American Idol Experience Soft Opening

[dunny131]

Just got back from a wonderful 8 day stay in WDW. On Wednesday, 1/14, my wife and I were fortunate enough to see a soft opening of the American Idol Experience. We were told it was the very first soft opening for the general public. Overall, I thought the show was great. I think this will be a huge draw for the park. I was able to take a few pics before the performance. Cast members asked us to refrain from taking pics and vids of the performances. So, here are my pictures before the performance went live. I hope you enjoy.

This is my first time posting pics. I hope it works.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! Were guests allowed to try out to perform? How did the performances and all that part of the show go for the soft opening??

 

[safetymom]

I was there today for the 4 PM show. It was great.

 

[dunny131]

I believe guests were allowed to try out. I saw an AI cast member near crossroads at rope drop. I asked if they were planning on doing a soft opening that day. She told me that they were doing one at noon. It was supposedly the very first soft opening. She then asked if I was interested in auditioning. That was good for a belly laugh. Prior to the show, an announcement was made that the contestants were cast members and guests of WDW. Because this was a soft opening all contestants would not qualify for a "Dream Ticket" to audition at their local auditions. One of the contestants had run in the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge. The other two, I think may have been cast members. I'm not too sure. I really enjoyed the show. The gentleman who warmed up the crowd was terrific. My 22 month old daughter got very fidgety (understandably) during the 25 minute show. I look forward to it being a regular feature for the park.

 

[Shelton123]

So... is there a song list of some sort? Is there an age limit? What is a soft opening? And, for anyone who has tried out/made it please PM me all of the details.

 

[BabaGanoush]

So... is there a song list of some sort? Is there an age limit? What is a soft opening? And, for anyone who has tried out/made it please PM me all of the details.

Yes, there is a song list of about 80 songs that one can choose from. As of right now, I do not think that list has been publicized.

Examples that I have seen include Superstition, Hit me with your best shot, Footloose, Ever Ever After, I can see clearly now, Old time Rock n Roll.

The age limit to audition is 14 and over. They make guests sign a waiver verifying their age during the audition process. The waiver also includes a statement regarding time commitment - thus, you can not blame Disney for taking up half your day with Idol if you make it on the show (even if you are not the winner).

A soft open is a testing period that Disney uses to work out the kinks - thus, guests are treated as guinea pigs with the understanding that the show or attraction could close at any time for any reason. They often look for feedback from guests during this time to help perfect the attraction.

If you have additional questions, let me know and I will see if I can answer them or find out the answers. It is nice knowing people in the know.

 

[Mickey_for_President]

You said 14 and older. Is there a "cap" on the age bracket? The real AI only accepts people up to, like, a certain age... is it 30, or something?

 

[safetymom]

http://www.disunplugged.com/2008/12/14/american-idol-experience-passholder-preview/

There is a link to the rules and details in the review.

 

[safetymom]

www.disunplugged.com for a backstage peek at AIE.

 

[inkkognito]

I'm going to do a full report tomorrow, but here is a quickie since I just got home from DHS. Our friend was working Idol today, so we headed over for the finale show. It lasts close to an hour vs. 25 mins. for the "regular" shows. Mind you, I am NOT an Idol fan, but I have to say I really enjoyed the show. Even though it was a long one, the time really went by fast. The audience was very much into it, and the judges were excellent ("Simon" had some good zingers, and the audience gets to "boo" him). I'm not saying it's ever going to be a favorite, but I can see popping in once on each visit if the timing is right and trying to catch a finale show now and then. More tomorrow!

 

[MinnieLiberty]

Does anyone by any chance have pics of the performers from the 12pm VERY FIRST SHOW on the first day of the soft opening, 1/14???

 

[vavalynn2]

we are in the world right now and saw the 12pm show yesterday. there were three performers and they did a great job. the show was a lot of fun. i think it will be fun for anyone even if you are not fans of the show.

 

[smatterchu]

Does anyone by any chance have pics of the performers from the 12pm VERY FIRST SHOW on the first day of the soft opening, 1/14???

Were you up there - or do you know someone who was up there???

I might be able to help...

 

[MinnieLiberty]

I might've possibly been one of the performers...;-)

Yeah, we weren't allowed to take any photographs, so obviously I didn't since I also signed off on it! But I see online all these pics of the 4pm show, so I was obviously shocked that there ARE pics up! I just wanted to know if anyone took pics from that 12pm show on 1/14. It would be really reeeeaaaallly awesome to get to see them!!!!! Any help would be MUCH appreciated! Thanks!

 

[smatterchu]

I might've possibly been one of the performers...;-)

Yeah, we weren't allowed to take any photographs, so obviously I didn't since I also signed off on it! But I see online all these pics of the 4pm show, so I was obviously shocked that there ARE pics up! I just wanted to know if anyone took pics from that 12pm show on 1/14. It would be really reeeeaaaallly awesome to get to see them!!!!! Any help would be MUCH appreciated! Thanks!

Ahhhhhhh -- I'll PM you...