Disney News

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – With all the thrills and suspense that have made it a television and pop culture phenomenon, “American Idol” comes to Walt Disney World® Resort in a groundbreaking new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

“The American Idol Experience” captures the energy and excitement of the TV series, with some guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios auditioning to take the spotlight onstage, while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite singer with instant results.

“Disney parks are all about making dreams come true, and that’s exactly what will happen at ‘The American Idol Experience,’ ” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Whether they are onstage singing or in the audience cheering on their favorite performer, our guests will feel immersed in a world of instant stardom.”

Each show takes place in a 1,000-seat indoor theater that features the twirling neon signs and a multi-layered backdrop inspired by the actual “American Idol” set in California. Building on its hallmark of attention to detail, Walt Disney Imagineering worked with the Hollywood set designer who designed the actual TV show set for “American Idol.” The newly designed venue is the most technologically advanced theater found at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Designed to reflect the best and brightest elements of the TV show, “The American Idol Experience” includes an audition process open to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests 14 and older (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early). These guests perform live in front of a Disney’s Hollywood Studios casting director for the opportunity to be cast in one of the preliminary theme park shows that same day.

Performers with the highest votes during the preliminary shows return for a high-energy grand finale show that same evening. After their encore performances, the big moment arrives. It’s a super-charged, eye-popping scene as audience votes are tallied, the other performers drop off, music builds and the spotlight shines down, amid a blizzard of confetti, on the day’s top singer. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getter receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket, which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition to a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show. And every member of the audience can take a bow, too, because they had a role in deciding that day’s star.

“The American Idol Experience” is the newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The showbiz-inspired theme park immerses guests in the glamour of show business with thrilling attractions, Broadway-style shows, world-class atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, music, television and radio production facilities.

This special is no longer applicable, but be sure to out check the
Walt Disney World® Resort page for current offers.

Disney has extended the Buy 4 Nights, Get 3 Free special for travel dates through August 15, 2009

Through Mar. 29, 2008, when you purchase a 4-night, 4-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way package you’ll get three additional nights (with tickets) free. This offer is now valid for stays most nights Feb. 15 – March 9, March 17 – April 4 and April 19 – Aug. 15, 2009.

Plus, if you travel on this package between March 1 – March 8 and March 22 – March 29, 2009, you’ll also receive a Disney Gift Card worth $200 that you can choose to spend at the Walt Disney World® Resort during your stay.

And, those taking advantage of this offer at Disney’s Old Key West Resort or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will receive a $100 Disney Gift Card**, available for arrivals beginning March 30 – April 1 and April 19 – Aug. 15, 2009.

Click here to request a no-obligation quote for this incredible package!

When visiting Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort you now can enjoy a brand-new, ultra-interactive attraction inspired by the Disney Channel animated series, “Kim Possible.”

Using the latest technology, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites Guests of all ages to become secret agents, teaming up with members of “Team Possible” to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions.

As you embark on this international adventure, they will receive an official “Kimmunicator.” This handheld wireless device will help them maneuver through the mission. Using state-of-the-art technology, the interactive device connects you with a variety of characters from “Kim Possible” who provide clues to stop villains from taking over the world. These devices also allow Guests to control top-secret equipment hidden inside World Showcase pavilions, creating an adventure jam-packed with mystery and excitement.

You can play Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure in sevenWorld Showcase pavilions: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and United Kingdom. Each pavilion features a unique mission including distinctive visual events and a different super-villain from the animated series.

Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is included in Epcot admission.

An elaborate “Cinderellabration” topiary and an environmentally friendly Green Garden will bring fresh springtime flair to the 16th annual Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival March 18-May 31, 2009. Amid a colorful tableau of flowers, plants and topiaries, Walt Disney World® guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. Weekend Flower Power concerts will pump up the volume and spread a groovy vibe at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.