Rumor Mill: Making way for Star Wars Land? There's plenty of room

Map courtesy Bing

With the announcement that the American Idol Experience at Disney Hollywood Studios is closing and with reports that the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular may be coming to an end soon, the oft-discussed rumor that Disney is making room for a new Star Wars Land seems to be more and more plausible.

So I thought I'd have a little fun and take a look at what real estate would be available for a new Star Wars Land if Indy did close along with Idol, Sounds Dangerous and the Backlot Express and how, when combined with the existing Star Tours area, that space might compare with the space Disney carved out to create Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.

As the map above shows, if the areas in green were to be closed and re-purposed for Star Wars Land, it would create a space that could potentially be about 75% of the space that made available for Cars Land.  I created this map by using Bing and setting the scale to 100 feet to get an aerial image for both California Adventure and Hollywood Studios.  By using the same scale, we could make a reasonable comparison of the two potential spaces as noted by the yellow line.

Based on this analysis, it appears that Disney would have a decent amount of space to put in a good E-ticket attraction while also re-imagining the Backlot Express into some sort of Star Wars themed dining experience.

But let's keep one thing in mind:  how did Disney make room for Cars Land at California Adventure?  They used space that was originally a parking lot.  Could the same be true here?  You bet!

Map courtesy Bing

Just to the East of the Indiana Jones/Backlot Express/Star Tours area are some backstage areas and then the gigantic Television parking lot.  Even if Disney uses a portion of the Television parking lot for Star Wars Land, there is an incredible amount of potential space available for some sort of expansion. 

Oh and don't worry about parking, there's still two other huge lots that are available (Film and Music), and Disney could always expand those two lots or build more to the East.

With three Star Wars movies in the works, it seems like a no-brainer that LucasFilms and Disney are (or should be) working on a Star Wars Land.  I'll even go out on a limb now and say that Disney will make some sort of Star Wars-related announcement at the 2015 D23 Expo, possibly to announce Star Wars Land.

Let's just hope that this rumor is coming true!  May the Force be with us all!

New American Idol, Kris Allen, celebrates his win at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Dreams keep coming true for new “American Idol” Kris Allen.

Last week, the 23-year-old singer from Conway, Ark., became the newest “American Idol” by garnering the most fan votes in the television series’ thrilling Season Eight finale. Moments after his victory, Allen did what dozens of sports celebrities and heroes have done for more than two decades: He looked into a television camera and shouted, “I’m going to Disney World!”

This week, America’s newest star lived out his post-finale show pronouncement when he basked in the glow of a victory parade and gala celebration at “The American Idol Experience,” the new Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park attraction based on the “American Idol” television show.

Celebrating with Allen Friday at Walt Disney World was his new bride, Katy. The longtime sweethearts were married eight months ago.

Thousands of fans turned out May 29 for Allen’s day in the Disney sun, which included a party-filled procession through the theme park and a chance for fans to see the newest “American Idol” amidst the celebratory setting.

In the iconic commercial shot on the Nokia Theater stage in Los Angeles following the May 20 season finale show, Allen not only shouts the famous “I’m Going to Disney World!” line, but his voice also is featured throughout the ad as he performs the famous song, “When You Wish Upon A Star.” And with the same immediacy that has made the Disney spot one of the most beloved commercials of all-time, the newest “I’m Going to Disney World!” commercial debuted on television within hours of the “American Idol” finale.

By starring in the Disney commercial, Allen joins a line-up of superstar professional athletes and heroes who have shouted the famous “I’m Going to Disney World” line. He is the second singer ever to star in the Disney commercial in its 23-year history (2008 “American Idol” champion, David Cook, was the first).

Fittingly, Allen made his visit to Walt Disney World as Disney Parks asks guests “What Will You Celebrate?”

Allen’s victory on “American Idol” took the country by storm and highlighted Season Eight of the show.His journey on “Idol” began when he and his brother drove more than eight hours from Arkansas to Louisville, Ky., and then waited another 14 hours to audition. All of Allen’s long hours and hard work were rewarded May 20 in the star-studded season finale when he was crowned the newest “American Idol.”“

The American Idol Experience” at Walt Disney World Resort – which had a February 2009 grand opening – is the first major theme park attraction in the world based on the popular television series. Walt Disney Imagineering developed the interactive attraction in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 TV Ltd.

“The American Idol Experience” lets Disney guests experience the glitz and glamour of the “American Idol” television show, whether they are auditioning for a Disney producer, performing on-stage in front of a packed theater or voting for their favorite singer from their audience seats. Attraction performers who receive the most audience votes in the preliminary shows return to star in that evening’s grand finale show. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition at a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.

American Idol Experience: the Grand Premiere

With the largest-ever gathering of “American Idol” winners joining in the celebration, Walt Disney World Resort Thursday night raised the curtain on “The American Idol Experience,” a new attraction capturing the energy and excitement of the hit TV show.

Thursday’s grand premiere, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, was attended by all seven winners of the series, from season-one winner Kelly Clarkson to season-seven champion David Cook. Joining Cook and Clarkson were Jordin Sparks (season six), Taylor Hicks (five), Carrie Underwood (four), Fantasia Barrino (three) and Ruben Studdard (two).

More than two dozen Idol stars – winners and finalists from the first seven seasons – plus judge Paula Abdul (shown above) and TV show host Ryan Seacrest arrived by celebrity motorcade, rolling down Hollywood Boulevard to the cheers, applause and snapping cameras of Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests. Thursday’s gala had all the glamour of a Hollywood opening. Cook treated the supercharged audience with a performance of his popular hit, “Light On,” and after Underwood performed her hit, “All-American Girl,” the pair brought down the house by teaming up for a first-ever duet, singing “Go Your Own Way,” the Fleetwood Mac hit. The premiere even had a “red carpet” -- except the carpet was appropriately blue in celebration of the “American Idol” color scheme.

That color scheme and, in fact, the look of the attraction is similar to the actual TV show set. “The American Idol Experience” was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and 19 TV Ltd. and is based on the smash-hit television show “American Idol.” The 1,000-seat indoor theater features twirling neon signs and a multi-layered backdrop inspired by the actual “American Idol” set in California. The attraction is designed to immerse park guests in the authentic feel of a live television production, with some guests 14 or older auditioning to take the spotlight onstage, while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite singer with instant results. Audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early.

Performers with the highest votes during preliminary shows return for a high-energy grand finale show that same evening. After their encore performances, one is voted the day’s top singer.

In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getter at the finale show 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. Feb. 14 is the grand opening of the attraction.

With the grand premiere, Disney launched an all-new Web site for the American Idol Experience. This new site has several features, most important of which is a new online registration system for those wishing to audition for the show.

That morning, Idol season 7 winner David Cook was at DHS this morning for a live performance on ABC's Good Morning America. You can watch Cook's interview here, and Cook's performance here.

Here's even more video from Disney:

Wrap-up piece: http://www.wdwnews.com/viewvideo.aspx?videoid=112314&siteid=1

Finale show: http://www.wdwnews.com/viewvideo.aspx?videoid=112312&siteid=1

Interviews: http://www.wdwnews.com/viewvideo.aspx?videoid=112311&siteid=1

Motorcade and blue carpet event: http://www.wdwnews.com/viewvideo.aspx?videoid=112310&siteid=1

Group photos and party: http://www.wdwnews.com/viewvideo.aspx?videoid=112313&siteid=1

Disney releases American Idol Experience song list

Thinking about auditioning for the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios? Well if you make it past the first couple of rounds, you'll be asked to select a song to sing for the next round of judges. Today, Disney released the song list. Now you'll be prepared if you try to go for the glory. Good luck!


Disney Songs
Best of Worlds
Bet On It
Breaking Free
Circle of Life
Colors of the Wind
Ever Ever After
Go The Distance
Part of Your World
Play My Music
Reflection
Rock Star
This Is Me
You'll Be In My Heart

Country
Achy Breaky Heart
All-American Girl
Amazed
Boot Scootin' Boogie
Breathe
Do You Believe Me Now
How Do I Live (Without You)
I Hope You Dance
I Like It, I Love It
I Told You So
Independence Day
It's Good to be Us
Life is a Highway
Lost
Man, I Feel Like A Woman
My Wish
Our Song
Sweet Home Alabama
This Kiss
Walkin' After Midnight
What Hurts The Most

Disco
Dance Best of My Love
Fame
Hot Stuff
I Will Survive
Knock On Wood
Last Dance
Never Can Say Goodbye
Turn Your Love Around
You're The First, The Last, My Everything

Latin
1-2-3
Bailamos
Just Another Day
La Bamba
Smooth
Turn The Beat Around
Waiting for Tonight

Rock/Pop Up Tempo
Big Girls Don't Cry
Black Horse and a Cherry Tree
Bohemian Rhapsody
Breakaway
Don't Stop The Music
Express Yourself
Face Down
Footloose
Hit Me With Your Best Shot
I Can See Clearly Now
I Feel The Earth Move
I Wanna Dance With Somebody
If Everyone Cared
No One
Old Time Rock and Roll
Over You
Rock With You
Since U Been Gone
Somebody to Love
Suspicious Minds
Sway
The Great Escape
Walk Away
Walking On Sunshine
You Really Got Me Now
You're My Best Friend

Rock/Pop Ballad
A Moment Like This
Alone
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Drops of Jupiter
Home
If It Makes You Happy
Iris
Just Once
Kiss From a Rose
Looks Like We Made It
Stand By Me
Unchained Melody
Walkin' In Memphis
What a Wonderful World
Your Song

Motown
100 Ways
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Ain't Too Proud To Beg
For Once In My Life Meduim
Get Ready
I Heard It Through the Grapevine
I Want You Back
I Wish
I'll Be There
Midnight Train to Georgia
New Attitude
Reach Out, I'll Be There
RESPECT
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Stop In The Name of Love
Superstition
Then Came You
Vision of Love
You Are The Sunshine of My Life
You Keep Me Hangin' On
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
You're All I Need To Get By

American Idol in soft previews

Ryan Secrest outside the American Idol attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios

(Image copyright Disney. All rights reserved.)

In just a few short weeks, guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be some of the first to try for those Dream Tickets being offered by the American Idol Experience. Here's how it works: guests who wish to perform on stage will go through a series of auditions with Disney cast members. If the guest makes it through the initial auditions, they will be given a performance time for a preliminary show and will come back to perform in that particular show. There will be several preliminary shows each day. At each preliminary show, the audience will select the winner for that show. Each of the preliminary winners will come back for a finale show at the end of the day. The winner, again chosen by the audience, will get a Dream Ticket, which works much like a FastPass for the next regional American Idol auditions. That person will automatically go before Simon and the gang without having to go through any pre-auditions. There are a few strings with the Dream Ticket - most importantly guests have to meet the American Idol age requirements.

In the meantime, guests who just want to watch a show can just enter the main queue and watch a show without the need to go through the audition process.

This is a simplified description of the process. For more detailed information, see a news release from WDWnews.com.

Disney overview video courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine:


American Idol David Cook talks about the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios (again courtesy Orlando Attractions Magazine):


So now that you get the gist of how this works, here's my question for you. Will you actually watch a show? Will you try to audition?

I guess the answer to this is based largely on whether or not you're a fan of the TV show. I am not. I never have cared about American Idol and, based on comments from a few Disney message boards, so are many serious Disney fans. What really gets me is that Disney is cutting back on shows for Fantasmic! in order to encourage guests to attend the finale show of American Idol Experience.

The next time I'm at Disney's Hollywood Studios, I probably will catch one show, just to say I did and to see it for myself. I have a strong suspicion, however, that this will be a "one and done" kind of attraction for me and several other fans. My other great concern is the longevity for the American Idol TV show - it is getting old. How much longer can it last? What will happen to this attraction if Idol folds? Many good questions. I guess we will only know in time. What are your thoughts? Post a comment!