Review: The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Dave Shute

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A new attraction will be opening next week at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—the American Idol Experience. 

Based on the TV show—down to the set and the Simon-like (but nicer) judge—it will have great appeal to fans of the show, and fans of amateur singing in general.

Those interested in neither may find it dull.

We saw it in its previews last week. 

A terrific pre-show briefs the audience on what they are about to participate in, and creates some footage of the audience for later integration into the show itself.

The audience then files into a theater that seats (according to the Orlando Sentinel) a thousand people.  Those in the audience who are closest to the front of the pre-show area will also be closest to the front of the theater.

The stage set is very well done, and nicely reminiscent of the TV show.  Without giving away the details, it tracks very well to the TV version, except that the singers are, on average, better, and, best of all, you get to do in person what you have always done at home: boo the judges!

We sat between two big fans of the TV show and they were in 7th heaven–they had already been to the new Idol gift shop and gotten the t-shirt! 

I’m not sure it will be so appealing to those who aren’t fans either of the show, or of amateur singing, but even for those it’s worth a try if the lines are not too long!

February 3, 2009

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