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The American Idol Experience Review

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The American Idol Experience

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Category: Amusement Parks
Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios

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Fodor's Review:

Duration: 25-min preliminary show; 45-min finale show.

Crowds: Heavy; theater seats 1,000 guests each performance.

Strategy: Arrive at least 30 min before showtime.

Audience: School-age children and up.

Rating: ***

So you want to be a rock star? How about an American Idol? If you're 14 or older and can sing on key, make sure you head to auditions as soon as you enter the park in the morning. You may be chosen by a Disney casting director to belt out a tune on The American Idol Experience stage. Three guests are chosen to sing their hearts out for each scheduled show. At the end of the day, the top singers are invited back for a grand finale show, and the winning performer earns The American Idol Experience "Dream Ticket"—a sort of Fastpass to the front of the line at a future regional audition for the American Idol television show.

Not an Idol fan? No problem. This show, performed on a high-tech Hollywood-style stage complete with neon flash and high-energy show hosts, is a blast for all who enjoy live entertainment. Idol wannabes can choose their tunes from many music genres, so performers and songs vary with every show. You might hear the sweet lyrics of "Colors of the Wind" from Disney's Pocahontas just before the edgy Aretha Franklin hit "Respect." The best part? You and every other audience member cast a vote for the show's top singer, who then has a chance to appear in the daily finale show.

As you line up outside the theater's entrance, a quick-witted warm-up host revs up the audience; he reappears on stage with a fun, fast-paced monologue that explains how to react to singers and judges and how to vote for your favorite. Enter the show host, who introduces three judges with show-biz experience who deliver kudos or critiques to each performer. (Don't be afraid to boo one judge who enjoys his role as caustic critic.) Near the end of the show, your armrest keypad lights up for 10 seconds so you can place your vote; while votes are tallied, you're treated to a big-screen music video starring 2007 American Idol champion Jordin Sparks. Other American Idol stars, including host Ryan Seacrest and recent champ David Cook, make video appearances.

Dying to see who wins the Dream Ticket but can't get into the theater for the evening finale? Take heart. A stadium-size LED screen outside the theater offers a live simulcast and draws crowds for the dramatic Idol conclusion.

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