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02/16/2009 12:52 AM

Disney Opens "American Idol Experience"

By: Valarie D'Elia

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Every day, thousands of guests fan out into Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park, and now those with singing talent have a shot at developing their own fan clubs. NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.

The newest attraction at Disney, the "American Idol Experience", is a knockoff of the hit TV show, and a slew of former winners and finalists recently came out for the star-studded premiere.

The Idols walked the blue carpet, keeping with the color scheme for the show. In fact, the elaborate attraction itself, with its 1,000-seat theater, has the same set design as its California counterpart.

"Absolutely just like the one on the real stage," said Phil Stacey, a Season 6 finalist.

Disney guests as young as 14-years-old can sign up online or in person to audition. Those who make the initial cuts can wind up singing before an audience in the preliminary rounds, and those winners compete in a nightly grand finale.

You don't have to sing to be part of the fun, though. Sitting in the audience is an experience in itself.

"There's an interactive voting capability in the armrests of every chair that allows them to really pick their favorite singer of the day," said Michael Jung, Creative Director, Walt Disney.

Winners of the "American Idol Experience" in Orlando get a Fast Pass to potential fame -- they win the right to jump the line at an audition for the TV show.

"That's a really cool thing because that saves you like two days of standing in line and waiting 10 hours," said Jason Castro, a Season 7 finalist.

"It's a very good chance that somebody coming from the Disney park, getting that special golden ticket, will definitely have a great chance of getting somewhere further along," said Season 3 Runner-Up Diana DeGarmo.

According to one of Idol's most successful stars, it takes more than a sprinkling of pixie dust to nail the audition.

"Have fun, be yourselves and do what you love, and someday you might be walking this carpet," said Season 4 Winner Carrie Underwood.

For more travel news and deals, visit TravelWithVal.com.