The American Idol Experience

The American Idol Experience Review

So you want to be a rock star? How about an American Idol? If you're 14 or older and can sing on key, 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 during shows at The American Idol Experience stage. At day's end, the top singers are invited back for a grand finale, 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 TV 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 vote for the show's top singer.

A quick-witted warm-up host revs you up while you're waiting in line. He reappears on stage with a fun, fast-paced monologue that explains how to react to singers and judges and how to vote. The show's main host then 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 being the caustic critic.) When it's time to vote, your armrest keypad lights up for 10 seconds. While votes are tallied, you're treated to a big-screen music video starring 2007 American Idol champion Jordin Sparks. Other Idol stars, including host Ryan Seacrest and recent champ David Cook, make video appearances.

Preliminary shows last 25 minutes; finale shows are 45 minutes. 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. To learn about auditions ahead of time, visit www.disneyworld.com/idol. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible. Twice weekly sign-language interpretations. Equipped for assisted-listening and video-captioning devices. To get a seat inside the theater, arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime.