Press Release: "American Idol" Attraction for WDW

[AwallaceUNC]

<center>‘American Idol’ is “Going to Disney World!”

Disney Parks to create attraction based on the television and pop culture phenomenon</center>


LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2008) -- Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will create an "American Idol" attraction that will bring the television and pop culture phenomenon to life at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, it was jointly announced today by Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts; Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment; and Keith Hindle, executive vice president of FremantleMedia Licensing.

The attraction, slated to debut in late 2008, will be located at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park and will follow the model of the high-energy show. Disney guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition, or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive entertainment setting with all the glitz and glamour of the distinctive "American Idol" set.

That experience will include an audition process, open to all who register, where guests perform “live” in front of a Disney’s Hollywood Studios producer to be cast in a theme park show. After backstage preparation -- working with a vocal coach, hair and make-up -- it’s lights up and showtime in front of a “live” audience and a panel of judges.

Guest performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day Grand Finale show at Walt Disney World, and the winner of the Grand Finale show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition -- to ensure no waiting in long lines. But when it comes down to the television show auditions, everyone is treated equal.

"Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the 'American Idol' stage," said Rasulo. "We're excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World."

Added Fuller, "One of the most remarkable elements about 'American Idol' is that for a brief moment each week, we can provide TV viewers the opportunity to imagine life as America's next superstar. 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."

"This partnership," noted Hindle, "brings the number one show on television, watched in over 100 countries, to the number one theme park destination in the world. It's a perfect combination and opportunity to offer everyone a taste of the 'American Idol' experience."

The coming "American Idol" attraction will reflect the best and brightest of the TV show, giving starry-eyed park guests a chance to become a star on the attraction's stage. It joins an all-star lineup at Disney's Hollywood Studios, a celebration of today's Hollywood in movies, television, music and theater. Among the new adventures debuting in 2008 is the just-opened "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" plus coming attractions "Block Party Bash," an interactive and moving Disney-Pixar spectacle filling the theme park streets; and Toy Story Mania! immersing guests in a 3-D interactive ride-through video game starring popular Disney-Pixar "Toy Story" characters.
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About 19 Entertainment

Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment (of CKX, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market® under the ticker symbol "CKXE") is recognized as a leading creator, provider and promoter of globally successful music-based entertainment, or "entertainment brands." The company has attracted a unique collection of expertise in people who work together to integrate and leverage activity across television, film, touring, merchandising, music publishing, recording, artist / writer and producer management, sponsorship and promotion. Simon Fuller is the most successful British music manager of all time having sold over 116 million CDs in North America alone, and is known as the creator of "American Idol," the most valuable TV format in the world with an estimated value in excess of $2.5 billion. For further information, visit www.americanidol.com.
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About FremantleMedia Enterprises & FremantleMedia

FremantleMedia Enterprises is the content exploitation arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment. It is a division of FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world with leading prime time drama, serial drama, entertainment and factual entertainment programming in over 40 countries worldwide. FremantleMedia is a subsidiary of RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is 90% owned by Bertelsmann AG, an integrated media and entertainment company that commands leading positions in the world's media markets. For further information, visit www.fremantlemedia.com.
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About FremantleMedia North America

FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) is the U.S. production division of global media giant FremantleMedia. Based in Burbank, California, FMNA produces entertaining and innovative television programs for network, cable and syndicated platforms, including the Emmy-nominated musical/reality phenomenon "American Idol" (FOX), "The Next Great American Band" (FOX), "America's Got Talent" (NBC), "American Inventor" (ABC), "Thank God You're Here" (NBC), "The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency" (Oxygen), "Property Ladder" (TLC), "Family Feud" (syndicated), "Temptation" (syndicated), "Million Dollar Password" (CBS), and the longest-running game show in television history, "The Price Is Right" (CBS).
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About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are where dreams come true. Disney features a collection of five of the world's leading family vacation destinations. In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; the Disney Vacation Club; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world's most popular destinations; the ESPN Zone dining and entertainment centers; the World of Disney stores; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions.

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[Escapay]

Oh dear god in heaven tell me this is a joke...

Scaps

[MickeyMousePal]

Oh, what's next WWE Raw and Smackdown coming to Disneyland?
Come down to Disneyland to take on Triple H or Undertaker...LOL

[singerguy04]

I think this is a fantastic idea. Essentially, Disney is having a vocal talent show everyday! That's a great way to get guests to come. I just feel bad for all the tiny kids who want to do it but either wont be able to (the age limit for the show is 16 or 18 after all) or just wont make it because they aren't talented enough. We'll see how it turns out!

[AwallaceUNC]

The press release has been updated with official concept art.

-Aaron

[goofystitch]

Have they said where in the park this is planned to go? If it's what's being done to the ABC theater, then I would hate to have the drawings become a reality right next to the Sorcerer Hat. I know a guy who saw the interior of the theaters rehab and he said the walls have been painted a royal purple color.

[AwallaceUNC]

Have they said where in the park this is planned to go? If it's what's being done to the ABC theater, then I would hate to have the drawings become a reality right next to the Sorcerer Hat. I know a guy who saw the interior of the theaters rehab and he said the walls have been painted a royal purple color.

The concept art looks exactly like the ABC theater so my guess is that is exactly where it will be (makes sense, as Sounds Dangerous is on its way out and half the building isn't being used as it is).

I think the concept art is beautiful. I so share your concern with the lighting and spectacle of it all drowning out the Sorcerer's Hat, the Chinese theater, and everything else in its vicinity. I'm sure Disney is mindful of that, however, and the extent of the lighting is probably exaggerated in the concept art.

I really like this idea. Granted, I'm a huge "Idol" fan. But <strike>MGM</strike> Disney's Hollywood Studios is in dire need of new headlining attractions and this will certainly help in that regard. Furthermore, it sounds like it will fill the void left by "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? - Play It!". With Universal having nabbed Harry Potter, I'm glad that DHS was at least able to partner up with another hugely popular franchise to promote interest in the park. This has the potential to be hugely successful for the park.

I do wonder how Disney will address the somewhat mean-spirited tone that is kind of an inherent underbelly of "American Idol". Are really bad singers going to be performing in front of the live audience, thinking they are good? Will the judge panel or the audience then give them honest feedback? Or even if not, the audience is bound to react with head shaking, laughter, and maybe even some booing. Good singer or bad, no one wants to see someone else's day at Disney spoiled by embarrassment, hurt feelings, or crushed dreams. As singerguy04 points out, the issue of children is an interesting one as well.

-Aaron

[blackcauldron85]

I have mixed feelings about this. I used to be a huge AI fan, but this season my interest hasn't been there- I watched the first 2 episodes and that's it (but that's partly due to being busy). AI is still doing strong, but it's viewer numbers have declined a bit. Since Disney is investing in this attraction, they need to hope that AI stays strong for many more years. I mean, singing competitions can be popular regardless of AI, so even if AI does get canceled (or just do really poorly), then the attraction still could be a hit, but I wonder if, down the road, the branding will hurt the attraction.

I read an article about this attraction on the Orlando Sentinel's website, and the thought that came to my mind is, since there will be many different rounds, will people, who are on vacation with their family for a short period of time, really want to spend a huge chunk of their precious vacation time doing a singing competition? The prize is a guaranteed auditioning spot for AI. But anyone can audition for AI (a point Bobby made to me). The press release states that the winners won't have to wait in a long line...will they be guaranteed an audition in front of Randy, Paula, and Simon, or just in front of the initial people who say if you can go on or not?

I absolutely loved Who Wants to Be a Millionaire- Play It!, and I was even in the hot seat once. I wish I were brave...then maybe I'd at least try out for this attraction. I'd watch the performances, at least. (Side note: Bobby said, "Why can't Disney come up with their own ideas?")

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

You've got to be kidding me.

This may very well, hands down, be the worst idea to EVER to come from Disney Imagineering! Nothing I can think of has ever come close.

C'mon, isn't Lasseter suppose to be "saving" the parks?

[AwallaceUNC]

This may very well, hands down, be the worst idea to EVER to come from Disney Imagineering! Nothing I can think of has ever come close.

Why? I'm curious. You just don't like "American Idol"?

AI is still doing strong, but it's viewer numbers have declined a bit. Since Disney is investing in this attraction, they need to hope that AI stays strong for many more years. I mean, singing competitions can be popular regardless of AI, so even if AI does get canceled (or just do really poorly), then the attraction still could be a hit, but I wonder if, down the road, the branding will hurt the attraction.

That's true, AI's ratings have been gradually slipping, but it's still by far the most-watched show on television and one of the most-watched series in history (at one point, I believe it was <i>the</i> most-watched and I think it still might be). It could lose half its audience and still be considered a ratings hit. The media just likes to paint a picture of failure for the show. Even if ratings continue to slide, I think "American Idol" will be popular for a long time to come. And after all, "Millionaire - Play It!" was packing in crowds long after the show dropped off in ratings.

-Aaron

[blackcauldron85]

And after all, "Millionaire - Play It!" was packing in crowds long after the show dropped off in ratings.

I hadn't thought of that- you're completely right!

I think that more people might have been more interested in Millionaire, though; everyone could play and have a chance to be in the Hot Seat, even little kids. With this AI attraction, though, sure, the audience will be able to vote on which singer they like the best, but less people, in my opinion, anyway, are likely to sing in front of an audience than would answer trivia questions in the Hot Seat. At least with Millionaire, people could answer the questions and see if they were right or not- there was a lot of audience participation- the audience could even help out the Hot Seat contestant (with the 50/50 lifeline). The AI attraction just won't have the same level of audience participation, I don't think.

Maybe I'm just sad because I miss Millionaire...sometimes I would go to MGM just to play that game. All day. Good times.

[Disney Duster]

That's the problem. If the show doesn't last much longer, they can't guarantee auditions anymore and eventually the attraction just won't be popular anymore (or maybe it will be so fun on its own it does remain).

But I heard that everyone's favorite judge, Simon, is not going to saty on Idol much longer, and might not be what it used to be. Love him or hate him, Simon is American Idol. Then again, perhaps the same old judges will get old, Simon spewing the same harsh opinions can get annoying.

[blackcauldron85]

If the show doesn't last much longer, they can't guarantee auditions anymore and eventually the attraction just won't be popular anymore (or maybe it will be so fun on its own it does remain).

I hadn't even thought of that- that's a good point. What prize will Disney be able to provide once no more seasons of AI will be produced? They could do pins, hats, and shirts like Millionaire did...?

[goofystitch]

And vacation packages. That was what I always really wanted from the Millionaire game. They would send people on Disney cruises or give them 4 days stays for free. If I were to do that AI attraction (as in compete in it), I would want a vacation, not a fast pass to audition for the real show. lol. I wonder if Disney will have the same audition restrictions as the show? I mean, if the prize is a cut in line for the real thing, how does that effect a 40 year old who wins the attraction but is to old to audition for the actual show?

[JEANYLASER]

I love American Idol! Disney has a very and strange way to put that show in DHS!

[Prince Charming 12]

Wow, this post took me by surprise. I never expected to see an attraction based on this TV show - definitely not at a Disney park! The inherent competitive nature of it and the often harsh (sometimes deservingly so) criticisism leveled out by the judging panel make this a puzzling announcement by Disney. The park does need some new attractions and I hate to prejudge the idea based on limited info, but on the surface I have some serious reservations about it.

I guess this attraction will hinge on the audience selection/screening process and judging by Disney personnel: hopefully done more respectfully than the TV show! Like was previously mentioned, several park goers could have their magical experience ruined. I would hate to see that happen.

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

This may very well, hands down, be the worst idea to EVER to come from Disney Imagineering! Nothing I can think of has ever come close.

Why? I'm curious. You just don't like "American Idol"?

You got it. I personally hate American Idol, and pretty much every other reality show ever created. IMO, they're the death of creativity of television. So often Disney will give the shaft to their own television department whether it's a classic animated show like DuckTales or a brilliant current show like Scrubs, it's a shame to see a whole attraction dedicated to this unimaginitive crap unrelated by Disney. And to quote the Disney <strike>MGM</strike> Hollywood Studios dedication:

The World you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood—not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was—and always will be.

Frankly, I dream of television with no American Idol.

I guess in the end it won't be as awful as it sounds on paper, and it will be kinda amusing to hear your typical every day park tourist try and sing in public, I guess I'm still emotionally scarred about the late Who Wants To Be a Millionaire gone.

I'm also furious this seems planned to replace the ingenious(and underrated) Sounds Dangerous.

[Maerj]

Its going into the theater part of that building. I don't think it is replacing Drew Carey but I'm sure that something will at some point.

[AwallaceUNC]

Its going into the theater part of that building. I don't think it is replacing Drew Carey but I'm sure that something will at some point.

Interesting. Have you seen that confirmed or is that just your guess? I don't doubt you, I'm just wondering. I had assumed it would take up the full building, especially since we've been hearing about Sound Dangerous' fate for a long time now.

-Aaron

[Prudence]

Disney has an Indiana Jones attraction. I see no harm in an American Idol attraction, and would like to be a featured member of the audience. Heh.