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COPYRIGHT 2008. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
2 November 2008: Latest American Idol construction photos
Lots of progress on the exterior this week. The sign package is now up on the building, complete with a renaming of the theater to be 'Superstar Television Theater'. The Golden Age Souvenirs store next door is now also closed and walled off. Around the rear of the building, what we think is the audition holding area is now very visible, and includes new American Idol signage.
13 October 2008: Latest American Idol construction photos
Work is progressing on the exterior, and it now seems very clear that the final result is going to be nothing like the elaborate concept art. The Hall of Fame exhibit has also been refurbished, and all the busts now back in position, which seems to strongly suggest that the new entry area in the concept art has also been abandoned.
26 September 2008: American Idol construction photos
There is little new progress on the exterior. Work appears to be taking place on the large viewing screen at the front of the building, but the remainder of the building is largely unchanged. Interesting things are happening at the rear of the building though - a covered area, complete with fans, speakers, and lights, has been installed (see photo below). This covered area is at the rear of the building, and is right next to the Star Tours speeder bike photo op.
4 September 2008: American Idol construction photos
Things are picking up pace now on the exterior construction. Most of the building has now been painted in shades of blue, replacing the previous green color. Supports for the large video screen are now on site.
Above: The large video screen support structure can
be seen at the base of the tower.
Above left: The newly painted blue tower and video
screen
Above right: The last remaining green paint from the old color scheme
Above: The former main entrance to the ABC Theater
Above left: Most of the bronze busts have been
removed from this exhibit area, which according to previous concept art,
will be required for one of the entry/exit areas to the new attraction.
However, some of the busts appear to have been cleaned and replaced,
which puts some doubt on whether this exhibit will be removed after all.
Above right: The new blue color scheme runs all the way along to Sounds
Dangerous.
Above: The rear of the attraction soundstage
(opposite the ABC Commissary) has also been repainted, lending the
possibility that this area may have some guest access
1 June 2008: New American Idol Experience concept art
Below is some new concept art of the interior stage for the new American Idol Experience. As you can see, it closely mirrors that of the TV show.
COPYRIGHT 2008. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
29 May 2008: The American Idol Experience logo unveiled
Disney have unveiled the logo for the new attraction, set to open in January 2009.
COPYRIGHT 2008. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
22 May 2008: The new American Idol attraction get's it's official name and opening date
The official name of the new attraction is set to be 'The American Idol Experience', and it has an official opening date of January 2009.
3 May 2008: Idol's construction wall expands to the rear of the building
The huge wall around the former ABC Theater has now expanded to the rear side in preparation for the changes required for Idol.
12 April 2008: American Idol's construction wall significantly expands
The construction wall around the new Idol theater has grown significantly. Previously the wall just bordered the building, it has now expanded out towards the hat. The restroom to the right of the theater remains open. Check out the photos below.
1 April 2008: Latest exterior construction photos of American idol
Work is well underway inside the theater, but the exterior still remains largely unchanged.
14 February 2008: Latest exterior construction photos of American idol
The exterior of the building still remains largely unchanged. All of the ABC logos have been removed from the signage, and the walls remain in place.
Based on the concept art, it seems that the "Academy of Television Arts and Science Hall of Fame" (pictured below) will need to be removed to make way for the main entrance to the new show.
7 February 2008: American Idol attraction coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios
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.
COPYRIGHT 2008. THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
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.
Visit our discussion forums to discuss this announcement
29 December 2007: ABC Theater new show to be "The Stars of Hollywood Hills"?
The ABC Theater has been walled off now for several months whilst the interior is being refurbished to make way for a new show. No information on the new show has been officially released, however a couple of strong rumors suggest the new show will be either an "American Idol" type show, or a permanent home for the High School Musical. The project is currently being referred to as "The Stars of Hollywood Hills". The theater refurbishment is set to be complete early February 2008, but there is currently no information on when the actual new show will debut. Remember, this information is speculation, and is not yet officially confirmed.
28 October 2007: ABC Theater construction update
The construction walls still surround the ABC Theater with no changes being visible on the exterior. It still is not yet clear what is in store for this location.
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30 September 2007: ABC Theater construction update
The ABC Theater remains walled off, but shows no external signs of any changes.
17 September 2007: ABC Theater walled off
The ABC Theater is now walled off in preparation for a new production. There is currently not reliable information about the new show. Thanks to DisneyData for the photos.
