Why American Idol is a VERY bad idea...

[Dmcuth]

1st of all let me say that I'm a fan of the show and thought it was a good idea for an AI attraction. I'm all for any attractions that disperse crowds! However, I was at DHS in mid-January and auditioned for the show and now feel it's a huge mistake to have this attraction.

Let me say that I'm not a great singer, and have no delusion that I'm any good. I enjoy Karaoke and can sing without anyone cringing. I was asked by a CM to try out and I did it as a lark. I didn't think I would get through, except that possibly being a soft opening there wouldn't be many people trying out and who knows. I was more interested in seeing the backstage and seeing how the process works. So....I go in and sing a bit of "It had to be you." I'm told that my voice is not strong enough. He was certainly right. The CM's are overly nice to you as you do the "walk of shame," obviously trying to make you forget you were turned down, rejected by Disney. Me and my 12 year old daughter were laughing and I even did a joking "I'm a star, you guys don't know anything!!" rant to the CM's outside just as you see on the show.

But here's the thing....I felt a little bad the rest of the day. I felt a little stupid for trying out and a little bad for being rejected. Now if I felt even slightly that way, how are all the people going to feel who are rejected and think that they were good? And think of this, everyone who tries out, dozens or hundreds each day, are going to be rejected by Disney. Even the ones that get through, only one of them who wins will not be rejected. And most of them will be rejected by the audience members. Who wants to feel like that on vacation at Disney? Can you imagine being a 14 year old who thinks they can sing and find out their just not good enough?

Just my thoughts. I will go see the show when I'm there, but I'll be thinking about the "rejects."

 

[SSAVL]

1st of all let me say that I'm a fan of the show and thought it was a good idea for an AI attraction. I'm all for any attractions that disperse crowds! However, I was at DHS in mid-January and auditioned for the show and now feel it's a huge mistake to have this attraction.

Let me say that I'm not a great singer, and have no delusion that I'm any good. I enjoy Karaoke and can sing without anyone cringing. I was asked by a CM to try out and I did it as a lark. I didn't think I would get through, except that possibly being a soft opening there wouldn't be many people trying out and who knows. I was more interested in seeing the backstage and seeing how the process works. So....I go in and sing a bit of "It had to be you." I'm told that my voice is not strong enough. He was certainly right. The CM's are overly nice to you as you do the "walk of shame," obviously trying to make you forget you were turned down, rejected by Disney. Me and my 12 year old daughter were laughing and I even did a joking "I'm a star, you guys don't know anything!!" rant to the CM's outside just as you see on the show.

But here's the thing....I felt a little bad the rest of the day. I felt a little stupid for trying out and a little bad for being rejected. Now if I felt even slightly that way, how are all the people going to feel who are rejected and think that they were good? And think of this, everyone who tries out, dozens or hundreds each day, are going to be rejected by Disney. Even the ones that get through, only one of them who wins will not be rejected. And most of them will be rejected by the audience members. Who wants to feel like that on vacation at Disney? Can you imagine being a 14 year old who thinks they can sing and find out their just not good enough?

Just my thoughts. I will go see the show when I'm there, but I'll be thinking about the "rejects."

You really cant think like that. Everyone gets rejected at one point or another in life. Some people get it many many times. Its a part of life. You learn from it and if anything, you can use it as a motivational tool to achieve your goals. People need to learn how to lose!!

 

[goofy4prez]

You really cant think like that. Everyone gets rejected at one point or another in life. Some people get it many many times. Its a part of life. You learn from it and if anything, you can use it as a motivational tool to achieve your goals. People need to learn how to lose!!

I agree.

My wife did the AI and she had a blast. I won't say how it turned out because I will report that in my trip report in the next few days.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I also think this attraction is a bad idea but more because I think it's a waste. I can hear karoake(sp?) at home and the only interest I have in AI is seeing the horrible audition shows at the beginning of the season...

So many other cool attactions they could have done...

 

[aagee]

I see your point, but if they have seen the show, surely they know what to expect...

 

[chalee94]

You really cant think like that. Everyone gets rejected at one point or another in life. Some people get it many many times. Its a part of life. You learn from it and if anything, you can use it as a motivational tool to achieve your goals. People need to learn how to lose!!

the point is that most of the other disney rides and shows are telling a "story" of overcoming and succeeding. it's a little silly, but when peter pan overcomes captain hook, we're in our little ship participating in that victory. that's part of why people are willing to pay $80 per day to go to wdw.

there's nothing wrong with disney being honest with AI contestants...but that sort of rejection does go against the grain of the rest of the wdw theme park experience.

 

[saratogadreamin09]

If you do make it through it really means nothing so being rejected shouldnt be bad. You dont go to disney looking to become a singer so why should it matter???????????????

 

[maccagerl]

If you do make it through it really means nothing so being rejected shouldnt be bad. You dont go to disney looking to become a singer so why should it matter???????????????

Well, it does mean something- it means the judges and the audience liked you , and if you will the big one at the end of the day, you get that ticket to the front of the line at the real AI auditions.
For some people that could be quite a validation and a real high point for them!

 

[fireflymedic]

I'm sure someone will corect me if I'm wrong, but didnt I read somewere that there is an age requirment also,

Now I didnt and dont want to try out but was a little bit angered to read I would be to old to even try (or my wife who actauly can sing pretty good)

 

[Dmcuth]

You have to be a least 14. I don't think there's a maximum age.

Now, ones trying out on the real AI should know what to expect, but Disney is openly pulling people from the street (across from the commissary) in to try out.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

I also think this attraction is a bad idea but more because I think it's a waste. I can hear karoake(sp?) at home and the only interest I have in AI is seeing the horrible audition shows at the beginning of the season...

So many other cool attactions they could have done...

I agree with this. With all the things they could have spent money on for DHS and this was what they came up with?

 

[Steffiesunshine]

I saw two of the shows, including a finale show, and I loved it. The theater was packed both shows, so I think many other people also enjoyed it. When we left the 6pm show and headed back around for the 7pm show, many of the same people were going back also.

I thought some of the singers were really good. One girl was 14 and I could definitely see her on the Disney Channel...she was so cute.

And as for anyone being upset about being rejected...if they are are really serious about being in the music business, they better get used to rejection. And if parents believe their teenagers would be crushed by being rejected, forego the audition and just enjoy the rest Disney has to offer.

 

[Micca]

I think it's an interesting point. I'm kind of disappointed in myself when I don't get a good score on Buzz Lightyear, or TSM(which is 98% of the time) and I am not even a gamer. It doesn't spoil my day, and I do enjoy the attractions so I guess the AI folks have to have that attitude too.

Maybe they should have a "gee, we'd like to include you but we just can't fit you in right now" portion of the auditions.

A singing audition is really putting yourself out there. Even if you *know* you aren't that great, you really hope someone thinks you are good enough.
We are fans of the show, so we'll def. be seeing this next trip, but no way would I try out.

 

[fireflymedic]

You have to be a least 14. I don't think there's a maximum age.

Now, ones trying out on the real AI should know what to expect, but Disney is openly pulling people from the street (across from the commissary) in to try out.

I went back and re-read the rules to see where I got the info., to win the "dream ticket receipients" (IE the final winner) "must satifsy AMERICAN IDOL TV program reuirements...only ages 16-28 & US citizens..."

you can try out at 14 and older I guess you just anit gona win the final compatetion.

 

[scammermom]

I'm sorry you felt bad. We all wish sometimes that things would go better. Thanks for a different point of view.

But in retrospect, maybe a big ol' Mickey bar would have cheered you up! Does it for me everytime!

 

[Berlioz70]

I'm sure someone will corect me if I'm wrong, but didnt I read somewere that there is an age requirment also,

Now I didnt and dont want to try out but was a little bit angered to read I would be to old to even try (or my wife who actauly can sing pretty good)

As mentioned... the minimum age for DISNEY is 14. However, AI has a smaller age range, I believe 16-29 (I'm not really sure). Just because a person gets the dream ticket from WDW, they do not have to be one to use it (since many won't be able to). Disney winners can give their ticket to whomever they like. I expect to see these as a hot commodity on eBay.

 

[erinbee]

What do people over 28 get if they are the "winner"? You can't be over 28 to be on the real AI.

I can't imagine that I would even have the gumption to try out, so in that regard, YOU ROCK!

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

Hmmm... thanks for sharing your perspective. That's not something I would have even thought about. But I'm going to guess that the majority of people who try out for this do it on a whim and that it's not the reason why they're going to WDW. So it's just something new to try... maybe they should change their reasoning for not picking contestants?

All that being said, I absolutely HATE American Idol but I really enjoyed this attraction.

 

[Jacklynn]

We went last night, to two shows. Both shows had a 14 year old girl in them, one was very good. But neither of them won. But they both looked like they had a great time doing it and didn't look upset or anything.

 

[TDC Nala]

Auditioning isn't a requirement for all theme park guests - and I'd imagine those that do agree to audition are aware of the possibility of rejection. (I never considered it un-Disneylike to be rejected for the American Idol show because I don't think the emotions of guests are Disney's responsibility - a lot of disappointing things can happen on a vacation, like your favorite ride being closed or your kid not meeting the minimum height requirement - is Disney then responsible for the disappointments? If they treat you badly I'd understand, but if it's just your emotional reaction to the "rejection"?)

The minimum age for the WDW attraction is 14 and there isn't a maximum - but if you win the finale and get the "golden audition ticket" and you are over the age of 28, you can't use it because the TV show has a maximum age of 28. They did say you could give it to whomever you want. (Wonder if you can sell it on Ebay.)

They have never, as far as I can see, say you get anything else if you can't use the ticket. I think under those circumstances they should at least throw in a tee shirt or something.