�The American Idol Experience�: Fast Facts
(February 12, 2009) In addition to being the first-of-its-kind attraction in the world to be based
on the TV show �American Idol,� �The American Idol Experience� at Disney�s
Hollywood Studios theme park offers a variety of fast facts.
Among them:
Among them:
BORN TO BE
WIRED: The high-tech theater is wired with more than 76 miles of
cable and 25 miles of conduit.
LIGHT
ON: Lighting gives TV�s �American Idol�
logo and signage its iconic look. Without sacrificing dazzle, Disney�s lighting
team gave �The American Idol Experience� set a low-voltage treatment, installing
energy-efficient LED (light emitting diodes) fixtures.
SPACE
JAM: The attraction has 25,000 square feet of indoor space,
which includes the giant replica stage/set and 1,000 seats for audience
members. �The American Idol Experience� stage alone measures more than 3,000
square feet.
YOU BETTER SHOP
AROUND: The opening of �The American
Idol Experience� also brings a star-studded premiere of attraction-exclusive
merchandise. Mickey Mouse takes center stage on a T-shirt where he is simply
proclaimed the �American Idol� while Minnie Mouse offers an enthusiastic
encouragement of �Good For You!� on another. Donald Duck is his typical grumpy
self as he proclaims a performance as dreadful. Goofy, forever the hip pup,
gives a shout-out with �What�s up dog?� Other popular items include a light-up
dog tag emblazoned with the new attraction�s logo, screen-printed drumsticks,
T-shirts that proclaim �Vote for Me!�, luggage tags, electronic games, ball
caps, collectible pins and more. One signature item is a small statuette that
features Mickey Mouse�s hand holding a microphone, which can be 5
personalized with a message
for a special occasion during Disney Parks� �What Will You
Celebrate?�
HERE COMES THE
JUDGE: The judges in �The American Idol
Experience� are all industry professionals who bring an expertise of music,
showmanship and what it takes to have that �star quality.� Coast-to-coast
auditions were held to find individuals who possess a deep knowledge of show
business and can share that knowledge with attraction guests. Past showbiz
experience among the team of judges includes: professional choreographers and
dancers; actors and actresses from stage, screen and television projects;
professional musicians; professional improvisation actors and actresses;
television show hosts; and, even a former Rockette.
PICTURE
PERFECT: The live show features a wide array of cameras including:
one
Steadicam operator shooting the action onstage and
in the audience; a robotic camera mounted on the theater wall for audience
shots; a camera at the back of the house for wide shots and one roaming,
handheld camera.
GO WITH THE
FLOW: Complementing the shots and angles captured live by the camera
crews, a complete crew of video editors and producers works inside the HD
production studio to make each show flow.
DO YOU HEAR WHAT I
HEAR?: There are 113 video screens and 105 audio speakers installed
throughout the theater�s show and audition spaces.
THE
WALL: �The American Idol Experience� features the largest curved
video wall at Walt Disney World Resort, measuring 35 feet wide and more than
seven feet tall.
SEEING
STARS: Fans will recognize many famous faces throughout �The American
Idol Experience.� �American Idol�-related stars making exclusive video
appearances in the attraction include Ryan Seacrest,David Cook, David Archuleta,
Jordin Sparks, Justin Guarini, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado and Jason
Castro.
-- Posted February 12, 2009