I’ll admit it, I’m starting this post off from a really biased position. I’m no fan of reality TV shows, and I’m certainly no fan of American Idol. Who actually thinks opening the American Idol attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

The reason I’m dredging up this old news is that the finale of this years American Idol has just been taking place with the winner, David Cook, bellowing ‘I’m going to Disney World!’ during the celebration. He also starred in the latest ‘I’m Going to Disney World!’ commercial just hours after the event. The attraction is due to open in January 2009.

So wind yourself back to February 2008 when the press release for American Idol was announced. They said the show would include an audition process for all who register, vocal coaching, makeup session and the chance to perform live on stage. Guest performers who get the highest votes will get to appear in the end-of-day finale of the show.

I guess the main question I have is, as a participant how long will all this take? As a member of the audience, again how long will this take out of my day and why do I want to waste my time listening to other people sing badly? One of the main draws of the show for many people is listening to the judges barbed comments. I cannot see someone on the Idol stage at DHS being ripped apart?

Besides the fact that I’m not an American Idol fan, don’t you just feel that Disney are pitching up with a lot of money a little late down the road of this franchise? I’m not too sure how many more seasons are lined up for American Idol, but I do feel that Simon Fuller is going to be the main winner out of this tie-in.

Official Press Release celebrating David Cook’s win on American Idol:

LOS ANGELES — To celebrate “The American Idol Experience” attraction coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, David Cook shouted the famous words “I’m Going to Disney World!” Wednesday night, May 21, after being crowned the newest “American Idol” in the popular show’s star-studded season finale in Los Angeles. Camera crews captured Cook’s pronouncement on the Nokia Theatre stage just moments after “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced his name to millions of viewers watching worldwide.

Later that night, Cook was featured in the newest “I’m Going to Disney World!” commercial that aired only hours after the finale. Starring in a role usually occupied by sports stars — such as Super Bowl or World Series champs — Cook is the first singer to ever star in the Disney commercial.

Cook’s role in the “I’m Going to Disney World” ad is all in celebration of the new “American Idol” attraction that will open at Walt Disney World in Florida in January 2009.

Currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park, it’s the first attraction anywhere in the world based on the popular television series, through an agreement with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 Entertainment.

When complete, Disney guests will be able to experience the thrill of an interactive attraction amidst all the glitz and glamour of the “American Idol” television show.

By starring in the commercial, Cook joins a line up of superstar professional athletes from the fields of football, basketball, and baseball, who have shouted the famous line during the past 20+ years, “I’m Going to Disney World!”

http://wdwnews.com/ViewPressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=109908