlight, immersing them in the thrill of auditioning and performing or voting on their favorite musical performances.
Modeled after the famous “American Idol” television show, the newly opened Walt Disney World attraction makes dreams come true by showcasing the talents of park guests age 14 and older who have aced the auditions (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early).
Like the television show, fans – not the onstage judges – have the final say on who is deemed the best of the best. With seating to accommodate 1,000 audience members, the high-tech theater features keypads at each seat so guests can vote for their favorite singer.
Performers who receive the most audience votes in the preliminary shows return to star in that evening’s grand finale show. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition at a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.
Here’s a look at what Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests may experience at “The American Idol Experience” attraction, whether judging performances from the audience or belting out their favorite song through the audition process.
Performers: A Star is Born
* Guests age 14 or older are invited to obtain an assigned audition time after they enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
* When these guests arrive at “The American Idol Experience” attraction, they enter a special queue that leads to the audition rooms and backstage areas of the theater.
* Guests proceed to the backstage lobby area where they view a pre-audition video welcome. Individuals are then ushered into an audition room to perform an a cappella song for a Disney casting director. Each audition room is built to resemble the audition rooms featured on the television show. The casting director provides feedback and coaching on the performance, and then decides whether the performer moves to the next level.
* If the guest passes Audition Round One it’s on to Round Two – where the judging is even tougher.
* Singers making it to Audition Round Two are given an “American Idol Experience” pin-on number to wear (similar to the one seen on contestants during the “American Idol” television show regional auditions). They’re ushered into the Red Room where they select from a list of pre-approved songs to sing for the Disney producer. The Red Room is an upscale, backstage lounge where they can relax and prep for their next audition.
* When their names are called, guests proceed to the next audition room to perform in front of a Disney show producer. Similar to the scene played out thousands of times in the TV show’s regional auditions, guests sing their hearts out with hopes and dreams to make it to the next level. And while that next level on the television show is a trip to Hollywood for further competition, park guests passing this audition in the attraction realize the dream of performing onstage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in front of an audience.
* Guests chosen by the Disney producer then meet and train with a performance coach and receive the “Hollywood treatment” from professional hair and make-up designers.
* After their “look” is show ready, guests hit the main “American Idol Experience” stage for the first time. The Disney show director, stage manager and staging specialist conduct a dress rehearsal to provide final instructions.
* As the butterflies build, hopefuls wait backstage in the theater’s VIP Green Room while park guests file into their seats for the big show. The lights come up, the music begins pounding, and it’s showtime!
* In addition to the individual performances, the high-energy show features all the glitz and glamour of the TV show, including special montages from past “American Idol” winners and contestants, exclusive video clips and shout-outs from “American Idol” favorites.
* Three park guests sing their hearts out in each of up to seven 25-minute preliminary shows. The best performer (as chosen by an audience vote) of each preliminary show is invited back to the 45-minute grand finale show to perform once more with hopes of being voted the day’s top singer.
* In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition to a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.
Audience Members: Every Vote Counts!
* Entering the theater near the neon glow of the Hollywood-style marquee, “The American Idol Experience” audience members first receive a show overview from a Disney emcee.
* While cheering on their favorite performer, some guests are videotaped for inclusion in the show.
* Attention in the pre-show area quickly turns to the video screens overhead for a feature hosted by “American Idol” Season One runner-up Justin Guarini. Guarini, who recorded the segment exclusively for the attraction, takes guests on a 20-minute journey through the pop culture phenomenon’s history in a unique “show-within-a-show” entitled “American Idol Today.”
* When the main theater doors open, guests enter the most technologically advanced theater at Walt Disney World Resort. Produced in similar fashion to a live television telecast, “The American Idol Experience” production technicians and camera operators move about the set during the show, capturing video of singers – and the audience – to feature on the theater’s giant video screens during special montage moments.
* Three expert judges are seated onstage to provide instant feedback to the performers. However, like the TV show, the judges do not have a deciding vote on which performer moves on to the next round – that responsibility rests solely in the hands of the audience.
* When the lights come up and the show begins, the performers – Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park guests who successfully pass an audition with a Disney casting director and a Disney producer earlier that day – take the stage to belt out the best rendition of their chosen tune. (The song selection list includes tunes from a variety of musical genres, including a few Disney favorites.)
* In each preliminary show, three park guests perform for the audience, each singing a song they have individually selected, and are interviewed by the onstage host about how well they think they did.
* After all the performances, the focus turns to the audience. Every one of the theater’s 1,000 seats is equipped with a keypad, allowing each audience member to vote for their favorite performer. After the voting takes place, the suspense begins to build. Who will come out on top?
* While the results are being tallied, the audience is treated to a video exclusive from 2007 “American Idol” champion Jordin Sparks. Sparks worked with Walt Disney World Entertainment to re-record the classic disco hit, “I’ve Got the Music In Me.” As the classic pop song rocks the theater, shots from past “American Idol” champions and contestants – as well as audience members and attraction performers – will be edited into Sparks’ music video to create a high-energy backdrop to the big announcement.
* Sparks is just one of the famous faces that fans will recognize in the attraction. In addition to Sparks and Guarini, other “American Idol”-related stars – including Ryan Seacrest, David Cook, David Archuleta, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro – make exclusive video appearances throughout the attraction.
* Guests can cheer for their favorite at the high-energy finale show. And the best part? They can take credit for their role in deciding that day’s star.
About the Dream Ticket:
Dream Ticket recipients must satisfy AMERICAN IDOL* TV program requirements in effect at time of use, such as age and residency (Season 8 - only ages 16-28 and U.S. citizens or legal permanent U.S. residents eligible to work full-time in U.S.). Dream Ticket does not include travel, meals, lodging or other expenses.
About the Audition:
Guests 14 or older inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios may audition to sing that day at the attraction, subject to guidelines in Frequently Asked Questions at Disneyworld.com/idol. Audition openings are limited and will likely close early in the day. Only a few singers will be chosen to sing onstage. A limited number of assigned audition times may be available in advance from time to time. (Source: Press Release, 02/16/09)
=================================================
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Affordable Disney Books
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. To check out the bargains, click here.
--------------------------------
Got Coupons?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! Save at hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! For details, click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Disney Movies and CD's
Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! Click here.
--------------------------------
Affordable Accommodations
Enjoy Special Rates at select hotels, condos and vacation rentals near Disney. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, click here.
--------------------------------
Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here.
=============================================
See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
=============================================
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
=============================================
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
February 18, 2009
Copyright © 1999 - 2009 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
=================================================
To subscribe to Affordable Disney's blog, click the following
icon:
Or copy and paste the following URL into your RSS Reader:
http://affordabledisney.blogspot.com/atom.xml
: My Yahoo! users can instantly add our blogcontent to My Yahoo! Add My Yahoo!
: You can also subscribe to our blog at MSN! Add to My MSN!
=================================================
Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - new Disney Sweepstakes, Disney Cruise Line sale, Disneyland California deal, Disneyland Paris special, Universal hotel discounts, and BIG savings on December cruises
* News from around the "World" - American Idol premiers at Disney's Hollywood Studios
* A statement from Disney regarding its new website
* Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort Opens August 4, 2009
* Hit the Right Note, or Join the Audience and Vote In First-Ever Attraction Based on ‘American Idol’
=================================================
NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
2 new sweeps added this week to win a Disney / Florida vacation! That makes 30 active sweepstakes and contests to win a Walt Disney World / Florida / Disneyland / Southern California vacation!
--------------------------------
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Cruises starting at $299 per person!
-------------------------------
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
3rd Night Free! Adults pay the kids’ price!
-------------------------------
DISNEYLAND PARIS
FREE hotel accommodation and FREE entrance to both Disney Parks!
-------------------------------
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Save up to 42% at Universal hotels!
-------------------------------
NEW FALL 2009 3-DAY CRUISE
Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I just grabbed space on the December 17 sailing of this offer. This is an AWESOME deal given that you rarely see short cruises with this line (especially in the Caribbean) and the pricing is great for a pre-holiday cruise. This is a BRAND NEW ship, just christened in November. I was on that sailing and can say with first-hand experience that she's really gorgeous. I took minisuites, balconies, a few ocean view cabins, and some inside cabins. Most will accommodate three people, and a few may hold four (although those cabins go quickly)." Must book before March 15! (Members should log in to access the pdf file I've posted for prices and more details.)
=================================================
Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 50 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
* A week at Walt Disney World from $1375 for a family of four
* Spring Training package
* Disneyland California hotel special
* Universal Orlando discounted vacation packages
* SeaWorld Discovery Cove discounts
* Luxury Cruise promotion
* WDW luxury resort deal for residents of this northeast state
* FREE nights AND tickets at these hotels near Disney
* Orlando Theme Park Package with hotel and tickets to 3 parks
* Luxury Cruise Special: Kids sail from $99 and $250 to spend
* Disney World: $1375 for a family of four for 7 nights
* Advance Purchase Rates at this Orlando Luxury Resort Hotel
* Free Disneyland Gift Card valued up to $150
* 100 free upgrades in hotels all over the world
* Massive cruise sale with FREE air
* AMTRAK special for Florida Residents
* Walt Disney World 3 nights FREE
* Room discounts, FREE tickets and Package for military
* Room discounts and Package with Dining for Annual Passholders
* 2 Days for the Price of 1 at Universal Hollywood
* Unlimited visits throughout 2009 for $65 at SeaWorld San Diego
* Annual Pass deal for Florida Residents at Busch Gardens
* BIG Amtrak sale
* Downtown Disney Resort Hotel discount
* SeaWorld Hotel suite sale
* Kids eat FREE at Universal hotels
* Universal Blue Man Group discount
* Disneyland Annual Passes on a monthly payment plan
* Disneyland 4th night FREE
* Walt Disney World vacation package that discounts everything
* Kids sail FREE on Disney cruise line
* Kids stay and play FREE at Disneyland Paris
* 34 WDW / Florida / Disneyland / S. California sweepstakes
* Disneyland California package with $150 Disney gift card
* Universal Hollywood All You Can Eat Pass
* Save 50% at these deluxe Walt Disney World resorts
* 2010 Disney cruises now booking
* Get a FREE ticket to the Walt Disney World theme parks in 2009
* Nickelodeon Family Cruise
* Kids eat FREE membership card
* Disney cruise early booking discounts
* Vegas Resort & Casino special
* Disney hotel room and cruise line specials for Floridians
If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
=================================================
NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
Slide Show: The American Idol Experience World Premiere
ESPN The Weekend Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods Returns to Walt Disney World Resort Feb. 27-March 1
Dateline Disney - March-April 2009
Cheers to the 2009 Disney’s Dreamers Academy Graduating Class
Disney, Lego strike licensing deal
‘The American Idol Experience’: Fast Facts
Technology Meets Tinseltown in ‘The American Idol Experience’ At Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park
Disney Cruise Line gets new president amid reshuffling
Disney Dreamers Academy teaches teens to reach for their dreams
Disney, along with the CPSC, is recalling Playhouse Disney "Handy Manny" tool set.
Lawsuit: Disney's Tower of Terror gave British teen heart attack, stroke
Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
=================================================
OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Hagrid's Hut appears like magic at Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter
VIVA lA MÚSICA Spices Up SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa with Latin Flavor
=================================================
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Two Disneyland Resort Jungle Cruise Skippers 'Spiel' Their Way to Tokyo Disney Resort
Disneyland Resort Implements Programs to Reduce Emissions
Disneyland Resort Calendar
--------------------------------
NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
=================================================
February 11, 2009 - Disney issued the following announcement regarding regarding its new website and hard to find information:
"To All of Our Valued Guests: We are aware of your concerns regarding park hours, calendars, operational updates and parade and event hours. Please know we understand your concerns and have been working diligently to resolve resolve these issues. In the meantime, we ask for your patience and understanding as we work to bring you new information and new features on Disneyworld.com.
In regards to the concern regarding the number of days out we display park hours on the Web site, there has been a change in Walt Disney World policy. The standard calendar will now display information for the current month plus the next three months on a rolling basis. As an example – On February 1 park hours will display for the month of February, plus the months of March, April, and May. On March 1 park hours will display for the month of March, plus April, May, and June, and so on. This update cycle will be the standard throughout the year."
=================================================
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Opens August 4, 2009
"The tower blends modern architectural sensibilities with the visual cues of its neighbor. The exterior mimics the original resort’s A-frame structure and the building’s shape also creates tremendous views. The pool has a unique water slide, wrapped in glass block. Two-story lobby is filled with woven woods and glass-wrapped columns. The accommodations offer sweeping views. A Sky Way Bridge links the tower to the original resort." (Source: Disney email blast, 02/17/09)
=================================================
Hit the Right Note, or Join the Audience and Vote In First-Ever Attraction Based on ‘American Idol’
Theme Park Guests Shine in Attraction Spotlight
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – While guests are usually the ones to enjoy the attractions and shows at Walt Disney World Resort, “The American Idol Experience” places Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests in the spotlight, immersing them in the thrill of auditioning and performing or voting on their favorite musical performances.
Modeled after the famous “American Idol” television show, the newly opened Walt Disney World attraction makes dreams come true by showcasing the talents of park guests age 14 and older who have aced the auditions (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early).
Like the television show, fans – not the onstage judges – have the final say on who is deemed the best of the best. With seating to accommodate 1,000 audience members, the high-tech theater features keypads at each seat so guests can vote for their favorite singer.
Performers who receive the most audience votes in the preliminary shows return to star in that evening’s grand finale show. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition at a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.
Here’s a look at what Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests may experience at “The American Idol Experience” attraction, whether judging performances from the audience or belting out their favorite song through the audition process.
Performers: A Star is Born
* Guests age 14 or older are invited to obtain an assigned audition time after they enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
* When these guests arrive at “The American Idol Experience” attraction, they enter a special queue that leads to the audition rooms and backstage areas of the theater.
* Guests proceed to the backstage lobby area where they view a pre-audition video welcome. Individuals are then ushered into an audition room to perform an a cappella song for a Disney casting director. Each audition room is built to resemble the audition rooms featured on the television show. The casting director provides feedback and coaching on the performance, and then decides whether the performer moves to the next level.
* If the guest passes Audition Round One it’s on to Round Two – where the judging is even tougher.
* Singers making it to Audition Round Two are given an “American Idol Experience” pin-on number to wear (similar to the one seen on contestants during the “American Idol” television show regional auditions). They’re ushered into the Red Room where they select from a list of pre-approved songs to sing for the Disney producer. The Red Room is an upscale, backstage lounge where they can relax and prep for their next audition.
* When their names are called, guests proceed to the next audition room to perform in front of a Disney show producer. Similar to the scene played out thousands of times in the TV show’s regional auditions, guests sing their hearts out with hopes and dreams to make it to the next level. And while that next level on the television show is a trip to Hollywood for further competition, park guests passing this audition in the attraction realize the dream of performing onstage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in front of an audience.
* Guests chosen by the Disney producer then meet and train with a performance coach and receive the “Hollywood treatment” from professional hair and make-up designers.
* After their “look” is show ready, guests hit the main “American Idol Experience” stage for the first time. The Disney show director, stage manager and staging specialist conduct a dress rehearsal to provide final instructions.
* As the butterflies build, hopefuls wait backstage in the theater’s VIP Green Room while park guests file into their seats for the big show. The lights come up, the music begins pounding, and it’s showtime!
* In addition to the individual performances, the high-energy show features all the glitz and glamour of the TV show, including special montages from past “American Idol” winners and contestants, exclusive video clips and shout-outs from “American Idol” favorites.
* Three park guests sing their hearts out in each of up to seven 25-minute preliminary shows. The best performer (as chosen by an audience vote) of each preliminary show is invited back to the 45-minute grand finale show to perform once more with hopes of being voted the day’s top singer.
* In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition to a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.
Audience Members: Every Vote Counts!
* Entering the theater near the neon glow of the Hollywood-style marquee, “The American Idol Experience” audience members first receive a show overview from a Disney emcee.
* While cheering on their favorite performer, some guests are videotaped for inclusion in the show.
* Attention in the pre-show area quickly turns to the video screens overhead for a feature hosted by “American Idol” Season One runner-up Justin Guarini. Guarini, who recorded the segment exclusively for the attraction, takes guests on a 20-minute journey through the pop culture phenomenon’s history in a unique “show-within-a-show” entitled “American Idol Today.”
* When the main theater doors open, guests enter the most technologically advanced theater at Walt Disney World Resort. Produced in similar fashion to a live television telecast, “The American Idol Experience” production technicians and camera operators move about the set during the show, capturing video of singers – and the audience – to feature on the theater’s giant video screens during special montage moments.
* Three expert judges are seated onstage to provide instant feedback to the performers. However, like the TV show, the judges do not have a deciding vote on which performer moves on to the next round – that responsibility rests solely in the hands of the audience.
* When the lights come up and the show begins, the performers – Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park guests who successfully pass an audition with a Disney casting director and a Disney producer earlier that day – take the stage to belt out the best rendition of their chosen tune. (The song selection list includes tunes from a variety of musical genres, including a few Disney favorites.)
* In each preliminary show, three park guests perform for the audience, each singing a song they have individually selected, and are interviewed by the onstage host about how well they think they did.
* After all the performances, the focus turns to the audience. Every one of the theater’s 1,000 seats is equipped with a keypad, allowing each audience member to vote for their favorite performer. After the voting takes place, the suspense begins to build. Who will come out on top?
* While the results are being tallied, the audience is treated to a video exclusive from 2007 “American Idol” champion Jordin Sparks. Sparks worked with Walt Disney World Entertainment to re-record the classic disco hit, “I’ve Got the Music In Me.” As the classic pop song rocks the theater, shots from past “American Idol” champions and contestants – as well as audience members and attraction performers – will be edited into Sparks’ music video to create a high-energy backdrop to the big announcement.
* Sparks is just one of the famous faces that fans will recognize in the attraction. In addition to Sparks and Guarini, other “American Idol”-related stars – including Ryan Seacrest, David Cook, David Archuleta, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro – make exclusive video appearances throughout the attraction.
* Guests can cheer for their favorite at the high-energy finale show. And the best part? They can take credit for their role in deciding that day’s star.
About the Dream Ticket:
Dream Ticket recipients must satisfy AMERICAN IDOL* TV program requirements in effect at time of use, such as age and residency (Season 8 - only ages 16-28 and U.S. citizens or legal permanent U.S. residents eligible to work full-time in U.S.). Dream Ticket does not include travel, meals, lodging or other expenses.
About the Audition:
Guests 14 or older inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios may audition to sing that day at the attraction, subject to guidelines in Frequently Asked Questions at Disneyworld.com/idol. Audition openings are limited and will likely close early in the day. Only a few singers will be chosen to sing onstage. A limited number of assigned audition times may be available in advance from time to time. (Source: Press Release, 02/16/09)
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Affordable Disney Books
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. To check out the bargains, click here.
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Got Coupons?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! Save at hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! For details, click here.
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Affordable Disney Movies and CD's
Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! Click here.
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Affordable Accommodations
Enjoy Special Rates at select hotels, condos and vacation rentals near Disney. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, click here.
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Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here.
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
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posted by AffordableDisney.Com at 6:41 AM
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