New American Idol Exterior

[dizniz6]

Not sure if this has been discussed yet, but i was just on the disney website and the artwork for the American Idol Experience looks very different from the original artwork. I know that the current progress on the building made it obvious that the building was not going to look like the original artwork, but this looks like they are not even going to use the soundstage in behind the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame Plaza and next to the theater.

This is the link to the site http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/special/americanIdol/index?id=AmericanIdolExperiencePage

 

[ChrisFL]

Yeah, for 2 reasons I think...one because it's less expensive, two it will be easier to re-theme it in 2 years when American Idol is cancelled and they need to put something else in there

 

[hoke2007]

Yeah, for 2 reasons I think...one because it's less expensive, two it will be easier to re-theme it in 2 years when American Idol is cancelled and they need to put something else in there

I agree 100%. I think that it's a horrible idea for a show. It sounds like something that should be in a Six Flags, not DHS. I like how this is the only new attraction we should expect for a few years. What a piece of garbage this attraction will be...

 

[EpcotServo]

For the: "At least the outside will look amazing" crowd....


Yea, how'd that turn out for you?
:lol:

I'll be curious to see if it'll actually be called "Superstar Television Threatre" and if yes, why didn't they just bring back Superstar Television?
:brick:

 

[Missing20K]

For the: "At least the outside will look amazing" crowd....


Yea, how'd that turn out for you?
:lol:

I'll be curious to see if it'll actually be called "Superstar Television Threatre" and if yes, why didn't they just bring back Superstar Television?
:brick:

Was that wear they stuck you in TV shows? Classic episodes with a green screen and everyone in the theater saw the edited version with the audience member in the TV show? I think I remember that, and it was pretty cool from what I recall. Not a technologically advanced attraction, but one that was classic Disney and fit in extremely well with the overall theme at the park. Attractions like this is what makes Disney so unique, or made Disney so unique.

There needs to be more Superstar Television, SSE, and EE, and less American Idol, Seas with Nemo, and Monsters, Inc. coaster. Not that I am vehemently opposed to those attractions, just that Disney is at it's best when designing attractions that place a greater emphasis on story, theme, and immersion, and where the characters, movies, and franchise promotion is along for the ride.

 

[I-Miss-Horizons]

Yea it looks really plain. I don't see why they decided to do this now, this is something they should have done a few years ago. How many more seasons of American Idol are their supposed to be on anyways? :shrug:

Does anyone even know what you do in this attraction? because I can't see a lot of people wanting to sing in front of complete strangers. It also seems really random. DHS is starting to seem really unorganized IMO

 

[hoke2007]

Was that wear they stuck you in TV shows? Classic episodes with a green screen and everyone in the theater saw the edited version with the audience member in the TV show? I think I remember that, and it was pretty cool from what I recall. Not a technologically advanced attraction, but one that was classic Disney and fit in extremely well with the overall theme at the park. Attractions like this is what makes Disney so unique, or made Disney so unique.

There needs to be more Superstar Television, SSE, and EE, and less American Idol, Seas with Nemo, and Monsters, Inc. coaster. Not that I am vehemently opposed to those attractions, just that Disney is at it's best when designing attractions that place a greater emphasis on story, theme, and immersion, and where the characters, movies, and franchise promotion is along for the ride.

I agree and disagree with this statement. I agree that WDW is in need of rides similar to SSE and EE, but the Seas with Nemo is a great family pavilion and the Monsters Inc. coaster would/will be an amazing E-ticket attraction. But yes, American Idol is totally unnecessary.

Yea it looks really plain. I don't see why they decided to do this now, this is something they should have done a few years ago. How many more seasons of American Idol are their supposed to be on anyways? :shrug:

Does anyone even know what you do in this attraction? because I can't see a lot of people wanting to sing in front of complete strangers. It also seems really random. DHS is starting to seem really unorganized IMO

I know that American Idol is down in the ratings. I think it's just too repetitive and viewers are getting really bored.

As for the attraction, that's exactly what it will be. People will audition and then we will (supposedly) wait to see complete strangers sing. Like I said before, it would be an okay show at Six Flags, but I expect better at DHS.

 

[Yensid_Robert9]

Let's just rename the thread to, "Vent your frustrations with 'The American Idol Experience' " just kidding

I must admit I am of the "What in tarnations was WDI thinking???" crowd

To me I think it is honestly a bit tacky I'd like to see them give us something a lot better after this attraction. It's like getting socks (AIE) for your birthday and hoping we get that "car" for -insert celebrated holiday here-:ROFLOL:

Unfortunately though I'm guessing that if it is named 'Superstar Television Theatre' it might just be an homage to the former attraction.

IMHO This feels like it would be a lot better as a "coming to WDW, special for the YOMD" kind of attraction, not sure about WWYC.

But hey just my opinion

 

[pjammer]

I'm actually surprised no one ever reported this on here, but the old theater was not completely up to ADA codes. It had something to do with the the amount of seat that where wheelchair accessible or not ratio. That was part of the reason why when they closed Doug, they never put anything else permanent, esp. because of 9-11. When you put in a permanent attraction in at a theme park, it has to meet certain state codes. Really this partnership helps Disney out because 19 Entertainment is footing most of the bill for the new theater, which Disney will be able to use again after their 5 year contract ends, without paying money to do the upgrades themselves. But it's also advertisement to a large market for 19, when Idol is starting to lose some steam. It's really a win-win for both. Why else do you think Disney would advertise for Fox, for a TV show semi-past their prime. Although they did jump the Millionaire bandwagon kinda late but I think they thought it would help it keep up it's steam. And Soundstage 2 & 3 where pretty much empty anyways.

I just wanted to provide another outlook on AI and why it's really a good thing for everyone why it's there.

 

[olmec26]

Let's just rename the thread to, "Vent your frustrations with 'The American Idol Experience' " just kidding

I must admit I am of the "What in tarnations was WDI thinking???" crowd

To me I think it is honestly a bit tacky I'd like to see them give us something a lot better after this attraction. It's like getting socks (AIE) for your birthday and hoping we get that "car" for -insert celebrated holiday here-:ROFLOL:

Unfortunately though I'm guessing that if it is named 'Superstar Television Theatre' it might just be an homage to the former attraction.

IMHO This feels like it would be a lot better as a "coming to WDW, special for the YOMD" kind of attraction, not sure about WWYC.

But hey just my opinion

Me too...in fact, I'm in doubt that WDI even came up with this idea. Would it surpirse anyone if WDW management went to WDI and told them to create an American Idol attraction?

 

[Tom Morrow]

DHS is starting to seem really unorganized IMO

Really? Its actually becoming more organized now than it had been since it stopped being a true working studio...

Also, I like the new design of the theater better than the previous one. I'm glad it will be taking up less space, and "Superstar Television Theater" might be an homage to the original attraction the theater held.

 

[TP2000]

It's probably a good business decision to scale this thing back and cut out a lot of the exterior cosmetic changes. Honestly, how much longer will American Idol be around? It seems to be a dying fad.

Would have been super white hot in 2003. Not so much by 2009.

 

[DisneyEverest]

Yeah, for 2 reasons I think...one because it's less expensive, two it will be easier to re-theme it in 2 years when American Idol is cancelled and they need to put something else in there

I totally agree with you.

 

[OFTeric]

I am thrilled that it is keeping it's art deco exterior!

 

[SpectroMan]

I'm actually surprised no one ever reported this on here, but the old theater was not completely up to ADA codes. It had something to do with the the amount of seat that where wheelchair accessible or not ratio. That was part of the reason why when they closed Doug, they never put anything else permanent, esp. because of 9-11. When you put in a permanent attraction in at a theme park, it has to meet certain state codes. Really this partnership helps Disney out because 19 Entertainment is footing most of the bill for the new theater, which Disney will be able to use again after their 5 year contract ends, without paying money to do the upgrades themselves. But it's also advertisement to a large market for 19, when Idol is starting to lose some steam. It's really a win-win for both. Why else do you think Disney would advertise for Fox, for a TV show semi-past their prime. Although they did jump the Millionaire bandwagon kinda late but I think they thought it would help it keep up it's steam. And Soundstage 2 & 3 where pretty much empty anyways.

I just wanted to provide another outlook on AI and why it's really a good thing for everyone why it's there.

What a sane and reasonable post.

I have to agree with this. I have worked in the ABC Theater before, and there were many things that needed to be done to get it ready for a major attraction. As pjammer said, there were not enough wheelchair accessible seats, and the steep incline in the house was also not up to code.

 

[krankenstein]

Also, I like the new design of the theater better than the previous one. I'm glad it will be taking up less space, and "Superstar Television Theater" might be an homage to the original attraction the theater held.

It's good to see that I am not the only. Admittedly, I liked the original concept art, but I think this version fits the area a lot better. Also, I agree with the "Superstar Television Theater" homage. I think it is a very nice touch.

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

Actually, I like this concept art a lot better than the previous artwork we had. This is much more toned down and not as gaudy and flashy; a much better appearence, IMHO. Also, did anyone else notice that the area between AI and SD will remain untouched? I wonder if the busts of the famous Hollywood celebrities will be staying now... :shrug:

EDIT: Just took a look over at the AI picture update, and it is clear that the Hall of Fame exhibit has been refurbed and will be staying. Woot! :sohappy:

 

[EpcotServo]

Actually, I like this concept art a lot better than the previous artwork we had. This is much more toned down and not as gaudy and flashy; a much better appearence, IMHO. Also, did anyone else notice that the area between AI and SD will remain untouched? I wonder if the busts of the famous Hollywood celebrities will be staying now... :shrug:

EDIT: Just took a look over at the AI picture update, and it is clear that the Hall of Fame exhibit has been refurbed and will be staying. Woot! :sohappy:

Yeah, I like it better too.

It's just all kinds of hi-larious to see them cut so much stuff out.
:lol:

 

[Figment1986]

Can someone take a screen cap, i cannot seem to get that site working on my computers...

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

And now it's mediocre on both accounts.

Smart, WDI.